COBB
Marietta backs redevelopment loan
The Marietta City Council approved paying a total $221,000 in interest payments for a city redevelopment agency loan with the Bank of North Georgia.
The city will pay the Marietta Redevelopment Corp. interest payments for the last 17 months of a 36-month agreement with the bank. The MRC, which is a separate legal entity from the city, spent a little more than $5 million in 2007 for property across Powder Springs Street from the Marietta Conference Center. The property is now appraised at $1.4 million and MRC owes about $3.9 million on the loan. Redevelopment is on hold until property values increase.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell Business Association meets
The Austell Business Association will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the City of Austell Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 165, Austell. Luncheon cost is $10 for members or $12 for guests.
Information: suiteassetsllc@gmail.com.
Information: austellbusinessassociation.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Mable House sale continues Sunday
The Christmas House Arts and Crafts Show will continue through Sunday at the Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Handmade items from more than 65 artists are available for sale. Also, a silent auction on items donated by artists and businesses will benefit the preservation of the adjacent Historic Mable House.
Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Acworth to hold a Dickens Christmas
Costumed characters from Charles Dickens’ book, “A Christmas Carol,” will be part of holiday event in downtown Acworth from 1 - 9 p.m. today. Activities will include an appearance by Father Christmas, musicians at the Depot on Main Street, horse and carriage rides and strolling carolers.
Information: Acworthdickensofachristmasyall.com.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Food, clothing pantry fundraiser today
Tickets are on sale for Cafe Noel, Christmas musical variety shows with desserts included, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. today at the city’s new Patricia C. Vaughn Cultural Arts Center, 4181 Atlanta St. behind the library.
Sponsors are Powder Springs First United Methodist Church and the City of Powder Springs. All profits will go to Christian Aid Mission Partnership, a food and clothing pantry in Austell.
Tickets: $20 at the door.
Information: svcamp.org or powderspringsfumc.org/community-events. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Aquatic center closed until early 2014
The reopening of the West Cobb Aquatic Center at 675 Macland Road, Powder Springs, has been extended to early 2014 for a new pool surface, roll-up door, metal roof and dehumidifier unit, and painting.
Information: prca.cobbcountyga.gov/Aquatics-WestCobb.htm.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Rain causes Duluth to cancel Winter Fest
Duluth has canceled today’s Winter Fest due to weather conditions.
With a forecast of 100 percent chance of rain the city felt the safety of performers, vendors and guests necessitated cancelling the event.
The city invites the public to join Duluth for New Year’s Eve events 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31.
Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Technology helps reduce holiday crime
In August, Norcross was the first city in the Southeast to implement Predictive Policing software that anticipates where crimes are likely to occur each day. Officials say crime was doen 15 to 30 percent in the past four months.
Information: www.norcrossga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth Giving Tree to benefit needy families
Duluth will present Winter Fest on the Duluth Town Green 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Entertainment will include performances by Duluth Idols, Miss Cindy's Dance Studio and The ALL STAR Performing Arts Academy. Donations made in exchange for an ornament at the Duluth Giving Tree will support Rainbow Village and Toys-For-Tots. Info: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners offers business guide
Peachtree Corners offers a guide to licensing, permitting and other information for businesses interested in locating in the city.
Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com to print the guide. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Center going green for the holidays
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center is encouraging visitors to get in touch with their “green” side and consider upcycling as a part of their holiday activities.
Learn all about upcycling at the Green Your Holiday Festival 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. today Participants will also enjoy science with Santa activities, tram rides around the center’s campus, viewing the Turtle Travels exhibit and perusing the Imaginarium Gift Shop for its annual Holiday Open House.
Admission: $5 for ages 13 and up and $3 for ages three to 12. Children 2 and under and GEHC members are free.
Pre-registration required for a $10 holiday wreath making class.
Information: www.gwinnettehc.org/.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Fire, EMS collecting heaters for seniors
Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is accepting new portable electric heaters for seniors to be distributed through Project AWARE.
Drop off donations at fire stations until Feb. 28. Monetary donations should be sent to Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services, P.O. Box 1680, Lawrenceville, GA 30046.
Information: 678-377-4150. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Early voting set for special election
Early voting begins Monday for the Jan. 7 special election to fill the vacancy in Ga. House District 22, and will run through Jan. 3. Voting through Friday will be 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Cherokee County Elections Office, 400 E. Main St., Canton and 8 a.m. to 4:40: p.m. at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main Street, Cumming. Voting is also set the weeks of Dec. 23 and 30. The election is to fill the seat of Rep. Calvin Hill, who died in October. Information: voter.cherokeega.com or forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Building teardown set in Sandy Springs
Preparatory work including perimeter fencing begins Monday on a project to tear down the former Target building at Johnson Ferry Road and Sandy Springs Circle, which the city of Sandy Springs purchased as part of the City Center redevelopment project.
Contractor Alternative Construction and Environmental Solutions will demolish the building on Jan. 6, weather permitting.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Gardening program seeks volunteers
The UGA Cherokee County Cooperative Extension Service is seeking applicants for the 2014 Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteer Program.
Applicants must have an interest in gardening, take part in an intensive training program and be willing to share their knowledge with the community.
Application deadline is March 31.
Applicant selection is set for May 1, with training in June.
Information: 770-721-7803. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth planning law enforcement academy
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for its first 2014 Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy.
The 10-week course starting Feb. 3 will cover such topics as constitutional law, traffic stops, use of force, and K-9 and SWAT demonstrations.
It’s open to all Forsyth residents, employees and business owners.
Information: 678-513-5880. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists
The Alpharetta Library Branch hosts the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.
The display features artwork in a variety of styles and media by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists.
Information: 770-740-2425. Veronica Fields Johnson
Woodstock Trolley will run this month
The Downtown Woodstock Trolley will run again in December, connecting residents and shoppers with businesses, restaurants and attractions.
The free-to-ride trolley will operate Friday through Dec. 22 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with additional hours Dec.23-24.
For a list of times and stops: whatsupwoodstock.com.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Four injured in school bus accident
Four people were injured in a school bus accident on Interstate 75 north at Howell Mill Road Friday morning. Police said a vehicle crossed three lanes of traffic and collided with the bus wihich was carrying Henry County students to the Governor’s Mansion for a performance. Four students complained of minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
The remaining students were returned to the school instead of proceeding to their choral performance. Parents were notified. Staff reports
City exempts manufacturers from inventory tax
The Atlanta City Council last week passed an ordinance to increase the freeport exemption for manufacturers and distributors to 100 percent.
The inventory tax exemption increase will remove the tax for certain classes of goods destined for shipment outside of the state, equaling exemptions in surrounding counties and cities.
The move will help the city retain manufacturing jobs while building the tax base and attracting new investment, according to Invest Atlanta, the economic development authority for the city.
Staff reports
Senior center to host New Year’s Eve event
The Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility, 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave., SE will host a New Year's Eve Celebration noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 31. The program will include food, fellowship and entertainment. Information: 404-523-3353. Arlinda Smith Broady
Museum hosts holiday bazaar
Hammonds House Museum, 503 Peeples St. offers jewelry, small works, CDs, books, prints, scuplture, ceramics, photography and more in its holiday bazaar of 1 - 5 p.m. today and Sunday.
Information: www.hammondshouse.org or 404-612-0481.
Arlinda Smith Broady
DEKALB
Decatur losing tree canopy
Decatur’s tree canopy, which covered 50.9 percent of the city in 1991, was down to 45.1 percent in 2010.
Catherine Fox, a leader behind Trees Decatur, believes the canopy's declined further, particularly in the last 18 months, making tougher tree-removal regulations more crucial. Earlier this year Trees Decatur produced a petition with 700 signatures, influencing the city to revise its tree ordinance, which hasn't been updated since 1989. The new ordinance's first draft is scheduled for presentation Jan. 6. Bill Banks
Donations needed for animal welfare group
LifeLine Animal Project is seeking year-end donations to its animal welfare work because gifts will be matched from a grant from Anisa International, an Atlanta cosmetic firm.
The firm will match all donations up to $25,000, to be used for the group to spend on low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, veterinary care and adoption of homeless pets.
LifeLine also oversees operations at both the DeKalb and Fulton county animal shelters.
Donations: www.LifeLineAnimal.org or P.O. Box 15466, Atlanta, GA 30333. April Hunt
Decatur to replace parking meters
Given a city commission vote, which should come Monday, Decatur will replace all of its approximately 300 downtown parking meters next February or March.
The meters will take cash, credit, debit card or allow customers to pay by cell phone. Some will be single-head meters and others will be solar-powered kiosks. Bill Banks
Dunwoody group to discuss city schools
A Dunwoody group will meet to discuss a proposal to carve a city school system from the DeKalb County School District.
The Dunwoody Parents Concerned about Quality Education will review a report, commissioned by the City of Dunwoody, that assesses whether county educational services could be provided more efficiently by an independent city school district.
The meeting is 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody. Information: dunwoodyga.gov.
Ty Tagami
Emory offers new mother resource
Emory University School of Medicine has launched MotherToBaby Georgia, a free statewide counseling service that connects experts in the field of birth defects research with expectant moms, health care providers, and the general public. For counseling, call 866-626-6847. MotherToBaby GA is funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Information: www.MotherToBaby.org or www.emory.edu/msacd.
Arlinda Smith Broady
Stone Mountain hosts annual home tour
The Christmas Home Tour of the GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today A donation of $25 provides the self-guided tour and lunch at the GFWC SMWC Clubhouse, 5513 E. Mountain St. Tickets: ART Station and the Old Post Office Emporium in Stone Mountain.
Information: dandewells@bellsouth.net. Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
Peachtree City police seek elder abuse tips
Peachtree City police are investigating a possible case of exploitation and intimidation of an elderly resident. Ericka Sambrone Porter, 51, and William Keith Porter, 55, were charged with felonies after an elderly man was reportedly coerced into signing a lease on his Hilltop Drive house last month while he was in an assisted living facility.
The suspects then entered his home and sold items from the residence. Anyone with knowledge of the event is asked to call 770-487-8866. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Hapeville council members honored
Three outgoing Hapeville City Council members were honored for their years of service during the council meeting last week.
Ward 1 Councilman Jimmy Lovern, Ward 2’s Lew Valero and at-large member Richard Murray were given plaques.
Lovern, who served one term and Valero, who served three, were defeated in the November general election.
Murray, with two terms under his belt, is stepping down.
All three leave office Dec. 31. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Piedmont Hospital offering scholarship
The Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary is accepting applications for the Elizabeth Wilmot Bull Memorial Scholarship until Jan. 20.
The merit-based award is open to students enrolled in a medical- or health-related field of study (except pre-med or pre-nursing) at an accredited Georgia college or university.
Information: 770-719-7098.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Oak Grove hosts holiday craft fair
Oak Grove Elementary School will host a Holiday Celebration and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in Peachtree City.
More than 40 vendors will be on hand, along with a silent auction and free cookies and cocoa with Santa.
Information: oges.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry school board approves district maps
The Henry County Board of Education voted Monday night to approve two new district maps.
One is for the new Hampton High School, set to open next fall.
The other is a change that will move about 200 middle and high school students from the Union Grove district to the Eagle’s Landing district next year.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Steakhouse proceeds to benefit group
The Longhorn Steakhouse at 2256 Mt. Zion Parkway in Morrow will serve breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m. each Saturday this month.
All proceeds during that time period will go to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Clayton County.
The cash-only $5 breakfast includes grits, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon or sausage, and coffee or soda. Tammy Joyner
