COBB
Smyrna woman injured in Sept. 18 wreck dies
Andrea Brantley, 69, injured in a Sept. 18 wreck has died, police said.
The afternoon wreck occured when Brantley’s 2012 Toyota Camry, which was westbound on Ridge Road, struck a 1999 Mercedes traveling in the opposite direction. The location of the accident is near King Arthur Court near Marietta, police said.
Brantley was taken to Emory Adventist Hospital.
The 26-year-old Powder Springs man driving the Mercedes was not seriously injured and was allowed to seek medical treatment on his own. George Mathis
Musical to benefit children, homeless
Theos Theatricals will present the musical, “The Forgotten Carols,” 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. The event benefits the kidz2leaders Camp Hope for children of incarcerated parents and the Mount Bethel United Methodist Church homeless ministry.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students, available in the church book store, or at www.mtbethelumc.brownpapertickets.com.
Information: www.forgottencarols-sec.com.
Mea Watkins
Mount Zion UMC to hold craft show
The Mount Zion United Methodist Church will hold its 27th annual craft show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov.9, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at the church, 1770 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. A silent auction, door prizes, bake sale, quilt drawing, photos with Santa will be featured.
Admission is free. Proceeds benefit charities for women and children.
Information: 770-971-1465 or visit www.mtzionumw.org. Mea Watkins
Minor dies from car crash injuries
A juvenile who was ejected from a vehicle during a weekend wreck has died, police said.
The collision happened Saturday afternoon on Hurt Road at Concord Road in Smyrna.
Investigators said a silver 2007 Pontiac G5 driven by Julian Guzman, 19, of Hiram, ran a red light at the intersection, according to witnesses, and collided with a maroon 1996 Chevrolet that was traveling southbound on Hurt Road.
The Pontiac hit the driver’s side of the Chevrolet, driven by 35-year-old Sharone Gadsden of Atlanta. Gadsden’s vehicle rolled over and the minor passenger was ejected.
The juvenile, whose name and age were not released by authorities, was transported to Atlanta Medical Center, then flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. The juvenile died Tuesday of the injuries sustained in the crash, police said.
Guzman will be charged with second-degree vehicular homicide and failure to obey a traffic control device, Cobb police said.
Gadsden will be charged with failure to secure a minor in a seat belt, he said. Angel K. Brooks
Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr in Mableton this weekend
“Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Tickets: $5 for 13 and older, free for 12 and under.
Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Lilburn adds to bicycle patrol unit
The Lilburn Police Bicycle Patrol Unit has added four additional officers making a total of seven trained to patrol the city’s parks, trails and neighborhoods.
The goal of the program is to make officers more approachable to citizens and to insure easy maneuverability through crowds during special events.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
UGA alumni art show opens in Norcross
Norcross Arts Center, The Nest, will feature artwork from 20 University of Georgia alumni through Dec. 7 at 17 College St., Norcross. The grand opening is 6 to 9 p.m. today. Artwork will include a variety of media including stone, mixed, acrylic, watercolor and textiles. Information: www.thenest-nac.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Ludwig Symphony holds season opening concert
The Ludwig Symphony Orchestra opens its 15th season with a “Fall Fiesta Gala Concert” 4 p.m. Sunday at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Duluth.
The performance will feature Paulo Gazzaneo, a Brazilian pianist; Luke Hsu, a first prize winner of the Houston Symphony Violin Competition; local talent soprano — Leah McRath; and for the Chabrier-Espana — guest conductor Helen Gonzalez from Puerto Rico.
Cost: $21 adults; $19 seniors (over 65); and $12 students (under 22). To reserve tickets: 770-623-8623 or www.ludwigsymphony.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Family history expo to be Nov. 9-10
The Georgia Family History Expo will be Nov. 9-10 at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. Professional family historians, genealogists and researchers will teach how to trace family roots and a historian will discuss the preservation of oral histories.
Hours: Friday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pre-registration, $89 for two days; $110 at the door. One- day registration, $60.
Register: www.FamilyHistoryExpos.com or 801-829-3295. Veronica Fields Johnson
Opportunity to inspire the next generation of architects
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center opens “Young Architects: Designing the Future,” an exhibit of famous architects runs through Jan. 19 at the GEHC, 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford. There will be hands on learning as well.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Judge Hatchett reveals secrets to success
The Gwinnett Leadership Organization for Women hosts “Inside Judge Glenda Hatchett’s Chambers: Overcoming Life’s Objections to Find Your True Calling” 7:15 to 9:15 a.m. today at the TPC Sugarloaf Country Club in Duluth.
