County by county news for Friday

The residential complex will sit on three acres at the northwest corner of Richard D. Sailors Parkway and Floyd Road on land owned by Lynn Williams. Meanwhile, Williams and Asa Candler have a June deadline to present a master site plan to the city for 20 acres on their adjoining properties, where they both plan to develop senior living facilities. Information: reaventures.com, boydmanagement.com, bjsfoundation.org. Carolyn Cunningham

West Cobb Aquatic Center open again

The West Cobb Aquatic Center, 3675 Macland Road, Powder Springs is open again.

Improvements include a new pool surface, light fixtures, roll-up door, metal roof and PoolPak dehumidification unit, painting the interior of the natatorium and installation of evacuator benches.

Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/Aquatics-WestCobb.htm or 770-222-6700. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Director to leave symphony orchestra

Michael Alexander, music director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, plans to step down as director at the end of the 2015 season. Alexander, interim director of music and director of orchestras at Kennesaw State University, has led the GSO for 10 years. He moved GSO out of debt, increased the number of professional musicians and started a youth orchestra and chorus programs. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell names members to 2 boards

The Austell City Council approved Monday term renewals until May 31, 2016 for two city boards: Diane Evans, Bill Foster, Don Foster and Sara Parker for the Planning and Zoning Board and Marlin Lamar, Sandra Leverette and Cindy Standard for the Board of Variance Appeals. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Saturday deadline for grants workshop

Reservations are needed by 3 p.m. Saturday from Cobb District Four grassroots and nonprofit organizations for a workshop on applying for Atlanta Braves Foundation grants at the Wingate Hotel, 65 South Service Road, Austell.

This foundation annually funds youth-serving organizations that focus on health, education and recreation.

Participant names, organization location and a summary of youth-oriented programming should be provided for this limited-seating event. Reservations: saleemah.johnson@cobbcounty.org. Information: wingateinnatl.com, atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/community/atl_foundation.jsp.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Historic Turner-Sewell sign unveiling Saturday

A historic marker will be unveiled during a ceremony from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Turner-Sewell Cemetery, 1450 Discovery Blvd., Mableton. The new marker highlights the pioneer Turner Family and their nineteenth-century influence in Southeast Cobb County as ferry operators across the Chattahoochee River.

Information: mableton.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Duluth offers stormwater drainage assistance

Duluth introduces Rip Rap stormwater drainage maintenance program to assist single-family residential property owners in maintaining drainage easements. Duluth will provide up to 20 tons of surge stone for the erosion protection of a drainage easement. The property owner must place the rock in the area requiring erosion control within 30 days of delivery or be billed for the total delivered price of the stone. Contact Duluth Inspector Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 770-476-1790. Applications: www.duluthga.net, Planning and Development Department.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Donations will support public safety

Gwinnett will get $80,000 in Homeland Security grants for public safety agencies. The Police’s hazardous devices unit will receive $59,000 . Fire and Emergency Services: $15,000 to buy replacement equipment for the search and rescue vehicle and $7,53 from Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation. Gwinnett has also accepted $6,153 for the animal shelter.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Berkeley Lake ‘Blessing the Fleet’

To celebrate the newly refilled lake Berkeley Lake Homeowners’ Association is sponsoring a “Blessing of the Fleet” and boat parade at 2 to 3:30 p.m. May 17 at the picnic grounds behind the Chapel. The blessing, an old, revered Sicilian tradition passed down from generation to generation to safeguard ships and crews from the dangers of the seas, is Berkeley Lake’s way to celebrate and bless the full lake and the boats returning to the lake. Information: www.berkeleylake.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Peachtree Corners grocery coming

Earth Fare, a grocery store chain based in Ashville NC, will replace Peachtree Corners Office Max, 5270 Peachtree Parkway. Office Max is scheduled to close June 28. Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com or www.earthfare.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sugar Hill urges weeklong cleanup

Residents within Sugar Hill city limits are encouraged to participate in the 2014 Clean-Up Week May 12 – 16. During the special pick-up days Advanced Disposal will collect broken or discarded lawn and garden equipment, appliances (no refrigerators or freezers), yard or basement debris and furniture (maximum of 3 small pieces). Visit www.cityofsugarhill.com to determine if your street is inside or outside city limits and to see list of items not accepted.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Celebrate ‘Drinking Water Week’

