County by county news for Friday

The one-mile parade starts 10 a.m. on Johnson Ferry from Princeton Lakes Drive to the Fountains of Olde Town Shopping Center.

The festival will be 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the shopping center.

Information: www.eastcobber.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw to outsource its trash collection

Kennesaw’s City Council voted unanimously to outsource the city’s trash collection starting the first week of October. The council plans to finalize a contract with the new provider, Republic Services.

Of the city’s 17 sanitation workers, one will remain to handle billing services.

Public Works Director Ernie Via said 11 workers have found jobs with the new company, in vacant positions in Kennesaw or in other local cities.

He said five have not commited to outside employment. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb County adoption event planned

Cobb County Animal Control will hold an adoption event 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the shelter, 1060 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta. The Adopt-a-Thon will feature special adoption rates, vendors, raffle items, food and a DJ. Information: 770-499-4136. Mea Watkins

Family history research explored

Family history research will be explored 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

Tips on using the library’s online and print resources in genealogical research will be given by Carolyn Crawford, head of The Georgia Room, the genealogical and historical collection of the Cobb County Public Library System.

Registration is required.

Participants should bring their laptop computers if they have one.

Information: cobbcat.org/GaRm-1.html or 770-439-3600. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

KSU to host casino night fundraiser

The Kennesaw State University College of Continuing and Professional Education will host a Casino Night Scholarship Fundraiser 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 at the KSU Center, 3333 Busbee Dr., Kennesaw.

Tickets are $100.

Information: www.ksufundraiser.com or 770-499-3340. Veronica Fields Johnson

Cobb seeking diaper donations in October

Cobb will hold its fifth-annual “diaper day” to collect diapers for low-income families through October.

A collection will take place at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at Glover Park on the Marietta Square.

All donated diapers will be given to CAMP, the Center for Family Resources, MUST Ministries, Reconnecting Families and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia.

Information: Barbara Hickey, Cobb Diaper Day Committee, esatlanta@bellsouth.net. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners to examine Common Core

United Peachtree Corners Civic Association will host a discussion of Common Core and SPLOST 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, 4480 Peachtree Corners Circle in Peachtree Corners. Alvin Wilbanks, CEO/Superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools, will provide info on the AKS curriculum and its relation to the common core standards. Charlotte Nash, Chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission, will discuss the proposed three-year SPLOST initiative to be brought before voters in November. Information: www.upcca.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lower speeds along Peachtree Industrial

Gwinnett County recently lowered the speed limits along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to 45 miles per hour from SR 141/Peachtree Parkway to SR 20/Nelson Brogdon Boulevard and 50 mph from SR 20 to the Hall County line.

Transportation staff reviewed speed studies, crash history, and drove the corridor during peak hours before recommending the speed limits be lowered to improve safety, consistency and to prevent future accidents.

Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Food trucks in Duluth Fridays through Oct. 25

The City of Duluth will sponsor Food Truck/Block Party Fridays on Main Street through Oct. 25. Festivities are from 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday and will feature entertainment, a line up of food trucks and other activities.

Information: www.duluthga.net/foodtruckfridays Veronica Fields Johnson

Norcross to host clean-up, recycling day

Norcross will sponsor Neighborhood Clean-Up and Recycling Day Sept. 28 outside of Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. American Security Shredding will collect up to five medium-size boxes per vehicle from 9 a.m. to noon.

Electronics Recycling will provide disposal of old cellphones, computers and keyboards from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center.

Participants are also encouraged to bring canned or nonperishable goods to support the “CAN” Do for Hunger food drive.

Information: www.norcrossga.net. Veronica Fields Johnson

Workshop on teen societal issues set

The Lilburn Woman’s Club will host a free workshop on societal issues affecting teens for educators, parents and others who work with children from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Topics include understanding legal consequences, preventing youth sexual abuse, effective response to bullying, learning the truth about dating violence and identifying suicidal tendencies.

Reservations are required.

