County by county news for Saturday

Kennesaw to hold hearings on blight tax

Kennesaw will hold public hearings on a proposed blight tax at council meetings 6:30 p.m. Monday March 17 and April 7, City Hall, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. The city is trying to clean up properties in disrepair through an advalorem tax that would be attached to structures determined to be blighted. Revenue would be used for redevelopment. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cops and Rodders show in Kennesaw

The Blue Knights Cops and Rodders car, truck and motorcycle show for Special Olympics will take place at 10 a.m. March 22 in the Electric Cowboy parking lot, 1750 N. Roberts Road NW, Kennesaw.

Entrants will compete for a $500 top prize, which they must be present to win. All proceeds will go to the Special Olympics of Georgia.

Entry fee is $20 by March 21, $25 on the day of the show.

Information: 770-823-9566. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Austell ‘State of the City’ address Tuesday

Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins is scheduled to present his “State of the City” address at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday in the first-floor courtroom, the city’s Threadmill Mall complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road during the luncheon meeting of the Austell Business Association.

Costs: $10, members; $12, guests. Reservations: suiteassetsllc@gmail.com. Information: austellbusinessassociation.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

‘Tomatoes 101’ class Tuesday

“Tomatoes 101” will be taught 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St., Powder Springs and 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 25 at Sweetwater Valley Library, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road SW, Austell.

Renae Lemon of The University of Georgia’s Cobb Cooperative Extension Service will teach participants how to grow tomatoes. Information: cobbextension.com, uge1067@uga.edu or 770-528-4070. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Kennesaw gardens to hold day for dogs

Dogs on leashes will be welcome at Smith Gilbert Gardens’ “Hounds on the Grounds” event 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. Activities will include Frisbee and agility demonstrations, pet parade, pet trick contest and owner/pet look-alike contest. Admission is $5-7 and there is no charge for children 5 and younger. Information: www.smithgilbertgardens. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Mizuno to open Braselton distribution center

Mizuno USA, a global sports apparel, footwear and equipment manufacturer plans to relocate all distribution facilities and manufacturing operations to a 520,000 square-foot facility in Braselton by 2015. The facility will merge Mizuno’s two existing distribution center facilities to service all Mizuno USA divisions. Current Mizuno employees will transition to the new facility in late 2014 following building renovations. The manufacturing and distribution center will have 150 full time positions and bring seasonal work opportunities starting in 2015. Information: www.braselton.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Career Center to remain closed

The Georgia Department of Labor’s Gwinnett Career Center, 2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Suite 160, Norcross originally scheduled to reopen Monday will remain closed temporarily for continued repairs. It has been closed for roof repair since Feb. 24. Customers are encouraged to utilize www.gdol.ga.gov to locate another center and for updates about the reopening. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Gwinnett school district holds job fair

Gwinnett County Public Schools will hold a Certified Teacher Career Fair 8 a.m. to noon March 22 at the Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. At this year’s Career Fair, the district welcomes highly qualified educators who hold certificates or will be certified by the fall of 2014 in mathematics, science, special education, and other specific areas. Information: www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Molly Bloom

Snellville recognizes volunteers

Gretchen and Kurt Schulz, founders of the Snellville Farmers’ Market and the Community Garden at Snellville have been recognized as The Snellville Tourism and Trade Marcy Pharris Volunteers of the Year. Also honored were Ileen Meggison of the Community Garden, Ronnie Bentley of the Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary Club, Marilyn Swinney of the Snellville Farmers’ Market, Kathy Emanuel of the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and Grace Clower of the Snellville Lions Club. Information: www.snellvilletourism.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Brannan Road in Snellville closed

Brannan Road in Snellville is closed at the bridge until further notice. The detour route will be SR 264/Bethany Church Road to Leach Road to Brannan Road and the reverse. Information: www.dot.ga.gov. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Free Fix-a-Leak workshop, low-flow kit

The Gwinnett Cooperative Extension Service will host a Fix-a-Leak workshop 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, Conference Room C, 75 Langley Dr. in Lawrenceville. Learn how to perform a test to determine if your home has a leak. Participants will also learn to track down leaks and perform simple repairs. Each participant will receive a free low-flow home retrofit kit. Register: 678-376-6722 or email dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cumming mayor to get academic award

