COBB
Thrash is Kennesaw citizen of the year
Kennesaw councilman Bill Thrash has been named the city’s citizen of the year.
The Cobb Chamber and the Kennesaw Business Association recognized Thrash on Wednesday for his community service and drive to open a teen center for at-risk youth in downtown Kennesaw.
The center that opened in July was named the Bill Thrash Kennesaw Teen Center.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Mable House to host Christmas show
The Mable House Arts Center will host a Christmas house arts and crafts show until Sunday. Visitors can shop an assortment of jewelry, fabric, pottery, soaps or dine in the tea room by calling 770-819-3285. The Arts Center is located at 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Information:prca.cobbcountyga.gov/mable_house.htm Jaime Sarrio
Historical society to meet Sunday
The Seven Springs Historical Society will meet at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St., for a Christmas celebration.
The society and the City of Powder Springs maintain the Seven Springs Museum at 3901 Brownsville Road next to Powder Springs Park.
Information: 678-567-5611 or email 7springsmuseum@att.net. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
2013 town hall dates announced
Cobb District 1 Commissioner Helen Goreham has three town halls planned during the first quarter of 2013.
They are: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs; 7 to 8:30 p.m. March 21 at the North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293, Acworth and 7-8:30 p.m. April 18 at the Senior Wellness Center, 115 Powder Springs St., Marietta.
Information: 770-528-3313.
Jaime Sarrio
Cobb Police recognized by Governor’s office
Cobb Police’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program unit won first place for a department of 500-plus officers at the Governor’s Challenge Traffic Safety competition.
The competition included about 80 law enforcement agencies across the state.
In addition to the trophy, the department won a fully equipped 2011 Dodge Charger police car and $4,000 to buy safety gear.
Jaime Sarrio
Last day for Mable’s Tea Room
Mable’s Tea Room will be open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through today at the Mable House, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
This 20-year tradition includes the serving of salads, sandwiches and homemade soups and desserts. An entree, dessert and beverage averages $10.
Profits go to scholarships for children to take art classes at the Mable House Arts Center and to underwrite school field trips to the Mable House.
Reservations: 770-819-3285 or mablehouse.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Animal shelter sets pet adoption goal
Adopt a pet between now and Dec. 23 and give an animal a home by Christmas for a $30 spay/neuter fee at the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Shelter.
The shelter’s goal is for every animal to be adopted by Dec. 25.
Animal lovers can bring their pets to the shelter for pictures with Santa, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while they are there, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Photos are $10 for an 8- by 10-inch picture and $5 for a CD Rom.
Information: 770-339-3200 or www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com. Andria Simmons
Ministry seeks to raise $4.2 million
The Norcross Cooperative Ministry is trying to raise $4.2 million over the next five years.
The nonprofit will use the money to launch programs to help families break out of poverty, to increase food distribution and emergency housing assistance and to expand awareness of community needs in the Norcross area. For more information on the cooperative, visit www.norcrossco-op.org. David Wickert
Local heroes honored at Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, will open its doors 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday for a special evening honoring local heroes and their immediate families.
Policemen, firemen, paramedics, war veterans, soldiers and military personnel are invited for activities, shopping, discounts and drawings. Identification is required. Information: www.basspro.com/santa.
Kenneth Musisi
Maintenance will close vehicle tag office
The Georgia Department of Revenue will perform computer maintenance on its vehicle registration system from 7 p.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Dec. 17. During this period, the state registration system will be unavailable. Due to the maintenance, the North Gwinnett Tag Office will be closed on Dec. 15.
Customers will not be able to renew their tags online or on the state tag renewal telephone line. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Civil War-era holiday traditions at farm
The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center will hold its fifth annual Civil War holiday program at McDaniel Farm 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: www.gwinnetthc.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Timeframe for Lilburn complex extended
Lilburn has given developers an additional year to bring a Big League Dreams baseball complex to 37 recently purchased acres near the corner of Indian Trail Road and Lawrenceville Highway, the site of the abandoned Jackson Creek Water Treatment Plant.
The complex would feature four fields — replicas of Major League Baseball’s Turner Field, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium — and two other fields.
Originally put to paper in 2010, the facility is expected to attract tournaments and enhance Lilburn’s economy. “Big League Dreams could be an economic game changer,” City Manager Bill Johnsa said. Michael Alpert for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth makes alcohol law changes
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners gave final approval Thursday to changes in the county’s alcohol ordinance governing brewpubs.
