County by county news for Saturday

Peter Brown solicited a $4,000 bribe from a contractor in the fall of 2011, and the contractor notified the inspector general's office which in turn referred the case to the GBI, the AG's office said.

Brown was arrested in an undercover sting in April at a Cobb restaurant where he took the $4,000 that had given to the contractor by the GBI, the AG's office said. Bill Rankin

Austell show sponsors needed by Wednesday

The City of Austell and the Austell Business Association are seeking sponsors for their sixth annual Concert and Car Show by Wednesday.

This free event will be 3 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Collar Park, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd. next to Austell City Hall.

Proceeds will benefit the Christian Aid Mission Partnership in Austell, providing food and clothing to those in need.

Information: association president Felicia Jones at felicia@servproswcobb.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Taskforce meets on underage drinking

The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is hosting its bimonthly meeting on Tuesday to discuss the next steps in reducing underage and youth binge drinking throughout Cobb County.

The Taskforce has been involved in changes to local policies aimed at underage drinking. Cobb recently strengthened its social host penalties for people hosting events where alcohol is available to minors. Marietta passed rules that banning minors from bars.

The meeting begins at 2 p.m. at the Cobb Sheriff's Work Release Center, 1825 County Services Parkway in Marietta.

Information: 404-791-7406; www.cobbat.org. Janel Davis

Interfaith panel discussion Sunday

Open Minds Open Hearts Radio will conduct " Honoring all Paths", an interfaith panel discussion 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday Aug. 19 at One World Spiritual Center, 3535 Shallowford Road, Marietta. The discussion is in the wake of the shootings at the Sikh Temple in Wisconsin.

Participants on the panel will represent Judaism, Sikh, Pagan, Bahai and New Thought Christianity. Information: www.openmindsopenhearts.net or 678-214-6938. Kenneth Musisi

American Legion sponsors race

The North Cobb Post 304 of the American Legion is sponsoring a 5K Legion 304 Run at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Dallas Landing, Acworth. Race day registration is $25 and starts at 6:30 a.m. Information: David Burdette at dburdette488@bellsouth.net. Kenneth Musisi

YMCA offers triathlon training for kids

Children can train for free at East Cobb YMCA in preparation for an area triathlon.

The training sessions are offered Tuesdays and Saturdays to Cobb residents ages 6 to 15, leading up to the Atlanta Kids Triathlon on Aug. 26.

YMCA membership is not required.

About 1,000 children are expected to participate in the triathlon. Information: 770-977-5991 Janel Davis

GWINNETT

Jury delivers $2.7 million verdict against Kroger

A Gwinnett County jury this month compensated a woman and her family $2.7 million as a result of a fall in a Kroger store in Fayetteville.

The fall occurred June 7, 2008, as the 27-year-old woman was walking through Kroger Store #490. The woman slipped and fell on a puddle of liquid near a refrigerated cooler. She injured her right wrist and developed a chronic condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, according to her attorney, Michael Lawson Neff.

The jury verdict came Aug. 10, after a week of trial in which Kroger maintained it was not responsible for the fall.

Andria Simmons

Blood drive to honor Sept. 11 victims

The Georgia Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA will host a blood drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Lucky Shoals Park, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross as part of the second annual "Muslims for Life," a nationwide campaign to collect 11,000 units of blood from Aug. 11 to Sept. 11 to honor the victims of Sept. 11 and to reiterate that Islam values the sanctity of life. Information: 404-510-3399, ami_georgia@yahoo.com or http://muslimsforlife.org/.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Holocaust film Sunday in Norcross

Norcross Community Center will screen the documentary, "My Knees Were Jumping -- Remembering the Kindertransport," about how British allies helped save over 10,000 Jewish children from concentration camps. Hosted by Dr. Edie Riehm with Holocaust survivor Susi Schwarz, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, 10 College St., Norcross. Information: www.norcrossga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Skylar's Run to benefit special needs schools

The six annual Skylar's Run is 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the free Fitness Expo is at 7 a.m. to noon today at the Suwanee Town Center Park and Greenway. The community fitness event, an effort by Paul Gwin whose son Skylar suffers from muscular dystrophy, will benefit special needs schools of Gwinnett.

