COBB
Former Powder Springs councilman dies
Former Powder Springs Councilman Robert G. “Bob” Bodiford passed away Sunday at the age of 91.
His memorial service was held Thursday at Powder Springs United Methodist Church next door to his historic house where he had resided for 57 years.
Bodiford and his late wife Jane had two children - Cobb Superior Court Judge James G. Bodiford and John Bodiford.
He also is survived by three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his second wife DeLane C. Browning, according to a Bellamy Funeral Home announcement. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Still Elementary to be ‘spruced up’
Still Elementary has won a $20,000 grant from Home Depot to spruce up its school. About 200 Home Depot employees will go to the school on Nov. 16 to spread mulch, paint the playground, build benches and picnic tables, prune the trees and complete several other projects. Jet’s Pizza, Mayfield Dairy Farms and Cobb EMC have also donated time and money toward the project.
Daarel Burnette II
Marietta Superintendent to hold ‘Coffee Talk’
Marietta City Schools superintendent Emily Lembeck will host a free community dialogue at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lockheed Elementary School.
The “Coffee Talk” gives community members an opportunity to have an informal discussion with the superintendent.
Information: 770-422-3500, ext. 231. Daarel Burnette II
Halloween donations needed for seniors
Cameron Hall Assisted Living, 240 Marietta Highway, Canton is in need of old costume jewelry, candy and pumpkins. The senior living community will host a resident costume contest, trick or treating with friends and a Halloween party on Wednesday.
Information: 770-720-0290. Kenneth Musisi
Zombie Walk Saturday on Marietta Square
The Marietta Zombie Walk will be 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. The walk will benefit MUST Ministries, a non-profit that helps low-income families in Cobb and Cherokee Counties. MUST asks participants to bring canned food for the food pantries. Information: Mariettazombiewalk.org. Kenneth Musisi
Canton hosts Great Pumpkin Festival
The Great Pumpkin Festival will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Cannon Park in Canton. Trick or treating will be at 1 p.m. followed by a kid’s costume contest and parade at 2 p.m. The event will have music, hayrides, a bounce house, face painting and games. Information: Ginger at 770-704-1548 or www.cantonhdl.com. Kenneth Musisi
‘Gullah Tales’ writer/director to host viewing
Writer and director of “Gullah Tales,” Gary Moss, will present the film from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College St. The film explores the culture and history of the inhabitants of the South’s Low Country. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. for the free event.
Information: Cate Kitchen, 678-421-2049 or ckitchen@norcrossga.net. Mea Watkins
GWINNETT
Partnership Gwinnett to honor local companies
The Partnership Gwinnett economic development program is accepting nominations for its 2013 Movers and Makers Awards, which honor Gwinnett County’s top supply chain and manufacturing companies.
Applications will be assessed on the companies’ economic impact, corporate responsibility, workforce excellence and other factors. Recipients will be honored in March.
Applications and more information are available at www.moversandmakersawards.com. The deadline is Jan. 20.
David Wickert
Suwanee to hold “Trek or treat” event
The City of Suwanee will hold its annual ‘Trek or Treat’ event 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdayat Suwanee Creek Park, 1170 Buford Highway. The free event, geared toward children 10 and under, will feature a costume parade, face painting, food, games, crafts, a pumpkin hunt and a DJ.
For events and activities for older children and adults, visit www.terroronthetrail.com. Mea Watkins
Muslim celebration to focus on gratitude
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community invites the public to attend its celebration of Eid al-Adha, Islam’s most important holiday, at 11 a.m. today at Lucky Shoals Park, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross. Eid al-Adha is celebrated to remind Muslims of the importance of sacrifice, submission, and gratefulness to God. Kenneth Musisi
Lilburn hosts ‘gruesome’ Halloween festivities
City of Lilburn will host its first Gruesome Greenway & Halloween Hayride event 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at City Park. The Camp Creek Greenway will be converted to a spooky trail, featuring scary scenes staged by local students. Activities at the free event will include a hayride, pumpkin decorating contest, kids’ costume contest, creepy critters petting zoo, and Halloween treats. Kenneth Musisi
Republicans promote Saturday voting
The Gwinnett County Republican Party will celebrate “family voting day” with a tour of satellite voting locations Saturday.
Voters can cast their ballots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at various locations. U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall of Lawrenceville and other local Republicans will tour several locations. They will stop at 9 a.m. at the Gwinnett Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway; at 10 a.m. at the Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Road; and at 11 a.m. at George Pierce Park Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee.
