County by county news for Saturday

For $50, 50 VIP tickets are available to meet the University of Georgia’s former head football coach and athletic director. General-admission tickets are $20.

Information: barbaraandvincedooley.com, hillgrovefoundation.org or 678-331-3961.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna groups plan Arbor Day Festival

Smyrna’s first Arbor Day Festival will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Smyrna Community Center. Keep Smyrna Beautiful and the Smyrna Tree Board will host the free, family event that will include children’s activities, pruning demonstrations and tours of the city’s arboretum. Urban Forester Joe Burgess will talk about tree selection.

Registration is required at 770-431-2863. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Gun safety seminar registration open

The Powder Springs Police Department will host a gun safety seminar at 7 p.m. Thursday at Tapp Middle School, 3900 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs. No firearms or weapons allowed.

Registration is required by emailing SSlay@cityofpowdersprings.org or calling 770-943-1616, weekdays, 8 to 5.

Information: Russ Davis, 770-943-1616. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Home school classes at Mable House center

Early registration ends Feb. 21 for home school classes at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.

Classes begin Feb. 27 with most ending on May 1.

Information: mablehouse.org/arts-center-classes.html or 770-819-3285. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Registration open for chamber expo

Registration is open for the 2013 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo, which takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 16 at Cobb Galleria Exhibition Hall D.

The event is expected to draw 1,600 attendees and will feature more than 150 companies showcasing products and services.

Information: jdudley@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2359 or www.cobbchamber.org/businessexpo. Jaime Sarrio

Kennesaw offers plots and gardening lessons

Kennesaw’s Smith-Gilbert Gardens at 2382 Pine Mountain Road will have a place for families to grow vegetables starting in April. The $150 fee for a 4 square-foot veggies plot includes 10 classes from April 9 to July 13 on vegetable gardening. Information: www.smithgilbertgardens.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Acworth plans new police headquarters

Acworth is taking bids through Feb. 26 for architectural and engineering plans for a new police headquarters that will cost about $4.75 million. Funding will come from the 2011 SPLOST.

The jail will remain at the current building. Tucker McQueen

GWINNETT

Residents may notice aerial survey markers

Gwinnett is acquiring aerial photography and survey ground control to update its Geographical Information System. Surveyors will place temporary black and white plastic targets, 10 to 12 feet high in the shape of a “V,” “X,” or “T” within the public right-of-way and other public access lands. Targets will be removed by mid-April.

Residents are asked not to disturb these targets.

Questions: Barry Puckett, 770-822-8031 or barry.puckett@gwinnettcounty.com; or Sharon Stevenson, 770-822-8033 or sharon.stevenson@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Get discount on water bill with garden class

Robert Brannen will teach how to choose a location, design, and build a rain garden 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. Attendees who live in unincorporated Gwinnett County or the City of Lilburn can qualify for a maximum 5 percent credit toward stormwater utility fees. Register by emailing name, address, and phone number to dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-376-719 and press 5. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn planning Relay Rally fundraiser

Organizers of the Lilburn Relay Rally fundraiser, a precursor to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, host a planning meeting 5:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 76 Main St. The April 26 event, which precedes the May event, is at Lilburn’s downtown City Park. The fair-style walk-a-thon attracts several hundred participants who take turns circling the park’s half-mile gravel path, lighted by luminaries commemorating cancer victims.

Information: Pat Swan, 770-923-6550. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Gwinnett Tech offers health tech certificate

Lawrenceville’s Gwinnett Tech is offering a new one-year Health Information Technology certificate program in response to the healthcare industry’s rapid changes in collection, sharing and storage of patient information.

The program is ideal for those with healthcare and information technology experience. Student applications are due Wednesday and classes begin March 4. Information: 678-226-6404, ebaggett@gwinnetttech.edu. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC

Popular school plans admission lottery

Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology is holding a lottery for 350 available seats for next fall’s freshman class at 7:30 a.m. Monday at the school district’s Instructional Support Center, 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W., Suwanee. Nancy Badertscher

Fitness and nutrition classes available now

Can’t get motivated? Join Ines Beltran, Cooperative Extension agent, to learn healthy cooking and eating habits while exercising and losing weight from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27 at Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road. Cost is $15 for seven weeks.

