County by county news for Friday

The video explains how the CrossingGuard school bus stop arm safety solution works. It also highlights the role of law enforcement, penalties issued, and the importance of school bus safety.

The recent school bus camera installations were prompted by a fatality from 2009 involving an elementary school student struck by a passing vehicle as she exited her school bus.

Information: tinyurl.com/bqaubun.

Kenneth Musisi

Cobb police to host K-9 demonstration

The Cobb County Police Department will host a K-9 unit demonstration from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kennesaw Public Library, 2250 Lewis Street.

A team of expert police officers and dog handlers will give dog team demonstrations and discuss how police use their dogs to fight crime in Cobb County.

The free event is open to all ages. Register in advance by contacting Virginia Everett at everettv@cobbcat.org or 770-528-2524.

Kenneth Musisi

Austell accepts donation for garden

Austell City Council members agreed Monday to accept a $5,000 donation from the family of the late I. T. and Lodemia Terrell for the new community garden at 2736 Windy Lane at Edith St. named in their honor. City Council members also decided to maintain the five-acre garden with an $18,000 annual budget. The couple were Austell residents for 59 years and were community volunteers. Both Terrells passed away within the past year.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna honors veterans Sunday

Smyrna’s Veterans Day ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Brinkley Park, adjacent to American Legion Post 160 off Concord Road. The Smyrna Veterans Committee organized the patriotic tribute which will include music by the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band and speaker Col. Lee Ellis, a Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Smyrna changes daycare ordinance

Smyrna’s City Council on Monday amended an ordinance concerning daycare centers in residential areas.

The council decided day care centers will have to provide entrance and exit access off minor or major roads and not feeder streets.

The council tabled the daycare issue in July after neighbors complained about a proposed Oxford Academy expansion at a home off Church Road and Flagler Circle. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Emergency response training Sunday at mall

Multiple public safety agencies will be conducting a training drill simulating a shooter and mass casualty event 7:30 to 9 a.m. Sunday morning at Town Center Mall in Kennesaw.

The complex exercise is designed to help first responders practice security response, communications, Unified Incident Command and emergency medical response.

The road around Town Center Mall (Ring Road) will be shut down at 7 a.m. for the duration of the exercise.

Andria Simmons

GWINNETT

Berkeley Lake road repairs have begun

Crews have begun repairs this week to Lakeshore Drive and Little Ridge Road in Berkeley Lake.

Lakeshore Drive will be milled and cracks sealed in preparation for paving to be completed by week’s end.

Numerous potholes, tree roots and other areas of deterioration will be repaired and patched.

These repairs are not part of efforts coming later this year to reopen North Berkeley Lake Road.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

CID gets two new board members

Two new members have joined the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District Board of Directors.

Peachtree Corners City Councilman Phil Sadd and certified planner Michael Tuller were recently appointed to the community improvement district board. The Norcross-area district is a collection of commercial property owners who tax themselves to pay for road, aesthetic and other improvements.

Information: www.gwinnettvillage.com.

David Wickert

Junior League hosts attic sale fundraiser

The Junior League of Gwinnett & North Fulton Counties will host its first annual Community Attic Sale 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. The sale will feature great deals on toys, jewelry, clothing, household items, electronics, furniture, and more. Admission is free.

The Preview Party is 6 to 9 p.m. today. Tickets: $10 per person. Snacks will be provided by the Publix and Chick-fil-A in Snellville.

Proceeds support JLGNF’s mission to serve the needs of women and children in Gwinnett, North Fulton and Forsyth County. Information: jlgnfatticsale@mail.com or www.jlgnf.org.

Kenneth Musisi

Norcross teacher named top educator

Gwinnett County Public Schools has named Jay Nebel their 2013 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year. In addition to earning the school system’s top honor, Mr. Nebel, who teaches world history, was named the 2013 Gwinnett County High School Teacher of the Year.

He is the co-creator/co-sponsor of Norcross High’s Success Through Academic Rigor and Support program, which targets rising 9th graders needing additional support and is the school’s associate head coach for the Norcross High women’s basketball team.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sierra Club host talk on population growth

The Greater Gwinnett Group of the Sierra Club will host a discussion on the relationship between population and the environment at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lilburn.

Todd Daniel will explore problems and solutions in his presentation, “The Global Population Explosion - Here We Grow Again.”

Socializing begins at 7 p.m.

Information: Dan Friedman at dan3688@aol.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Milton seeks input on intersection project

Milton is seeking residents’ input on improvements to the intersection of Hopewell and Birmingham roads. Those interested in offering opinions can either enter them online or attend an open house 5 to 6 p.m. Nov. 14 in Suite 107E at City Hall which precedes a City Council work session.

The schedule includes acquiring right-of-way in mid-2013 with construction starting later that year. The completion date is set for late 2014. Information and to comment: miltonintersectionprojects.com/birmingham-road-at-hopewell-road.

Patrick Fox

Cherokee approves FY 2013 budget

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has approved the 2013 fiscal year budget for $189.5 million, a decrease of 0.2 percent from last year. An earlier version presented to commissioners two weeks ago was $193 million. Commissioners slashed several million off that number by cutting the budgets of three capital projects. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Open Mind Center offers Yoga for Charity

The Open Mind Center, a holistic wellness center, has announced Yoga for Charity will be 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays at 1575 Old Alabama Road, Suite 213, Roswell. All levels are welcome. Donations can be offered for the hour of rejuvenating yoga.

Proceeds go to Peace Across the Planet, a mission founded by Elements of Life to spread peace throughout the world. Information and registration: www.theopenmindcenter.com or 678-243-5074.

Kenneth Musisi

Students need cans for design competition

Canned food donations are needed for “Can Do Good,” a design competition aimed at sharpening architectural design skills. Students will build imaginative structures, made completely of canned goods 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at North Point Mall, 1000 North Point Circle, Alpharetta.

Donations will be accepted through the end of the week at: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Independence, Johns Creek, North Springs Charter, Northview, and Roswell high schools.

Mea Watkins

Cherokee firefighters host fundraiser

Cherokee County firefighters will host “Plott Trot” 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Publix, 1451 Riverstone Parkway, Canton.

The event will feature activities for children, food, live music, fire trucks, a silent auction, raffles, etc.

Proceeds benefit Keith Plott, a Cherokee County firefighter with medical bills due to complications with his new born son.

Information: Todd Mullins at 770-345-0234 or Clay Cloud at 678-448-2533.

Kenneth Musisi

Place of Forsyth’s food drive ongoing

The Storage Neighbor Fall Food Drive supporting the Place of Forsyth is ongoing through Tuesday at 3585 Hutchinson Road, Cumming.

During normal business hours, the public can donate nonperishable food items such as canned food, dry cereal, baby formula, evaporated milk, etc.

The Place of Forsyth County serves families with emergency basic needs.

Information: www.theplaceofforsyth.org.

Kenneth Musisi

ATLANTA

Renovation at fire stations underway

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Fire Stations 1, 10, 29 and 30 are undergoing driveway and ramp renovations.

During the renovations, Air 7 will temporarily relocate to Fire Station 11 and Mini Air 7 will temporarily relocate to Fire Station 34.

All other emergency equipment will remain in quarters. Officials said response times will not be affected. Renovations should be complete on or before Nov. 20. Kenneth Musisi

Vigil for Lung Cancer Awareness Tuesday

The Atlanta Chapter of Lung Cancer Alliance will host a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, S.E. as part of the National Shine a Light on Lung Cancer Vigil campaign to bring awareness and support for the disease, which is the leading cause of cancer death. Information: www.lungcanceralliance.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Culinary programs receive accreditation

The Art Institute of Atlanta’s International Culinary School has received programmatic accreditation from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission for four of its programs: bachelor of science degree in food and beverage management, diploma in culinary arts, diploma in baking and pastry arts and bachelor of science degree in culinary arts management, which also received an exemplary status recognition.

Mea Watkins

Do The Math Tour coming to Atlanta

Environmental writer and 350.org founder Bill McKibben is bringing his 21-city tour designed to kick-start the next phase of the climate movement to Atlanta with a show at Nov. 20 at Variety Playhouse.

Tickets and informaiton are available now online at www.math.350.org.

The “Do the Math” tour is designed to spark a fossil fuel divestment movement. Archbishop Desmond Tutu will appear via video to discuss a movement based on the divestment effort that helped end apartheid.

Andria Simmons

DEKALB

Decatur approves sidewalks projects

Decatur recently approved five sidewalks projects slated for 2013, which includes extensive repairs to four existing sidewalks.

The repairs are to Clairemont Avenue, from Michigan Avenue to the northern city limit, the Derrydown Way pedestrian bridge, Kirk Road from Avery Street to South Candler Street, and Maxwell Street from Oakview Road to Third Avenue.

The new sidewalk will be on Westchester Drive, from Scott Boulevard to Dogwood Way.

The total project budget is $150,000 and work should begin in early spring and finish by late June.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Chamber hosting legislative preview

Members of DeKalb County’s House and Senate delegations will be on hand at a legislative preview sponsored by the county’s chamber of commerce from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College.

The luncheon will offer an overview of pending topics before the General Assembly for chamber members and residents.

Cost is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Information: www.dekalbchamber.org.

April Hunt

DeKalb rape crisis center in jeopardy

A nonprofit organization that offers assistance to rape victims in DeKalb County is in jeopardy of closing.

The DeKalb Rape Crisis Center has already begun to stop accepting new clients because of lack of funds.

The facility counseled more than 600 people last year and gave hotline help to more than 1,500 callers.

However, center officials said the facility will close its doors by year’s end if it does not receive additional financial support.

Information/to help: 404-377-1429 or www.dekalbrapecrisiscenter.org.

April Hunt

Oral art of storytelling coming to Decatur

The Southern Order of Storytellers will host the 23rd annual Tellabration 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Friends School of Atlanta, 862 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur. The event will feature national story teller Andy Offutt Irwin and Georgia storytellers Betty Ann Wylie and Alice Henry.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. Limited tickets available at the door.

Venue opens at 7:30 p.m. and storytelling begins at 8 p.m.

Parking is free.

Information: 404-626-4453 or www.SouthernOrderOf Storytellers.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Two communities included in grant study

Two DeKalb County communities will be among those the Atlanta Regional Commission will study for helping older adults stay in the community.

The commission received a $150,000 grant from the Pfizer Foundation and Grantmakers In Aging. The goal is to create efforts to make communities more age-friendly and places where older adults can remain.

Avondale Estates and Tucker are among the communities being studied.

The others include two neighborhoods in Clayton County and the city of Morrow.

April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

East Point finishing economic plan

East Point’s Economic Development Department is finalizing the last details on the first Strategic Economic Development Plan.

The plan will give city leaders an objective assessment of the city’s competitive position in attracting businesses and identify opportunities within the city for specific industries.

They are hoping to present it to mayor and council by the end of this year.

John Thompson for the AJC

Education survey seeks public input

Fayette students, parents and teachers are being asked to participate in an online survey regarding education issues. The Speak Up National Research Project will distribute the results to local school districts as well as to national and regional conferences and entities.

The survey is open until Dec. 14 at www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2012; the access code is “fayette.”

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Veterans Day parade in Stockbridge

The city of Stockbridge will host a Veterans Day parade 10 a.m. Monday beginning and ending at the Merle Manders Conference Center. Registration and check-in begins at 9 a.m.

There will be a luncheon for veterans immediately following the parade. Registration is required. Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry adopts new mailbox law

Henry County commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s current mailbox ordinance.

Mailboxes made of brick, stone, concrete or other masonry will be prohibited on roadways where the speed limit is more than 25 miles an hour because they are dangerous to drivers and passengers if struck.

Such mailboxes erected before 1998 can remain until they are damaged or need to be replaced. Otherwise, those types must be removed or violaters face up to $500 in fines and up to 60 days in jail.

Wooden posts, no greater than four inches by four inches in diameter, will be allowed along with metal posts which must be hollow and no more than two inches in diameter. Information: www.hcpz.org.

Tammy Joyner

Meeting on airport noise set

Residents will have an opportunity to have their say on airport noise in East Point. The meeting is from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at the Jefferson Park Recreation Center at 1431 Norman Berry Drive.

John Thompson for the AJC

Fayette hospital gives diabetes advice

Piedmont Fayette Hospital and Fayette Senior Services are co-hosting a program to help guide healthier holiday season food choices for people with diabetes. The event will be held 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday at the hospital’s third-floor conference room. Admission is free but preregistration is required; call 770-461-0813.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Education survey seeks public input

Fayette students, parents and teachers are being asked to participate in an online survey regarding education issues. The Speak Up National Research Project will distribute the results to local school districts as well as to national and regional conferences and entities. The survey is open until Dec. 14 at www.speakup4schools.org/speakup2012; the access code is “fayette.”

Jill Howard Church for the AJC