Information on early voting, visit www.gwinnettelections.com. David Wickert
Duluth hosts Halloween on the Green
City of Duluth will host Halloween on the Green 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday in downtown Duluth. The family friendly event will have three special performances by the Laughing Pizza Family band, and the Atlanta Circus Camp. Showtimes are 1:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is free with a canned food donation for the local food bank. Information: www.duluthga.net.
Kenneth Musisi
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth considers changing brewpub law
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners plans a public hearing at 5 p.m. Thursday at the County Administration Building on changes in the county alcohol ordinance governing brewpubs.
The switch would allow the pubs to sell beer to licensed wholesalers for resale to retailers.
Brewpubs would still not be allowed to sell packaged alcohol on-site for consumption elsewhere.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Saturday voting in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek
Fulton residents who are too busy to cast ballots during the work week can vote on Saturday at six early voting centers throughout the county. “Family Voting Day” lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and children who tag along can vote in a mock election for their favorite cartoon character.
In north Fulton, Saturday voting is offered at the North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 232, Sandy Springs; and the Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Information: 404-730-7020. Johnny Edwards
Possible rabid fox put down in Forsyth
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office says a possible rabid fox that had been acting aggressively in the Hampton subdivision in north Forsyth was put down and disposed of by a resident recently. Officials were thus not able to determine if the fox was infected. Residents who may have encountered that or other suspicious animals should call animal control at 770-781-2105.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Group schedules electronic recycling event
Keep Forsyth County Beautiful is sponsoring an electronics recycling event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Cumming Fairgrounds’ lot 3 off of Castleberry Road. The minimum donation per carload drop-off is $5. An additional $10 fee will apply for all televisions.
Information: www.forsythco.com; 770-205-4573. Patrick Fox
Elections board weighs candidate’s eligibility
The Cherokee County Board of Elections meets Wednesday to determine whether District 3 Board of County Commissioners candidate Brian Poole is qualified and eligible to hold office. Several Cherokee residents have challenged Poole’s eligibility, alleging he failed to pay state and local taxes in Alabama. Poole won the July 31 Republican Primary, and faces no Democratic opposition Nov. 6. The hearing is set at 10 a.m. at the Cherokee County Administration Building.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Safe Kids Cherokee County to host kids events
Safe Kids Cherokee County will be hosting their annual “Moonlight Madness” event at local Kroger stores: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at 8020 Cumming Highway, Canton; and 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 2295 Towne Lake Parkway No. 132, Woodstock.
Children will participate in games, enjoy treats and learn about safety. Information: 678-493-4343 or www.cherokeesafekids.org. Kenneth Musisi
ATLANTA
Food Truck for Dogs comes to Atlanta
Chef Michael’s will be hosting a Food Truck for Dogs 2 to 7 p.m. today at the Atlanta Food Truck Park, 1850 Howell Mill Rd.
The first 100 pet owners to visit will receive a complimentary meal for themselves (up to $10) at one of the participating food trucks. Pet-inspired activities and Chef Michael’s samples are part of the event.
Information:
Kenneth Musisi
Program to focus on water resources
Smart Water Grid and Georgia Water Wise Council will present a program, “Smart Water Solutions for Atlanta,” 10:30 a.m. today at AT&T Midtown Two Auditorium, 725 W. Peachtree St.
The featured speaker is business journalist Charles Fishman, author of The Big Thirst.
Following the speech, a panel of regional water resource experts will discuss the global and local impact of dwindling supply. Patrick Fox
University to co-sponsor lymphedema awareness
Lighthouse Lymphedema Network and Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University are sponsoring the 15th State of Georgia Lymphedema Education and Awareness Program 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree St., N.E. Registration fee is $65 for health care professionals and $50 for patients, caregivers, family members and other attendees. Information: http://lighthouselymphedema.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Kidney Fund to provide free kidney health screenings
In honor of Kidney Action Day, the American Kidney Fund will provide free kidney health screenings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Grady High School, 929 Charles Allen Dr.
The event will also feature fitness and cooking demonstrations, food samples, entertainment and other family activities.
Information: http://www.kidneyfund.org/.
Veronica Fields Johnson
DEKALB
Animal shelter offers adoption special
DeKalb County Animal Services has launched an ongoing “Black Friday” event that discounts black animals up for adoption.
Black pets are the least likely to be adopted, contributing to the high euthanasia rate at the shelter on Camp Road near Memorial Drive and I-285.
