County by county news for Saturday

The housing portion of privately financed and managed project is valued at about $40 million and will include multi-bedroom units to house 850 Kennesaw State University students. The development, led by South City Partners, LLC, will be located on almost 24 acres at the intersection of Cherokee and McCollum Streets in the city. The project is scheduled for completion by the fall 2013 semester. Janel Davis

Electronics recycling today in Marietta

Keep Cobb Beautiful will host an electronics recycling day on Saturday in Marietta.

Computer monitors, microwaves, telephones, video games and other small electronics will be accepted at no charge. Televisions will be accepted for $10. Residents can also donate shoes to the Soles4Souls organization that delivers footwear to people in need . The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sprayberry High School, 2525 Sandy Plains Road and Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road in Marietta.

Information: 770-528-1135 Janel Davis

Candlelight concert series opens

The South Cobb Arts Alliance will host the Summer Candlelite Concert series in Mableton. Free concerts will be held at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road. Performers include Milkshake today, Randall Bramblett Band, June 16, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, Aug. 18, Kayla Taylor Jazz, Sept. 8 and Men in Blues, Oct. 6. Information: southcobbarts.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Mableton Celebration Day today

Mableton Coalition will host its annual Mableton Day Celebration today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mable House Amphitheatre Complex, 5239 Floyd Road. The celebration will include activities for the kids, booths for local artists, businesses and other organizations. Information: Albert McRae at 678-590-2803 or visit www.mabletonday.com. Sandra Marshall Murray

Kennesaw to host healthy cooking class

The City of Kennesaw is hosting a free “See It, Make It, Eat It” cooking class from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Edge Kitchen, 2750 Jiles Road, Kennesaw Commons. Participants will be taught how to prepare healthy foods, including breakfast dishes, main courses, side items, and desserts. Students will cook and eat the food. Details about the program can be found on the Fit City Kennesaw website: http://www.fitcitykennesaw.com/ Jeffry Scott

Powder Springs seeks design for theater

Powder Springs is seeking an architectural design firm for its new Black Box Theater.

June 1 is the proposal deadline for the 7,000-square-foot facility behind the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St., facing the Ford Center.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/Bids.aspx?bidID=50, Purchasing Manager Butch Walker at 770-293-0140 or bwalker@cityofpowdersprings.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Gas prices may factor in transfer requests

More than 900 teachers and administrators in Gwinnett County Public Schools asked for job transfers this year, and a majority wanted to make a switch to be closer to home.

Gasoline prices may have been a factor, school board members were told Thursday.

Of the 913 who requested transfers, 95 were in pursuit of advancement opportunities, 129 wanted a new work assignment, 30 had childcare issues and 458 wanted to be closer to home. Nancy Badertscher

Gwinnett volunteer cleanup is today

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will sponsor a volunteer cleanup day at three locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Operation Good Neighbor will take place on Burns Road in Lilburn, Cruse Road in Lawrenceville and Meadow Church Road in Duluth. Projects include painting out graffiti, litter removal and right-of-way beautification. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org. David Wickert

Free pest control class in Buford

The Gwinnett Extension Service is offering a vegetable pest control class Wednesday at Shoal Creek Filter Plant, 1755 Buford Dam Road in Buford. The free class includes instruction on how to identify and control common vegetable garden pests. Register by Monday by contacting Timothy Daly at 678-377-4010 or timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn adding color to Highway 29

The Lilburn Community Improvement District began installing landscaping, including plantings and groundcover, in an effort to beautify Highway 29 from Ronald Reagan Parkway to the U.S. Post Office in Lilburn. For information about the Lilburn CID and their plans for community improvement visit www.lilburncid.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Suwanee invites you to “Live Your Life in Art!”

Suwanee hosts its third annual Arts in the Park today from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. at Town Center Park. The event will host over 50 artists as well as performances from the Peach State Opera, “Operatizer” and a Cirque de Soleil type performance from the Imperial OPA Circus. Suwanee’s SculpTour will also be unveiled including 15 sculptures from artists around the southeast. Information: www.suwanee.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

CMV Awareness walk to be today

The Brendan B. McGinnis Congenital CMV Foundation hosts the annual CMV Awareness Walk-N-Rollathon starting at 10 a.m. today at Bethesda Park, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. The event will raise awareness about congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, raise donations to support vaccine research and fund public awareness campaigns. Information: Diane Hoffman at dihof3@gmail.com, Jen Stowell at hzq8@cdc.gov, and visit www.cmvfoundation.org. Kenneth Musisi

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs robbery chase ends in crash

Sandy Springs police chased several robbery suspects around I-285 Friday morning before the suspects wrecked in northwest Atlanta. Sandy Springs police said the chase began following a pedestrian robbery outside a Bank of America branch on Roswell Road. Police chased the four male suspects down Ga. 400 to I-285, then south on I-285 through Cobb County into Atlanta, where the suspects wrecked at the intersection of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and Bolton Road. Two suspects were taken into custody and are searching for the other two. Mike Morris

Genesis 10 looks to fill 100 jobs

Genesis 10, a New York-based IT consulting firm, is hosting a three-day job fair to hire some 100 people in technology positions for its new outsourcing center in Sandy Springs. The company will hold an open house at 10 a.m. Monday at its facility at 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road. Job fairs will run from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. The company is also participating in a special job fair Thursday in Warm Springs geared for military veterans. Information: http://www.genesis10.com/home/index.html Patrick Fox

Schools create website to book facilities

Looking for a venue for a community event? Fulton County Schools will make the process of booking events at school facilities easier with the creation of a new website. The district will launch “SchoolDude” on June 1.

The program streamlines the process by helping visitors schedule dates. For info: facilityrental@fultonschools.org. D. Aileen Dodd

Taste of Forsyth to be Sunday

Some 30 Forsyth County eateries will offer samples of their fare at the third annual Flavors of Forsyth on Sunday from noon -- 6 p.m. The United Way fundraiser will also feature live music and an artists market, and will be held at the Forsyth Conference Center, 7745 Majors Road, Cumming. Last year’s event raised some $25,000 for 60 programs and agencies. Info: unitedwayforsyth.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Police Foundation to hold festival

The Woodstock Police Foundation will hold the inaugural Woodstock Spring Festival today at The Park at City Center. The 10 a.m.-5 p.m. event will include a memorial for fallen law officers, live music, police and fire demonstrations and vendor booths.

Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit foundation, and programs such as the youth auxiliary unit and reserve forces. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee GOP to hold debates

The Cherokee County Republican Party is sponsoring a series of candidate debates between Republican, starting 7 p.m., May 31, at the party’s county headquarters, 1428 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock.

The first debate will be between incumbent tax commissioner, Sonya Little and challengers, and incumbent sheriff, Roger Garrison, and challengers. Debates for other races will be staged June 4 and June 11. Jeffry Scott

ATLANTA

Clark Atlanta gears up for graduation

Clark Atlanta University’s 700 graduates will be sent forth into the world by U.S. House of Representatives Assistant Minority Leader James Clyburn, D-S.C., who will deliver this year’s commencement address at 8 a.m. Monday on campus in Panther Stadium, 735 Beckwith St., S.W.

On Sunday, the university will hold its baccalaureate service at 10 a.m. in the L. Epps Gymnasium in the Vivian W. Henderson Health and Physical Education Center, located at the corner of Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard (formerly Fair Street) and Vine Street. The speaker is the Rev. Yvette D. Massey, senior pastor at Red Oak United Methodist Church. Ernie Suggs

‘Art Out Loud’ fest to be Sunday

Atlanta’s Jewish Tower and the Aviv Older Adult Services division of Jewish Family and Career Services will host “Art Out Loud, Wisdom in Paint” from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at The Jewish Tower, 3160 Howell Mill Road N.W., Atlanta.

The show will feature 12 artists presenting nearly 100 pieces of work, each under $50, ranging from abstract painting to watercolor and collage.

Families are welcomed to support seniors. RSVP to mlevine@jfcs-atlanta.org. Kenneth Musisi

Sophia students run for scholarship fund

Sophia Academy students recently participated in a fun run to benefit the Corrigan Family Scholarship Fund.

Students ran around the Atlanta school and received marks on their T-shirts as they finished their laps.

The top student fundraisers will receive a limousine ride to a pizza lunch with the school’s founding director, Marie Corrigan.

The scholarship was established in 2005 by an alumni parent to benefit a Sophia Academy student who has displayed the most significant improvement during the school year.

The winner will be announced next week. D. Aileen Dodd

DEKALB

Decatur residents can access Smart911

Decatur recently implemented the national safety database Smart911, enhancing 911 services for residents and business owners. Smart911 allows residents to create a safety profile of vital personal and household data, including household members, photos, medications, medical conditions and even pets. This data is displayed to 911 call takers when an emergency call is placed. The service is free and profiles can be created through www.Smart911.com. For information contact Decatur Fire Chief Toni Dixon at toni.dixon@decaturga.com or 404-373-5092. Bill Banks for the AJC

Auction benefits historic home

A weekend in Asheville, N.C., prime Braves tickets and a weekend getaway to the Gulf Coast are among prizes available during tonight’s annual silent auction for the historic lake house at Avondale Estates. The event is 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 59 Lakeshore Drive. Tickets are $12 for Avondale Community Club members, $15 for non-members, and donations are expected to raise money for maintaining the nearly-century-old house.

To donate an item, or RSVP, or more information, contact Connie Bryans at 404-408-9644 or email lcbryans@bellsouth.net. Bill Banks for the AJC

Celebrate Chamblee bursts out Saturday

Chamblee will host a citywide festival later this month designed to showcase its diversity through activities, food and music.

Celebrate Chamblee will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at City Hall on Peachtree Road. Free activities include salsa lessons, line dancing and special children’s events such as face painting. Local groups will provide live mariachi band music, pop, and Asian drumming. International and American food also will be available for purchase from local vendors. April Hunt

Game party to benefit animal shelter

A bowling and game party later this month will benefit animals in DeKalb County.

The event at Stars and Strikes in Tucker features light refreshments, games and one hour of bowling. Animals from the county shelter also will be on site for adoption at the event, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Stars and Strikes on Mountain Industrial Boulevard.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for children 12 and under and $80 for a four-pack of tickets, regardless of ages.

All money raised will go toward a county spay/neuter program to help reduce pet overpopulation. Donations of leashes, collars and laundry detergent also will be accepted.

Tickets: www.helpdekalbanimals.com. Information: 404-371-2844. April Hunt

Jacobs to address Republican groups

The joint meeting of the DeKalb Senior Republican Network and the Central DeKalb Republican Women will be 2 p.m. Monday at the DeKalb Republican Party Office (3583-G) in the Embry Village shopping center. State Rep. Mike Jacobs will discuss key issues from the recent legislative session, including the upcoming referendum on creation of a city of Brookhaven. The meeting is open to the public and no reservation is required. Kenneth Musisi

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton to decide on Sunday alcohol Nov.6

Clayton County residents will get to decide this fall whether beer and wine can be sold in unincorporated parts of the county on Sundays. Commissioners approved a resolution this week calling for a Nov. 6 referendum on the Sunday alcohol sales. Voters in College Park, Forest Park, Jonesboro, Lake City and Riverdale approved Sunday alcohol sales last year. Sunday alcohol sales have already started in each of these towns. Morrow is the only Clayton city that has not voted on the matter. Tammy Joyner

Henry to break ground on new transit facility

Henry County Commissioners and the Henry County Transit will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the new transit facility on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at 530 Industrial Boulevard in McDonough.

The $1.8 million facility will be built entirely with federal Transit Administration Section 5307 Urbanized Funds for Capital Assistance money.

The 5,305 square-foot facility will be built on a site it will share with the new Emergency Operations Center which opens next month.

The transit system opens in February 2013. Tammy Joyner

Free child safety seat check today

A free car seat check will be offered today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sam’s Club, 7325 Jonesboro Rd. in Morrow.

The event is a collaborative effort of Safe Kids Clayton County, the Clayton County Board of Health, Sam’s Club, the Clayton County police department and Georgia State patrol.

Details: Enjoli Jones, SKCC coordinator, 678 479-2204. Tammy Joyner

East Point push demolitions forward

East Point is making progress in clearing neighborhoods of abandoned properties, and those considered unsafe for human habitation through its 50 Worst Properties Program.

The first scheduled property demolition is today at 10 a.m. at the Los Erken Apartments located at 1444, 1446 and 1452 Central Avenue in East Point. John Thompson for the AJC

Tech firm award scholarships to six

Peachtree City-based SMC3, a shipping and logistics information services company, has awarded scholarships to six Career Tech students at Whitewater High School.

Seniors Katie Cassidy, Elly Clayton, Hunter Coppolino, Troy Gainer, Anna Lee and Tanner Sweatman, who are members of several business, health care and technical clubs at the school, each received $500 during Senior Awards Night.

SMC3 has given the annual scholarships since 2007. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point farmers’ market to open

East Point’s first farmers’ market of the season is today from 9 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Commons at 2757 East Point Street.

Seasonal produce, meats, cheese, artisan breads, pastries, jams/jellies, fresh eggs and local artist booths are just some of the finds offered at the community event. Parking is free. John Thompson for the AJC