Information: www.mountainparkumc.org or 770-921-8512. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Qualifying wraps in state senate special election

A half-dozen candidates qualified this week to run in the state Senate District 14 special election Nov. 5. Incumbent Barry Loudermilk resigned to run for the District 11 U.S. House seat. Qualifying at the Secretary of State’s office were: Nicole Ebbeskotte of Woodstock, Matt Laughridge of Cartersville, Dwight Pullen of Canton, Dean Sheridan of Woodstock and Bruce Thompson of White, all Republicans. Democrat Christopher Nesmith of Adairsville also qualified. The district covers parts of Cherokee and Bartow counties. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Drug Court program to mark anniversary

Cherokee DUI/Drug Treatment Court celebrate its 8th anniversary 1 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Monday at the Frank C. Mills Justice Center, 90 North St., Canton. A program of Cherokee County Friends of Recovery Foundation Inc., the court enables treatment for and provides strict supervision and judicial review of those facing DUI charges. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta to host cycling event

The Alpharetta Cycling Celebration will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Alpharetta High School, 3595 Webb Bridge Road. Activities include a meet and greet with professional cyclists from the 5-hour ENERGY® presented by Kenda Racing Team, safe cycling presentation, bike rodeo for children, prizes, food and beverages. Free bicycle helmets will be provided while supplies last for children from toddlers to age 12. The event is part of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety’s Bicycle Safety Campaign. Veronica Fields Johnson

Cherokee employer gets financial break

A company gearing up for Cherokee County operations will be getting a financial break. The Board of Commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a 50 percent reduction on impact fees for Inalfa Roof Systems, a worldwide supplier of sunroofs and vehicle roofing systems. The move will save the company, expected to create 300 jobs with a new facility under construction in southwest Cherokee, about $48,000. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt sets yard sale as music benefit

An indoor yard sale benefiting the Reinhardt University Music Club is set from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at the Falany Performing Arts Center on the Waleska campus. Items for sale will include furniture, clothing, jewelry, shoes, books and records. Proceeds will help enable students attend the Georgia Music Teachers State Conference at the University of West Georgia in November. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs festival at Heritage Green

The city of Sandy Springs will host its annual Heritage Sandy Springs festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Heritage Green, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle. Events include fine art, live music, cultural performances, a pet parade, 10K/5K race and more. Tickets: $5 for adults; $2 for ages 6–17; 5 and under and Heritage Sandy Springs Members are free. Two-day passes are also available. Information: www.sandyspringsfestival.com, or events@heritagesandysprings.org. Sandra Marshall Murray

ATLANTA

APS students to learn golf skills for PE

Elementary students in 13 Atlanta public schools will learn golf skills as part of physical ed.

The First Tee National School Program announced Wednesday that more than 100 public schools, including in Atlanta, Savannah and Augusta, will participate this year.

The First Tee program expansion in Georgia was made possible through a partnership with Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company. Mark Niesse

Hospital to host Medicare seminar

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital will host a free seminar on Medicare options and facts 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the hospital, 2727 Paces Ferry Road, S.E., Rich Auditorium, 77 Building. Topics include challenges facing healthcare providers, tips on making decisions about healthcare and the impact of changes on community providers and the older adults who access service. Free. Registration required. Information: 404-605-1818 or www.piedmont.org/healthseminar. Veronica Fields Johnson

Middle Eastern fest this weekend

The St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church hosts a middle eastern festival 5 to 8 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at 2045 Ponce de Leon Ave. featuring Middle Eastern foods, Arabic folk music, dancing and a fashion show. Church tours will be held throughout the day to showcase the architecture. Information: www.steliasofatlanta.org.Sandra Marshall Murray

Rehab center sponsors falls prevention event

The Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center will host a falls prevention awareness fair 10 a.m. to noon today at the center, 1821 Anderson Avenue, N.W. Health screenings for vision, balance, blood pressure and blood sugar will be offered. Medication reviews are available and participants should bring a list of their prescriptions. Free, donations accepted.

Information: 678-420-2915. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Rough intersection gets major overhaul

For the first time ever Decatur will devote extensive repairs to the long-troublesome, extremely rough intersection at Commerce Drive and Trinity Place. “If you go fast enough through there,” Mayor Jim Baskett said, “you will go airborne.” The area’s been paved many times, but now will receive milling, repairing, smoothing, repaving and restriping. All the work will be done Tuesday and should take five hours. Total cost is $39,000. Bill Banks for the AJC

HBCU golf teams in NCAA invitational

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. will host its 25th annual Black College Invitational Golf Tournament 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28 at Browns Mills Golf Course, 480 Cleveland Ave. The event will feature 11 Division I and nine Division II golf teams. Practice rounds begin at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 27. Each participating school will receive a $1000 award to be used toward their respective golf programs. Information: www.nbcahof.org or 404-524-1106. Veronica Fields Johnson

“Walk of Heroes” 5K returns

Registration is underway for a 5K run/walk to benefit DeKalb County residents with developmental disabilities, substance addiction and mental illness.