Fees for black animals will be $40 on Fridays, a discount of 36 to 57 percent, depending on the gender and type of pet.
Information: www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com. April Hunt
Panola Slope to host food fest
Panola Slope, a new development in south DeKalb, will host a Food Truck Festival noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the mixed-use community, 5600 Covington Highway.
The two-day event will feature trucks from around the Atlanta area in the 10-acre community. Development began earlier this year after being stalled since 2007.
The event is free and open to the public. April Hunt
Free big-band dance returns to Northlake Mall
The monthly big-band dance returns l6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Northlake Mall, he mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road, Tucker.
The Atlanta-New York Connection provides the music at the free event held in the mall’s food court. April Hunt
Synagogue conducting “food stamp challenge”
Members of Congregation Beth Shalom in DeKalb County are taking part of a national challenge to limit the cost of meals to only what would be covered from federal food stamps.
The Food Stamp Challenge also encourages others in the community to live on $1.50 per meal or $31.50 for a week’s food. The event, which runs from Nov. 11 to Nov. 17, is designed to draw attention to the 15 percent of Americans who live below the poverty line.
A social action Shabbat, which is open to the community, will discuss the issue.
Information: 770-399-5300 or office@bshalom.net. April Hunt
Auction to benefit reconstructionist synagogue
Congregation Bet Haverim, a synagogue founded by gays and lesbians and now open to all Jews, will host its annual auction early next month in DeKalb County.
The live auction, which features travel packages and artwork, will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1911 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta.
Tickets are $36 in advance and $40 at the door and include complimentary food and beer and wine in addition to the auction and a live show.
Information/tickets: 404-875-5881 or www.congregationbethaverim.org. April Hunt
DeKalb offering alternative to door-to-door Halloween
DeKalb County is hosting two nights of treats, spooky stories and other activities as an alternative for parents who don’t want children trick-or-treating.
The Field of Screams nights will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Wonderland Gardens, 3171 Rainbow Dr.
In addition to ghost stories and a short play, the evening includes a treat bag for all children accompanied by a parent at the outdoor theater.
Information: 404-687-2751.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Feedback sought on needs of Fulton seniors
Fulton County’s Office of Aging is holding focus groups for seniors and their caregivers to give feedback on programs and service needs. The effort stems from findings of the county’s State of Seniors Survey, conducted in April and May, which found transportation was the most often-reported need.
“Join the Conversation” meetings will be held today at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church St., East Point, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. Information: 404-613-6000. Johnny Edwards
New director at Henry senior services
Diane Reed has been named director of Henry County Senior Services, succeeding Susan Craig, who is retiring today.
Reed has been with the department 22 years, most recently as program coordinator.
Craig, who has been with the county since 1985, was interim county manager for a brief period in 2002 and spent eight years as county clerk before becoming senior services director in 2007.
Moroe Roark for the AJC
Red Ribbon ceremony set
East Point is staging a Red Ribbon ceremony presented by the East Point Police Department noon-4 p.m. Saturday at the Law Enforcement Center, 2727 East Point St.
The “Say No to Drugs” event features free activities for kids.
John Thompson for the AJC
Hapeville staging photo exhibit
Hapeville’s Norton Arts Center is hosting a photography exhibition event 1 - 7 p.m. Saturday at 781 N. Central Ave., Hapeville.
The event is in conjunction with Atlanta Celebrates Photography and features an exhibition titled “Over a Century of Things Changing and Things Staying the Same.”
Information: Charlotte Rentz 404-766-3004.
John Thompson for the AJC
Fayetteville getting spooky Saturday
Downtown Fayetteville will host a safe Halloween family fun day on Saturday.
Market Day will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with nearly 100 vendors.
Children with or without costumes can enjoy hay rides and train rides, face painting and a variety of games during the Pumpkin Festival.
They can also go trick-or-treating door to door at downtown businesses 3 to 4 p.m.
The Rotary Club will host a costume contest for dogs at 2:30 p.m. Register for the dog costume contest at RotaryFayettevilleGa.com.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Festival planned for special-needs families
The fifth annual Fall Festival for Special Needs Families, sponsored by the Henry County Parks & Recreation Department and People First of Henry County, is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Nash Farm in Hampton.
There will be dozens of activities for all ages.
This is a family social that all special-needs families are invited to enjoy free of charge.
Registration: Davina Ford at (770) 288-7291 or to Connie Dodgen at peoplefirstofhenrycounty@yahoo.com.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
