County by county news for Saturday

Police, community groups hand out toys

The Marietta Police Departments Police Athletic League along with the Franklin Road Weed and Seed Initiative made the holiday season a little brighter by handing out toys to needy kids on Friday evening.

Three former NBA basketball players along with Marietta officers and volunteers from the community gave out presents to children in the Franklin Road Community. Other organizations that helped make the event possible were the National Basketball Retired Players Association, Marietta YELLS the Latin American Association, Amerigroup and Communities in Schools. Andria Simmons

First Baptist Powder Springs hosts event

The Contemporary Arts Ministry of the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs will present “Candlelight Christmas in the Springs” at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, 4330 North Ave., Powder Springs.

Information: fbcps.org or 770-943-9333. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

North Metro Church hosts ‘Hope’ market

North Metro Church, 2305 Barrett Parkway NW, Marietta will host “Christmas with a Global Heart” by transforming its church lobby into a rustic marketplace after worship services on Sunday and Dec. 23 and 1 to 5 p.m. Christmas Eve.

The Hope Market will feature products and strategic services from seven global partners from India, East Asia, Middle East, Guatemala, Haiti, Zimbabwe and Atlanta.

Proceeds from the sales will support the partners’ ministries efforts on issues of social justice, care for orphans, care for those rescued from human slavery, provide access to biblical education, and more.

Information: 678-290-7830 ext. 134 or www.northmetro.org. Kenneth Musisi

Lee to be sworn in for new term as chairman

The swearing-in ceremony for Cobb County Chairman Tim Lee will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the county’s headquarters 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. Lee was elected chairman in July 2010 and re-elected in November. He first took office as district three commissioner in November 2002. Jaime Sarrio

Women’s Book Club to meet at Chabad

The Women’s Circle Book Club will meet 7:30 p.m. Monday at Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. The book discussion is about “A Mother in Israel: The life and Memoirs of Rebbetzin Chana Schneerson”. Send reservations via e-mail to mandimaloon@gmail.com or stephanierosen@gmail.com. The event is free. Kenneth Musisi

GWINNETT

Gwinnett to upgrade traffic monitoring system

An upgrade to Gwinnett County’s traffic control center will allow motorists to better monitor traffic at the county’s major intersections.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Tuesday awarded a $341,763 contract to Delcan Corporation to upgrade the control center. The upgrade will allow motorists to select a specific intersection and receive images delivered by traffic cameras every one to two minutes.

The upgrade also will allow Gwinnett to better monitor and manage traffic using the cameras, officials said. David Wickert

Bribery figure asks to delay prison date

Carl Cain, a key figure in a Gwinnett County bribery scandal, has asked a federal judge to delay his prison reporting date until next month.

Cain is scheduled to report to prison Wednesday. But in a motion filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, he has asked for a postponement until Jan. 23, saying his wife is currently hospitalized.

Last May Cain pleaded guilty to bribery and drug charges. Among other things, he admitted he helped arrange for former County Commissioner Shirley Lasseter to receive $36,500 from an undercover FBI agent in exchange for her vote on a real estate development. He was sentenced to 57 months in prison on the charges. David Wickert

Norcross ministry seeks donations

The Kudzu Art Zone Gallery & Art Center, 116 Carlyle Street, Norcross will accept donations for the Norcross Cooperative Ministry 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Boys’ clothing and shoes, towels, dishes, canned meat, rice (one pound bag or box), jelly in plastic jars, cereal, instant pudding, diapers and personal care items are needed.

NCM provides services to families in need in Norcross and surrounding areas of Gwinnett County. Information: Susie Schklar at 770-840-9664 or www.norcrossco-op.org.

Kenneth Musisi

Peachtree Corners Christmas Run today

The second annual Peachtree Corners Christmas Run is 9 a.m. today at Simpson United Methodist Church, 4511 Jones Bridge Circle. Registration begins at 7 p.m.. Tickets: $15 - $40 . Information: www.SpincycleSports.com.

