COBB
Marietta installs silent alarms in schools
Marietta City Schools recently installed silent alarms in its schools.
The district paid $5,000 to install the silent alarms throughout its 11 schools.
The alarms alert local 911 centers where police are automatically dispatched to the school.
Daarel Burnette II
Antebellum museum offers school tours
The Root House Museum and Garden is allowing students a unique opportunity to watch Georgia history come alive. Cobb Landmarks and Historial Society is offering a first hand look at Georgia’s antebellum lifestyle and a look at the day-to-day life and activities of the William Root Family.
School group tours are scheduled Tuesday through Friday and are offered at a special rate of $6 per student. Teachers are admitted without charge. The museum is located at 145 Denmead St NE Marietta. Information: program.coordinator@cobblandmarks.com
Meghan de St. Aubin
Smyrna promotes road change name
Smyrna wants to change the name of the East-West Connector to the Silver Comet Parkway from Atlanta Road to Powder Springs Road. The council approved a resolution this week that will be sent to the Cobb Board of Commissioners for consideration. The 61-mile bike and pedestrian trail, that starts in Smyrna, parallels the connector road through Cobb County. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Marietta meeting to cover school issues
Marietta City Schools Superintendent Emily Lembeck will talk about the district’s progress at a public meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday at Westside Elementary School, 344 Polk St. Topics will include the education SPLOST, the district’s new strategic plan and charter system renewal status. Tucker McQueen
Seniors, caregivers seminar on Saturday
A free seminar for senior citizens and their caregivers will be 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today at the Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St.
Discussion topics include: legal issues, identity theft, living arrangements, medical and drug issues, elder abuse, transportation, insurance, senior discounts and caregivers.
This “Living Long and Strong” program is sponsored by the Stephen Ministry of Powder Springs First United Methodist Church. Information: 770-943-5650. Carolyn Cunningham
Marietta will hosta police academy
The Marietta Police Department will host a Citizens Police Academy.
Participants will get an inside look at crime analysis, narcotics, special weapons and tactics, crime interdiction, traffic enforcement, community response, crime scene processing and more. There is no charge for the 10-week program, which begins April 8. Classes will be 6 to 9 p.m. every Monday.
Information: Police Department, 240 Lemon St., 770-794-2364 or email at dsmith@mariettaga.gov. Andria Simmons
GWINNETT
Homestead exemption deadline is April 1
The application deadline to file for homestead exemption to reduce property taxes is April 1. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of Jan. 1 of the tax year for which application is being made.
Applications for 2013 exemptions will not be accepted after April 1. Once granted, the exemption is automatically renewed each year.
Information: www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com or tax@gwinnettcounty.com or 770-822-8800. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Latin American group will host Career Expo
The Latin American Association will host its 31st Annual Career Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at the association office at 2750 Buford Highway. The bilingual job fair will feature workshops on recruiting, managing a diverse workforce, entrepreneurship and networking. Preregistration is required.
Candidates should send resumes to employmentservices@thelaa.org, and employers should contact Jennifer Solano at jsolano@thelaa.org.
Information: Aixa Pascual at 404-638-1823 or apascual@thelaa.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
Volunteers needed at animal shelter
Volunteers are needed at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter to help facilitate more adoptions and reduce euthanasia.
They also need volunteers to help walk dogs, handle cats and kittens, clean and sanitize kennels, assist citizens, provide landscaping, help with clerical duties and pitch in at fundraisers and special events.
Volunteers must be 18 years old and pass a background check. Information: Lt. Christina Schiralli, 770-513-5506 or email policevolunteers@gwinnettcounty.com. Andria Simmons
Understand calorie intake at free class
The Gwinnett Co-Op Extension Service is offering a nutrition class about calorie intake 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday in the Head Start Program Building, 84 Maddox Road , Buford. Learn about serving sizes, how many calories and how much exercise you need each day. No pre-registration or cost. Information: Ines Beltran at 678-377-4010 or ines.beltran@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Snellville holding artist reception
Snellville residents can greet Sally Arnold, the next featured artist in the city’s Art on the Wall at City Hall program, at a 4:30 p.m. reception on Thursday at City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. A 40-year resident of Snellville, Arnold has become acclaimed for her encaustic works, hot pigmented wax painted on boards and fused in layers with a torch. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Learn to avoid heart disease
The Gwinnett Co-Op Extension Service invites seniors to a free class about reducing three risk factors of heart disease and stroke: excess body weight, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road. Information: Ines Beltran at 678-377-4010 or ines.beltran@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
State senator hosts Sandy Springs forum
State Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, will hold a town hall meeting 11 a.m. to noon today at Sandy Springs City Hall, 7840 Roswell Road. Albers will talk about priorities for the ongoing General Assembly session, and residents can give feedback. Among other efforts, north Fulton lawmakers have proposed several bills that would alter the structure of the Fulton County government, which they have long criticized as bloated and dysfunctional. Albers recently introduced a resolution that would allow the re-creation of Milton County. Johnny Edwards
Roswell Green Expo seeks to educate public
The 2nd annual Roswell Green Expo will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Hembree Park, 850 Hembree Road, Roswell.
