County by county news for Friday

Residents in the Six Flags Drive area are invited to a meeting Saturday to discuss the community’s future.

Cobb County has applied with the state for the area to be designated an Opportunity Zone, allowing businesses that develop in the area to qualify for tax credits.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Destiny World Church, 7400 Factory Shoals Road in Austell. Childcare will be provided.

Information: 770-428-2601, ext. 227 Janel Davis

Flash mob promotes hunger awareness

A Marietta kindergarten teacher expects up to 500 people at a flash mob dance she’s organizing to increase hunger awareness and food supplies at three MUST Ministries food pantries. The group will dance to a Twisted Sister song, “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Nikki Clotfelter, teacher of the year at Hickory Hills Elementary School, had 500 responses to requests on Facebook and 100 showed up for a rehearsal last week. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Rep. Scott to hand out scholarships

Ten Atlanta area students will get scholarships from Congressman David Scott and Alfredia Scott on Monday at his Smyrna office. Students are Davis Nguyen (Yale University), Chelsea Walker, (University of Georgia), Clayton County; Darnell Bunch II (Auburn University), Chassity Hogan (Agnes Scott College),Jared Loggins (Morehouse College), Cobb County; Tyler Daniel (Georgia Southern U.), Douglas County; Riana Burney (Georgia Tech), Rekeyia Sherrell (Howard U.)and Malik Wilson (Georgia Gwinnett College), Fulton County; Kwardel Lewis (UGA), Henry County. Tammy Joyner

Survey: Cobb school noted for music ed

Cobb County Schools was named one of the nation’s 179 best communities for music education, according to a survey by the NAMM Foundation and the American Music Conference. DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett also made the 2011 list. Jaime Sarrio

Six Flags gives discounts for school donations

Six Flags Over Georgia fans can give back, and have fun doing so Aug. 8-12. Park visitors who donate six new school supplies will get a coupon valid for 50 percent off park admission. Suggested donations include pencils; erasers; crayons; spiral notebooks; glue sticks; rulers; pocket folders and broad tip markers. The event is co-hosted by Kids In Need, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Info: 770-948-9290. Laurie Hoffman

GWINNETT

Buford woman drowns in Lake Lanier

A Buford woman drowned in Lake Lanier Wednesday night, Hall County authorities said.

The woman, identified as Mary Elizabeth Davidson, lives on Samoa Way in Buford, according to the Gainesville Times.

She was reported missing around 9:15 p.m., Hall County Fire Chief David Kimbrell said. She had last been seen on a dock.

Searchers found her body about 10 p.m., he said. Kimbrell said the death will be investigated by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. Staff reports

Expect Ga. 316 lane closures tonight

Work on Ga. 316 near Sugarloaf Parkway will lead to lane closures tonight .

From 9 p.m. today to 7 a.m. Saturday crews will resurface the highway eastbound from Herrington Road to Sugarloaf. The contractor will close two lanes at a time to remove and replace old asphalt and stripe the lanes. Delays are expected and will likely impact northbound I-85 traffic. David Wickert

Better Than Ezra headlines rock fest

Alternative rock trio Better Than Ezra will headline Suwanee’s Rock and Jock festival on Aug. 13.

Admission is free and will serve as a pep rally for local high school sports teams. The festivities are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at Suwanee’s Town Center Park.

Musical performances will begin at 6 p.m. with the Gasoline Bros. Ingram Hill will take the stage at 7 p.m. Better Than Ezra is scheduled to start their performance at 8 p.m. Joel Anderson

Brown bag concert at Historic Courthouse

Gwinnett County will host a brown bag concert from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.

Aire Flamenco will perform. The event also will feature crafts, face painting and other activities. For information call 770-822-5450. David Wickert

Church helps with back to school shoes

Fresh Start Church in Duluth is teaming up with Finish Line at the Mall of Georgia to give away new back to school shoes for kids.

The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. today at Finish Line in the Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. Use the mall entrance on the second floor between Dillard’s and Macys only.

Information: 770-239-1861 or visit www.myfreshstartchurch.org Kenneth Musisi

Duluth opens applications to L.E.A.D.

Duluth residents are invited to apply for a six-week program that will teach them about the city’s operations, services and overall function.

L.E.A.D. (Learn, Engage, Advance Duluth) will start Sept. 20 and run through Oct. 25. Classes will be held every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Applications are available at www.duluthga.net and City Hall. The deadline is Aug. 24.

