County by county news for Friday

Funds would be used to clean the city’s water pipes and 88 retention ponds among other projects.

Including their annual town hall meeting in April, city officials have held three town hall meetings on the topic and tabled their vote three times. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Volunteers needed to plant trees Saturday

Marietta Tree Keepers is looking for volunteers of all ages to plant trees at the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, 48 Henderson St. off South Marietta Parkway from 9- 11 a.m. Saturday. Refreshments and tools will be provided. Information: www.mariettga.gov/committee/treekeepers. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Arts and crafts festival on Saturday

A historic Marietta neighborhood will show the work of about 30 artists and craftsmen who live in the community at an annual arts festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The arts festival in Cherokee Heights off Cherokee Street will be between Seminole and Feyer Drives. The free event will sell paintings, metal work, bird houses, soap, pottery, clothing hand-made jewelry and books by local authors. Live music and kids’ activities are also planned. The festival is sponsored by Keep Marietta Beautiful and First Landmark Bank. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Club to hold Kennesaw Mountain cleanup

Kennesaw Mountain Trail Club will hold a trail work day to maintain trails at the Kennesaw National Battlefield Park on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers meet at the maintenance buildings up the hill from the visitor center. Information: Visit www.kennesawmountaintrailclub.org or call 770-427-4686. Kenneth Musisi

Ballet offered to special needs kids

With support from the Civitan Clubs of East Cobb, North Cobb and Marietta and the Civitan Foundation, the Georgia Ballet is offering free ballet classes for special needs children ages 6 and up. The 12-week class, called Dance-Ability, is available to eight children a semester and is taught by a professional dance instructor with support from teaching assistants who give one-on-one attention to the children. The Georgia Ballet studio in Marietta. Info: 770-528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org. Nancy Badertscher

Austell building to be training facility

Global Sports Authority received approval Monday from the Austell City Council to transform the flood-damaged senior center into a youth baseball training facility at Legion Park. Reggie Davis, a GSA vice-president, said batting cages and study halls will be included “at no cost to the city” for the renovation. City attorney Scott Kimbrough said the project is contingent upon “clear and free” title transfer from Cobb to the city. Information: gsabaseball.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Norcross man to stand trial in stabbing death

A Norcross man will stand trial in Gwinnett County beginning Monday in a murder case that was remarkable for its brutality and needlessness.

Police say Marcus Dewayne Huff stabbed an acquaintance, Daniel Aftowski, more than 30 times at Aftowski’s Duluth apartment. The body was found Feb. 9, 2010, after Aftowski, an insurance representative, failed to show up for work. Described by friends as a gentle soul who often helped downtrodden people by offering them money or a place to stay. Aftowski, 42, reportedly lent Huff money that he was unable to repay. Andria Simmons

Rotary to honor WWII veterans today

The Rotary Club of South Gwinnett will honor about 40 World War II veterans at luncheon at noon today at the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. U.S. Army Col. Robert Young, deputy chief of staff for strategic relocation, will speak at the event. David Wickert

Missionaries train Wesleyan students

Students at Wesleyan School in Norcross recently received leadership training from a pair of metro Atlanta missionaries who promote embracing world diversity and serving the poor.

Presbyterian ministers Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather led small group sessions with students and discussed their international experiences. The pastors are with the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and were assigned to Kenya in 2008. They will soon travel to Sudan. D. Aileen Dodd

Braselton to light tree and show movie

The Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority is inviting residents and visitors to watch animated comedy “Cars 2” in the town’s downtown area Saturday. The movie will be preceded by the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. at the Braselton Brothers Store. The event will feature singing, dancing and a number of prizes. “Cars 2” will be shown following the lighting. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to the film.

Information: www.braseltonfestivals.com. Joel Anderson

Duluth opens boys basketball registration

Duluth has opened registration for its city-run basketball league for boys ranging from age 15 to 18.

Evaluations for the league are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in the gym at Buntem Road Park. Practices begin Nov. 19 and games will start Dec. 3. The league fee for residents is $125 and $135 for non-residents.

Information: Jason Rogers at 770-814-6981, jrogers@duluthga.net or http://www.duluthga.net/registration. Joel Anderson

Funny Fridays return to Aurora Nov. 18

Aurora Theatre’s Funny Fridays will resume Nov. 18 with a comedy performance by 2011 Rocky Top Comedy Contest winner Mike Haun.

