County by county news for Friday

Wilmont Williams of Fallwood Builders said he plans to build 25 to 29 story-and-a-half to two-story houses on nearly 5 acres to sell for $250,000 each by next fall.

This request had been recommended for denial 6-0 by the city’s planning and zoning commission.

Information: silverspringsvillage.org, fallwoodbuilders.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Participants invited for city’s 175th birthday

Powder Springs invites participants to celebrate its 175th birthday on Oct. 5 by entering a float or marching in the Powder Springs Day Parade, having a booth for promotional or fundraising activities and/or performing on the Big Stage.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/View/2314; 770-943-8001, ext. 307; ktpeterson@cityofpowdersprings.org; JRM Management Services, 770-423-1330 or jrmmanagement.com/. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Lake Allatoona clean up event planned

The annual Great Lake Allatoona Clean Up will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday. The clean up is sponsored by the Yamaha Marine Group and will cover 40 different areas around the lake.

A volunteer appreciation picnic will follow the event at the Riverside Park Day Use Area, located along the Etowah River near the Allatoona Dam, 513 Allatoona Dam Rd. S.E., Cartersville.

Registration required. Information and registration: www.greatallatoonacleanup.org. Mea Watkins

Powder Springs to outfit local arts center

Around $40,000 has been approved by the Powder Springs City Council to buy furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new Cultural Arts Center at the Coach George E. Ford Center and Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St.

Business Furniture Services, Inc. has been awarded the contract.

A public opening ceremony is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 during the city’s 175th anniversary celebration week.

Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Volunteers still needed for two-day service event

The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services'14th annual Gwinnett Great Days of Service volunteer event is Oct. 4 and 5. With registration set to close on Tuesday, there is still room to sign up and help. The event benefits local non-profit agencies that provide goods and services to people within the community who are struggling financially or emotionally and need assistance with basic needs. Projects range from painting and repairing buildings, stocking community kitchens and shelters, installing playground sets, cleaning up nature trails and more. Information: www.gwinnettgreatdaysofservice.org/volunteer Staff

Congressman to meet with seniors

Georgia District 4 Congressman Hank Johnson will host a Senior Meet and Greet 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at Snellville City Hall, 2300 Oak Road. This event will help seniors navigate through Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, IRS, and the Veterans Administration. Information: 770-987-2291. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Norcross to host cleanup, recycling day

Norcross hosts a cleanup and recycling day Saturday at Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. American Security Shredding will collect up to five boxes per vehicle 9 a.m. to noon. Electronics Recycling will dispose of cellphones, computers, etc. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center. Information: www.norcrossga.net. Veronica Fields Johnson

Duluth announces top dog candidates

Candidates for Chattapooche Dog Park's upcoming mayoral election are: Honey, a 4-year-old great Dane; Marley, a 3-year-old golden Lab; Moon Pie, a 1-year-old chocolate Lab; and Penny, a 3-year-old Lab/golden retriever. Voting ends Monday. The mayor will be announced 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Chattapoochee Pet Fest at Rogers Bridge Park. Information: parksandrecreation@duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Senior services to hold SPLOST meetings

Gwinnett is seeking public input on projects for senior services that could be funded by the SPLOST renewal referendum going before voters in November. Feedback from the meetings will help identify potential capital projects for senior services funded by SPLOST.

Gwinnett residents may attend any of these public input meetings: 10 a.m. Oct. 1 at Buford Senior Center, 2755 Sawnee Ave., 10 a.m. Thursday at Norcross Senior Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, 10 a.m. Oct. 4 at Centerville Senior Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road in Snellville and 10 a.m. Oct. 7 at Lawrenceville Senior Center, 225 Benson St. in Lawrenceville. Info: 770-822-8833. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Adopt-A-Road seeks volunteer groups

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and the Gwinnett Department of Transportation is urging more residents to join the Adopt-A-Road program to help reduce trash and illegal signage alongside county roads.