Kenneth Musisi

Co-op to help more than 800 families

The Norcross Cooperative Ministry hopes to help over 850 families this year. Needed: unwrapped gifts, gift cards and non-perishable food items. Donations will be accepted 10 a.m. to noon today at 2275 Mitchell Road in Norcross.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Town Hall meetings to discuss lake safety

Buford Sen. Renee Utterman will host two town hall meetings today – 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gainesville Civic Center; and 1 p.m. at Buford City Hall to garner public input on a possible state amendment to make boating under the influence carry the same penalties as driving under the influence, as well as other regulations related to lake safety. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Canton police need help identifying body

Canton police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the body of a man found Sunday. He is described as Hispanic, between 20 and 30 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 150 to 160 pounds. He has no scars or tattoos. Police did not say Thursday where the man’s body was found or if there was any obvious cause of death. The man was wearing blue jeans, a gray button-down shirt, gray and black Aeropostale fleece jacket, black Sperry Topsider shoes, gray Calvin Klein boxer briefs, and black Joe Boxer socks. Contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Staff

Resolution proposed boundary dispute

State Rep. Harry Geisinger, R-Roswell, filed a proposal Thursday to settle Georgia’s dispute over its boundary with Tennessee — as long as the Volunteer State would agree to give Georgia a sliver of land on the Tennessee River.

House Resolution 4 essentially seeks to tap the river as a source of drinking water for Georgia, which has struggled to boost its own supply amid record growth and, as of late, drought.

Tennessee officials have rebuffed attempts since then to make any changes.

Kristina Torres

Officers graduate training class

Thirty seven probation/parole officers graduated the second Basic Probation/Parole Officer Training Course on Thursday in a ceremony held at State Offices South in Forsyth.

The dual certification eliminates the need for separate agency training courses. Andria Simmons

CAC Holiday Program food drive ongoing

The Community Assistance Center, 1130 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs is accepting donations for families in need.

Gift cards from Publix, Kroger or Wal-Mart in $10 denominations are needed. The Holiday Food Box needs and Pantry needs are listed at tinyurl.com/b9m4b4w.

Donation drop offs are during 9 a.m. to noon or 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through Friday. Information: Jacqui at fooddonations@ourcac.org or 770-552-4889.

Kenneth Musisi

Cherokee Fire Fighters help with Toys for Tots

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services locations will be Toys for Tots collection centers through Dec. 20. The centers are accepting new unwrapped toys.

For information about fire station locations and local donations, contact Cherokee County Fire Headquarters at 678-493-4000.

Kenneth Musisi

Swearing-in set for commissioners

Three members of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will be sworn in at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming.

Incumbent District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam will be starting his third term; District 5 Commissioner Jim Boff his second.

They’ll be joined by Cindy Jones Mills, who will start her first term representing District 4.

All three take office Jan. 1. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Atlanta benefits from Staples Foundation

The Staples Foundation, the charitable arm of Staples, recently announced it has awarded more than $1.4 million in grants to non-profit organizations in 43 states. including Georgia.

A new program lets Staples associates direct donations to nonprofits focused on education or developing job skills.

Among those receiving funds is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The organization’s national headquarters is in Atlanta. Shelia M. Poole

Christmas at Callanwolde underway

Christmas at Callanwolde, presented by the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd., N.E., runs through Tuesday. Admission ranges from $12-$20 for adults, seniors and children age 4-12. Free for children age 3 and under.

Information and tickets: www.christmasatcallanwolde.org. Mea Watkins

Summer food programs seeks sponsors

The Summer Food Service Program is looking for eligible sponsors to serve nutritious meals to children throughout Georgia next summer. The SFSP, administered by Atlanta-based Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Information:

www.decal.ga.gov/BftS/SFSPBecomingASponsor.aspx or 1-855-550-SFSP or SFSP@decal.ga.gov Nancy Badertscher

Holiday event at Piedmont Park

The second annual Season of Magic in Piedmont Park, featuring a holiday carousel and horse-drawn carriage rides, will run from 4 to 10:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 6. Enjoy the lights free of charge. Carriage rides are $25 for adults and $20 for children.

Carousel rides are $3 for all ages. All rides originate from Park Tavern, 500 10th Street N.E. Proceeds benefit maintenance and security at Piedmont Park. Information: www.piedmontpark.org. Mea Watkins

DEKALB

Dunwoody Fencing Club’s location opens

Dunwoody Fencing Club is located at a new 13,000-square-foot facility at 735 West Crossville Road. The homecoming event was Dec. 8.

Dunwoody Fencing Club is the first United States Fencing Coaches Association Guild Academy Club in Georgia.

The club offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced level training.

Individual instruction is available and recommended. Information: www.dunwoodyfencingclub.com or 770-551-9362.

Kenneth Musisi

Community Council hosts inauguration trip

The Stephenson Community Council in Redan has partnered with Dream Big Educational Services to offer an opportunity for celebrating the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

The tour departs Atlanta on Jan. 19 and returns early Jan. 22. Cost —$395 per person: 4 to 6 persons (suite) or $595 per person: 2 to 3 persons (single room).

Pricing includes: chartered bus transportation, two-night hotel stay, 9 meals, and guided tours of all venues and events. Information: tinyurl.com/d8vojs2. Kenneth Musisi

Decatur schools get record donation

Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards said she wants the record $500,000, donated last month to the Decatur Educational Foundation, to go to the teachers and students.

Donated by an anonymous Decatur family, the funds are controlled by the DEF. But Edwards said the school system recently submitted its plan for prioritizing how the money’s used.

On her list are professional development of teachers and technology and equipment for students.” Bill Banks for the AJC

Lunch with Santain Stone Mountain

Families are invited to “Stories With Santa,” a show featuring St. Nick from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at ART Station, 5384 Manor Drive, Stone Mountain.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger, and include lunch.

Information: 770-469-1105.

April Hunt

Community groups to meet this month

The resident-advisory boards that review zoning and land use applications have scheduled upcoming meetings:

The Community Council for District 5 will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Redan library on Wellborn Road.

The District 1 and 4 councils are scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chamblee library on Clairmont Road and the Stone Mountain library on Leon Street, respectively.

The District 2 and 3 councils are to meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Maloof Auditorium on Commerce Drive and at the Wesley Chapel library on Wesley Chapel Road, respectively. April Hunt

Volunteers needed for plant restoration

Volunteers are needed to help plant native species in Mason Mill Park 10 a.m. to noon today as part of an ongoing project with the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

Participants should meet at the boardwalk along the South Peachtree Creek trail, accessible from the park entry at Willivee Drive and Scott Circle. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

City employees create Fairburn Leadership Park

Fairburn City management employees created a pocket park adjacent to City Hall as part of a group project assigned during the recently completed second course of the Institute of Government’s Management Development Program.

The class generated over $6,000 in October by hosting a golf tournament with the proceeds going towards purchasing benches, picnic tables, and a gazebo.

Leadership Park is intended for the enjoyment of Fairburn citizens. The dedication ceremony was Dec. 7. Kenneth Musisi

Fayetteville Fire sounds fraud alarm

The Fayetteville Fire Department is warning residents to be wary of anyone soliciting donations on its behalf.

Because the department is supported entirely by city revenue, anyone making phone calls or visits asking for such donations “should be carefully evaluated.” Call 770-461-4548 with concerns.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Kids seek to reduce bullying, pregnancy

Fulton County students working with the county’s Children and Youth Office will hold a conference Saturday on reducing bullying, teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

It’s also being planned by parents, caregivers, community leaders and the South Fulton Human Services Coalition. Participants will develop a report to present to the Fulton County Commission and state lawmakers.

The free conference starts at 10 a.m. (9 a.m. registration) at the Hapeville Charter Career Academy, 6045 Buffington Road, Union City.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Information: 404-612-9521 or www.empoweringyouth.eventbrite.com.

Johnny Edwards

Workshop on date violence prevention

The Fairburn Library is offering a class for teenaged girls on preventing dating violence 2 p.m. today at 60 Valley View Drive.

Because I Said So, Inc., is presenting the workshop for girls ages 13-18. Registration: 770-306-3138. Johnny Edwards

Little league coaches needed for spring

College Park is seeking coaches for the 2013 baseball season. Qualifications: Must be able to work well with children, ages 3 to 14, to teach them the game of baseball. Able to commit time to the children in the program, for practices and games. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check.

Coaches’ meetings start in late January or early February. The league starts April 2013.

Information: Bryant J. Anderson at (404) 669-3773 ext. 6203 or banderson@collegeparkga.com. Staff reports

Peachtree City council cancels meetings

During the extended holiday season, the City Council of Peachtree City is modifying its meeting schedule for the rest of December and January. The previously scheduled meetings for Dec. 20, Jan. 3 and Jan. 17 have been scuttled in favor of a single called meeting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 10. Jill Howard Church for the AJC