Haun will have shows at 7:15 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The opening act will be Atlanta-based comic Nicole Chiles.

Tickets cost $15 apiece.

Information: 678-226-6222 and www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Dismissal of Forsyth official affirmed

The Forsyth County Civil Service Board affirmed an earlier decision Thursday sustaining the county’s dismissal of former planning director Jeff Chance. The board upheld Chance’s firing last December after sexually and racially charged emails were found on his office computer. But Chance appealed the decision to Superior Court, arguing he should have his $92,000-a-year job back because politics played the dominant role in his dismissal. The court then directed the Civil Service Board to reconsider the evidence. Patrick Fox

Centennial High to hold paint recycling event

Centennial High School’s Environmental Club is sponsoring a community paint recycling event on Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. in the school bus canopy area, 9310 Scott Road, Roswell. Accepted materials are latex and oil based paint in original containers from residential customers. Fee is $15 for up to 10 cans per customer. Additional cans $2 each. Information: Cindy Eade at cindyeade@comcast.net. Veronica Fields Johnson

Roswell to hold college aid workshop Monday

The Roswell Library will offer a financial aid workshop Monday for current and future college students, guiding them through the planning and application process. “Don’t Give Up on College: A Financial Aid Workshop” is for ages 11 and older and starts at 6 p.m. at 115 Norcross Street. Registration: 770-640-3075. Johnny Edwards

Narcotics squad hosts drug conference

The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad on Wednesday hosted the North Georgia Prescription Drug Conference.

The conference, supported by a grant from the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, was held in response to concerns over illegal prescription pill abuse and sales. About 100 law enforcement officers, doctors, pharmacists, and government leaders attended. Topics discussed included pill mills, pharmaceutical investigations, addiction and ethical pain treatment. Andria Simmons

Event to benefit cancer-stricken baby

Hokotoryu Ju-Jutsu USA’s Budothon 2011 event will benefit the treatment of baby Maddox Poey’s diagnosis of retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. The event will be Saturday from 1-4 p.m., at Roswell Budokan, 11516 Woodstock Road in Roswell. The Budothon is open to martial artists of all styles. The three areas of participation will include striking, rolling and throwing. Information: info@usajutsu.com or call Jim O’Day 678-995-6393. Kenneth Musisi

New member on Reinhardt board

William “Billy” Hayes of Canton began a new role as an active member of the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees. He was nominated and approved as a full board member by the Board last September. He will be confirmed as a member by the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2012.

Besides being CEO of Northside Hospital in Canton, Hayes is a member of several boards. Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Brandon neighborhood forms association

A group of residents in Buckhead have organized The Brandon Neighborhood Association Inc., a nonprofit organization “dedicated to protecting, preserving and enhancing the Brandon Neighborhood as a desirable, high quality residential area,” complete with a security patrol.

The group is seeking additional members and has set up a website at www.BrandonATL.org. Jeremiah McWilliams

Job fair signup deadline is Sunday

More than 70 companies with nearly 1,500 positions are scheduled to recruit at a career fair set for Tuesday at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E. The event is free but registration is mandatory. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday or when all space slots are filled. To register, visit http://cityofatlanta.eventbrite.com.Jeremiah McWilliams

Kids recycle day on Saturday

Kids of all ages will get a lesson in caring for the environment while clearing out some of their own clutter during the free Metro Atlanta Kids Recycle Day Saturday at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., organizers from the Little Green Path Foundation, Live Thrive and Atlanta Falcon player Ovie Mughelli’s environmental education foundation will demonstrate how to recycle and reuse. Register online at atlantakidsrecycleday.org; 404-771-5322. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

Race to benefit cancer research

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) Race for Research will be Saturday at the Meadow at Piedmont Park.

Race day registration for the 5k walk and run starts at 7:30 a.m. The race, which starts at 9 a.m., is a family-friendly event. Proceeds will be marked for research on multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells.

The park is at 10th Street and Monroe Drive, Atlanta. For information: 404-402-7315. Laurie Hoffman

DEKALB

Wells Fargo donates closed branch to church

The closed Wachovia Bank branch located at 2380 North Fourth Street in Tucker has been donated to First Baptist Church of Tucker by Wells Fargo to host the local cooperative ministry group and non-profits in the Tucker area. The building had an appraised value of $500,000. The grand opening of the Tucker Community Center will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County and Networks Cooperative Ministries are the first two tenants of the center. Information: Randy Shepley at 770-938-1688 or rshepley@fbctucker.org. Kenneth Musisi

Council of PTAs holds legislative forum

The DeKalb County Council of PTAs is hosting a Legislative Forum at 7 p.m. Thursday at the DeKalb school administration building 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. The group expects more than a dozen of the local state senators and state representatives to attend. Information: 404-219-4985. Rich McKay

Decatur survey water fountain access

The Decatur Active Living Board has formed a Water Fountain Committee to assess the city’s public water needs, with the goal of increasing access to public water fountains. The public is invited to complete a short survey on the subject at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F38PJRS. Deadline for completing the survey is Jan. 12, 2012. Information: Cheryl Burnette at 678-553-6541 or cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Culinary to auction dinner for benefit

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Atlanta is offering a five-course French-Asian Fusion Wine Dinner and silent auction on Dec. 2 in the Creations dining room, located on the campus at 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, 100 Embassy Row. Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is $65 and reservations are required. Information: 770-689-4851 or seniorpracticumfall2011@gmail.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

Golf tournament to benefit seniors

Senior Connections, a nonprofit that provides support services and social events for seniors, will host its annual golf tournament at the Dunwoody Country Club on Nov. 14.

Fees are $250 for individuals and $850 for four-member teams. Sponsorships also are available. Proceeds benefit the group’s Meals on Wheels, in-home care and home repair programs. Information: www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

NETWorks Ministry to hold event Nov. 12

NETWorks Cooperative Ministry, a joint project of 17 local churches will be the focus of Tucker Civic Association’s “Give An Hour” project on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the old Wachovia bank building at the corner of 4th Street and Church Street. Individually packaged snacks, canned or microwaveable food that doesn’t require refrigeration can be donated. Information: Evelyn Burkett at district4@tuckercivic.org or 770-846-4960. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Forest Park certifies election results

After a bit of confusion earlier in the week over Sunday alcohol sales, certified results are in for Forest Park election:

Ward 3: Maudie McCord (incumbent), 40 votes;

Ward 4: LaTresa Akins, 105 votes, Donald Judson, (deceased incumbent), 60 votes, Lillian Holloway, 56 votes;

Ward 5: Warren Gerton, 141 votes and Linda Lord (incumbent), 162 votes; Referendum on Sunday alcohol sales: yes. 368 votes and no, 331 votes.

Tammy Joyner

Students launch canned food collection drive

The Fulton County Youth Commission, a group of students selected to address community issues, will begin its “Can-Paign to Fight Hunger” on Monday, a canned foods collection competition among six Fulton high schools and four businesses.

The goal is to deliver 30 barrels of cans to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which would feed 8,550 people. Last year, the teens collected 5,700 cans.

The deadline to fill barrels is Dec. 16. Information: 404-612-7386 or reginald.crossley@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Commission considers preferences for vets

The Fulton County Commission has unanimously approved a motion by Commissioner Robb Pitts to look into giving contracting preferences to veteran-owned businesses during the bid process. The vote happened last week in the run-up to Veterans Day.

Pitts’ measure says the county wants to widen opportunities for such contractors, particularly small and economically-disadvantaged businesses. The county manager, county attorney and purchasing department will give the board a feasibility report in December. Johnny Edwards

It’s Kindness Day in Henry schools

Today is more than 11-11-11. It’s Kindness Day, capping Kindness Week, in Henry County Schools. Both were started in honor of Hunter Welch, son of Buddy and Kit Welch, who died in 2004.

“We started this week as a gesture to give back to the community that cared and supported our special needs son,” Kit Welch said.

The observation started with kindness rallies on Nov. 5, Hunter’s birthday, and now includes canned food drives and essay contests. State Rep. Andy Welch III, Hunter’s older brother, is pushing for the second week in November to be declared Kindness Week in Georgia. Nancy Badertscher

Windy Hill garden to hold yard sale

Windy Hill Community Garden will host its 12th annual yard sale Today and Saturday. The event features holiday items contributed by gardeners and related groups. Community Gardens of Henry County has five community gardens with plots available for adoption by seniors, low-income, young families, and others interested in growing their own vegetables. Two more gardens provide food given to local non-profits. Windy Hill Garden is at 86 Work Camp Road in McDonough. Details: www.henrygardens.com. Tammy Joyner