County by county news for Friday

Sen. Isakson to speak at Cobb Galleria Centre

Senator Johnny Isakson will speak to Cobb residents about legislative action in Washington over breakfast at 7:30 a.m. May 6, at the Cobb Galleria Centre. General admission to the May

First Monday Breakfast is $60. For Cobb Chamber of Commerce members, pre-registration online is $25 and entry at the door is $40.

Information: info@cobbchamber.org or 770-980-2000 Melissa Abbey

Firefighters to hold annual boot drive

Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services will be out in the community the next three Fridays to collect money for the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation.

The "Give Burns the Boot" funds go toward educating the public in burn awareness and prevention, support of the Burn Center at Grady Memorial and the M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, care of burn survivors as well as Camp Oo-U-La, the state's only camp held exclusively for burn-injured children. Andria Simmons

Dine out to support senior meals

Three Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant locations will donate 20 percent of food purchases May 1 to Cobb Senior Services Meals on Wheels.

The three participating locations are in Cobb Town Center, Woodstock and Marietta.

Diners must present a flyer, which can be downloaded from the Internet at communications.cobbcountyga.gov/downloads/GB1.pdf Melissa Abbey

Golf benefit planned for Bullock Hope House

The annual Golf Fore Hope Tournament will begin at 7 a.m. Monday at Creekside Golf and Country Club, 591 Westchester Club Drive, Hiram.

Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Bullock Hope House in Powder Springs, providing free private housing to cancer patients and their families.

Information: bullockhopehouse.org/golf-fore-hope. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Teens to compete in NAACP event

Cobb and Marietta high school students will compete in an academic contest 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Southern Polytechnic University, 1100 South Marietta Parkway.

Cobb NAACP sponsors the annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technologial and Scientific Olympics or ACT-SO to promote adademic success among black teens.

Winners will go to the national competition July 11-14 in Orlando, FL.

Information: www.cobbnaacp.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Kindergarten registration is set for Thursday

Gwinnett County’s 77 elementary schools will welcome the district’s Class of 2026 on Thursday, when it enrolls new kindergarten students. Parents and guardians of children who will be five years old by Sept. 1, 2013 should mark their calendars and gather documents needed for kindergarten registration and the start of the school year o Aug. 7.

For details, parents and guardians should call their local school or visit the "Countdown for Kindergarten" section at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher

Gwinnett Relay For Life needs volunteers

Gwinnett Relay For Life is now seeking volunteers for its May 10-11 event. This includes help with a special survivors’ reception during the event kick-off on May 10 at the Gwinnett Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Volunteers can sign up at www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org by clicking the volunteer button. Cancer survivors also are asked to sign up to participate in the reception.

Registration is available at www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org, and there's a sign-up button and link to the Walk the Survivors' Lap link. This 20th anniversary is a prime opportunity to become involved in the renowned event, which honors cancer survivors and pays tribute to those who have lost the fight against cancer. Nancy Badertscher

Berkeley Lake hoping to lower 2014 taxes

Berkeley Lake Mayor, Lois Salter, announced Wednesday the city has studied a proposed 2014 budget reflecting a lower millage rate. Despite very little change in property values, the lower millage rate is possible due to recent annexations and careful management of existing revenue.

Public hearings to review the proposed budget will be Thursday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 18 during council meetings at Berkeley Lake City Hall. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Commission to host more town halls

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings to give county residents the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about County government services.

Prior to the meetings, an open house will take place, with representatives from County departments answering questions and discussing their services.

The next town hall meeting will gather at 6:15 p.m. with the meeting starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 at George Pierce Park Community Center, 55 Buford Highway in Suwanee.

The final of these meetings will be held at the same times Wednesday, May 1 at Grayson High School, 50 Hope Hollow Rd. in Loganville. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Duluth seeking residents’ input

Duluth is hosting a Big MAC (Mayor’s Advisory Council) focus group at noon Tuesday in the Community Room of City Hall. Bring your lunch and join the discussion. Topics will include, “Should the city plan more events with food trucks in Downtown Duluth?”

Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Milton seeking resident input for park expansion

The first of three resident input meetings to plan the 14-acre expansion of Milton's Bell Memorial Park at 15245 Bell Park Road is from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday there, before meetings at 7 p.m. June 6 and 27 at City Hall. Saturday's day-long chance to provide input is during Hopewell Youth Association Day at the park. Milton paid nearly $1.3 million for the land and $54,000 for plan design and construction services. Information: Jim Cregge, 678-242-2489, jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Centennial High seeks softball players

All rising sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade girls zoned for Centennial High School, 9310 Scott Road, Roswell, and who want to play softball must register by July 15.

Softball season begins in August.

Information: Marty at alymart@att.net or 678-230-5155. Veronica Fields Johnson

Prescription drugs disposal in Milton

The Milton Police Department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration's sixth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Target in Milton, 13055 Ga. Highway 9, where prescription drugs can be taken for safe disposal. On a previous disposal day, citizens turned in a record-breaking 488,395 pounds of medication at 5,263 take-back sites nationally. Information: Community outreach officer Ara Baronian, 678-242-2527, ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. Michael Alpert for the AJC

SAT test prep series offered at library

Connective Tutoring will offer a six-part series of SAT prep classes, covering both verbal and math components, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek.

Information: 770-360-8820. Mea Watkins

Recycling event set in Forsyth

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will hold an electronics recycling day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 4 at the Cumming Fairgrounds parking lot, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. Among items that will be accepted: laptops, stereos, CD players, cell phones and cameras. Information: www.forsythco.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth firefighters to host youth camps

May 1 is the deadline for middle-schoolers to apply for summer camps sponsored by the Forsyth County Fire Department where participants will learn what it’s like to be a firefighter.

Sessions vary by age.

Information: 770-781-2180. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Reinhardt planshome tour fundraiser

Reinhardt University in Waleska is planning its inaugural Tour of Homes 10 a.m.-4 :30 p.m. Saturday at the Hawks Ridge golf community, Ball Ground. Proceeds will benefit the A DAY for Reinhardt program, which raises financial assistance money for Cherokee County students. Information: www.reinhardt.edu/tourofhomes. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Tire recycling event set for Saturday

On Saturday , Atlanta Councilmember Natalyn Archibong hopes the community delivers at least 2,000 more for proper recycling. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., residents of the district will be allowed to dump – free of charge – tires to be recycled at 815 Old Flat Shoals Road. Because of limited capacity, the recycling event is reserved just for District 5 residents and neighborhoods. Ernie Suggs

Tai Chi and Parkinson’s in the Park

The Yellow River Center will host an educational workshop on the benefits of Tai Chi movements for people with Parkinson's disease 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, N.E. in celebration of National Parkinson's Month and World Tai Chi and Chi Gong Day. The event is part of the Piedmont Park Conservancy Green Market, near the 12th Street entrance. Information: Bob Wells at 404-786-4650 or wellscom@comcast.net or www.yellowrivercenter.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

AUC to host oral histories discussion

The Robert W. Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center will host a panel discussion 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the library, 111 James P. Brawley Drive, S.W. Topics include conducting oral histories and best care techniques for preserving family collections.

Registration: archives@auctr.edu or 404-978-2052. Veronica Fields Johnson

Students compete in car challenge

Twenty juniors and seniors representing 10 high schools across Georgia will meet today at the NAPA Wildwood Campus to face-off in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition.

They will race to correctly identify and repair intentionally installed “bugs” in identical Ford vehicles then they must drive across the finish line, where accuracy and workmanship will be judged.

