Atlanta
Shrines celebrates Kwanzaa
A community celebration for Kwanzaa featuring presentations and cultural performances with dancers, singers and drummers, is ongoing at the Shrines of the Black Madonna, 960 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. SW. The events are: 4 to 7 p.m. today Nia (Purpose) and 4 to 7 p.m. Monday Kuumba (Creativity). Kenneth Musisi
Gwinnett
Representatives to meet residents
Gwinnett residents are invited to meet with state Representatives to share their concerns and issues 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Grayson Senior Center, 475 Grayson Parkway.
Rep. Brett Harrell (District 106) and Representative-Elect Joyce Chandler (District 105) will be there. Kenneth Musisi
DeKalb
SPLOST project breaks ground at new school
On Dec. 12, the DeKalb County School District hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Martin Luther King Jr. High for the $10 million building project that includes a major addition of 76,728 square-feet.
The building will house 18 classrooms, six science classrooms, four information technology labs, a family consumer sciences lab, drama room, art room and chorus room.
The project is funded by the one-cent tax, approved by voters in Nov. 2011. Kenneth Musisi
Old apartments to give way to senior housing
The abandoned Forest Heights Apartments at 1048 Columbia Drive will be demolished in January to make way for senior housing. Forest Heights, which occupies five acres a few blocks outside the Decatur and Avondale Estates city limits, date to the 1930s. The new apartments, with Columbia Residential as the developer, will include 70 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units. This is one of three housing developments in DeKalb recently approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for nine percent tax credits. Bill Banks for the AJC
Henry
McDonough hosts
New Year’s Eve event
McDonough will also host its annual Geranium Drop starting at 8 p.m. Monday on the McDonough Square. Tammy Joyner
Cherokee
Associate judges sworn into office
Cherokee County Chief Magistrate James E. Drane III and his staff of associate judges were sworn into office for the 4-year 2013 term by Chief Probate Judge Keith Wood on Dec. 21.
Judge Drane’s new team of magistrates consists of seven trial lawyers with a combined total of 121 years of legal experience and at least 20 years of judicial experience.
The team has judicial experience in the Magistrate, Juvenile, State, Superior, and Administrative Law Courts. Kenneth Musisi
Cobb
Foundation to host annual ball Feb. 9
The Cobb Schools Foundation will recognize alumni and community leaders at its first Leaders & Legends Ball Feb. 9 at the Hilton Marietta Conference Center.
The black-tie celebration will include special guests, dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
To reserve a table or help sponsor the event, contact Sheri Brante, the foundation’s executive director, at 770-426-3390 or sheri.brante@cobbk12.org. Daarel Burnette II