The amended ordinance will allow the pubs to sell beer to licensed wholesalers for resale to retailers.
Brewpubs would still not be allowed to sell packaged alcohol on site for consumption elsewhere.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Canton City Council may raise pay
No formal vote was taken, but Canton City Council members informally agreed Thursday night on a plan to raise elected officials’ pay. The plan would pay Council members $8,000 annually and the mayor $10,000, up from the current $2,100 and $3,000 respectively. The vote, tentatively set for Dec. 20, would be in tandem with a measure to phase out the pension plan for elected officials as a money-saver. Mayor Gene Hobgood is opposed to the plan. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Chamber partners with church jobs program
The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Roswell United Methodist Church Job Networking Program to sponsor a workshop 1 p.m. Monday, an orientation at 5:15 p.m., dinner and a “mini” job fair at 7:55 p.m. Information: Katherine Simons, lovingyourneighbor@gmail.com or www.RUMCjobnetworking.com.
North Fulton businesses with job openings can send information to Jay Litton, jay.litton@saitservices.com. Kenneth Musisi
Cumming holiday arts, crafts show today
The Annual Christmas in Cumming Arts & Crafts Show is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today inside the Cumming Livestock Barn on the Cumming Fairgrounds. Free photos with Santa Claus will be noon to 3 p.m.
Over 100 booths will have unique hand-made gift items.
Admission is $1. Children under 12 are free. Information: www.jrmmanagement.com
Kenneth Musisi
Roswell hosts holiday movie night
The Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department hosts “A Night at the Polar Express” 6:30 p.m. today at East Roswell Recreation Center.
Bring blankets, pillows and wear comfy clothes. Refreshments will be provided.
Parents are free with child admission. Tickets: $8 residents; $12 non-residents.
Information: 770-594-6134 or www.roswellgov.com. Kenneth Musisi
Forsyth hosts free shredding service
Forsyth County residents are being offered free document-shredding in December. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful and Shredderman Document Destructon Service, 3605 North Parkway, Cumming teamed up.
Shredderman will offer paper document, file box, CD, DVD, VHS tape, empty prescription bottle and X-ray destruction 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. weekdays.
Information: 770-205-4573.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Youth financial literacy event today
In partnership with PNC Bank, Atlanta City Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms will host a youth financial literacy program 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, 2220 Campbellton Road, S.W. The program will offer workshops and courses on financial literacy through hands-on activities. It will also educate participants on traditional and non-traditional ways of building wealth. The free event is open to youth in grades 7-12. Information: 404-330-6054 or kbottoms@atlantaga.gov.
Jeremiah McWilliams
Council makes committee changes
Atlanta City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell has announced City Council committee assignments for the coming legislative year, leaving most incumbents chairs in their spots.
Howard Shook of Buckhead will take over as chair of the City Utilities Committee, replacing Natalyn Archibong.
Keisha Lance Bottoms will become chair of the Zoning Committee, replacing Alex Wan. The leaders of five committees — community development/human resources, transportation, finance/executive, public safety/legal administration and the committee on council — remain unchanged. Jeremiah McWilliams
Cascade UMC hosts drive-thru nativity
Cascade United Methodist Church will host a free live drive-thru nativity 6 to 9 p.m. today at 3144 Cascade Road SW.
The nativity will feature live animals and actors bringing to life the story of Jesus’ birth.
Information: 404-691-5770 or www.cascadeumc.org. Kenneth Musisi
Christmas at Callanwolde underway
Christmas at Callanwolde, 980 Briarcliff Rd., N.E., runs through Dec. 18. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission ranges from $12-$20. Free for children age 3 and under. Information: www.christmasatcallanwolde.org. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Development guides set at Decatur meeting
Decatur’s commission approved eight zoning ordinances establishing development standards for the next 10 years. Most significant, the city is tightening and reducing total parking availability by allowing for shared parking on mixed-use (commercial and residential) sites that share the same property. Also, the city has given strict definitions for light manufacturing, urban garden development, the construction of accessory dwellings and transition buffers between residential and commercial zones. Bill Banks for the AJC
Professional engineers group to meet
The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers Atlanta Metro Chapter hosts its monthly meeting 6 p.m. Monday at the North Lake area Piccadilly Cafeteria, 2000 Crescent Centre Blvd., Tucker.