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful is encouraging citizens to observe Drinking Water Week 2014 through Saturday by enjoying at least one ice cold glass of drinking water every day and attend Gwinnett County’s Drinking Water Week Celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Shoal Creek Filter Plant, 1755 Buford Dam Road in Buford. Guests may tour the filter plant, enjoy kids’ activities and refreshments. County departments will answer questions. Information: 678-376-4200 or www.gwinnettcb.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Johns Creek develops new road info map

The city of Johns Creek has debuted a new frequently-updated road information map displaying road improvement locations and live traffic conditions. The new system is an update of the city’s “Road Work” map developed in 2010. Johns Creek officials say the city of Alpharetta is working to integrate its own information map with theirs, and that other nearby cities have expressed interest as well. Access the map at http://GIS.JohnsCreekGA.gov/Maps/RoadInfo.html Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Chamber regional issues group to meet

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Regional Issues Advisory Council will hold its quarterly meeting from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. May 16 at the city of Woodstock’s Magnolia Hall, 108 Arnold Mill Road. The session will focus on an update of the 2014 state legislative session by the Cherokee County legislative delegation. More information and to RSVP: cherokeechamber.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Master Gardeners to hold workshops

The North Fulton Master Gardeners will host a class on pruning and maintaining shrubs and roses at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Alpharetta Engineering and Public Works building, 1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta.

The class is free and open to the public. Another class will be held at 7 p.m. June 3 at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell.

Information: www.nfmg.net

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Young author at Sandy Springs library

The author of “Tripp McQueen,” a book inspired by a Barrow County boy who is recovering from a traumatic brain injury, will sign copies of the book 3 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library’s Sandy Springs branch, 395 Mount Vernon Highway NE.

Madison Maya Jayanna of Safety Harbor, Fla., was 7 when she wrote the book for Tripp Halstead.

Tripp was 2 when a large tree branch fell on his head as he was playing at a Winder day care center, critically injuring him.

Tripp and his family will also be at the book event.

Information: www.supportgfc.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Teen shelter launches fundraising campaign

A Forsyth County shelter for abused, neglected and troubled teenage girls is launching a $100,000 capital campaign to help complete a planned new building adjacent to their existing facility.

The new building will contain administrative and counseling offices, a conference room and a recreation area. Executive Director Amber Black says $273,000 has already been raised and that the current fundraiser’s proceeds will go to finish out the building “shell” and provide for furniture and utilities. The campaign is set to wrap up June 30.

Information and to donate: jesseshouse.org or amberblack@jesseshouse.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Residential, retail complex plans proceed

A new mixed-use development to be built across from the Edgewood Retail District will comprise 285 apartment units and 16,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

Atlanta-based firm Crim Development Inc. said construction of Elan apartments, built on 4.5 acres along Moreland Avenue, will begin in the fall. Crim and Associates Inc. will own the retail space and will be responsible for all retail leasing. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Memorial gazebo, library to be dedicated

Collier Hills residents will dedicate a memorial gazebo and book exchange library 5 p.m. Sunday at Louise G. Howard Park, Overbrook Drive at Collier Road.

The gazebo will be dedicated the Tracy Downer Pavilion, in memory of a Collier Hills resident who died in a motor vehicle accident in 2012. The Little Free Library will serve as a permanent free book exchange for adults and children. Kent A. Miles

Event to bring mothers, daughters together

TeenAngels Society Inc. will host an event for mothers and daughters at 11 a.m. May 17 at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Croc Corps Community Center, 967 Dewey Street SW.

The event is part of a global initiative called the Be MAD (Mothers and Daughters) Movement that encourages mothers to to boost their daughters’ confidence and elevate their self-esteem.

Information: www.madinga.eventbrite.com or www.teenangelsrock.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

CAU philharmonic kicks off spring tour

The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society will perform in Richmond, Va., as a part of its 2014 Spring Tour, “See Yourself in a Whole New World.” Under the direction of Dr. Curtis Powell, the choir will participate in a five-city tour.

The university will host free information sessions for prospective students and their parents with participation from CAU student leaders, admissions officers and alumni at each stop.Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

New speed limit official on Sycamore

Decatur’s commission approved a 30 mph residential speed zone on Sycamore Drive from East Ponce de Leon Avenue to the city limits just north of Forkner Drive. Signage should go up next week and police can issue citations at one mph over limit.

