COBB
Marietta schools recognized for academics
The Georgia Department of Education has noted two Marietta City Schools for academic achievement on statewide assessment tests over three years.
Westside Elementary School was recognized as one of 79 Title 1 schools in the state for highest performance and Sawyer Road Elementary was one of 156 Title 1 schools noted for signifcant improvement on tests.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Cobb safety village hosts open house
The Cobb Safety Village held an open house Sunday to allow community residents to learn safety techniques. About 2,000 visitors had the chance to view a child-size representation of the county, and learn how to react to fire, crime and disaster emergencies. The village is located at 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Information: 770-852-3270. Jaime Sarrio
Atlanta Xplosion hosts tryout camp
A tryout camp for the Atlanta Xplosion women’s professional football team, a member of the Independent Women’s Football League and two-time world champions, will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Campbell High School, 5269 Ward Street, Smyrna.
Preregistration: $25 online; $50 day of the event.
Information: www. www.atlantaxplosion.com or e-mail atlxplosiontryouts13@gmail.com. Kenneth Musisi
Gov. Deal to speak at Cobb GOP breakfast
The Cobb County Republican Party’s Breakfast will take place 8 to 9:30 a.m. today at the Cobb GOP headquarters, 799 Roswell Street, Marietta.
Gov. Nathan Deal is the guest speaker. Breakfast is $10 and coffee is $2. Information: Joe Dendy at 770-820-6545 or www.CobbGOP.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Anything is Possible 5K Run/Walk returns
The Anything is Possible 5K Run/Walk benefiting Operation Homefront Georgia, the Kennesaw State University Veteran Resource Center, and Team Red, White Blue will be Sunday. Race day registration is at 12:30 a.m.
The 5K race begins at 1:50 a.m. with the field running for ten minutes before Daylight Savings Time ends. Runners in costumes and pajamas will start and finish at Town Center Mall, 400 Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw.
The post-race festivities will have food, hot drinks, music, a light show and contests with prizes.
Tickets: $35; $30 active military and KSU students.
Information: www.anythingispossible5K.com. Kenneth Musisi
Marietta plans Veterans Day parade
Marietta’s eighth Veterans Day parade with marching bands, drill teams, military vehicles and veterans’ groups will start at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 from Roswell Street Baptist Church to the Marietta Square.
Retired Adm. James O. Ellis will be the grand marshal and also keynote speaker at a noon ceremony in Glover Park.
The city of Marietta and the Marietta Kiwanis Club are parade sponsors. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Duluth wins 97.1 The River’s Small Town Tour
Atlanta’s Classic Hits - 97.1 The River and Diet Mountain Dew announced the city of Duluth has won the listener’s vote for favorite town in which to host a Small Town Tour Concert.
A celebration with English Nick and the River Rats is set from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday on the Duluth Town Green, 3142 Hill Street, Duluth. The festive event will have food vendors, inflatables for the kids, and live music, provided by Doctor Bombay. Admission is free. Information: www.971theriver.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Fundraising for Snellville K-9s ongoing
Project Paws Alive, a local nonprofit organization is conducting a fundraising effort to provide ballistic vests for Snellville Police K-9s.
Each body armor vest is custom manufactured to fit the shape and size of each dog.
The fundraising goal is $5,000. Checks can be mailed to Project Paws Alive, 1911 Grayson Highway, Suite 8-158, Grayson, GA 30017. Donate online at projectpawsalive.org/donate/. Kenneth Musisi
Start saving now for America Recycles Day
Gwinnett Solid Waste and Recovered Materials Division reminds residents to start preparing now for America Recycles Day 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 at Coolray Field.
This event will feature paper shredding, electronics recycling ($10 for TVs) and tire recycling (limit eight per vehicle). Event also includes activities for the kids, free food and giveaways while they last. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Green Gingerbread Houses wanted
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center is holding a Sustainable Gingerbread House Competition. The edible treats should highlight sustainability and green building design like solar panels, rain barrels, etc. Drop-off for entries will begin Nov. 24 with judging to take place the week of Dec. 3. For contest rules and entry form visit www.gwinnettehc.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Online submission for Hudgens prize
The online submission process for the Hudgens Prize Visual Arts Competition runs through 11:59 p.m. Feb 1. The Hudgens Prize is one of the largest art awards given in the U.S., with a cash award of $50,000 and an invitation for a solo exhibition. Open to Georgia residents only. Visual artwork of any medium considered, but works previously exhibited at The Hudgens are ineligible and work must have been completed within the last 2 years. Entry requires a $30 non-refundable fee, and entitles each artist to submit up to 5 entries. https://hudgensprize.slideroom.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gateway international festival today
Norcross will celebrate the Gateway International Food and Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Lillian Web Park, 5 College St. The event will feature live music, food, arts and crafts and children’s activities. For more information call 770-449-6515.
David Wickert
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee schools tout last years accomplishments
The Cherokee County School District is out with its 2011-2012 annual progress report. Supt. Frank Petruzielo says highlights of the past year include SAT and ACT scores continuing well above Georgia and national averages, and more than 91% of CCSD students meeting or exceeding state standards on CRCT exams. He says specialized math, science and engineering programs were inaugurated at a half-dozen elementary schools.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Seniors offered help with support services
Service providers will be at Fulton County’s senior multipurpose centers offering advice on legal, financial, housing, social and health issues, as well as information on support services and financial assistance 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs.
Registration: 404-705-4900.
Johnny Edwards
Students, parents offered HOPE help
Students and parents can get help with changes and updates to the HOPE Scholarship and how to apply for it at a program 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek.
Information: 770-360-8820.
Johnny Edwards
Alpine Bakery hosts fundraising dinner
Alpine Bakery and Trattoria, 12315 Crabapple Road, Alpharetta hosts a Ladies’ Night Out dinner benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Reservations are available 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday with a $10 cash donation at the door.
The evening will feature wine tastings, dinner specials, silent auction and live music.
Information: James at 770-410-9883 or www.alpinebakeryandtrattoria.com. Kenneth Musisi
$5K reward for woman who robbed 2 banks
A $5,000 reward is being offered for the capture of a woman who robbed two metro Atlanta banks and attempted a third heist.
Wells Fargo Bank put up the money to encourage the public’s help in finding the woman involved in the incidents at three of its branches in the last week, FBI spokesman Stephen Emmett said.
On Oct. 26, she handed a note to a teller at the Roswell branch at 10825 Alpharetta Highway just before 12:30 p.m., before fleeing on foot with an undisclosed amount of money, authorities said.
Tuesday around 11 a.m., the woman went into the branch at 1490 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell, but failed to get any cash when she attempted a robbery, Emmett said.
The woman turned up later Tuesday afternoon at the Wells Fargo branch at 4640 Jonesboro Road in Union City and announced the robbery to a teller, again leaving on foot with an unspecified amount of cash.
Anyone with information should contact the FBI at 404-697-0000; the Roswell Police Department at 770-640-7100 or the Union City Police at 770-306-6849. Marcus K. Garner
ATLANTA
Girl, 12, thwarts would-be criminal
A 12-year-old girl, whose name wasn’t released, rode her bike to school, but returned home around 9 a.m. Thursday to retrieve something she forgot. She left the front door open as she ran inside her Virginia Highlands home and was greeted by an unknown man.
She told the man to leave, but he told her to go upstairs and moved toward her. The girl screamed, pushed the male and ran from the home, police said.
The male is described as blonde with a large build, in his thirties. He was wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket, and driving a gold sedan.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the Atlanta Police Special Victims Unit at 404-546-4260 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477. Alexis Stevens
Roundtable discussion on urban poverty set
The fight against urban poverty, a priority in both France and the U.S. conference is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Technology Square Research Building auditorium, Georgia Tech, 85 Fifth Street NW.
The free roundtable discussion will highlight the current and upcoming challenges of access to housing in developed countries and urban poverty in general.
The conference follows the Habitat for Humanity build by French community volunteers in Southwest Atlanta on Nov. 3. Similarly, Georgia Tech-Lorraine students helped with a renovation project by Habitat et Humanisme in the Metz area in France. Information: www.France-Atlanta.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Downtown library screens ‘Sista’ Solider’
In recognition of Veteran’s Day, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will show the independent documentary “Sista’ Solider” on Saturday. The movie, by filmmaker Yvette Jackson, looks at the role of black women in the armed forces and their struggles against race and gender discrimination. A panel discussion will follow.
The screening starts at 4 p.m. at 101 Auburn Ave., N.E., in downtown Atlanta. Information: 404-730-4001, Ext. 100.
