COBB

KSU joins push for minority students

Kennesaw State University announced Friday that it joined a statewide push to increase the number of minority students who earn degrees in math, science, technology and engineering.

Other Peach State Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation members are: University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia Perimeter College, Southern Polytechnic State, Ft. Valley State and Savannah State universities.

The group is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and provides students with mentors, research opportunities and financial aid. Laura Diamond

Marietta voters to weigh in on bond issue

Marietta voters will consider a $7.14 million bond for an auditorium at Marietta High School at the March 6 presidential primary election. The city council on Wednesday approved asking residents to vote on a city of Marietta general obligation bond toward funding an $8.6 million auditorium, instructional space and band room. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell school awarded ‘railroad money’

Garrett Middle School in Austell is the most recent recipient of interest earned on the city’s $5 million Norfolk Southern “railroad fund.”

City Council members voted recently to give $2,500 to help 250 students in need buy $10 school uniforms, Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins said this week.

Another $2,500 went to the school’s Truancy Board Panel to help parents pay their light bills and buy glasses and clothes for their children, Jerkins said. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cumberland Academy headmaster to retire

Dr. Larry Kendrick, founder and headmaster of Cumberland Christian Academy in Austell for the last 22 years, will retire next month. Transitioning to headmaster emeritus, he and his wife Rhonwyn will be moving to Albany to be near their three sons, where they are involved in the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church.

Their sons’ fourth film, “Courageous,” debuted across the nation last month.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Veterans get a free meal on their day

Veterans will get a free meal in Kennesaw on Veterans Day. The city of Kennesaw and American Legion North Cobb Post 304 are sponsoring a free lunch noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. All military veterans are invited and no identification is required.

Food will be supplied by Bullfrogz Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Free parking at Six Flags to end Nov. 5

Six Flags Over Georgia is offering free parking for its upcoming 45th anniversary season until Nov. 5.

To get this deal, you have to buy three season passes, which includes a fourth season pass for free, adding up to $48.75 per pass.

Season passes must be processed by Nov. 5 at the park, 275 Riverside Parkway at Interstate 20 in Austell, to receive the free season parking pass and the bonus season pass.

Information: sixflags.com/overGeorgia/tickets/seasonpass.aspx. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Flowery Branch woman struck, killed in Gwinnett

Suwanee police were investigating a fatal pedestrian accident early Friday on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

The 43-year-old woman from Flowery Branch was struck by a vehicle and killed about 6:30 a.m. while trying to cross Peachtree Industrial north of Suwanee Dam Road near Tench Road, Suwanee police Capt. Clyde Byers told the AJC.

The woman’s name was being withheld until relatives could be notified. The northbound lanes of Peachtree Industrial remained blocked for much of the morning while police investigated the incident. The road reopened around 10:30 a.m. Mike Morris

Expect delays on Ga. 316 this weekend

Work on Ga. 316 will mean traffic delays this weekend.

Gwinnett County is resurfacing the highway from I-85 to Sugarloaf Parkway. One lane on eastbound Ga. 316 will remained closed through 5 a.m. Monday. One westbound lane will close from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Delays likely will affect I-85 northbound traffic. David Wickert

County hosts 5K at Tribble Mill Park

Gwinnett County will sponsor a 5K road race at 9 a.m. Nov. 5 at Tribble Mill Park, 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville.

The event also features a canine and carriage walk. Proceeds benefit the Gwinnett Parks Foundation. Registered runners will receive a race t-shirt. The preregistration deadline is Monday. The cost is $20 per person or $25 for on-site registration. To register visit http://gwinnettparksfoundation.org/5k.html. David Wickert

Motorcycle ride to raise scholarship money

Motorcycle enthusiasts can look forward to the Nov. 5 Carl White Memorial Scholarship Ride, which benefits the Georgia Gwinnett College scholarship fund for children of Gwinnett County law enforcement.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m. at the Gwinnett jail. The riders depart at 9:30 a.m. to travel to Rutledge, Ga. The ride ends at the Georgia Gwinnett College campus in Lawrenceville. The cost is $35 per bike, $15 for riders, which includes the ride, meal and T-shirt.

Register early at www.Gwinnettcountysheriff.com to pay only $30 per bike, $10 per rider. Andria Simmons

Drug/alcohol program at Loganville High Nov. 1

Pathways:DnA, a drug and alcohol awareness program, will be presented Nov. 1-3 at Loganville High School.