Information: www.averagejoesracing.com. Kenneth Musisi

Suwanee Day race approaching

Participants in the Sept. 8 Suwanee Day 5K and 10K Classic are reminded to register by Sept. 1. at www.suwaneeday.com. After Sept. 1 an additional $10 per event will be charged.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Snellville hosts free movie night

Snellville Parks & Rec is hosting Popcorn in the Park showing "The Lorax" at 5 p.m. Saturday, August 18 in Briscoe Park, 2770 Lenora Church Rd in Snellville.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Busy week for Duluth government

Interested Duluth residents can take a meeting this week when the Planning Commission meets at 7 p.m. Monday, August 20; the Downtown Development Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 21 and the Zoning Board of Appeals meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 22. www.duluthga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Woodstock seeks input for 10-year plan

Citizen input is being sought on developing a new 10-year plan for Woodstock's core area. A first meeting on the Woodstock Town Center Plan will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday at the Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St.

Officials will explain the planning process and overall goals. Additionally, an interactive design charrette is planned Tuesday and Wednesday at Accru Money + Life in downtown Woodstock.Info: www.woodstockga.gov Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Humans and pooches to race in Canton

The 2nd annual Road Race 5K/1K Fun Run Dog Trot is 8 a.m. Sept 1 at Hopewell Baptist Church, 75 Ridge Road, Canton. Proceeds will benefit Green Pets America Humane Society, a Woodstock no-kill rescue shelter. Dogs may race. Registration: $20 before Aug. 24, $25 after. Information: www.greenpetsamerica.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Emerging Leaders accepting applications

The Emerging Leaders Program, within the Great North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, is accepting applications from high school juniors North Fulton County.

The ELP involves three class days which combine leadership training, a commitment to 15 community service hours and speakers from the community. Cost is $100 per student. Applications, due by Sept. 14, are available at www.leadershipnorthfulton.org. Kenneth Musisi

New higher ed center debuts in Forsyth

Forsyth County officials held an opening celebration Thursday for the University Center\Ga. 400 campus, a jointpartnership of North Georgia College and State University and Gainesville State College. Classes began Monday. The school is at Ga. 400 and Pilgrim Mill Road and offers two and four-year programs, plus professional development opportunities.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Senior fundraiser planned in Cherokee

The Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council will hold its annual fundraising gala 6:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. Money raised by the dinner-dance event will benefit Cherokee County Senior Services programs such as Meals on Wheels. Information: http://vac-cherokeega.org/

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Society to offer survival preparedness

The American Heritage Society of Georgia Inc. will host a survival preparedness retreat Sept. 7-8 at Alpharetta's Milton Center.

The event is open to individuals, families, organizations, businesses and churches wishing to prepare for a natural or manmade disaster. Topics will include survival preparation before, during and after a disaster, and what to do if there is no access to food, fuel, doctors, hospitals, transportation and electronic communication. The first 100 registrants will receive a survival backpack.

The Milton Center is at 86 School Drive, Alpharetta. For information: www.americanheritagesocietyofgeorgia.com.

Laurie Hoffman

ATLANTA

Atlanta City Council to honor civil rights leaders

Councilmember Felicia Moore on behalf of the Atlanta City Council will honor Dr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Lowery for more than a half of a century of work and commitment to civil and human rights.

Proclamations honoring Dr. and Mrs. Lowery will be presented during the regularly scheduled meeting at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 in the City Council Chamber. Kenneth Musisi

Criterium cycling races this weekend

The Litespeed BMW Cycling team will host the Twilight Criterium today in East Atlanta Village. Racing begins at 4 p.m. and concludes with the Men's Pro 1/2 race at 8 p.m. The course is situated among the many restaurants, bars and shops in town. Information: www.litespeed-bmwcycling.com.

The 8th annual Grant Park Criterium will be Sunday. Racing begins at 10 a.m. and concludes with the Men's Pro 1/2 race at 6 p.m. New Belgium will provide a beer garden and will serve throughout the day. Information: www.grantparkcriterium.com. Kenneth Musisi

Zoo Atlanta hosts Family Days

Zoo Atlanta will host City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19. During these two days, guests who can demonstrate residence or employment in either the City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government will be admitted free. Admission is valid for two adults and up to four children. Kenneth Musisi

Free pet vaccinations and food offered

The Humane Society of the United States and other Atlanta area organizations will offer free cat and dog rabies vaccinations, licenses and dog food while supplies last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at The HSUS' Pets for Life Atlanta Training Facility, 809 Hollywood Rd, Atlanta.

Pre-registration is not required. Dog owners are asked to bring their dogs on a leash and carry their cats in a carrier. Information: 888-297-1683, option 1. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Job fair for bilingual professionals

The 2012 National Diversity Job Fair Series, sponsored by LatPro and the National Society for Hispanic Professionals, will host a job fair for bilingual professionals 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Courtyard by Marriott Decatur Downtown/Emory, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur.

Admission is free; professional dress required. Pre-register: network.nshp.org/events/atlanta-job-fair-3. Information: jobfairs@nshp.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Barbeque Festival features live music

The 12th annual Decatur Barbeque, Blues & Bluegrass Festival is 4 - 10 p.m. today at Harmony Park featuring live music from Mama's Blue Dress, Dejablue Grass Band, Heather Luttrell, the Electromatics, and Roxy Watson. Cost is $10, under 10 free. Information: decaturbbqfestival.com. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur school system continues growing

After two full weeks of school, Decatur schools Superintendent Dr. Phyllis Edwards reports that an additional 360 children have enrolled since last year for an 11.5 percent growth. Last year the system had 12 percent growth. The system plans to build additions at Oakhurst Elementary and the 4/5 Academy, and will likely re-open Westchester as a pre k-3 school in 2014-15. Bill Banks for the AJC

Organizers planning next Taste of Chamblee

Organizers expect several dozen restaurants and other vendors at the fifth-annual Taste of Chamblee, scheduled for Sept. 15.

The festival will also include kids' play area, live entertainment and a beer garden.

To recommend eateries and artists or for more information, email info@chambleebusinessassociation.com. April Hunt

New DeKalb library opening soon

Services at the new Scott Candler branch of the DeKalb County library system will open on Aug. 20, with a dedication ceremony the weekend before.

The dedication will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 18 at the new library, 1917 Candler Road. DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and other local dignitaries will be on hand for the ribbon cutting and tour of the new 12,000 square-foot library.

The new branch is part of a mixed-use development that is to eventually include a new senior center and senior housing. The facility will hold 30,000 volumes, have 27 public-access computers and includes a 90-seat meeting room.

Work on the new facility began last year and is part of a $54.5 million project to expand, renovate and add 13 libraries to the county.

Information: 404-370-8450 or www.dekalblibrary.org.

April Hunt

Volunteers needed for river cleanup event

The Tucker Civic Association and Rivers Alive will host the 5th annual Rivers Alive Clean Up 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 at 4200 Cowan Road, Tucker.

Volunteers are asked to provide the name of their group; number of volunteers, and a lead contact person. Participants must be 10 years of age or older.

Information on volunteering: volunteertca@gmail.com or 770-270-1620. Laurie Hoffman

SOUTHSIDE

Bulk Waste Amnesty Day for South Fulton

The free Bulk Waste Amnesty Day for South Fulton residents is set for Aug. 18.

Large items such as old refrigerators, furniture, electronics, and automotive tires (limit of four un-mounted tires), will be accepted. Yard waste will be accepted at Merk Road only.

Drop off locations are at the Merk Road Transfer Station 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and South Fulton Service Center and Creel Park 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Information: Shaista Begum at Shaista.begum@fultoncountyga.gov. Kenneth Musisi

Peachtree City explores food trucks

Peachtree City might give food trucks a test drive. The City Council agreed Thursday to let staff draft an ordinance that would allow food trucks to set up at an undetermined location weekly and during special events.

The city will get input from local businesses to gauge the impact on existing merchants.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free child safety event today in McDonough

Operation KidSafe will sponsor a child safety event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Toyota of McDonough, 144 Hwy. 81 West, McDonough.

Free child safety kits, which include digital fingerprints and a photograph, will be available to parents.

All children one year and older and special needs adults are encouraged to attend.

Information: 866-962-5487.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Triathlon reroutes Peachtree City traffic

The route of the Tri-PTC Adult Triatholon will affect Peachtree City traffic from 7 a.m. to noon today.

Motorists should expect delays on portions of Hip Pocket Road, McIntosh Trail and Robinson Road near The Colonnade.

Marked police cars will direct traffic and escort residents.

Also, the Peachtree City Library will not open until noon.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Naturalist author visits Peachtree City

Naturalist, activist and author Janisse Ray will sign copies of her new book "The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food" 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Peachtree City Farmers Market on Ga. 54 at Northlake Drive.

She will also hold a free talk and book signing 2 to 4 p.m. at City Hall, 151 Willow Bend Road.

Information: www.peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Free annual health fair set for Aug. 18

Congressman David Scott's 8th Annual Health Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Mundy's Mill High School, 9652 Fayetteville Road, Jonesboro.

Free screenings will include prostate cancer PSA screenings, clinical breast cancer exams, HIV/ AIDS screenings, blood pressure screenings and more.

Information: 770-210-5073.

Kenneth Musisi