The expo, which aims to educate the public about green practices, will include musical performances, speakers and educational sessions, a fashion show and a market with vendors.
A featured rain barrel workshop requires pre-registration at: www.keeproswellbeautiful.org.
Free and open to the public.
Information: www.roswellgreenexpo.org. Mea Watkins
Forsyth educators finalize strategic goals
The Forsyth County Board of Education Thursday night gave final approval to its 2013-2016 Strategic Plan outlining instructional, facilities, operational and technology goals.
Among them: achieving a student 90th percentile score on a popular college and career readiness index and developing and implementing capital improvement and facilities plans.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
British cars on display at Alpharetta event
A collection of iconic British cars will be featured at the Great British Car Fayre from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today on Milton Avenue in downtown Alpharetta.
The family-friendly event will also include food and a musical performance from 5 to 7 p.m. by Abbey Road Live, a Beatles tribute band.
Information: www.awesomealpharetta.com. Mea Watkins
Forsyth fire officials host poster contest
The Forsyth County Fire Department is calling on third-grade students to take part in a fire safety poster contest. The deadline for submitting original designs and artwork is March 15.
Three winners will enjoy a pizza party with their class and local firefighters. Information: 770-781-2180, ext 4028.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee education group seeks donations
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation has launched its inaugural fundraising campaign.
Businesses and individuals who donate more than $100 will become Founding Partners and will get special recognition.
The foundation was established in the fall to support school district programs, teachers and students.
Donatons: CCEF, PO Box 4754,Canton, or cceducationalfoundation@gmail.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Help for low, moderate-income taxpayers
The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and AARP Tax-Aide are offering free help with 2012 tax returns. There is no income limitation and the service is available to everyone, but the group is aiming to help low- and moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older.
Trained volunteers will be at the Buckhead, Kirkwood, and Mechanicsville branches during the tax season. For specific times and dates, go to www.afpls.org. Johnny Edwards
Fashion documentary screening at SCAD
The Savannah College of Art and Design offers a free screening and discussion of the fashion documentary, “Versailles ‘73: American Runway Revolution,” 5 p.m. Thursday at SCAD Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St. N.W. The film follows the events that lead up to the 1973 fashion show battle at the Chateau de Versailles between American and French designers. Information: scad.edu. Mea Watkins
Museum announces Fulton family days
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta hosts Fulton County Family Days for Fulton residents only. You can buy one admission ticket and receive one additional general admission ticket for free on the opening day of each feature exhibit. Must have proof of residency. Information: tinyurl.com/ab7onwg. Kenneth Musisi
Charity event helps prevent blindness
Prevent Blindness Georgia’s second annual “Tea to See” will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Piedmont Driving Club.
The event, will feature a selection of teas, sandwiches and desserts. The club is located at 1215 Piedmont Ave. N.E. The cost is $50.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Prevent Blindness Georgia, a statewide nonprofit that works to prevent blindness through vision screenings, eye exams and reduced cost glasses for adults in need, public education about eye health and safety and vision screening training.
Information: www.pbga.org. Shelia M. Poole
DEKALB
Recorders Court
Clerk’s office moving
The first phase of the renovation and construction of space for the DeKalb County Recorders Court begins Monday with the relocation of the Recorders Court Clerk’s Office to the Bobby Burgess Building, 3630 Camp Circle, 2nd floor, Decatur. The clerk’s office will handle all services related to warrants, past due tickets, filing of documents and public information. Arraignments, trials, special hearings and probation services will remain at the current Recorders Court building. The construction project is expected to be completed by this summer. Mea Watkins
Decatur builds Lifelong Community Board
Decatur’s commission officially created a Lifelong Community Advisory Board, whose goal is allowing residents to live in their houses well into old age. Although the board has yet to name members, it has launched a senior shuttle with a trial run for March 6. The shuttle will run from Oakhurst into downtown Decatur with stops at the Decatur Rec Center, Kroger on Commerce Drive, CVS and post office. The service will officially start March 13. Bill Banks for the AJC
Emergency notification sign-up urged
With recent storms, DeKalb County officials are reminding residents to sign up for personal emergency notifications via the CodeRED system.
The system requires citizens register their street addresses, to make sure notification calls are sent to proper neighborhoods. Decatur offers a similar system for its residents.
To register for DeKalb’s system, visit www.dekalbga.gov and follow links for CodeRED or call 770-270-0413 for help. April Hunt
Little League signups through today
The Belvedere Little League will hold registration for baseball for boys and girls (ages 4-12) from noon to 4 p.m. through today at Shoal Creek Park, 3640 Glenwood Road, Decatur.
Register online at www.eteamz.com/belvederelittleleague2. Volunteer coaches are needed.
Information: 404-289-3073. Kenneth Musisi
Art Walk, gallery set to open in February
The Dunwoody Fine Art Association has teamed up with 30 local Dunwoody businesses to celebrate the arts and highlight the work of local artists with an Art Walk through the community.
The grand opening for the Dunwoody Fine Art Association Pop Up Gallery in the courtyard of Dunwoody Village Shopping Center will be Feb. 23.
Information: www.dunwoodyfineart.org.
Kenneth Musisi
DA to hold training seminar
DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James will host a training seminar on court proceedings 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday on the fourth floor of the DeKalb Courthouse, 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur.
The Court Watch program is designed for residents and homeowner association representatives to learn how to track code compliance and other cases that affect their communities.
Complimentary breakfast will be served. Register for the free event: 404-687-7179. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette creates program to recruit tournaments
Fayette County has created an initiative to help recruit more sports events to the county. The Peachtree Fayette Sports Alliance is the brainchild of the Peachtree City Convention and Visitors Bureau, which will finance the initiative. The new group will be governed by a seven-member board of directors that include the county recreation department and the Peachtree City convention bureau. The alliance wants to work with local sports groups to plan and organize tournaments. Information: 678-216-0282 or www.visitpeachtreecity.com. Tammy Joyner
2nd arrest made in cab driver’s killing
Julius Ryan Thomas, 20, surrendered in Providence, R.I., where he is being held while awaiting extradition back to Georgia for the shooting death of a Clayton cab driver.
Thomas has been charged with felony murder, false statements and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in connection with the killing of Rosendo Casarrubias, who was found dead in his cab near Riverdale on Jan. 25, Rosa said.
Another suspect, Desmond Brandon Nixon, 22, was arrested Feb. 2 and charged with murder, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, false statements, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond in the Clayton County jail. Alexis Stevens
Package disrupts Clayton Animal Control
A suspicious object in a bathroom at Clayton County Animal Control drew a large amount of fire and police personnel to the county public safety complex in Jonesboro on Friday.
An Animal Control volunteer found what appeared to be a suspicious object in the public bathroom and called police, Clayton Police spokeswoman Danielle Rosa said.
The police bomb squad secured the area, at Georgia Highway 138 and McDonough Road where the police headquarters and Animal Control are located, and took an X-ray of the item.
No lethal threat was found, Rosa said. She did not say what was in the package.
Marcus K. Garner
Conference to prevent destructive behaviors
The Fulton County Children and Youth Office will hold its third One Humanity Conference, part of the Youth Leadership Academy for Boys 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Wolf Creek Public Safety Training Facility, 3025 Merk Road.
The conference aims to prevent behaviors such as truancy, violence and substance abuse, with the theme of “staying cool, calm and connected.” Information: 404-612-9475 or Matthew.McNeil@fultoncountyga.gov.
Johnny Edwards
Thrift shop gives grant to Fayette seniors
The Clothes Less Traveled thrift shop in Peachtree City has awarded a $20,000 semi-annual grant to Fayette Senior Services. The funds will be used to furnish and equip two community centers in the McIntosh Recreation Area, including the former Gathering Place and a newly renovated adjacent building scheduled to open in late April.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