Matt Reid, a professional engineer and past candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission will present on Engineers in Public Policy.
The meetings are open to the public. Make reservations at 404-919-3640 or ronscinta@hotmail.com. Information: www.gspe.org/atlantametro.htm. Kenneth Musisi
Support needed for new playground
The Cross Keys Foundation has sponsored an entry in the Clorox Company’s “Power a Bright Future” grant program for the benefit of Woodward Elementary School, 3034 Curtis Dr.
Grant winners will be determined by text and web-based voting and on merit. Cast votes via text by sending 502pbf to 95248, and online at tinyurl.com/wesplay. Deadline is Dec. 19.
The grant award will be used for a new playground. Kenneth Musisi
County group offers pet wellness clinics
PAWS Atlanta, a DeKalb County animal welfare group, will offer low-cost pet clinics 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 23 at the group’s shelter, 5287 Covington Highway. The group, formerly known as the DeKalb Humane Society, will offer vaccinations, microchips, heartworm testing and illness preventatives at the events. Information: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt
Clarkston to hold tree-lighting ceremony
Clarkston officials will host a tree lighting and fireworks show at 6 p.m. today at the Clarkston Women’s Club, 3913 Church St. Light refreshments and holiday music will be included, as will gifts for children.
The fireworks display will precede the arrival of Santa. The event is free and open to the public. April Hunt
Stephenson hosts holiday bazaar
The Stephenson High School Fine Arts Holiday Program and Third Annual Holiday Bazaar is 6 p.m. Thursdayin the auditorium at 701 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain.
The free program features performances from the Stephenson High School Choir, Symphonic, Jazz, and Wind Ensembles, Dance Ensemble, and Drama club.
Vendors can register at tinyurl.com/bgqfavg.
Information: Cynthia Prather at peace1109@comcast.net, Denise McGill at deniseemcgill@att.net. Kenneth Musisi
SOUTHSIDE
Henry moving forward with airport expansion
The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to move forward with plans to extend the runway at Atlanta South Regional Airport to ensure that the project would be complete in time for the fall 2013 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The extension will allow larger planes, such as corporate jets, to fly safely into and out of the airport, according to officials. The total cost for this phase of the overall planned airport improvements is just over $3 million, with the FAA and Georgia DOT picking up 95 percent of the cost. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Budget meeting in south Fulton
South Fulton County Commissioner Bill Edwards will hold another “Bill on the Budget” meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sandtown Gym, 5620 Campbellton Road to keep residents informed about the 2013 budget process.
This county is proposing to raise the property tax rate by 19 percent for unincorporated south Fulton.
Information: 404-612-3079.
Johnny Edwards
Peachtree City raises hotel/motel tax
The City Council of Peachtree City voted 4-1 Thursday to increase the hotel/motel tax to 8 percent, up from 6 percent. Some of the added revenue will fund capital improvements to recreation facilities as part of a coordinated effort to attract more sports tournaments to the city. The increase was endorsed by hotel and recreation representatives.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City airport, CVB seek volunteers
Peachtree City is accepting applications for positions on the volunteer boards of the Airport Authority and the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Airport board members serve five-year terms; the CVB needs hotel or recreation reps to serve two years. Deadline is Dec. 28; details at www.peachtree-city.org/jobs. Jill Howard Church
Commencement for Clayton State Saturday
Some 440 Clayton State University students will graduate Saturday during two ceremonies at the university’s fall commencement program. Graduates from the colleges of Business, Health and Information and Mathematical Sciences will walk at 9 a.m. with Dr. Willie Cochran Jr., senior vice president of Medical Affairs/CMO at Southern Regional Medical Center as the commencement speaker.
Graduates from the College of Arts & Sciences walk at noon with speaker Roosevelt Giles, founder of IMS/EndPoint Consulting Group, and vice chairman of the Board of Atlanta Life Financial Group at Herndon Capital Management. Tammy Joyner
Holmes to host Christmas breakfast
District V Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host his 2nd Annual Community Appreciation Breakfast and Christmas Program at 9 a.m. today at the Hidden Valley Senior Center, 600 Spraggins Memorial Parkway, Stockbridge.
The event will feature Christmas carols and breakfast sponsored by a local restaurant. It is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Monroe Roark for the AJC