County by county news for Saturday

Attendees will hear guest speaker, Martha Lanier, present The Power Of Choice: How to overcome Challenges and Manage Stress.

Lanier is a breast cancer and heart attack survivor. Proceeds Benefiting the Good Works of The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital. Information: 770-438-5233 or www.smyrnacares.org. Sandra Marshall Murray

Teen legal information at McEachern

The McEachern High School PTSA invites the community to hear attorney J. Tom Morgan discuss how Georgia law affects teens at 7 p.m. Monday at the McEachern Performing Arts Center, 2400 New Macland Road, Powder Springs.

The DeKalb County district attorney for 12 years, Morgan is a nationally recognized expert on the prosecution of crimes against children and author of “Ignorance Is No Defense: A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law.”

Information: IgnoranceIsNoDefense.com or 770-222-3710. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Regional band contest today

A Bands of America regional competition will be 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Walter Cantrell Stadium, McEachern High School, 2400 New Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Costs: $22 for a day pass for both preliminaries and finals, $14 for preliminaries or finals ticket, free for children 10 and under.

Information: musicforall.org/images/13_Reg_Ticket_Order_Form_FINAL.pdf. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Historic black church to host Herman Cain

WSB talk show host and 2012 Republican presidential contender Herman Cain, an ordained minister, will speak at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Old Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 731 Friendship Church Road, Powder Springs.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Brendan A. Jenkins, also was licensed and ordained as a minister at Antioch Baptist Church North with Cain. Information: oldfriendshipmbc.com, 770-690-0915 or 770-426-8577. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

TV host to speak in Powder Springs

Perry Stone, an international evangelist and TV host of “Mana-fest,” will speak 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. today and Sunday at Trinity Chapel, 4665 Macland Road, Powder Springs.

Free. Information: trinitychapel.org/contact-us, perrystone.org, info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Storytelling Festival at Mable House

A free Storytelling Festival will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, a Civil War-era house owned by Cobb County.

Attractions include pottery and weaving demonstrations, a hayride, panning for gold, arts and crafts, a farm animal petting zoo, pony rides , old-fashioned games and food. Information: MableHouse.org or 770-819-3285. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Peachtree Corners approves developer

The Peachtree Corners City Council has approved the Downtown Development Authority choice of Fuqua Development to develop the 20.6 acre site located on Peachtree Parkway across from The Forum shopping center.

Fuqua will develop a conceptual plan for the mixed-use development to present to the city sometime next spring. Peachtree Corners citizens will have many opportunities to provide input before the plan goes before the Planning Commission and City Council for final approval. www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Sadd schedules town hall meeting Tuesday

Peachtree Corners City Councilman Phil Sadd will host a Town Hall meeting 7:30 p.m. Tuesdayat Winters Chapel United Methodist Church, 5105 Winters Chapel Road. Issues include Nov. 5 election, 2033 Comprehensive Plan, trash collection contract, 2014 tax plan, code enforcement, the new municipal judge, and plans for the city-owned property on Peachtree Parkway across from The Forum. Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Widening planned for part of Buford Drive

Part of Buford Drive/State Route 20 will be widened from four to six lanes. The half-mile project from I-985 north to South Lee Stree will extend an earlier widening project from the Mall of Georgia to I-985 and will include turn lanes, curbs, gutter and sidewalks. The intersections at South Lee Street and Satellite Boulevard will receive upgrades, including pedestrian facilities. Work is to be completed by spring of 2014. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn celebrates veterans day

Lilburn will celebrate veterans with a recognition ceremony and ice cream social 2 p.m. Nov. 10 in Lilburn City Park. Bring worn, tattered, and damaged American flags for proper retirement. Lilburn VFW Post 12096 will provide this service free of charge. Information: www.cityoflilburn.com. Staff

Handel set to appear in Peachtree Corners

Karen Handel, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, will be at a “meet and greet” gathering in Peachtree Corners. She will be at the Atlanta Bread Company at The Forum, 4880 Peachtree Corners Circle 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Ron and Marianne Murray, the restaurant’s owner, and Ron and Gay Shook will be hosting the event. Several candidates are running to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss. Nancy Badertscher

Berkeley Lake dam repairs complete

Berkeley Lake’s dam repairs, necessitated by heavy rains and flooding in 2009, are complete. FEMA, GEMA, and Georgia Safe Dams will make final inspections Friday. The lake is now below full pool. The newly redesigned dam features monitoring wells across the structure allowing supervision of the ground water level within the dam, as well as a low level drain which can be opened to quickly and safely remove water Information: www.berkeley-lake.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Georgia DOL, American Legion sponsor job expo

The Georgia Department of Labor and the American Legion will sponsor a career expo for veterans and other job seekers from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the American Legion Post 201, 201 Wills Rd., Alpharetta.