The change – Sycamore was previously 35 mph – was driven by neighborhood residents, but is part of the city’s ongoing effort of applying uniform speeds to many residential streets. Bill Banks for the AJC

Cyclist struck, remains hospitalized

A 26-year-old woman bicyclist was struck by a vehicle shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday on West Ponce de Leon Avenue just west of downtown Decatur. According to Decatur police she was struck from behind while attempting to make a left turn onto Waters Street.

The bicyclist remains hospitalized at an area hospital, but her injuries no longer appear life threatening. Charges are pending against the driver of the vehicle. Captain Scott Richards said police still aren’t releasing names of the persons involved, and declined to say whether the cyclist was wearing a helmet Bill Banks for the AJC

Food trucks returning to Brookhaven

Starting this Wednesday Brookhaven will against host a weekly food truck event this summer at Blackburn Park.

More than 12 trucks will attend the events, which run from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through October. Limited seating will be available, so attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

April Hunt

Senior group raises $200,000

Senior Connections, a nonprofit that serves senior citizens , recently raised $200,000 for its operations at its recent “Senior Prom.”

It is the second year the group was able to raise that much in donations, used to offset cuts in government contributions.

The money raised translates into 40,000 additional meals the group can prepare or the ability to provide home-delivered meals to more than 130 new seniors for a year.

Information: www.seniorconnectionsatl.org. April Hunt

Community walk Saturday in Clarkston

The Global Village Project, a non-profit Decatur middle school serving teenaged-girl refugees, is hosting the second annual Connecting Communities Walk 10 a.m. Saturday beginning at the Clarkston Community Center, 3701 College Avenue, Clarkston. The 4.5 mile trek, mostly down the Stone Mountain/Atlanta PATH, finishes at Decatur Presbyterian Church, home to the GVP. All community members are invited. To register, become a sponsor, or donate, please visit www.uruut.com/projects/430 .

Bill Banks for the AJC

Class for awareness of pre-diabetes offered

DeKalb Medical is sponsoring a class for people who want to decrease their risk for diabetes at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 2701 N. Decatur Road, Decatur.

Visitors will learn about the pre-diabetes condition and how to make lifestyle changes to delay its onset. The cost to attend the class is $25.

Information: 404-501-9355.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Reward offered for tips about vandalism

Fayette County Commission Chairman Steve Brown is offering a $500 reward for information regarding alleged vandalism of a truck displaying one of his campaign signs. Brown says someone appears to have damaged the vehicle, which belongs to fellow commissioner Randy Ognio, in the Braelinn Village Shopping Center parking lot in Peachtree City last Saturday afternoon. Tips can be sent by texting “PTCTIPS” plus the information to 274637.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Applications open for junior police academy

The Fayetteville Police Department’s Junior Police Academy is accepting applications for its summer program, which runs July 28-Aug. 1.

Recruits must be in upcoming grades 7-10, and will learn first-hand about vehicle stops, crime scene processing and defensive tactics.

Applications are due June 2 and are available at the police headquarters or Bennett’s Mill Middle School.

Information: 770-461-4441.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette County offers summer internships

The Fayette County government is again offering summer internships to rising high school juniors and seniors.

The program will run July 7-Aug. 4 and offers career-related work experience through supervised community-based projects.

Applications are at www.fayettecountyga.gov and must be submitted by June 2.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Applications taken for youth commission

The Fulton County Office of Children and Youth is accepting applications for the Fulton County Youth Commission, a leadership program for future leaders.

Participants become familiar with how local government resolves youth issues and make suggestions for the best solutions. Deadline: May 23.

Information: Andre.Danzy@fultoncountyga.gov, www.fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-3099. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Rose Show coming to Fayetteville

The South Metro Rose Society’s annual Rose Show will be open free to the public 1 to 4 p.m. May 17-18 at the Fayetteville Church of Christ, 870 Redwine Road in Fayetteville.

Hundreds of flowers and arrangements will be displayed and judged, and experts will be available to answer questions.

The event also includes bouquet sales and a raffle.

Information: 770-631-3885. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Fayette kindergarten enrollment ends May 16

Enrollment for Fayette County’s public kindergarten program is open through May 16. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to be eligible.

Parents must complete the online registration form before bringing the required residency documents to the Welcome Center.

Information: see details under “Student Registration” at www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC