Gwinnett
Schools honored for science, technology
Gwinnett County schools is a finalist in the Technology Association of Georgia's first annual S.T.E.M. awards. Gwinnett's School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology received the honor in the High School category for "inspiring students to become interested in STEM and incorporating the advancement of STEM education through an integrated curriculum and community partnerships," TAG announced. Edward Mitchell
Cobb
Alarms available for hard of hearing
The Marietta Fire Department is offering free fire alarms to residents who are hard of hearing.
The alarms, that connect to a regular fire alarm, emit a low-tone sound, flash the word fire on a bedside display and shake the mattress.
The department bought 270 alarms after receiving a $47,000 FEMA grant. Information: wwww.mariettaga.gov/fire. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Atlanta
Atlantan named Fire Chief of the Year
Chief Kelvin J. Cochran of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department was named 2012 Fire Chief of the Year by Fire Chief magazine during an international conference this month in Denver.
Cochran served as Atlanta Fire Chief from January 2008 through July 2009 before accepting an appointment from President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Fire Administrator. Cochran returned to Atlanta in May 2010 to join the leadership team of Mayor Kasim Reed's administration. He directs the operations of a $74 million department with 35 fire stations and nearly 1,000 firefighters.
The fire department has seen improvements in response times and reached a goal of four firefighters per engine. Jeremiah McWilliams
Save-A-Lot donates to Atlanta food bank
The Save-A-Lot Fuel Your Family Road Trip will make stops in 18 cities, including Atlanta, to spread the word about healthy eating and help others along the way.
Recently, the Road Scholars, ambassadors of the Save-A-Lot Fuel Your Family Road Trip, presented a $2,500 donation to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, plus 55,000 school supplies to Kids In Need, a free school-supply store for area teachers located at the food bank. Shelia M. Poole
Henry
Henry opens central parent resource center
Parents in Henry County now have a centrally located resource center to provide them with materials that focus on an array of classroom subjects and social issues like bullying.
The Henry County Schools Parent Resource Center is open by appointment at 61 N. Zack Hinton Parkway, adjacent to the Henry County Schools' administrative offices.
Assistance being offered to parents includes: reading and math support; time and stress management; cultural diversity; bullying and cyber bullying prevention; and computer access. Nancy Badertscher
Fayette
Peachtree City Library expands hours
With school now back in session in Fayette County, the Peachtree City Library has resumed its fall and winter operating hours.
The library will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday--Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