Information: Alisa Williams at awilliams@duluthga.net or 678-475-3506. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Entrepreneur adds fuel to Sandy Spring ZIP battle

There is a new wrinkle in the Sandy Springs ZIP code battle. A business owner in 30092 wants to tout her business as being in Sandy Springs, but the post office, nor city literature, recognize her ZIP code as Sandy Springs. A form letter to business owners, written by Mayor Eva Galambos, asking them to embrace Sandy Springs as their place of business lists a number of ZIP codes that start with 303, but not 30092, entrepreneur Susan Jacobs Meadows told the city council Tuesday. Galambos said the city would contact the postmaster to see what can be done. Michelle E. Shaw

Cherokee school enrollment up

The Cherokee County school board has released the day three enrollment numbers for all Cherokee County Schools.

Day three enrollment saw 38,385 students. This is a 218 student increase from last year’s day three enrollment. There have also has been an increase of 573 students since the first day of school. Despite the increase, the school system has not reached its projected 39,336 enrollment. Information: cherokee.k12.ga.us Elise Hitchcock

Cherokee approves school budget for 2012

The Cherokee County Board of Education has approved the budget for fiscal year 2012.

The board unanimously decided on a $527 million budget-$100 million less than last year.

The budget does not include a property tax increase, but does require teachers to take furlough days. Information: cherokee.k12.ga.us

Elise Hitchcock

Woodstock church goes Broadway Aug. 19-21

A little bit of Broadway is coming to First Baptist Church Woodstock.

First Baptist Church Woodstock Chapel Theater will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Aug. 19-21. Show times are 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 6 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free.

The church is at 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock.

Info: 770-926-4428 or www.fbcw.org. Laurie Hoffman

BJ’s adopts a school, donates supplies

BJ’s will donate several “classroom wish list” items to Arnold Mill Elementary in Woodstock through its Adopt-a-School program.

BJ’s hopes this will encourage its members and those in the community to make donations directly to Arnold Mill Elementary School.

For a list of the school’s wish list: contact 561-998-1995. Kenneth Musisi

Students can putt for $10,000 scholarship

PGA pro Anthony Kim will share tips on the game with 200 area children Monday at the “Shot for College” scholarship contest and golf clinic at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek. The competition, sponsored by RBC Bank and RBC Wealth Management, is being held to coincide with the PGA Championship which runs Monday through Sunday at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek.

The event concludes at noon as one boy and girl will attempt a 20-foot putt for a $10,000 scholarship. If they miss, they will still receive a $2,500 college scholarship. Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Georgia Tech to hold commencement today

Georgia Tech will celebrate its 240th commencement today in the Georgia World Congress Center’s Thomas Murphy Ballroom. Mark Hay, the Teasley Professor of Environmental Biology, will address 900 undergraduates and graduate students.

Alumnus Ray Anderson, founder of Atlanta-based Interface Inc., will also receive an honorary degree at the ceremony. Misty Williams

Anti-obesity rally kicks off at school Sept. 2

The Georgia School Nutrition Association will kick off a year-long effort to promote health and fitness to students with a rally on Sept. 2, at a local high school. The event, which will include NFL Hall of Famer Franco Harris and the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders among other guests, is aimed at supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to combat childhood obesity. It be at 2:15 p.m. at R.E. McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road. Misty Williams

‘Living History Vignettes’ at Cyclorama

The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum will offer “Living History Vignettes” on Saturday, with museum consultant and living history interpreter Anthony Knight performing “museum theater” for the Cyclorama audience. He’ll focus on Robert Smalls, a slave who freed himself and his family by commandeering a Confederate transport ship.

The performance starts at 2:15 p.m. at 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., in Grant Park next to Zoo Atlanta. Information: 404-658-7625. Johnny Edwards

Open house at city’s rec centers Saturday

Atlanta’s Office of Recreation will host an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at each of the city’s 33 recreation centers to introduce the fall programming schedule.

The programs will range from youth sports and academic programs, to continuing education classes for adults and Senior Citizens. Each open house is free and open to the public.