Star of the syndicated show, “Judge Hatchett,” she will discuss challenges and success including tips for a purposeful life. $45; $35 for members. Contact Rachel Jeffers at 770-232-8816 or Rachel@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Vehicle break-ins investigated in Woodstock
Woodstock Police seek the public’s help in solving a half-dozen vehicle break-ins Oct. 14 and 15 in the Deer Run neighborhood.
According to police electronics, debit and credit cards and cash were among the items taken.
Surveillance video shows a woman using a stolen credit card from one vehicle at a nearby CVS pharmacy shortly after the theft occurred.
Anybody with info is asked to call 404-557-TIPS.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Bank inside Sandy Springs Kroger robbed
A Best Bank inside a Kroger in the 4900 block of Roswell Road in Sandy Springs was robbed Wednesday, police said.
A black male wearing a camo jacket, black pants and a reddish, curly wig robbed the bank and fled. He may have red dye on his clothing or skin because the dye pack with the money activated near the store.
Contact police with information on the case.
Angel K. Brooks
Leadership program accepting applications
Leadership North Fulton is accepting applications and for the next leadership class. The six-month program, sponsored by the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, selects individuals from various backgrounds and provides an environment that develops their leadership skills by promoting community awareness, instilling civic responsibility, and building relationships. Application deadline is Nov. 12. Information: www.leadershipnorthfulton.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Cherokee schools earn state honor
Three Cherokee County schools have landed on a list of so-called Reward Schools-Title 1 schools statewide scoring tops in one of several categories for the past three years. Teasley Middle School made the Georgia Department of Education’s high-progress list, while Boston and Woodstock elementary schools achieved a highest-performing rating.
Mark Woolsey
Woodstock woman dies in Wednesday night collision
Lydia Bordacs, 57, of Woodstock was driving a sport utility vehicle that collided with a tree Wednesday night, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. A deputy found Bordacs unresponsive in the vehicle. Bordacs was later pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital.
Boardacs’ son, 33-year-old Peter Kubanyi of Smyrna, a passenger in the vehicle, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and also was transported to Kennestone.
The sheriff’s office is still investigating the accident. Preliminary evidence suggests alcohol and speed played a role in the accident, the sheriff’s office said.
David Wickert
Temple Sinai hosts free concert
Temple Sinai, 5645 Dupree Drive, Sandy Springs invites the community to “Tales from the Forgotten Kingdom: Ladino Songs Renewed”, a music concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The temple will present artist-in-residence, Guy Mendilow, and his Ensemble, with a recasting of Ladino songs and legends into the 21st century. Admission is free.
Kenneth Musisi
ATLANTA
Purse snatching leads to 40-mile police chase, crash
Shortly before 1 p.m., a woman who was loading groceries into her car at a Covington Walmart had her purse snatched. The victim tried to grab her purse and was dragged about 300 yards in the store’s parking lot. Witnesses gave police a description of the suspects’ vehicle which was spotted 15 minutes later.
Police tried to stop the marroon Ford Fusion, but it continued on Interstate 20 westbound.
The chase continued into Atlanta where the Ford caused a wreck at I-20 and Boulevard.
The victim of the purse snatching was transported to an Atlanta hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Alexis Stevens
MLK students get free computers
About 100 sixth-graders from Atlanta’s Martin Luther King Jr. Middle received a computer with educational software for attending a digital workshop Saturday hosted by CFY-Atlanta. The non-profit uses digital learning to increase parent involvement and motivate students. Students were required to attend the daylong workshop with a parent. Information: cfy.org.
Jaime Sarrio
SCAD Atlanta to host Open Studio Night
The Savannah College of Art and Design will showcase the best of faculty, student and alumni art work at Open Studio Night 7 to 9 p.m. today at SCAD Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St. All exhibited work is for sale. Guests can join student demonstrations. Live music and hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The event and parking are free.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Free self-defense classes for women
The first fodada International Women’s Self Defense Day will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Atlanta Kick, 764 Miami Circle, Suite 206. The event, sponsored by the fodada men’s fashion line, features free self-defense classes for women to heighten awareness about dealing with threatening situations. Registration: www.fodadawear.com.
Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Police seek help finding Waffle House robbers
DeKalb County police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two men who held up a Waffle House.
