COBB
Mableton begins centennial celebration
The Mableton Community in south Cobb will celebrate 100 years of existence with a host of events beginning in August and running for the remainder of the year and into 2013. The "Experience Mableton" celebration will include a weekend of fun Aug. 18-19 at the Mableton Moose Lodge, a community cleanup, business exchange, chili cook-off, a Christmas celebration and shop local campaign.
Information: Dominique Huff, 404-277-5238; dhuff@tenthamendmentmedia.com
Janel Davis
Christian concerts at Six Flags on Saturday
A Back-to-School Concert Bash will be 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Southern Star Amphitheater at Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway at I-20, Austell.
Free concerts from David Crowder, Matthew West and Britt Nicole are included with park admission.
Information: 770-739-3430.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
School makeover in Powder Springs
A Fresh Hope hosts its annual cleanup today and Saturday at Compton Elementary School, 3450 New Macland Road, Powder Springs. Volunteers are also needed to provide food for a teacher appreciation event and to fill backpacks with supplies and bring supplies and refreshments for the Back-to-School Celebration and to help with a carnival.
Information: freshhopevolunteers@comcast.net or comptonbts2012.eventbrite.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Libraries celebrate end of summer
The Cobb County Public Library System will host its annual End of Summer Reading Celebration 5 p.m. Saturday at the Central Library, 266 Roswell Road, Marietta.
The free event will feature an art gallery presentation by Triple D Production Company, games, crafts and an appearance by the READing Paws dogs.
Information: 770-528-2330; www.cobbcat.org Janel Davis
Young professionals awarded by Chamber
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce will present its Young Professionals Next Generation Award at the chamber's first Monday breakfast.
The award recipient will be a chamber member in their 20s or 30s who is active in the community, essential to their profession and offers a unique perspective.
Dan Campbell, CEO of Hire Dynamics will be the keynote speaker.
The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. on Monday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. Chamber members, $40; nonmembers, $60.
Information: www.cobbchamber.org/events
Janel Davis
Clarksdale show sneak peek of new school
Administrators will give a tour of the new Clarksdale Elementary School to local students, parents and community members.
The "Sneak-a-peek" will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at the new school at 5243 Meadows Rd. in Powder Springs.
Daarel Burnette II
GWINNETT
Car crashes into house in Gwinnett neighborhood
Two people were taken to the hospital Thursday morning after the car they were in crashed into a house. The incident happened about 7 a.m. in the 400 block of Sugar Gate Court off Bethesda School Road.
Gwinnett fire Lt. Colin S. Rhoden told the AJC that about half of the car went into the home, apparently after the car was struck from behind by another vehicle. The house was stable and the residents were okay, Rhoden said.
He said the two people in the car complained of back pain and were transported to a local hospital. Mike Morris
Child molestation trial postponed
A high-profile trial for a former Cub Scout leader accused of molesting or sexually exploiting 16 boys has been postponed. The trial, which was slated to start in Gwinnett County Superior Court on Monday, was pushed back because a defense attorney for Harry Brett Taylor filed a new pretrial motion seeking dismissal of the indictment, said Assistant District Attorney Chuck Ross. Arguments related to the motion are scheduled for Sept. 6.
A new trial date has not been set. Andria Simmons
Norcross night against crime is Tuesday
Norcross invites residents to join in a Night Out against crimem 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Thrasher Park. This national event promotes neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Enjoy free food, entertainment, inflatables, crafts for kids, a police K-9 unit demonstration, plus info on how to be pro-active in fighting crime. A raffle will be offered. Karen Huppert for the AJC
Buford community center to open
Buford's new Community Center Town Park & Theatre, scheduled to host country singer Gretchen Wilson at its first public event on Sept. 15, officially opened last week with a wedding reception.
Ribbon cutting for the $15 million facility at 2200 Buford Highway, which features an 290-seat indoor theater and 1,800-seat outdoor amphitheater, tentatively is scheduled for Sept. 8. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Rain barrel making class offered
Gwinnett County Cooperative Extension is conducting a free workshop noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at 750 South Perry St., Suite 400 in Lawrenceville to learn about rain barrels, an easy to construct device for collecting rainwater for watering your landscape.