Information: www.atlantaga.gov. Ernie Suggs

DEKALB

Pretrial hearing Monday for accused rapist

There will be a pretrial hearing Monday for a man accused of raping a woman in a DeKalb County Church Feb. 26. John Russell Carver is charged with 12 felonies, including rape, armed robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, burglary and possession of a knife during commission of a felony. Rhonda Cook

Stan Watson to discuss redistricting

Stan Watson, an at-large county commissioner in DeKalb, will host a meeting on redistricting in the county on Monday. Watson will update residents on the 2010 Census figures that are driving the new drawing of political lines in the county. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Monday at the Hairston Crossing library branch, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. April Hunt

Dunwoody launches resurfacing project

A major road resurfacing project has begun in Dunwoody on Roberts Drive. The project is scheduled to continue on Perimeter Center North on Monday. Roads involved in the paving project, which is scheduled to continue at least through October, include Meadow Lane Road, North Shallowford Road, North Peachtree Road, Peachford Drive, Peeler Road, Tilly Mill Road, Fleur de Lis Court, Hensley Drive, Holliston Court, Manhasset Farm Court, Trowbridge Drive, Ralston Court, Strasburg Court, Chateau Court, North Peachtree Court, Edison Road, Kingsland Court and Bentbrook Drive. Michelle E. Shaw

District attorney reaches out to seniors

The DeKalb County District Attorney will host a black-tie Senior Ball at 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the DeKalb Tech Conference Center on North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston.

A session with DA Robert James about precautions seniors can take against crime will kick off the ball, followed by a resource fair and music.

The free event is for all DeKalb residents aged 60 or older. To register: 404-371-4961 or cjbrown@dekalbcountyga.gov. To sponsor: ehburton@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Decatur to get sidewalks for Scott Boulevard

Decatur has struck an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to build sidewalks on both sides of Scott Boulevard. Decatur will acquire the right-of-way, while the GDOT does the actual construction, a project that’ll cost about $275,000 according to Deputy City Manager Hugh Saxon. The sidewalks will span the city limits, roughly one mile from Ponce de Leon Avenue to Willow Lane. Saxon said construction should be completed within a year. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur approves funds for cemetery

Decatur’s City Commission approved an additional $10,400 for renovating the city’s cemetery, which should be completed in November. Improvements include a new storm drainage system, stream and pond restoration, two new pedestrian bridges, walking paths throughout and extensive new landscaping. This is the fourth major upgrade in cemetery history, which dates to 1828 as metro Atlanta’s oldest municipal cemetery, and which includes approximately 10,000 graves. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Peachtree City needs volunteers for panel

Peachtree City needs additional volunteers to serve on its Planning Commission. One seat is up for renewal and an alternate will also be appointed. The Commission reviews conceptual and final plans for all city development, and provides recommendations to the mayor and City Council regarding zoning and annexation requests. Members must have lived in Peachtree City for at least six months and will serve a three-year term. Applications are available at www.peachtree-city.org and are due Sept. 2. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry commission approves road widening

The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved Aug. 2 a supplemental agreement to add $119,150 for design of the Fairview Road/Anvil Block Road widening, a designated special-purpose local-option sales tax project. According to county officials, the change is due to design changes to add landscaping and street lighting, enhance pedestrian safety and increase the length of the project, which includes the realignment and signalization of West Panola Road. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Hampton hosts model train event

The Mid-Georgia Model Railroad Club will display a wide array of model trains at the Hampton Train Depot Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. There will be craft and food vendors in the Depot park. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Sandy Creek educator publishes fitness book

Sandy Creek High School teacher and coach Douglas Pearson has taken his fitness program beyond the classroom for a new book.

Pearson’s job as the school’s Junior ROTC instructor and cross-country head coach was the foundation for “The 10-20-30 Life Wellness Plan: A Manageable Plan to Instill Healthy Living into Your Life,” which combines diet and exercise advice.

Pearson said, “I have seen this work in the classes I teach…and truly believe this book can help anyone who wants to get healthier.”

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Southern Belle Farm ready for fall season

Southern Belle Farm in McDonough is the place for some good ole’ Family Fun Down on the Farm. The farm will open its gates to the public for the sixth fall season on weekends beginning Sept. 17 through Nov. 6.

The Farm features pick your own berries and fresh produce, field trip and tours. Information: 770-288-2582 or www.SouthernBelleFarm.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

Mt. Carmel school media specialist honored

Chris Parker of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Hampton has been selected by the Georgia Association of Instructional Technology (GAIT) and the Georgia Library Media Association (GLMA) as the Library Media Specialist of the Year for the South Metro District. He will be recognized at the Georgia Council of Media Organizations conference in Athens in October and is a finalist for the Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year. Monroe Roark for the AJC