The Walk of Heroes will be held Saturday, in Kirkwood. All proceeds benefit the DeKalb Community Service Board.

Information: www.walkofheroes5k.com. April Hunt

Autumn equinox storytelling event set

A fundraising event marking the autumnal equinox will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive N.E. “Stories Among the Stars” will feature members of the Southern Order of Storytellers who will share tales of the autumn constellations underneath the starlit night sky of the center’s planetarium dome. Cost: $10. Tickets: www.fernbank.edu. Mea Watkins

Brighter Tomorrow seeks fundraising volunteers

A nonprofit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services provided by DeKalb’s Community Service Board needs board members.

The Brighter Tomorrow Foundation works to raise funds for the CSB, meaning board members should have fundraising experience or a background in providing healthcare. Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org. April Hunt

5K Stroke Awareness Walk/Run at church

St. Philip AME Church Health Ministry hosts annual Rev. George Moore Sr. Stroke Awareness Walk/Run and Wellness Festival 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at 240 Candler Road. Registration: $25.

The festival will feature over 50 vendors focusing on traditional and alternative medicine, cooking demonstrations, fitness and exercise, and more. The festival is free and the proceeds from the race will be donated to local stroke associations in honor of Rev. George Moore Sr., retired Senior Pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church for 41 years. Information: www.active.com or 404-371-0749. Sandra Marshall Murray

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton board names new county manager

After months of deadlock over who should be the administrator, the Fulton County Commission settled on Dwight Ferrell, former deputy general manager and chief operating officer for MARTA. His $240,000 salary is $40,000 more than his predecessor, Zachary Williams. Fulton has been without a county manager since Williams left in December to become chief operating officer in DeKalb. The other finalists were Fulton County Finance Director Patrick O’Connor and Morris E. Williams III, chief of staff of DeKalb Commissioners. Johnny Edwards

Applications for commission due Friday

Applications for volunteer positions on Peachtree City’s Planning Commission are due by 5 p.m. today at City Hall. Members of the five-member board are appointed to three-year terms, with meetings on the second Monday of each month.

The group helps administer the city’s zoning and land development ordinances. Applications at peachtree-city.org/index.aspx?nid=155. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Car, bike, truck show at country club

Eagle’s Landing Country Club hosts its annual charity car, bike and truck show on Oct. 6. Proceeds benefit MDA-Augies Quest, Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center and ClubCorp Employee Partner Care Foundation. The show and festivities start at 1 p.m. and run until 4 p.m. and include spectacular cars, bikes, trucks, vendor booths, live music, raffles and more. Free for attendees.

The car, bike and truck show registration is from noon to 1 p.m. $20 registration fee for all show vehicles. Pre-register online : www.eagleslandingcc.com, clicking the ClubCorp Charity Classic button.

Information: 770-389-2030 or anne.belcher@ourclub.com 770-389-2030 Nancy Badertscher

Community meeting set for overlay district

Henry County’s Community Development Division is hosting a community workshop to obtain public input on the county’s development of design guidelines for the Fairview Road Overlay District. The meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 8, at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Rd. in Stockbridge.

According to county officials, this project will result in the establishment of design guidelines intended to encourage improvements in the design quality of residential and business districts in the Fairview Road corridor helping to encourage economic revitalization through the use of development and design standards.

The county is inviting residents to the meeting in an effort to solicit input on key aspects of the project. Monroe Roark for the AJC

College Park library to offer GED testing

The College Park Library Branch will offer GED Testing at 9 a.m. today and Saturday at the library, 3647 Main St., College Park. The GED consists of five tests.

Each test is $32 and the entire battery is $160. Each participant must bring a valid state ID and money order when registering.

Information: 404-762-4060. Veronica Fields Johnson