In addition to receiving scholarships and prizes, the winning team will represent Georgia at the National Finals on June 11 in Michigan. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Wylde Center offers plant sale

The Wylde Center, 435 Oakview Road, is holding its spring plant sale festival 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. today through Saturday featuring free gardening presentations on chickens as garden helpers, organic vs. conventional, and rainwater harvesting. Information: wyldecenter.org or 404-371-1920. Sandra Marshall Murray

Concert to benefit homeless this weekend

The Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry, a nonprofit that provides help for those facing homelessness and hunger, will hold a benefit concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church in Decatur. The Decatur Civic Chorus, Avondale Children's Choir and choir from the DeKalb School of Fine Arts will be featured. Cost: $10 for adults; two canned goods for kids. Information: deamdecatur.org. April Hunt

Autism resource event planned by groups

A free resource fair to learn more about autism and connect with agencies and groups that provide service and support is 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr.

Information: 404-413-1427. April Hunt

DEAM benefit concert Sunday

The Decatur Civic Chorus will host a benefit concert for the Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry 3 p.m. on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue. The concert will also feature the Avondale Children’s Choir and The DeKalb School of Fine Arts. A donation of $10 and two can goods per child.

Information: deamdecatur.org or 770-938-4636. Sandra Marshall Murray

Decatur to participate in drug take-back

Decatur police departments will accept prescription drugs for safe disposal at a special event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday at the police communications center, 314-C Church St.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take-Back Day allows residents to safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired medicines.

Information: 404-373-6551. April Hunt

MJCCA hosts Shabbat celebration

Families are invited to dance, shuffle, and tap their way into Shabbat with help from dance department instructors at the MJCCA 5 – 7 p.m. May 3 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Information: Rabbi Brian Glusman, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678.812.4161. Veronica Fields Johnson

Race raises awareness of sexual abuse

DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May and Saving Our Children and Families will host a 6K walk later this month to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The Purple Warriors Walk begins at 8 a.m. April 27 at the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Road. Registration is $20 per person and $15 for groups of four or more.

Proceeds will benefit SOFAC, a non-profit that works on awareness, prevention and intervention programs on child sexual abuse.

Information/registration: www.savingourchildrenandfamilies.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

‘Operation Cool Down’ back in Henry County

Henry County Animal Care & Control is bringing back its “Operation Cool Down” program to assist pets left in hot cars.

Officers will be patrolling parking lots for animals that are left in vehicles.

Any animal that is found unattended in a vehicle, that is in distress, will be removed from that vehicle by Animal Care and Control officers by whatever means necessary, as permitted under county ordinance.

Information: www.hcacc.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Peachtree City celebrates Earth Day

Fayette County’s Earth Day Festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City.

The event includes educational exhibits, an eco-friendly Green Market, entertainment, food, games and crafts. Free document shredding and a pill drop for unused prescription medication.

Information: www.fayettecoearthday.org Jill Howard Church for the AjC

Nominations soughtfor community awards

Girls and Guys Organized for Anointed Living (GOAL) is accepting nominations for its annual community service awards.

The nonprofit group honors Fayette County students committed to educational excellence and youth leadership, along with the mothers who support them. Awards will be presented May 25.

Information: www.anointedliving.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Miles for Meals Walk set for May 4

The Henry County Council on Aging will host its annual Miles for Meals Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. May 4 at the Jason T. Harper Event Center at Heritage Park in McDonough.

The event is a fundraiser to benefit Henry County Senior Services’ various programs, including Meals on Wheels.

Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org/seniorservices. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Applications open for Taste of Fayette

Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 12th annual Taste of Fayette taking place May 19 in downtown Fayetteville.

The event showcases food from local restaurants as well as information about other area businesses and charitable organizations. Booths range from $50 to $100; deadline is May 15.

Information: www.fayetteville-ga.gov or 770-719-4173. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free health screening in Stockbridge

A free health screening will take place from 6-9 p.m. May 3 at Hidden Valley Senior Center in Stockbridge.

The screening is not limited to senior citizens, and is being held in coordination with the Henry County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The event will consist of free screenings for blood pressure, BMI, and vision assessments. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods to donate to Helping in His Name Food Pantry in Stockbridge. Monroe Roark for the AJC