Registration: 770-985-4713. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Temporary trail detour at Cochran Shoals

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs will detour sections of the Cochran Shoals multi-use loop trail to ensure visitor safety during required maintenance of the Colonial Pipeline gas transmission easement.

The detour will be in place continuously Monday through March 11, and will affect a 500-foot segment of the upland (northwest) side of the trail beginning at the Columns Drive parking lot.

Information: 678-538-1200 or www.nps.gov/chat.

Kenneth Musisi

Historical society to host monthly meeting

The Alpharetta Historical Society will hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Mansell House and Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. Philip Young, author and founder of Golden Age Research, LLC, will discuss the importance of local historical societies and the use of historical documents, papers, collectibles, etc. to understand past major events. Information: 770-475-9995 or Harman_dempsey@msn.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Cherokee man hurt in one-car wreck

A 77-year-old man had to be extricated from his flipped-over vehicle after a Thursday afternoon accident on Ga. 369 in Cherokee County. The victim was rushed to North Fulton Hospital complaining of lacerations and pain after the one-car wreck. His name has not been released. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth Senior Expo scheduled for today

Forsyth County Senior Services is hosting the Forsyth Senior Expo 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College.

The Forsyth Senior Expo is a free event for senior citizens and their families and friends to learn about planning for the future.

The event provides information regarding a variety of topics, including health care, housing, finance, safety and security, recreation, and travel.

Information: Forsyth County Senior Services at 770-7810-2178.Meghan de St. Aubin

Roswell Green Expo seeks to educate public

The 2nd annual Roswell Green Expo will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at Hembree Park, 850 Hembree Road, Roswell.

The expo, which aims to educate the public about green practices, will include musical performances, speakers and educational sessions, a fashion show and a market with vendors.

A featured rain barrel workshop requires pre-registration at: www.keeproswellbeautiful.org. Free and open to the public. Information: www.roswellgreenexpo.org. Mea Watkins

Forsyth fire officials host poster contest

The Forsyth County Fire Department is calling on third-grade students to take part in a fire safety poster contest. The deadline for submitting original designs and artwork is March 15.

Three winners will enjoy a pizza party with their class and local firefighters. Information: 770-781-2180, ext 4028.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Discussion explores charities and churches

Bob Lupton, author of “Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How To Reverse It), will be the speaker 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Drive.

Lupton is the president of Focused Community Strategies Urban Ministries of Atlanta. His book examines how sometimes well-intentioned acts can make the people more dependent instead of learning skills to improve their lives. Reservations: 404-237-5539. Shelia M. Poole

Charity event helps prevent blindness

Prevent Blindness Georgia’s second annual “Tea to See” will be held 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Piedmont Driving Club, 1215 Piedmont Ave. N.E.

The event features teas, sandwiches and desserts. Cost: $50. Proceeds benefit Prevent Blindness Georgia, a statewide nonprofit that works to prevent blindness through several initiatives including vision screenings, eye exams and reduced cost glasses, public education about eye health and safety and vision screening training.

Tickets: www.pbga.org.

Shelia M. Poole

Public invited to community workshop

The city of Atlanta Department of Planning and Community Development hosts a free community workshop for the Lakewood Livable Centers Initiative 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Atlanta Technical College, Dennard Building Conference Center Ballroom, Building B, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, S.W. Information: www.lakewoodlci.com.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Aqua Blue holds benefit for girls group

Joseph & Friends Salon & Spa will hold a fundraiser event 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Aqua Blue restaurant, 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell for a nonprofit that mentors young women. “Along the Silk Road,” a night of dance, fashion, music and food, will benefit Atlanta SEEDS, which aims to boost self-esteem for girls ages 6 to 19 through dance. Cost: $25. Information: www.josephandfriends.com. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

Special needs students resources fair today

The DeKalb Council of PTAs and DeKalb County School District Family Engagement and Special Needs Committee are co-hosting a College, Education and Resources Fair for Students with Special Needs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the DCSD Administrative and Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain. The fair will feature sessions on student disability laws, what to expect as a student with disabilities in college and how to live a full and productive adult life. Jeffry Scott

Officers honored for job well done

The Dunwoody Police Department this week gave out its 2012 achievement awards for officers and employees that made an impact throughout the year.