Kim Chadwick, who lost her son to an accidental drug overdose, partnered with other Georgia mothers and Segue Ministries on the program. A parents’ session will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at the high school. Student assemblies featuring the program will be Nov. 2-3 at the school, 100 Trident Trail, Loganville. Information: www.segueministries.org. Laurie Hoffman

Kidgits Club to have Halloween party

Simon Kidgits Club members and their parents will host its annual Halloween event Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Discover Mills in Lawrenceville. Information: http://www.simon.com/kidgits/ Sandra Marshall Murray

NORTHSIDE

Etowah High edcuator teacher of year

John Murnan of Etowah High School was recently named Cherokee County’s Teacher of the Year. Murnan, a science teacher, describes himself as a “relentless optimist” who is constantly thinking about how he can do a better job in the classroom. “I look for new resources, not only in what I teach, but how I teach. I also learn from my students,” Murnan said in his application for the award.

He is a 24-year teaching veteran who has spent the last seven years at Etowah, where he is also a soccer coach. Angela Tuck

Milton, Roswell bulky trash day Nov. 5

The cities of Milton and Roswell are offering their residents a bulky trash amnesty day Nov. 5. From 8 a.m. to noon, bring items like automobile tires, furniture, appliances/electronics, and deactivated cell phones to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road in Roswell. Proof of residency is required. Info: Call Cindy Eade at 678-242-2509 or email cindy.eade@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons

Teen Advocacy Group holds open house

The Teen Advocacy Group (TAG) will hold an open house Wednesday for parents of children ages 6 to 18 to discuss programs it offers in partnership with the city of Milton.

The meeting is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bethwell Community Center at 2695 Hopewell Road. TAG counselors offer programs that help children face life challenges. For info or to RSVP: 770-367-0662 or info@go4tag.org. Andria Simmons

Reinhardt University unveils statue

Reinhardt University in Waleska unveiled a bronze eagle statue which was dedicated to the Reinhardt family and community during the Fall Family & Alumni Weekend festivities on Oct. 22. The Reinhardt Eagle, as it’s officially named, is the first statue in the University’s 128-year history. The Class of 2010 raised funds, along with the Classes of 1993-2014, for the statue. Kenneth Musisi

Creature movies in Sandy Springs

To help residents get in the Halloween spirit, the Sandy Springs Library will show a Creature Triple Feature today, starting at noon. The spooky classics on the lineup: Nosferatu, from 1922; The Giant Gila Monster, from 1959; and House on Haunted Hill, from 1959.

The library is at 395 Mt. Vernon Highway. Information: 404-303-6130. Johnny Edwards

Johns Creek names officer of quarter

Officer M.D. Meberg on Friday was named the Johns Creek Police Department’s Officer of the Quarter. A native of West Virginia, Meberg has served in the Community Services Division since joining the department’s inaugural squad in 2008. The JCPD’s neighborhood watch program is a key focus for Meberg.

He is a member of the bike patrol. He also participates in the radKIDS safety program and the Citizens Police Academy, and regularly visits local schools to speak about safety. He’s also active in fundraising for Special Olympics Georgia. Andria Simmons

ATLANTA

Grady High mock trial team places in contest

Grady High’s mock trial team earned sixth place at the Empire City Mock Trial Association International tournament held earlier this month in New York. The team competed against 34 teams from across the world and was coached by Brian Leahy, an Atlanta attorney. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us. Jaime Sarrio

‘Removing the Mask’ party today at art center

The inaugural “Removing the Mask” Domestic Violence Awareness Masquerade Party will take place today at The Defoors Center Art Gallery.

The masquerade-themed evening is open to the public. A fundraising goal of $50,000 has been set for the evening with a hearty portion of proceeds raised to directly benefit The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Tickets can be purchased for $50 at www.removingthemask.org, or at the door for $75. Andria Simmons

Sunday fundraiser to benefit AIDS victims

Works by Seattle artist Joey M. Robinson will take center stage at the John C. Hopkins memorial fundraiser gala.

The event runs 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Atlanta’s Biltmore Hotel, and will include a silent auction. Proceeds will help support Someone Cares Inc., which assists those whose lives are affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Biltmore is at 817 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. For information: 678-921-2706. Laurie Hoffman

Regional Siemens Competition Nov. 4-5

Future scientists will get a chance to shine Nov. 4-5 at the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology regional finals. Students will compete for cash prizes, and a spot in the competition’s national finals in Washington, D.C. Past winners have contributed advances to drug therapies, and solved previously-unsolved math problems. The regional finals will be at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, 800 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta.

For information: siemens-foundation.org/en/competition. Laurie Hoffman

DEKALB

County to host neighborhood summit

DeKalb County will host a neighborhood summit and green expo for residents and businesses later this month.