Johnny Edwards
DEKALB
Neighborhood Summit, green expo coming
DeKalb County will host a neighborhood summit and green expo for residents and businesses 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. todayat Courtyard Marriott Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave.
The summit features workshops and resources available from the county and local green businesses demonstrating eco-friendly products and services.
Information: 404-371-3689 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
DeKalb earns second grant for at-risk kids
DeKalb County recently received its a state grant for the second year in a row that will pay for experts to visit the homes of at-risk children.
The $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Office for Children and Families will build on the $375,000 the county received last year as part of the state’s Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program.
The program calls for specialists to help prevent child abuse and promote child development and school readiness. April Hunt
Arabia Mountain High to host annual festival
Arabia Mountain High School will host its second Annual Taste of Arabia festival 3 to 6 p.m. today at 6610 Browns Mills Road, Lithonia. Tasting culinary treats will take place in the AMHS Commons Area. Two silent auctions will be conducted in the lower level gymnasium at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit the AMHS Parent Teacher Student Association and participating Booster Clubs and sports teams. Tickets are $10. Information: ptsa@arabiaptsa.org or 678-875-3602. Kenneth Musisi
Students get free computers, Internet
The Latin American Association and Comcast Corp. gave netbook computers to 44 students at DeKalb County’s Sequoyah Middle School last week.
The students at the Doraville school attend an after-school program offered by the association, and will also get a year of free Internet access through the partnership between the association and Comcast.
The association provides tutoring, academic skills development and college and career preparation. Ty Tagami
Financial education symposium today
Sisters In Spirit, a nonprofit, has partnered with A Different Thought Community Church for Conscious Living to host a financial/self-empowerment educational symposium 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
The “Power Up! Release Unwealthy Habits Symposium” at the Courtyard Marriott Atlanta will teach attendees how to gain control of their finances and life by releasing self-defeating behavior and habits.
Cost: $20.13 Information; www.sisters-in-spirit.net or 678-629-0069. Kenneth Musisi
Technology center holds open house
County Commissioner Larry Johnson will host an open house of a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics center 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Monday at Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Dr.
The STEM center features free tutorials and online programs for children and adults.
Information: 404-371-2425.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Stop-smoking courses at Piedmont Henry
Piedmont Henry Hospital, which will become a smoke-free campus at the beginning of 2013, will offer several Fresh Start smoking cessation courses over the next three months. The four-week American Cancer Society program will run on Tuesdays through Nov. 27; on Thursdays and Fridays Dec. 13 through Dec. 21; and Tuesdays Jan. 8 through Jan. 29.
Information: piedmonthenry.org/classes or 678-604-1040.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Peachtree City airport marks Veterans Day
The Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing will commemorate Veterans Day with a free open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field in Peachtree City. The observance will include vintage aircraft displays, patriotic music and guest speaker Col. Ben Malcolm, who served in Korea. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Henry robber hides in Aldi, shoots employee
Police are looking for a man who shelved himself at a McDonough grocery store before shooting one employee and robbing the store.
Henry County police said the bandit went into the Aldi store at 450 Jonesboro Road Thursday night, and hid out until closing. The bandit then herded the employees into an office and demanded they open the safe He shot one employee in the foot. After the robbery, the man fled with an unspecified amount of cash.
The injured employee was taken to Piedmont Henry Hospital and treated for a non-life-threatening injury.
Anyone with information should call Detective M. Sens at 770-288-8265. Marcus K. Garner
Harvest Christian hosts prayer event
The “If My People Pray” Community Prayer Service will be 6:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at Harvest Christian Community Center, 383 Fayetteville Place, Fayetteville. The event will focus on prayer and dedication to the country, and the gratefulness for freedom. Information: 678-628-1672. Kenneth Musisi
Day camp offered at Thanksgiving break
The Henry County Parks and Recreation Department is offering a day camp Nov. 19-21 during the holiday break week for Henry County schools. The cost for the camp is $75 per child and camp hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. Camps will be held at Heritage Park in McDonough, the J. P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge and the Fairview Recreation Center in Stockbridge.
Register online at www.hcprd.org. Information: 770-288-7300. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Lake Spivey road race today
The Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department will host the 5th Annual Lake Spivey Road Race 8 a.m. today. There is a 5K race, as well as a certified 15K race. The race will start and end at 2272 Walt Stephens Road, Jonesboro, with parking available at the First Christian Church of Jonesboro. Information: www.lakespiveyroadrace. Nancy Badertscher