Longtime Cumming Mayor H. Ford Gravitt will be honored late this month with the Presidential Leadership Award for his support of the University of North Georgia. UNG President Bonita Jacobs will present Gravitt with the award during the 2014 Scholarship Ball, set for 6:30 p.m. March 28 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. The school says Gravitt led efforts which resulted in establishment of the school’s Cumming campus, opening in August of 2012. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Volunteers to help during 3 Days of Hope

Volunteers will provide free services to people in Forsyth County during 3 Days of Hope, 9 a.m. March 20 to 22 at North Lanier Baptist Church, 829 Atlanta Highway, Cumming.

Services offered: medical and vision screenings, haircuts, car detailing, emissions testing and oil changes. Information: www.3daysofhope.us  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Historical society banquet March 21

Jeff Clemmons, author of “Rich’s: A Southern Institution,” will be the featured speaker at the Cherokee County Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Awards banquet, 7 p.m. March 21 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton.

The banquet will recognize businesses and individuals for their achievement in historic preservation. Tickets are $25.

Information: shop.rockbarn.org or 770-345-3288. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Food drive to provide summer lunches

Feed Forsyth will hold an Easter canned food drive March 31-April 21 to help provide lunch for more than 10,0000 Forsyth County children who may go without a midday meal after school dismisses for the summer.

The group seeks donations of canned soup, tuna, chicken and ravioli, as well as peanut butter, snack bars and other items. Several community pantries will utilize the donations to provide “Summer Sacks of Love” for those kids while school is out.

Information on donations and participating locations: FeedForsyth.org or 678-807-9120. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Bulky trash day set in Roswell, Milton

The Roswell and Milton public works departments, along with Keep Roswell Beautiful, will hold a bulky trash amnesty day 8 a.m. to noon March 22 at the Roswell Public Works Division, 1810 Hembree Road. Information: roswellgov.com  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Exhibit will explore Cherokee’s past

The Cherokee County History Museum has debuted a new temporary exhibit, “Unearthing the Past: Archaeology in Cherokee County,” which will run until April 12. The exhibit highlights more than 1,000 archeological sites and includes dozens of rarely-seen artifacts. The museum’s at 100 North St., Suite 140, Canton. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: www.rockbarn.org  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Students may register for leadership program

The Dr. Wiley S. Bolden Leadership Development Institute is taking applications until March 21. The program is 8 a.m. April 19 in the Carl and Mary Ware Academic Center at Clark Atlanta University, 223 James P. Brawley Drive.

The free program is for sophomores, juniors and seniors who show leadership potential. Workshops will include dressing for success, effective communication skills, and entrepreneurship and business ownership. Information: etalambda.org/education/ldi  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Property tax hike considered for schools

Atlanta property owners might be asked to pay a little extra in taxes to help rid the city’s school system of a $550 million pension debt.

Members of the Atlanta Public Schools Pension Fund Task Force on Monday discussed the possibility of a voter referendum on a bond issue partially funded by a property tax increase of half a mill — about $25 a year on a $200,000 home.

The idea, if approved, could save the school system $300 million to $350 million over the next 20 years. Mark Niesse

Free monthly wellness seminars for elderly

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, 1968 Peachtree Road NE hosts a free health seminar for adults ages 60 and older 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month. This month: a cooking demonstration with ingredients that can enhance respiratory function.

Information: 404-605-3818. Registration required. Free parking. Arlinda Smith Broady

‘God Loves Uganda’ screening Sunday

Public Theologians for Humanity and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta host a screening of “God Loves Uganda” 1:30 p.m. Sunday at 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE.

Free. The film shows the rising influence of the evangelical movement in Uganda and the dangerous repercussions of intolerance in the country.

Information: www.theologians4humanity.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

DEKALB

Final Wilson demolition commences

Demolition began this month on the final 56 units – facing East Trinity Place and Commerce Drive – of Decatur’s original Allen Wilson Terrace housing built in 1941. The work finishes in May but for now the land is on hold until the Decatur Housing Authority completes its renovation of the Gateway Manor apartments. Eventually the old Wilson units will be replaced by 120 to 150 market-rate condos or rental units but there is no timetable for that project. In January families began moving into the 71 new apartments comprising Phase III of Wilson’s $30 million redevelopment. Bill Banks for the AJC

Forum for school board candidates

The NAACP DeKalb County Branch will host a forum Saturday for candidates running in the May 20 school board election.