The summit features workshops and resources available from the county for everyone. The expo will have local green businesses demonstrating eco-friendly products and services. Both events are free. Activities run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Decatur High School on North McDonough Street. Information: 404-371-3689 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt

Officials partner for ‘Trunk or Treat’ Monday

The Chick-fil-A restaurant at 5542 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, invites the community to attend “Trunk-or-Treat” on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The restaurant is partnering with DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, Commissioner Sharon Barnes-Sutton and the DeKalb County Police Department for the event. Cars participating in the event will be decked out in Halloween decor and parked in the Chick-fil-A parking lot where children can “Trick or Treat” from the trunks. Information: visit www.cfarestaurant.com/memorialdrive or call 404- 292-8097. Sandra Marshall Murray

Open house Nov. 5 at flight school

The American Flyers Flight School will host an open house at noon on Nov.5.

The event will take place at American Flyers, located on the west side of the DeKalb Peachtree Airport, 1950 Airport Road, begins with a barbecue lunch and continues with a facility tour and a presentation by a flight instructor.

Information: 678-281-0631 or www.americanflyers.net. Sandra Marshall Murray

Newspaper exhibit at history center

Members of The Great Speckled Bird, an underground newspaper in the region between 1968 and 1976, will give a tour and exhibit of the paper in several upcoming events at the DeKalb History Center.

The paper reached a circulation of 22,000 at its peak, making it the most widely read weekly in Georgia at the time.

The tour and exhibit are $5 for center members and $10 for non-members. Tours will be held today Nov. 5 and Nov. 12.

More information: 404-373-1088, ext. 22 or director@dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

Doraville adds second AARP driving class

Doraville has added a second AARP Driver Safety class for all interested motorists in November. A program for the week before Thanksgiving is full.

The course is free for military veterans and spouses, $12 for AARP members and $14 for everyone else. Completion of the course can cut the price of individual auto insurance.

The deputy state director of AARP’s driver safety program will teach the new class, which will be held on Nov. 29 at the Doraville Civic Center on Central Avenue.

Registration/information: 770-936-3850. April Hunt

Superintendent to meet with parents Nov. 3

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson will meet with parents next month for a discussion.

Her parent roundtable is at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Stephenson High School, 701 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. Ty Tagami

SOUTHSIDE

Early voting ends in Fulton next Friday

Friday is the last day for early voting in Fulton County, and it’s also the deadline to request absentee ballots for those who won’t be in town for the Nov. 8 election. Several municipal elections and referendums will be held in Fulton, including questions on school sales tax extensions and Sunday store sales of alcohol.

Voters can get absentee ballots by sending requests to 130 Peachtree St., S.W., Suite 2186, Atlanta, 30303, or by faxing requests to 404-730-8839. Information: 404-730-7020. Johnny Edwards

Recycling center expands electronics list

Peachtree City’s Recycling Center has expanded the types of electronic equipment it accepts. Virtually everything except large appliances and hazardous waste can be brought to the center at the intersection of Ga. Highway 74 and Rockaway Road. The center is open Saturdays 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 1:30-4:30 p.m. For details on other materials accepted, see www.peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Health clinic for seniors to be Nov. 4

Senior citizens are invited to the Sickness Prevention Achieved through Regional Collaboration clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Open Hand, located at 181 Armour Drive. The clinics are offered by the Fulton County Department of Housing and Human Services Office of Aging and feature low-to-no cost preventative health care screenings, immunizations, nutrition counseling among other things. Information: call STARLine at 404-613-6000. Veronica Fields Johnson

Stockbridge to hold Veterans Day parade

The Veterans Day Parade in Stockbridge is set for Nov. 11. Participants can register and check in beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.cityofstockbridge.com to download the appropriate forms for sponsorship or to register a vehicle or float for the parade. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Diabetes prevention class Nov. 8-9

The Clayton County Board of Health presents the Road to Health class: How to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes in Your Community from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 -9 at the CCBOH Azalea Room, 1117 Battle Creek Road in Jonesboro. Students earn Continuing Education credit and will learn facts about Type 2 diabetes, how to make healthier food choices and discover how to easily increase daily physical activity. To pre-register, contact 678-610-7691. Veronica Fields Johnson

Residents can sign up for emergency info

Fulton County residents who want fast information in the event of disasters or emergencies can register for CodeRed, a high-speed notification system that allows emergency responders to send out time-sensitive messages via voice mails, e-mails and text messages.

To register, log onto www.fultoncountyga.gov and click the CodeRed link on the right side of the page. Required information: first and last name, physical address, city, state, ZIP code, primary phone number and additional phone numbers, if desired. Johnny Edwards