Information: www.gwinnettcb.org/volunteer or 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Alpharetta police seek shooting suspect

Alpharetta police are looking Timothy C. Pierce, a suspect who may have been involved in a shooting Tuesday.at Planter’s Ridge Condo complex. Pierce, 32, is 5-foot-10, 165 pounds and drives a silver 2000 Honda Accord with Georgia tag number PMC5633. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Officer's responded to the scene early Tuesday morning after receiving multiple 911 calls from residences. After arriving on scene, officers discovered a man who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Robert Lee

Forsyth to consider fee for county rec centers

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has set a public hearing on proposed imposition of recreation center fees for 5 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. Forsyth residents would pay $10 first year, $5 the next, non-residents $120, visitors $5.

It’s being called a security measure, as paid member badges would allow staff to know who’s using the facilities.

Information: forsythco.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Lanier officials schedule shore cleanup

The Lake Lanier Association and Keep Forsyth County Beautiful are teaming up for the 25th annual Lake Lanier Shore Sweep from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

Volunteers will be asked to report to one of 11 locations to clean trash and debris along the shore.

Officials say advance registration is not required, but it helpful in scheduling coverage.

Information/registration: www.lakelanier.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Electronics recycling event set in Cherokee

Cherokee County, Reworx and Waste Management are teaming up for an electronics recycling day from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Cherokee Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton.

Many items will be accepted for free, but there’s a $5 charge for CRT monitors and $10 for televisions.

For a complete list: Cherokeega.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists

The Alpharetta Library Branch will host the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.

The display features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists. Information: 770-740-2425 Veronica Fields Johnson

Free math tutoring available at library

Children in grades K-8 can receive free math tutoring 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays at the Ocee Library Branch, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek. Tutors will provide math instruction and students should bring an assignment or topic with which they are struggling.

Information: 770-362-8897. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Sheep, students create hiking trail

More than 100 sheep and goats were brought to Perkerson Elementary to eat invasive plants, making way for the school to develop hiking trails.

Now students will help design ways for the school and community to use the hiking trails. The animals were provided by Trees Atlanta, an education partner with Perkerson Elementary. Mark Niesse

Fundraiser Saturday to help Haiti

Food For The Poor's Dreams Across The Sea Gala is Saturday at W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th Street NE. Money raised will help deliver life-saving medical resources and clean water to Haiti. Cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 8 p.m. Local news anchor Brenda Wood will serve as mistress of ceremonies. Event highlights include live music and dancing. Information: 888-404-4248 or www.FoodForThePoor.org/atlanta. Nancy Badertscher

PTA fundraiser exceeds goals

Mary Lin Elementary raised $55,000 in donations this month exceeding the $35,000 goal during a fundraiser for academic and school improvements. The Home Run-a-Thon, sponsored by the parent and teacher association, encouraged students to celebrate fitness by running around a baseball diamond while donations poured in. Mark Niesse

Walk planned to benefit NF research

The first annual Atlanta NF Walk will be Oct. 6 to help raise money for Neurofibromatosis research. Participants will walk the 1.68 mile route and then be able to enjoy music, a raffle, games, food and more. The public is invited, as are on-leash dogs. It takes place at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr. Check-in is at 11 a.m., with the walk starting at noon. The goal is to raise funds for the Children's Tumor Foundation. The foundation's mission is to end neurofibromatosis through research. NF is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Register: www.nfwalk.org. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Head of faith-based initiatives at Emory

Shaun Casey, head of the U.S. Department of State’s new Office of Faith-Based Community Initiatives, will lecture on “Exploring Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy: Launching the State Department’s Office of Faith-Based Community Initiatives: at 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at Emory University.

The event will be held in Room 290, Psychology Building, 36 Eagle Row. Parking is available at the Peavine South Parking Lot, 27 Eagle Row.

Casey oversees the state's department's engagement with faith-based communities. Shelia M. Poole

Chamber hosting “Day of Service”

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce will host a “Day of Service” today as a way to give back to the community.