Employees told police that two men entered the all-night eatery at 2914 Memorial Drive shortly before 7 p.m. on Oct. 21. One of them pointed a gun at a woman behind the counter and told her to empty the cash register.
The robbers also ordered all four employees to empty their pockets and hand over the possessions.
There were no customers in the restaurant at the time.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Information can be submitted anonymously and you could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. Joel Provano
Memorial for Renfroe teacher is Monday
Current and former Renfroe Middle School faculty, students and families have planned a memorial program for teacher Stacey Daniel, who died last Monday.
The program called, “The Greatest Lesson I learned From Ms. Stacey Daniel” is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Decatur High gynasium, 310 N. McDonough St.
Participants will celebrate her life through prose, poetry and music. Daniel taught English, writing and drama for about 10 years.
Bill Banks for the AJC
4 attempted sex assaults in DeKalb area
DeKalb County authorities are investigating four attempted sexual assaults Oct. 1 to 20 along Hambrick Road between Memorial Drive and Rockbridge Road.
Police said the suspect approached the women from behind as they walked along Hambrick and tried to strike up a conversation.
“When the victims proceeded to walk away, the suspect would inappropriately touch the women and attempt to remove articles of their clothing,” police spokeswoman Mekka Parrish said in a statement. “In each case, the women were able to flee with only minor physical injuries.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 770-724-7710. Christopher Seward
Decatur Schools submits new charter proposal
City Schools of Decatur submitted the first draft of its charter system renewal Thursday to the state’s Department of Education. The new charter, if approved, will extend for 10 years.
In 2009 Decatur became one of the state’s original four public systems to obtain charter status.
There are currently 17.
Bill Banks for the AJC
Power outage hits south DeKalb
Nearly 6,000 electricity customers in southeast DeKalb County were without power for nearly 40 minutes early Thursday morning, Georgia Power officials said.
“We had a whole substation out,” spokeswoman Carol Boatright told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
She said power at the Lithonia substation on Hillandale Drive went out around 7:15 a.m., and crews immediately rushed to the scene to find the source of the problem.
Now, all but about 400 customers have had power restored,” Boatright said.
Marcus K. Garner
SOUTHSIDE
Henry police officer elected to GPAC board
Officer Joe Hencely of the Henry County Police Department was elected by the membership to the Board of the Georgia Police Accreditation Coalition Oct. 19. GPAC is a professional association of policing agencies dedicated to leadership in meeting organizational objectives for compliance in national accreditation and/or state certification. Hencely guided the HCPD to its recent initial state certification in 2010. He is a 24-year law enforcement professional, all in Henry County, and a 20-year Navy Reservist.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Art walk is Saturday in Hapeville
The Hapeville Main Street Board of Directors is partnering with the Hapeville Arts Alliance to present the Hapeville Art Walk from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Norton Arts Center at 781 N. Central Ave.
Twelve Atlanta artists will show their work at the Norton Arts Center and at two temporary galleries in the Fulton Theater development located at Virginia Avenue and South Central Avenue.
John Thompson for the AJC
Last call for Fulton Housing Authority waiting list
The Housing Authority of Fulton County’s conventional public housing waiting list ends today. The rental assistance program, funded by HUD, is administered by the housing authority for low-income households. Call the Fulton County Housing Authority 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 404-588-4956.
John Thompson for the AJC
African-American families celebrated at fundraiser
The Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta will host Salute to Black Families, its annual fundraiser from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park.
The annual event recognizes and celebrates African-American families that show strong family values, good work ethic and a concerned commitment to making positive contributions to society.
Tickets: $50 per person. Purchase at the CBC office at 1065 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd. SW, Atlanta. Information: Sophia Burns at 404-755-4900 or thesalute@concernedblackclergy.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Meeting on airport noise set
Residents will have an opportunity to have their say on airport noise in East Point. The meeting is 10 a.m.-noon Nov.10 at the Jefferson Park Recreation Center at 1431 Norman Berry Drive.
John Thompson for the AJC
Grant will create ‘age-friendly’ places
The Atlanta Regional Commission has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Pfizer Foundation and Grantmakers In Aging, a national association of funders, as part of Community AGEnda: Improving America for All Ages. ARC is working with two neighborhoods in Clayton County, the cities of Morrow and Avondale Estates and the Tucker community in DeKalb County. ARC will assess housing options, zoning ordinances and transportation choices and make recommendations to improve infrastructure, establish health and wellness promotions and host workshops to raise awareness about the need to create age-friendly places.
Arlinda Smith Broady