Twenty two candidates qualified to run, and all seven seats are open.

The forum is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South DeKalb Office Park, 3015 South Rainbow Drive. Ty Tagami

Choral groups hosting benefit Sunday

Three DeKalb County choral groups will perform a concert Sunday to benefit Decatur Area Cooperative Ministry’s emergency assistance program.

The Avondale Children’s Choir, the Decatur Civic Chorus and Highleit, an ensemble from the DeKalb School of the Arts will perform starting at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Avondale Estates First Baptist Church on Covington Highway.

Cost is $10 for adults and a non-perishable food item for children.

Information: www.decaturcivicchorus.org. April Hunt

Art exhibit through March 31 in Dunwoody

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is hosting the Dunwoody Fine Art Association member show through March 31 in the Katz Family Main Street Gallery, 5324 Tilly Mill Road. Admission is free to the public.

“Key to Dunwoody” features the historic Spruill Farmhouse where 27 artists created their interpretations of the farmhouse and Dunwoody itself for the exhibit. Information: www.atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4071. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Bluegrass festival at Stone Mountain Village

Stone Mountain Village hosts its fifth annual Blue Grassroots Music and Arts festival 10 a.m. March 29, and 11 a.m. March 30, in the historic downtown area.

The festival is the first event celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of the city of Stone Mountain. Free.

Information: www.stonemountainvillage.com  Kent A. Miles for the AJC

South River focus of upcoming tour

The South River Watershed Alliance is organizing a tour and visit focusing on the river and its tributaries in DeKalb County.

The tour runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 at the Watershed Mural on DeKalb Avenue in Decatur. The tour runs along the campus of Agnes Scott College to Albert Shoals, the series of short falls spanning the river near Snapfinger Creek.

Information: www.southriverga.org or 404-862-0118. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Sheriff equips all cars with AEDs

Henry County Sheriff Keith McBrayer announced recently that his office has acquired 120 automatic electronic defibrillators so that every Sheriff’s Office vehicle can be equipped with one. All HCSD employees are already trained on CPR and the use of AEDs, McBrayer said. The purchase was made using federally seized drug funds and no tax money was used. Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Rutledge picked for board post

The Henry County Board of Commissioners appointed Kathryn Rutledge to the Henry County Board of Family and Children Services, to fill the unexpired term of Joyce Rodgers, who has served since 2004 and recently resigned. Rutledge will fill the remaining term of Rodgers, set to expire June 30, and will then serve a new term that ends June 30, 2019. Monroe Roark for the AJC

New Stockbridge city manager named

Michael Harris was approved by the Stockbridge City Council March 10 to be its next city manager. He is currently the interim county manager for Henry County and has been employed by the county for 15 years. City officials expect him to assume his new role in April. Monroe Roark for the AJC

SPLOST meeting Tuesday

Learn about how your pennies have contributed to capital projects throughout Clayton County and find out about projects in the proposed 2015 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 15 at the Clayton County Board of Commissioners Office, 112 Smith St., Jonesboro.

Information: www.claytonsplost.com. Tammy Joyner

Fayette BOE has new vacancy

The Fayette County Board of Education’s Post 2 seat is now vacant following the resignation of Mary Kay Bacallao, who stepped down to run for state school superintendent. Applications to fill her term through December 2016 will be accepted through April 11. Candidates must live in the Post 2 district.

Information: www.fcboe.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Repairs close Peachtree City playground

The All Children’s Playground on Willowbend Road in Peachtree City will be closed through May 1 for renovations.

The playground was designed especially for children with special needs; however, all other playgrounds in the city will remain open and available to all. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Tutoring help available in McDonough

Operation Education, a program to assist local students in need of tutoring, is holding free tutoring services at 10 a.m. Saturday mornings at 1900 Pennsylvania Ave., McDonough.

One-on-one tutoring, education services and organizational and test-taking skills help will be available.

Information: www.ebotutoring.com or 770-288-8595. Kent A. Miles for the AJC