Employers will hire on site or discuss current and future employment opportunities. Applicants should bring resumes and be prepared to fill out company applications and interview for available job openings. Information: Michael Kotler at 770-840-2200 ext. 161 or www.dol.state.ga.us. Veronica Fields Johnson

Forsyth OKs senior center alcohol sales

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners has approved a licensing mechanism that would allow third parties staging events at the county’s Sexton Hall Enrichment Center to sell alcohol.

Sexton Hall is one of three county facilities geared to older adult programs, and will be the only center to allow alcohol sales.

The provision was approved 5-0. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee school to audit 2011 spending

The Cherokee County Board of Education Thursday night approved, on a 5-1 vote, calling upon the district’s auditor for fiscal year 2011 to make a presentation the Jan. 16 meeting.

Board member Kelly Marlow and others have raised questions about the district’s money management that year. District officials say the independent auditor’s report for 2011 was “unqualified,” the best opinion possible. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Wrong-way driver caught in Cherokee

Cherokee County Sheriff’s officials say they arrested a wrong-way driver this week, with the public’s help. William Bently, 55, of Cartersville was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Ga. 92 near Bells Ferry Road Wednesday, nearly hiting two westbound deputies.

The driver of an eastbound wrecker then crossed over and boxed the suspect in.

Bently faces DUI, reckless driving and other charges. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Bus tour looks at Cherokee schools

The Cherokee County School District plans its first-ever bus tour for business and community leaders Oct. 29.

Get On Board with CCSD Schools! is set to give 40 leaders an inside look at three high-performing schools, showcasing the district’s educational record and inviting the community to increase involvement with the schools, including establishing more partnerships. Mark Woolsey

Welcome center hosts decorating event

Visitors to the Alpharetta Welcome Center, 178 S. Main St., Suite 200, will be treated to holiday decorating tips 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 7.

The Alpharetta’s Table event will include eight decorators with “table-scapes” featuring holiday themes. Free.

Information: 678-297-2811. Laurie Hoffman

ATLANTA

Interfaith Coalition to meet Monday

The Interfaith Coalition of Fulton County general body meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Fulton County Center for Health & Rehab, 4th floor, 265 Boulevard N.E. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested. Information: www.interfaithfulton.org or 404-613-1685. Veronica Fields Johnson

City council candidates to debate Thursday

Atlanta City Council District 5 candidates will participate in a debate at 6:30 p.m. Thursday10/24 at Israel Missionary Baptist Church, 2071 Hosea L. Williams Dr., S.W. The event is open to the public. Information:

Veronica Fields Johnson

Pre-K activities planned at Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is hosting Pre-K Week Monday through Friday. Admission is a discounted rate of $9 per person (one chaperone per 10 students required and admitted free). The giant panda mascot Zhu Zhu will be there. Activities include storybook readings and a private Wildlife Theater bird show. Nancy Badertscher

Army, 100 Black Men host youth program

The U.S. Army is partnering with 100 Black Men of America to offer a leadership training workshop for young men Oct. 26. at B.E.S.T. Academy. It will teach students about leadership qualities and instilling key values. Mark Niesse

Atlanta school board election forums set

Voters can hear from Atlanta school board candidates at three forums sponsored by 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

Each of the three forums will cover three of the nine Atlanta Board of Education races that will be decided on Election Day on Nov. 5.

The events will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, on Tuesday; The Temple in Midtown Atlanta, on Wednesday; and Cascade United Methodist Church, on Thursday. Mark Niesse

DEKALB

Doggie Day fundraiser to be held Oct. 26

The disABILITY LINK Doggie Day fundraiser is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. Animal lovers and advocates for people with disabilities will celebrate dogs as pets and workers. Information on service animals, independent living, disability rights and services provided by disABILITYLINK will be available. Pets and children are welcome. Free, but donations accepted. Sign language interpretation will be available. Information: www.disABILITYLINK.org or 404-687-8890. Veronica Fields Johnson

County to host food and music fest

The DeKalb International Food and Music Festival will be from noon to 6 p.m. today10/19 at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta. The free event will feature multi-cultural cuisine and entertainment and represent cultural groups from more than 32 countries. Interactive vendor displays, food samples, retail vendors and information on DeKalb County and Social Services will be available. Parking is free. Information: 404-371-3681 or klajoie@dekalbcountyga.gov. Veronica Fields Johnson

Decatur begins redrawing school lines

City Schools Decatur’s K-3 Attendance Zones Committee held the first of five meetings Monday as it begins redrawing boundaries for the city’s five elementary schools, counting Westchester which re-opens next year.

In setting guidelines for the committee, Thomas Sayre of the Sizemore Group explained that each of the five zones should have a walking route, and that each school’s enrollment will be determined by facility capacity, and by an equitable distribution of race, socio-economic levels and students who speak English as a second language. Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb to host event for waste disposal

Household hazardous waste can be disposed safely 8 a.m. to noon today at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Dr.

Examples of the waste to be accepted are aerosols, cleaners, paint, flammables, fluorescent lights, batteries, mercury and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include biohazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and nonhazardous waste. April Hunt

Lawmakers to host youth town hall

State lawmakers from DeKalb County will host a youth town hall Tuesday to help young residents voice their concerns.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, near Lithonia. April Hunt

Colorful 5K run scheduled

The Color Vibe, a fun run 5K company, will host a “colorful” run for all ages Nov. 23 in downtown Stone Mountain. Participants will be blitzed with a non-toxic, biodegradable color powder made of dyed cornstarch. A dance party will take place after the run. A portion of proceeds will go to the Stone Mountain Village Visitors Center.

Information and registration, visit www.thecolorvibe.com or email support@thecolorvibe.com. Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

Starr’s Mill student chosen for Macy’s band

Starr’s Mill High School sophomore Brian McKillip has been chosen to play trombone in the 2013 Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

He is one of 245 young musicians from across the country who will march in the 87th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28. He will also attend an educational leadership workshop while in New York City. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Henry school district maps up for review

Three maps showing possible changes in attendance lines are now on display for a 60-day period of public review and comment after action by the Henry County Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting Monday night.

The board is expected to vote on whether to approve the maps at its December meeting.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Volunteers needed for annual river cleanup

Volunteers are needed 10 a.m. to noon today to help clean up part of the Flint River at Swint Elementary School. The annual Rivers Alive Stream Cleanup is hosted by the Clayton County Water Authority’s Stormwater Management Section. Volunteers should gather at the school at 500 Highway 138 in Jonesboro. A short safety briefing will be done before the cleanup. Water authority staff members also will perform water quality tests on samples from the Flint as part of World Water Monitoring Day. Wear outdoor clothing and waterproof boots. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Details: log onto ccwa.us. Volunteers do not need to pre-register. Tammy Joyner

Healthcare seminar for seniors Oct. 30

Piedmont Healthcare, in partnership with Henry County Senior Services, is hosting a free healthcare seminar from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Heritage Senior Center, 1050 Florence McGarity Blvd. in McDonough. Attendees will learn information to help better understand the current challenges facing healthcare providers, tips for making educated decisions about healthcare, the impact of changes on community providers and the older adults who access services, and updates on Medicare options and the Affordable Care Act. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Trunk or Treat at Piedmont Henry

Piedmont Henry Hospital is hosting Trunk or Treat from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in the Foundation Education Center parking lot. Participants are encouraged to bring healthy snacks to share. Information: piedmonthenry.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Union City park to host fall festival

Ronald Bridges Park and Recreation will host a fall family festival from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the park, 5285 Lakeside Dr., Union City. Activities will include games, candy, prizes, train rides and a costume contest. The event is free. Information: www.unioncityga.org. Veronica Fields Johnson