Six individuals were recognized for Officer of the Year (Officer Kenneth Peck), Employee of the Year (Kristin Adkins), Marksman of the Year (Michael Cheek), Meritorious Service Medal (Officer Richard Heintz, Officer Aaron Belt and Officer Michael Cheek) and Rising Star Award (Officer Caleb Gilbert).

Andria Simmons

Polar plunge fundraiser held today

The Dunwoody Police Department will participate today in the 2013 Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Georgia at Lake Lanier Islands.

At 2 p.m., four officers will be taking the plunge in the hopes of raising raise at least $10,000. Additional registrants are still being accepted, with registration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Over 300 plungers are expected, some of whom will dress in crazy costumes.

Participants will receive a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt. Additional prizes will be given to those who raise $150 or more. Info: www.polarplungega.com. Andria Simmons

Children’s literacy event set for today

The Simon Kidgits Club at Northlake Mall hosts its free annual Book Blast event for children to love literature and learn with books starting 2 to 4 p.m. today.

Commissioner Stan Watson will present during the read-aloud session. Children can bring a new or gently used book for donation to the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library branch.

Information: simon.com/kidgits. Kenneth Musisi

Puppetry Arts passes available at library

The DeKalb County library now has free passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts Museum in Atlanta.

The “passport to puppetry” is available for checkout at the libraries and is good for up to four free museum passes. The passport also qualifies holders for a 25 percent discount to center performances.

Information: www.dekalblibrary.org or www.puppet.org. April Hunt

Little League signups through end of month

The Belvedere Little League will hold registration for baseball for boys and girls (ages 4-12) from noon to 4 p.m. each Saturday through Feb. 23 at Shoal Creek Park, 3640 Glenwood Road.

Register online at www.eteamz.com/belvederelittleleague2. Volunteer coaches are needed.

Information: 404-289-3073. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Henry commissioners make airport changes

The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to change the name of Atlanta South Regional Airport to Henry County Airport to identify it more directly with the county.

The county will seek to reserve the local identifier HMP to link the airport with Hampton, where it is located. The board also voted to terminate its contract with AvPorts for management of the airport’s operations and will be required to reimburse the company nearly $25,000 for expenses incurred during the contract period. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Sandtown softball still accepting applications

The Sandtown Girl’s Youth Softball Association has slots available for 8-, 10- and 14-and-under teams for spring 2013. The league in south Fulton’s Sandtown community competes at parks in Clayton, Cherokee, Cobb and Fulton counties.

Information: 770-354-0505; www.sandtownsoftball.org. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Fayette churches collec relief supplies

Two churches in Fayette County are collecting supplies to help victims of the recent tornado in Adairsville.

Donations of new small appliances, blankets, sheets, towels, glasses, dishes and yard tools are needed, as are toiletries, canned foods and dry or canned pet food.

Drop off donations by Friday at Peachtree City Christian Church or First Baptist Church of Fayetteville. Information:operationscfc@gmail.com or 770-460-8507. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Airline Road to close Monday for pipe work

Henry County officials announced that a section of the 2200 block of Airline Road will be closed Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to replace a pipe.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Workshop focuses on writing a business plan

A workshop on “Writing an Effective Business Plan” will be held 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Room 139 at Clayton State University’s Natural & Behavioral Sciences Building.

Topics will include telling a compelling and provocative story about your business, setting goals and key performance indicators, calculating profit and loss projections, and determining the cost of capital.

Information:www.georgiasbdc.org. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Hapeville offers recycling program

Hapeville is now offering residents a green option to get rid of rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Residents that want to recycle the products can take them to the city’s public works department at 3560 Perkins St. for proper disposal.

Information: 404-669-2110.

John Thompson for the AJC

Break week camp set for Feb. 18-22

The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a Mid-Winter Break Camp Monday through Feb. 22. Cost: $100. Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. for ages 5-12.

Information and register:www.hcprd.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC