County by county news for Saturday
COBB
Marietta councilman loses in appellate court
The Georgia Court of Appeals on Thursday decided against Marietta councilman Philip Goldstein after his almost three-year legal battle with the city. Goldstein filed an appeal in November after Cobb Superior Court Judge George Kreeger ruled that the councilman's company, Marietta Properties, LLC, would have to pay Marietta $50,000 in legal fees. Goldstein sued the city in 2011 after Marietta lowered maximum building heights on the Marietta Square. The councilman argued he should be allowed to build a five-story building on the Marietta Square. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs Christmas celebration
Powder Springs will host “The Annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree” from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Historic Town Square in downtown Powder Springs, 4488 Pineview Drive.
Christmas carol singing will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Free carriage rides and free hot chocolate will accompany entertainment and photos with Santa.
Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/index.aspx?NID=474 or 770-943-8001, ext. 307.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
South Cobb chamber luncheon set
The South Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce will meet 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at the George E. Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs.
Costs: $10 online or $20 at the door for members, $30 for guests online or at the door.
Reservations: cobbchamber.org/cwt/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=3959. Deadline: noon Monday.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Secret Santas needed for club
Secret Santas are needed for the A.W. “Tony” Matthews Boys and Girls Club, 785 Fontaine Road S.W. at Floyd Road, Mableton, to provide Christmas gifts for more than 50 children.
The Mableton Improvement Coalition is asking each Secret Santa to spend around $50 per child for gifts that need to be delivered to the club by mid-December.
For those who would not want to shop, secure donations of any amount may be made through the links at mableton.org/Christmas for shopping and delivery by MIC members.
Information: bgcma.org/club/matthews or MabletonSanta@gmail.com.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Volunteers needed to pack gift bags
The nonprofit Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton is seeking volunteers to pack bags of gifts for families at 7 p.m. Thursday at 6105 Mableton Parkway.
Toys for children from 500 families will be supplied by the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign during the center’s Unwrap the Gift of Love Toys for Tots Celebration.
Information: familyliferestorationcenter.org or 770-944-1066. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
SPLOST funding for streetlights approved
Residents of streets and subdivisions built before streetlights were required can now get help lighting their neighborhoods with the allocation of 2009 SPLOST funds. Since June 1997, Gwinnett has required developers to install streetlights in new subdivisions. Operating costs are billed annually to property owners as a fee on the property tax bill. The development ordinance allows residents in older areas to petition the Gwinnett Department of Transportation for street lighting if they agree to pay electricity and maintenance costs. Information: 770-822-7400 or DOTCommunityRelations@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Berkeley Lake pays off bonds for lake repair
Berkeley Lake citizens voted in a referendum to borrow $2.7 million to pay for the city’s dam project prior before knowing if FEMA would provide funds for the repair and to pay bills before being reimbursed.
As of this week all bonds purchased for the repairs have been repaid.
Thanks to this year’s abundant rainfall, the most recent lake measurements indicated the lake at 967.8 feet, or 6.6 feet below full pool.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Maxwell High School begins registration
Gwinnett County’s Maxwell High School of Technology will begin registration for the 2014-2015 school year on Jan. 13 with an online application. A recruitment open house will be offered Feb. 13.
Information: 770-963-3838. Nancy Badertscher
Center offers senior computer classes
The Gwinnett Senior Learning Center offers computer classes for adults age 50 and up. There are classes and workshops covering basic and advanced computer skills, as well as Internet/email, photo editing and others.
Classes are held at Bethesda Senior Center, Lawrenceville and George Pierce Park, Suwanee. Registration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 7 at Bethesda Park and 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 8 at George Pierce Park.
Information: www.gsrlc.org.
Arlinda Smith Broady
Police Holiday Task Force to prevent crime
The Gwinnett County Police Department’s Holiday Task Force continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 31. Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit will be conducting vehicle safety checks during the holidays, encouraging shoppers to do their part to prevent property theft.
Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/departments/police.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
New court marriage ceremony hours posted
Both Gwinnett Magistrate and Probate courts have new wedding hours.
Magistrate Court will conduct ceremonies from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Probate Court will conduct ceremonies from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Information: 770-822-8081 or www.gwinnettcourts.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee urges performance reporting
Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison is issuing his annual reminder spelling out how citizens can report either good performance or misconduct by sheriff’s employees. Feedback can be directed to an employee’s supervisor or to either Capt. Tommy Pinyan or Lt. Col. Ron Hunton, at 498 Chattin Drive, Canton. More info: 678-493-4112 or 4116.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
College Park delays telecom ordinance
The College Park City Council voted 5-0 this week to table an ordinance seeking to modernize the city's regulation of telecommunications facilities. City Manager Terrence Moore says city officials and industry representatives seek to "fine-tune" language before bringing it back before council Jan.6. The ordinance includes provisions restricting cellular towers. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee commission OKs Facebook policy
The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners this week approved a resolution asking Facebook to reverse policy changes allowing teens ages 13 to 17 to post status updates, video and images that can be seen by anyone, not just friends or people who know their friends. The resolution expressed concern about the potential for sexual predators and privacy abuse. The vote was 4-0. Fayette County okayed a similar measure earlier.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee continues with March of Dimes
The Cherokee County Board of Education voted Thursday night to continue the school district's longtime partnership with the March of Dimes, which funds research aimed at improving infant health. The agreement clears the way for staff and students to take part in the group's optional fundraisers. The district and the nonprofit have been linked since 2001. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Digital conference set in Cumming
The Georgia Technology Authority will hold a conference on North Georgia’s digital future from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming.
The conference, aimed at community, economic and educational leaders, is meant to highlight best practices in getting and using broadband connectivity. Cost: $20, including lunch. More info: gta.georgia.gov
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Nature center will host holiday market
The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Back-To-Nature Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.
The market will feature ornaments, original art, eco-friendly items, toys, candles and clothing from local artisans.
All visitors will receive free admission to the nature center.
For vending, contact 770-992-2055, ext. 236, or r.gilbert@chattnature-center.org. Information: www.chattnaturecenter.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
ATLANTA
One in 16 voters show up for runoff
Voter turnout in Tuesday’s runoff election for Atlanta Board of Education was 6.2 percent for citywide representatives, down from 19.8 percent turnout in last month’s general election.
Runoffs generally draw fewer than half as many voters as general elections, and rainy conditions may have also kept voters away from the polls.
The highest turnout occurred in north Atlanta, where 9.8 percent of voters showed up. Mark Niesse
Georgia school board meets in Atlanta
About 700 Georgia school board members are gathering in Atlanta this weekend for the annual conference of the Georgia School Boards Association/Georgia School Superintendents Association.
School board members participated training on Wednesday and Thursday, and they’ll attend educational sessions and view exhibits this weekend.
Speakers include State School Superintendent John Barge, former NFL player Bill Curry, Jim Bearden of Bearden Resource Group and Ako Kambon of Visionary Leaders Institute. Mark Niesse
Paperless water bill available
The city of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management now offers e-billing for customers who wish to discontinue receiving paper bills. A video tutorial on e-billing registration is available at www.atlantawatershed.org/customer-service/billing/
Payments may still be made on the first floor of Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave. S.W. or by phone at 404-658-6500.
Arlinda Smith Broady
Superintendent candidates under review
The group searching for Atlanta’s next schools superintendent has begun vetting about 15 candidates for the job.
Finalists would be chosen from those candidates and any others that come forward.
The search committee plans to meet again Dec. 17, and the school board would narrow down candidates soon afterward. Mark Niesse
DEKALB
Calendar contest winners honored
The DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management will recognize the student winners of the 2014 Art Calendar Contest during the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday at 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur.
Winning entries will be featured on a 2014 calendar and displayed at the Maloof Auditorium located at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030.
Information: 770.724.1456 or msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov. Arlinda Smith Broady
Cycle for Good to help Special Olympics
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Spin Studio (at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody) is taking part in Cycle for Good, an international stationary bike event raising money for a designated charity, at 8:30–11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Information: DeAnne Jacobson at 678-812-4025 or deanne.jacobson@atlantajcc.org. Arlinda Smith Broady
Revamped Ebster Pool to reopen in May
Despite a recent change order in construction costs, Ebster Pool will reopen as scheduled on May 1. Key changes include a thorough renovation of the bath house, reducing the pool length from 25 meters to 25 yards, widening it to eight lanes, heated water and overhead lighting.
Ebster falls under the Beacon Municipal Center redevelopment, total cost $38.3 million. The Center's first section, the city schools' central office, should also open by next May. The new gym and police station/courts building should open in late July. Bill Banks for the AJC
Stone Mountain hosts annual home tour
The Annual Christmas Home Tour of the GFWC Stone Mountain Woman’s Club will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 14. A donation of $25 provides the self-guided tour and lunch at the GFWC SMWC Clubhouse, 5513 E. Mountain St.
Tickets are available at ART Station and the Old Post Office Emporium in Stone Mountain.
Information: dandewells@bellsouth.net. Arlinda Smith Broady
Holiday pet adoption program underway
DeKalb County Animal Services has launched its ‘Home for the Pawlidays” promotion. Now through Jan. 1 canines can be adopted for $20 and felines for $10.
All adopted pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, heartworm or combo tested and dewormed – services with a retail value of over $200.
Standard adoption screening criteria still applies.
Information: www.dekalbanimalservices.com.
Arlinda Smith Broady
Street clean-up this weekend
The Wesley Chapel Curb Appeal Task Force has organized a community clean-up 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. today to remove litter, illegal temporary signs and clear curb gutters.
The group will meet in the parking lot of Economy Inn, 2565 Wesley Chapel Road.
Information: wesleychapelcurbappeal@gmail.com
Arlinda Smith Broady
SOUTHSIDE
Forest Park Ward 2 Seat finally filled
A Forest Park city council seat that has been vacant for more than two years was filled this week. Dabouze Antoine is the new Ward 2 City Council member. Antoine won the seat in a runoff election against candidate Luke Gawel. The seat became vacant in July 2011 after then-councilwoman Karen-Brandee Williams was ousted over ethics charges.
Tammy Joyner
Henry-Rockdale pact approved
The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the continuation of an automatic/ mutual aid agreement between Henry County and Rockdale County to provide fire department resources to each jurisdiction in the event of an emergency, subject to availability.
This is a continuation of the 2008 approved agreement between Henry County and Rockdale County fire departments. The action came during Tuesday’s regular Commission meeting.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayetteville remembers Pearl Harbor
A Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. today at the American Legion Log Cabin at 180 S. Glynn St., Fayetteville. The event will include a re-enactment of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech to Congress, music and a 48-star flag. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Clayton NAACP’s dinner Dec. 20
The Clayton County Branch of the NAACP’s Annual Freedom Fund Dinner Dance is 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta, 1 Hartsfield Center Pkwy. Edward O. Dubose, the immediate past president of the civil rights organization’s Georgia State Conference, will be honored.
Tickets can be purchased at the NAACP satelittle office, 136 Hwy 138 in Riverdale,
Information: www.naacpclayton.org.
Tammy Joyner
Businesses collecting items for Haven House
The McDonough Main Street Program, in cooperation with the Greater McDonough Business Association, is collecting donations this holiday season for the Haven House, a shelter in Henry County for victims of family violence and their children.
Members of the community are encouraged to bring donations to the McDonough Welcome Center or one of several other locations around the McDonough square.
Information: www.henryhavenhouse.org.
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