Pre-registration required by Tuesday by contacting Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn holding downtown event
Police and fire vehicles on display, K-9 demonstrations, food and music highlight Lilburn Police and SafetySmart Lilburn's public safety event from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdayin downtown City Park, 76 Main St.
That same night, residents are asked to leave on their porch lights, showing support for law enforcement and solidarity against crime. Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Girl, 6, got lewd Facebook messages from strangers
Milton police said they are investigating a report from a father that strangers sent his 6-year-old daughter lewd messages on her Facebook page. The father told Channel 2 Action News he set up the page so his daughter could keep in touch with relatives.
The man said his son raised a red flag after seeing two vulgar messages sent to his younger sister. The father believes men stalked his daughter after she started playing a game linked to her page. Facebook requires users be over 13, but the father said his daughter's profile said she was 16. Staff reports
Forsyth sheriff's office seeks re-accreditation
A team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will start examining the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office next week. As part of the re-accreditation process, a public hearing on the office's ability to meet standards is set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.
Agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Reinhardt launches online program
Reinhardt University in Waleska has launched an online degree program in criminal justice, with classes set to begin Monday. School officials say the 51-credit program is designed to meet the needs of the non-traditional student and can be completed in 18 months. Info: www.reinhardtcj.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Animal shelter hosts free pet adoption event
Cherokee County Animal Shelter will host "Be Their Hero", a supersized pet adoption event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 4. Free adult dog and cat adoptions will be available for one day only.
Adoptions include spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, deworming, microchip, initial flea/tick treatment, sample bag of food and a free office visit with a participating veterinarian. For information about adoptable pets, visit www.petfinder.com/shelters/ga460.html. Kenneth Musisi
Johns Creek movie series concluding
"Dolphin Tale" is the final show in Johns Creek Recreation and Parks' free Movies in the Park series Saturday at Newton Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road. Before the movie at dusk, family activities include music, children's games and face painting. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but not alcohol.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
Roswell concert upcoming
Nationally known song writers Jesse Terry and Beth Wood highlight Roswell's sixth annual Songwriters Concert Series in the round at 8 p.m. Friday at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road.
Terry has won international song writing competitions, including the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and Wood is classically trained in voice and piano.
Tables for two, four, six and eight are available to rent. Cost: $20. Information: 678-665-0040, karen@homebydark.com.
Michael Alpert for the AJC
ATLANTA
MJCCA partners with Atlanta Hawks
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta announced its partnership with the Atlanta Hawks focusing mainly on the MJCCA's youth sports programs. The three-year partnership elements will include: basketball clinic series, basketball camp, youth basketball, MJCCA day at the Hawks, and a Hawks corner at the MJCCA campus. Information: www.atlantajcc.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Tire recycling program underway
Kicking off a Georgia Tech research program, students have pulled the first 50 tires from Buckhead creek beds to be used for the thermal mass walls in an "aquaponics experiment." The Buckhead Coalition has pledged $2,500 for the clean-up.
The system aims to recycle 1,000 pounds of food waste per day from the local community. The "ArkFab" facility is being built on the four-acre Wheat Street Gardens, next to the Martin Luther King Center, by three Georgia Tech student groups. It aims to raise fish in tanks with plants cultivated to grow in water. Jeremiah Mcwilliams
Fulton doles out $1.48 million in arts grants
Fulton County has awarded $1.48 million in grants to 9 nonprofit arts organizations. The recipients include the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the High Museum of Art, the Center for Puppetry Arts and the National Black Arts Festival.
Fulton, with an arts budget of $5.2 million, is the state's biggest supporter of the arts. But facing a $74.1 million deficit next year, several commissioners warned nonprofits not to expect as much funding in coming years. Johnny Edwards
Atlanta schools host open house events
Several Atlanta Public Schools Friday will host open house events for parents, students and community members in advance of the first day of school on Monday. The schools will hold informational meetings and allow students to register. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio
DEKALB
Poverty is Real concert raises $10,000
The Poverty is Real concert series recently raised $10,000 for the Decatur Cooperative Ministry.
The Decatur-based non-profit raises money to support organizations fighting poverty in communities across the United States.
The money is raised raised through ticket and merchandise sales, a silent auction and donations.
The remaining Poverty is Real shows will be held in Asheville, N.C. on Sept. 8; Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; and Athens, Ga. on Dec. 8 and Dec. 8
Shelia Poole
Volunteers needed for river cleanup event
The Tucker Civic Association and Rivers Alive will host the 5th annual Rivers Alive Clean Up 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6.
The event will be at 4200 Cowan Road, Tucker. Heavy rain date is 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 20.
Volunteers are asked to provide the name of their group; number of volunteers, and a lead contact person.
Participants must be 10 years of age or older.
For information on volunteering: volunteertca@gmail.com or 770-270-1620. Laurie Hoffman
Clarkston preparing for National Night Out
Free food from around the globe and special entertainment will be part of Clarkston's annual National Night Out block party early next month.
The city also plans to host various community and police groups during the crime/drug prevention event on Aug. 7.
For details, visit www.cityofclarkston.com.
April Hunt
Meetings to focus on crime prevention
South DeKalb County residents are invited to a meeting next month that focuses on safety concerns in the area.
The DeKalb Solicitor-General, County Commission's presiding officer and members of the county police department will be on hand to talk to business owners and residents about keeping crime out of the community.
The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 15 at the South DeKalb Family YMCA, at 2565 Snapfinger Road, near Decatur.
Breakfast will be provided.
Information/reservations: 404-371-2234 or snbrown@dekalbcountyga.gov.
April Hunt
Jobs bus August calendar announced
The DeKalb Mobile Career Center, also known as the "jobs bus," will be stationed at various locations throughout the county this month.
The mobile unit supports the ONE DeKalb Works initiative by providing work readiness services and putting DeKalb County citizens back to work.
The mobile unit provides residents with essential services, including job search assistance, adult workshops and training, resume writing, and interviewing tips.
Businesses are also able to use the mobile unit for recruiting, pre-employment screenings, interviewing, and training.
For the August calendar, go to www.dekalblibrary.org and search for 'jobs bus.'
Staff reports
SOUTHSIDE
Henry commissioners adopt new millage rate
The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to adopt a new millage rate of 14.5, which is 2.75 mills higher than last year. Facing a $12 million shortfall, the commissioners proposed the millage hike last month to help close the gap. According to county officials, average Henry County home values have fallen from a high of $181,000 in 2008 to $107,000 today, and property tax revenue is down 13 percent in the past year alone.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
More events booked at Wolf Creek
Two upcoming concerts atWolf Creek Amphitheater will be the second and third this year at the $6.1 million facility.
The lineup for Saturday's Summer Nights Jazz Festival has South African guitarist Jonathan Butler, Michael Franks, Rachelle Ferrell, Warren Hill, Maysa Leak and Jimmy B featuring Andre Grant. Tickets range from $40 to $65.
The Labor Day Music Festival, an R&B show on Sept. 1, has "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino, Joe, Tony Terry and Dru Hill. Prices range from $45 to $75. Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Johnny Edwards
Standoff ends with arrest of wanted man
A four-hour police standoff at a Clayton County home ended with the overnight arrest of a man wanted on numerous charges.
The police SWAT team was sent late Wednesday night to the home on Ray Street near Riverdale, where officers finally talked the man into surrendering.
A woman and child inside the home during the standoff were uninjured.
Channel 2 Action News reported that the man, whose name has not been released, was wanted on aggravated assault, cruelty to children and terroristic threats charges.
Mike Morris
Henry police cited for saving man's life
The Henry County Police Department presented Lifesaving Commendations to officers Jamie Barrett and Stephen Martin at the July 17 Board of Commissioners meeting.
Responding to an April 20 call regarding a man who accidentally shot himself in the leg, the officers were advised that it could be an arterial wound and acted quickly to prevent extreme blood loss, stabilizing the situation until medical help arrived.
Henry County Fire Department personnel and doctors at the hospital said later that their actions were critical in saving the patient's life.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette finalizes school orientations
In preparation for the new academic year, Fayette County has set its school orientation schedule for next week.
Elementary schools will host students and parents 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday with some holding special meetings earlier in the day for pre-K and kindergarten. Middle and high schools will have orientation Wednesday through Aug. 10 at varying times by grade; see the complete schedule at www.fcboe.org.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