Participants will work with the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club to clean, paint and organize the facility. Volunteers are still needed for the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the club near Decatur.

Information: 404-378-8000. April Hunt

Grant to expand inmate mental health program

DeKalb County recently won a $200,000 federal grant to expand an existing program that offers mental health and substance abuse treatment to county jail inmates.

The $200,000 grant will pay for two case managers to work with inmates, in a bid to reduce recidivism stemming from their mental health issues.

County Sheriff Thomas Brown has long worked with the DeKalb Community Service Board on the treatment program, which was a key factor in winning the Bureau of Justice Assistance award. April Hunt

“5K Stroke Awareness Walk/Run at church

St. Philip AME Church Health Ministry hosts annual Rev. George Moore Sr. Stroke Awareness Walk/Run and Wellness Festival 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at 240 Candler Road. Registration: $25.

The festival will feature over 50 vendors focusing on traditional and alternative medicine, cooking demonstrations, fitness and exercise, and more. The festival is free and the proceeds from the race will be donated to local stroke associations in honor of Rev. George Moore Sr., retired Senior Pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church for 41 years.

Information: www.active.com or 404-371-0749. Sandra Marshall Murray

Former architecture juror to speak at Tech

Azim Nanji, a former member of the group that selects winners of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture will discuss the award at Georgia Tech’s architecture school 6:15 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.akdn.org. Ty Tagami

Pit bulls can be spayed or neutered for free

A new program at DeKalb County Animal Services will provide free spay and neuter procedures to pit bulls and pit bull mixes owned by DeKalb County residents. The Free Pit Fix program, funded by a private grant, aims to combat pit bull overpopulation and reduce the number of pit bulls euthanized.

Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com or DeKalb County Animal Services, 845 Camp Road. Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette parade to honor veterans

A parade honoring Vietnam veterans will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 28) in downtown Fayetteville. The “Heroes Homecoming” event starts and ends at the Justice Center at 1 Center Drive, and will be followed by speakers and music at the Southern Ground Amphitheater. Vietnam veterans from all areas are invited to attend.

Information: www.facebook.com/AHeroesHomecoming. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Poker Run to help build HOPE Park

Help Other People Excel hosts a Poker Run Saturday. Registration is at 9 a.m. for the 10 a.m. run at Cycle Nation of McDonough, 755 Industrial Blvd. The run includes a cookout, live music, raffle and car and bike show. Proceeds help fund the building of a HOPE Park for the disabled. Entry is $35. Register: www.ourhopepark.com/poker-run.html. Mea Watkins

Pumpkin sales begin in Peachtree City

Pumpkins go on sale noon Saturday at Fire Station 81 in Peachtree City, at the corner of Ga. Hwy. 74 and Paschall Road. This will be the only fire station selling pumpkins this year, but proceeds will benefit the entire Peachtree City Volunteer Firefighters' Association. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Town hall meeting set for Oct. 19

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will hold a town hall meeting at 9 a.m. Oct. 19, at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge. This month's meeting will feature a discussion on the upcoming election and several possible upcoming projects in the county. Special guest speakers include Janet Shellnutt, director of Henry County Elections and Registration, and Steve Cash of the Henry Council for Quality Growth. The meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Community meeting set for overlay district

Henry County’s Community Development Division is hosting a community workshop to obtain public input on the county’s development of design guidelines for the Fairview Road Overlay District. The meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 8, at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Rd. in Stockbridge.

According to county officials, this project will result in the establishment of design guidelines intended to encourage improvements in the design quality of residential and business districts in the Fairview Road corridor helping to encourage economic revitalization through the use of development and design standards.

The county is inviting residents to the meeting in an effort to solicit input on key aspects of the project. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Union City Fire kicks off cancer fundraiser

The Union City Fire Department is selling t-shirts in support of breast cancer awareness and education. Funds go to the Canton-based Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition. Price: $13 or $15. Information: demoore@unioncityga.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC