County by county news for Friday

The county is also seeking Spanish-speaking foster families.

Residents interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent are encouraged to attend an orientation meeting on the second Thursday of every month at the DFCS office, 325 S. Fairground St., S.E., Marietta.

Information: 1-877-210-5497.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Kid’s theater moves to Theatre in the Square

The Young Actors Playhouse is moving into the former Theatre in the Square space in Marietta. The community theater will open with ‘Beauty and the Beast,” March 8-17. The organization has a monthly lease for the main stage and a year lease for the second floor studio and office space. Information: youngactorsplayhouse.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Wheeler band boosters sponsor recycling day

The Wheeler High School Band Boosters will host a community recycling day from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the East Cobb Middle School parking lot, 380 Holt Road, N.E., Marietta.

Accepted items include electronics, paint, all metals and paper for secure shredding. Cost is $10 to unload a car full of recyclable items, plus additional fees of $15 for each TV or computer monitor, $15 for up to 10 gallons of latex or oil paint and $10 for first box of paper to be shredded, $5 for each additional box.

Information: wildcatpriderecycle@gmail.com Veronica Fields Johnson

State Rep. to host ‘Day at the Capital’

State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan, D-Austell, will host a “Day at the Capital” for South Cobb and Pebblebrook High School students 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The day will help students and Morgan’s constituents better understand the legislative process.

Information: 404-656-0169 or Renardo Paschal at renardo@alishamorgan.com. Daarel Burnette II

Medal of Honor recipients at benefit

Medal of Honor recipients retired Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams, Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston and Sgt. Dakota Meyer will speak at 7 p.m. Friday at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.

The Hearts for Heroes benefit for the Marietta Museum of History and Aviation Wing will also honor six citizen soldiers in Cobb’s communities.

Information.: www.marietta hearts for heroes.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Open house for planned Six Flags roadwork

Residents are invited to an open house 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell to view improvements and express concerns about proposed roadwork on Six Flags Drive. The project will add a raised center median along Six Flags Drive from Factory Shoals Road to Riverside Drive and widen Six Flags Drive to three lanes.

Written statements on the project will be accepted until March 19 and may be emailed to brian.loudermilk@cobbcounty.org. Meghan de St. Aubin

GWINNETT

Man charged with threatening Obama

Patrick Randell McIntosh, 28, of Charleston, S. C., who allegedly threatened the life of President Barack Obama from his computer at a Norcross motel, was arraigned Wednesday on federal charges incuding weapons charges. The president was among “several people” McIntosh had threatened online, United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said.

McIntosh had been arrested for stalking a Gwinnett County woman in October. McIntosh faces a possible 10 years in prison for the threats to the president. Christian Boone

Suwanee buys land for the future

Suwanee has purchased 3.4-acres of land for $1.25 million to clear and save for a future commercial use. The property at 2955 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, is the site of the May Queen Hotel, which has been closed for about a year in the city’s so-called Suwanee Gateway, the city’s oldest commercial area. Dan Klepal

AARP drivers ed class taught in Chinese

AARP will offer driver training in Chinese for participants age 50 and older 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 9 at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court. After completion of the course, students may be eligible for a 10 percent discount on auto insurance. Cost: $12 for AARP members or $14 for non-AARP members. Information: 678-242-9886 or www.aarp.org Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Pet vaccines offeredthis weekend

Planned PEThood, a nonprofit organization that offers low-cost spay and neuter services, will offer vaccines for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 2860 Buford Highway, Duluth. No appointment or income qualification is needed. The clinic also offers surgeries during the week. A rabies vaccination is free with surgery.

Information: 678-561-3491.

Dan Klepal

Delta president to highlight awards event

Delta Air Lines president Ed Bastain will be the keynote speaker at Gwinnett’s second annual Movers & Makers Awards at 7:30 a.m. March 28 at the Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Highway. The event honors manufacturing and distribution companies three years and older.

Nominated companies are judged on criteria including economic impact, corporate responsibility and workforce excellence. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Duluth students help at Wellspring Living Store

One Saturday each month, 8th grade members of the Kiwanis Builders Club of Duluth Middle School volunteer at the Wellspring Living Store, 2750 Buford Highway, Duluth. The store is a re-sale boutique that specializes in new and gently used furniture, clothing, and housewares. All proceeds benefit Wellspring for Women and Girls, a safe place where women can begin to rebuild their lives. The students volunteer to help make magnets, bookmarks, sort beads, cut labels, do decoupage and other tasks. Information: Virginia Klaer, vklaer@bellsouth.net or 770-476-3821. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Forsyth restructures sheriffs office

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office recently completed a sweeping restructuring, under which 11 middle-management positions were eliminated in what was billed as an efficiency move. Maj. Rick Doyle says another 60 employees were re-assigned. He says one of the moves resulted in a doubling of school resource officers from seven to 14. Doyle says that means all county high and middle schools now have an assigned officer.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt to host history symposium

Reinhardt University is planning its second annual regional history symposium March 22 and 23 on the school’s campus in Waleska. Speakers and dramatic readers will address such topics as the 19th century north Georgia gold rush, forced removal of native Americans, and education and emancipation issues in the post-civil war period. Info: www.reinhardt.edu/historysmposium.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock fills development job

The city of Woodstock has hired a new director of economic development. Brian Stockton, who has served as city planner since May of 2006, will transition into his new role on March 6. He replaces Billy Peppers, who left in November of last year to take a job with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock holds first Friday night event

Downtown merchants and Woodstock officials will present their inaugural Friday Night Live event of 2013 6 - 9 p.m. today. “Mardi Gras on Main” will include a parade, the crowning of a king and queen, live music and special deals and offers from restaurants and businesses. Attendees can also enter a drawing for a $100 downtown gift certificate. Information: 770-924-0406. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Canton seeking applicants for police job

The city of Canton is seeking an assistant police chief. The position has been vacant since last August, when Todd Vande Zande was terminated. Applicants have until April 1 to apply for the job, which pays $74,000, and must supply a resume, cover letter and three references. More info: www.canton-georgia.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Johns Creek mayor to address residents

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker’s sixth annual State of the City address is at 7 a.m. today at Atlanta Athletic Club, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive. Cost: $5 for breakfast and question-answer session afterward. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Alpharetta holding lawn care class

Alpharetta is hosting a free lawn care class for residents at 7 p.m. March 6 at the city’s Public Works Department, 1790 Hembree Road. The class will cover cool- and warm-season grasses, soil testing, acidity and best watering practices. Registration: Terry Porter, 678-297-6200, tporter@alpharetta.ga.us. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

ATLANTA

Forum focuses on sleep safety at daycares

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning is holding a community forum 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Atlanta Technical College, Building C, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway and webinars March 7 and 14 to review expanded recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics on safe sleep environments in child care programs. The goal is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Death Syndrome. Information: www.decal.ga.gov. Nancy Badertscher

Catholic Charities names CEO

Miguel R. San Juan has been named the new CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta. He begins his new position on March 1.

San Juan was formerly managing director of Globalinvest Ventures and Consulting, a business consulting firm in Houston. He has also been active in public service at local, state and federal levels. Shelia M. Poole

MJCCA tackles battle of the waistlines

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will sponsor a program looking at the obesity epidemic 1 to 3:30 p.m. March 10 at 5342 Tilly Mill Road. The free program has clips from the HBO documentary, “The Weight of The Nation, followed by a panel discussion and wellness fair. There will be a free fitness class 1 to 2 p.m. for children. Information: www.atlantajcc.org. Shelia M. Poole

Learn about the United Nations on Saturday

The Atlanta Committee on Teaching about the United Nations Conference takes place 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Room 150, the College of Education, Georgia State University, 30 Pryor St. The conference is to teach about the United Nations’action toward eradicating poverty. Free parking in the G Deck on Central Avenue. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the conference will be held March 9 in the same location. Information: www.teachun.org Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Governor seeks school board applicants

Anyone yearning to be a school board member in one of the largest, and most troubled, school districts in Georgia, can apply for the job now — no election required.

A panel assembled by Gov. Nathan Deal is accepting applications to fill the seats of six suspended DeKalb County school board members. The positions pay $18,000 a year.

Applicants must reside within the geographic boundaries. Send a resume or brief biography and a statement of interest to dekalbschoolboardnominations@georgia.gov. Ty Tagami

Lawyers hosting teen info session

The DeKalb Lawyers Association will host “Teens Talk Back” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 30 at Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive to give students the opportunity to become acquainted with the criminal justice system and voice their questions and concerns.

Parent sessions will also be conducted. Information: www.dekalblawyersassociation.org.

Andria Simmons

Decatur’s free Wi-Fi begins today

Decatur begins offering free Wi-Fi service today with coverage in downtown, Oakhurst’s business district, Oakhurst Park, Glenlake Park, McKoy Park and Adair Park. Last August the city canceled the initial Wi-Fi system, which attempted covering the entire city, but reception was erratic due to the tree canopy. They changed wi-fi system operators and spent $189,000 to replace the old equipment in favor of the current free service in high-usage areas. Bill Banks for rhe AJC

Streetscapes in Conley get makeovers

The Conley business area – a section of Atlanta in DeKalb County that includes the Cedar Grove Neighborhood – is getting a makeover to its roadways.

DeKalb’s “Gateway Streetscape” project calls for improved landscaping along a 2.2-mile stretch of Moreland Avenue at I-285. Trees and new plants are planned for the landscape, for both safety and beautification purposes.

The work will be paid for with state funds. April Hunt

Church hosts 5K to benefit choir

Shallowford Presbyterian Church in central DeKalb County will host a 5K walk/run early next month to benefit its youth choir.

The Scot Trot also features a 1-mile walk through the Briarcliff neighborhood.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. March 9 at the church, 2375 Shallowford Road. Registration is $25 before March 3 and $30 after.

Information: www.shallowford.org. April Hunt

Community hero nominations accepted

Nominations are being accepted for the 2013 DeKalb County CEO’s Community Hero Awards. Nomination deadline is March 14.

Forms are available at www.dekalbcountyga.gov. Completed forms should be sent to JohnH@dekalbchamp.com, faxed to 404-373-7721 or mailed to The Champion Newspaper, P.O. Box 1347, Decatur, GA 30030.

Information: Erica M. Brooks at 404-371-3695 or John Hewitt at 404-373-7779, ext. 110.

Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette to host Exceptional Children

To celebrate Exceptional Children’s Week March 4-8, Fayette County Public Schools will host a free program 4:15- 5:15 p.m. March 7 at Rivers Elementary School in Fayetteville.

The guest speaker will be Lauren Eckman, Georgia Teacher of the Year from the Georgia Academy for the Blind.

Other lessons related to “Taking the ‘Dis’ Out of Disability” will be held throughout the week in area schools. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton schools remember Seuss,

In conjunction with Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Read America activities are taking place in elementary and middle schools in Clayton County. The objective: motivating children to read. They kicked off with family reading night Thursday at Lee Street Elementary. Today, Jonesboro High students will be reading to Suder Elementary students, Kemp Primary School will host a reading competition, and Oliver Elementary and Unidos Dual Language Charter Schools will be hosting activities. On Monday, Kendrick Middle School students and celebrity readers will be reading to children in grades 2-5 at Callaway Elementary. Nancy Badertscher

Free tax preparation available to seniors

AARP and the Clayton County Senior Services Department, are offering free tax preparation for seniors thrugh April 12.

Appointments are available 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at The Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road, Riverdale. Information: 678 479-5505. Tammy Joyner

Mayor’s Road Race planned in Union City

The Union City Mayor’s Road Race is March 16-17 in Union City. The annual event attracts participants to south Fulton from across the United States.

Information: 770-964-2288.

Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Clayton Schools plan

pre-K registration

Registration for Georgia pre-K classes in Clayton County Public Schools is set for March 4-8. A child must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2013 to be eligible. Acceptance in the program is based on a computer-generated lottery for each site.

Priority will be given to students who live within the school attendance area. Items required to apply include a child’s original state-issued birth certificate, parent’s government-issued photo identification and two current proofs of residency.

Information: www.clayton.k12.ga.us. Tammy Joyner

Cliftondale opens soccer registration

Boys and girls, ages 3-16, are invited to register through Saturday for Cliftondale Soccer Association’s spring season.

Online registration is available at www.amazonsports.org.

Orientation for parents is set for March 9 at Cliftondale Park, 4645 Butner Road, College Park.

Information: 404-613-3061 or coach Sidney Lawrence at 404-349-9036. Lisa Gibson for the AJC