County by county news for Saturday

Also, no yard waste will be collected next week. The Monday meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 4488 Pineview Drive. Mayor Patricia Vaughn and the City Council also plan to meet at 6 p.m. Monday in an adjacent conference room for a public nonvoting meeting.

This agenda meeting is in addition to their lengthier work sessions held on the Wednesday afternoons and evenings before their voting meetings. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

School calendar dispute presses on

The calendar dispute in the Cobb County Schools hasn’t disappeared.

An anonymous group recently established a website called “Cobb Parents” and this week posted a request for visitors to sign an online petition. The petition calls for the return of the so-called “balanced” calendar that was abandoned by the school board last year.

The site -- sites.google.com/site/cobbparents --notes that the school board meetings on Wednesday and in February are the last where changes to next year’s calendar can be considered. Ty Tagami

Schools conduct improvement survey

The Cobb County school system is asking parents, residents and staff to take an online “school improvement survey.”

The anonymous survey, which uses a scale of possible answers, seeks respondents’ perceptions about schools.

Survey: www.cobbk12.org/SISurvey. Ty Tagami

Acworth to hold teen driving course Jan. 18

The Acworth Police Department will hold Georgia Teens Ride with P.R.I.D.E driving class Wednesday at 4400 Acworth Industrial Dr., Acworth, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The class is a free and will help parents and teen drivers learn what to do during the 40 hours of supervised practice driving time required by law. Information: www.acworth.org; 678-801-4073 or jrose@acworth.org. Kenneth Musisi

Bible study series begins in Powder Springs

“Understanding God’s Plan for My Life” will be taught by Ted and Carolyn Jackson from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 210 at Trinity Chapel Church of God, 4665 Macland Road between Old Lost Mountain and Bullard Roads.

Information: info@trinitychapel.org or 770-222-7023. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Anti-bullying program comes to East Cobb

East Cobb Middle School will host a “Challenge Day” anti-bullying program Tuesday through Friday.

Students and adults will be guided through exercises that stress trust-building and conflict-resolution. The program was started in 1987 by a California couple -- a teacher and his wife -- and grew into a non-profit group that has led such events across the country.

The East Cobb Middle School Foundation raised money to cover the event costs, said event chair Gretchen Buchanan. Information: www.challengeday.org and gretchenbuchanan@mindspring.com. Ty Tagami

GWINNETT

Police investigate suspicious death

Gwinnett County police are investigating a suspicious death of an elderly man at a Peachtree Corners apartment complex.

At approximately 10:36 a.m. Friday, officers responded to the Valencia Apartments to check on the welfare of a tenant. Upon arrival, they discovered the man dead in his apartment.

Police said the man suffered from various medical conditions and the cause of death was not immediately known. The Homicide Unit is treating the case as a homicide investigation until they can determine otherwise, said Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Edwin Ritter. Andria Simmons

School board to hold meetings next week

The Gwinnett County school board will hold its workshop and business meetings 3 p.m. Thursday in the executive board room at the district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W. in Suwanee. A public forum will be in the school board meeting room at 6:15 p.m. The business meeting will be at 7 p.m.

Information: www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us D. Aileen Dodd

Commissioner to meet with constituents

Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau will meet with constituents from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fire Station 30, 1052 Ozora Road, Loganville. Beaudreau represents commission District 3, which covers the eastern part of Gwinnett and includes the cities of Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn. David Wickert

Home show set for Feb.

Experts in the home remodeling and landscaping industries will showcase the latest services and products at the 15th annual North Atlanta Home Show from Feb. 10-12 at the Gwinnett Center. Showtimes: noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 11 and noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Information:atlantahomeshow. com Joel Anderson

Registration begins for GSMST

Rising freshmen at Gwinnett County Schools looking for an academic challenge can now register for enrollment at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

The school offers an accelerated curriculum that exposes students to double doses of math and science that allows them to finish graduation requirements early. Students participate in internships in their later years that expose them to math and science careers. GSMST has the highest SAT average in metro Atlanta.

Information: www.gsmst.org. The deadline is Feb. 3, 2012. D. Aileen Dodd

Redevelopment forum to be Jan. 27

The Gwinnett Redevelopment Forum will be from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place, 1775 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth.

The forum, sponsored by Gwinnett Chamber Economic Development and the Council for Quality Growth, will focus on local and regional redevelopment activity.

The event costs $55 per person. To register and for more information, visit www.gwinnettchamber.com. David Wickert

NORTHSIDE

Ten Fulton schools top best list

Atlanta Magazine’s annual list of top high schools included 10 from Fulton County Schools.

The “School Guide 2012,” which lists 50 schools, named Northview High as the best in metro Atlanta, with Chattahoochee, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton high schools also ranking in the the top 10.

Schools are chosen for producing college ready kids with strong SAT scores. Standardized test scores, course offerings, graduation rates, school culture and other factors are also considered. D. Aileen Dodd

Milton launches mobile version of its website

Milton has a mobile version of its municipal website.

The www.cityofmiltonga.us mobile site features the most popular functions of the full desktop version, including “In the Spotlight” news items, contact for City Hall, email newsletter sign up, forms to report a problem and the staff directory. Andria Simmons

Art from the Heart gala to be Feb. 11

Senior Services North Fulton will hold its Art from the Heart Senior Gala Feb. 11 at the Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek.

David DeVary, a Santa Fe artist noted for his depictions of cowboy life, is the honorary chair. Other participating artists include: Hans Godo Fräbel; Terry Brown; Carol Griffin; Bob Hamilton; Joan Hilliard; Matt Janke; and Beth Kirk.

Information: 770-993-1906 or www.ssnorthfulton.org. Patrick Fox

‘Modern Family’ star to speak a Pace Academy

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of the TV sitcom “Modern Family” will speak at a benefit at Pace Academy. Ferguson will headline the school’s annual Diversity at the Table event on Jan. 28.

The event will be at 8 p.m. at Pace’s Fine Arts Center. The program will include clips from “Modern Family” and a talk with Ferguson, who will answer audience questions.

Proceeds will benefit the school’s diversity outreach and scholarship fund.

Admission is $35. Tickets: www.paceacademy.org/diversity. D. Aileen Dodd

Automotive class seeking junk cars

Junk and unwanted cars can find a good use in the automotive training program at Fulton County’s Chattahoochee High School. The vehicles will be used to teach automotive technicians, and they don’t need to be able to run or drive, said Jeff Shmanske, ASE master certified technician and automotive technology instructor. Contact: ShmanskeJ@fulton.k12.ga.us or call 770-521-7600 x 178 Nancy Badertscher

Fulton chief joins engineer organization

Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few has joined the U.S. branch of the Institution of Fire Engineers, an organization with more than 12,000 members in 29 countries. Few had to meet academic, professional and fire service qualifications to be admitted. In a statement, the chief said the organization will help Fulton keep abreast of new technologies and techniques in firefighting and fire prevention. IFE holds seminars and conferences and offers other networking opportunities. Johnny Edwards

ATLANTA

No garbarge collection on MLK Day

In observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, there will be no garbage collection service in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 16. Garbage collection will be delayed by one day for all customers. For example, Wednesday customers will receive service on Thursday. Bulk collection and residential street sweeping will also be delayed by one day. Those services resume on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Residents can receive more information about solid waste services by visiting www.atlantaga.gov/publicworks.aspx, by calling 404-330-6333 or by emailing publicworks@atlantaga.gov. Jeremiah McWilliams

Nissan to donate car charge stations

Nissan is donating two electric vehicle fast chargers to the city of Atlanta. The fast chargers are scheduled to be installed in downtown and Midtown. The chargers can take e a Nissan Leaf from a fully depleted state to 80 percent battery capacity in less than 30 minutes.

“Atlanta has been leading the way in preparing for the growing number of electric vehicles on the road,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president of marketing for Nissan Americas. “We appreciate the city’s efforts.” Jeremiah McWilliams

Ebenezer Church selects company for construction expansion

Ebenezer Baptist Church has selected Choate Construction Co. to build the M.L. King Sr. Community Resource Complex, a three-story addition to the existing Horizon Sanctuary which is located across the street from the original historic sanctuary. Founded in 1886, Ebenezer Baptist is the church in which Martin Luther King Jr. was baptized.

The addition to the church consists of an assembly hall with a full kitchen, cyber café, choir room, offices and classrooms. The site is included on the National Historic Register as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District. Jeremiah McWilliams

DEKALB

School choice expo set

Parents seeking alternatives to their public school in DeKalb County can attend an information fair about transferring.

The system will hold its fifth annual “School Choice Expo” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 21. at The Mall at Stonecrest, 2929 Turner Hill Rd., Lithonia. Parents will be able to browse displays and ask teachers and administrators about the alternatives. Options include charter schools, magnet programs and transfers from failing schools as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act. tY tAGAMI

Stephenson to host robotics tourney

The Stephenson High School Robotics Team and SHS Parent Teacher Student Association of Stone Mountain will be hosting the VEX Robotics tournament qualifier on Saturday, January 28 starting at 8 a.m. The robotic teams which include high schools from the DeKalb County school system and surrounding counties will work together on a variety of challenges and obstacles, to design a robot to compete in one of many tournaments throughout the year. The event is open to the public. Information: www.shsptsa.com. Kenneth MusisI

Decatur schools expect enrollment bump

In a report given before Decatur’s school board, Associate Superintendent Thomas Van Soelen, who chaired the system’s Enrollment and Facilities Use Committee, predicted another 12 percent enrollment increase for 2012-13. Decatur schools enrollment is currently 3,246, a 12 percent increase over 2010-11. The committee estimates next year’s enrollment at 3,630, based on many factors including the continued transition and growth in Oakhurst. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur school board has new member

Garrett Goebel, a longtime Decatur schools activist, was sworn in Tuesday night as a new school board member. Also given the oath was Julie Rhame, a board member since 2003, who was re-elected without opposition. Additionally, board members unanimously chose Marc Wisniewski and Bernadette Seals to return as chairman and vice chairman respectively. Bill Banks for the AJC

Ex-mayor begins lecture series

The DeKalb History Center begins its 2012 lecture series with former Decatur Mayor Elizabeth Wilson. The city’s first African-American mayor will speak about the Beacon Hill community, the segregated part of Decatur that housed black churches, schools and businesses.

Wilson will speak at noon, Jan. 17 at the Old Courthouse on the Square. The lecture is free.

Information: www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

IHM school to hold open house Jan. 22

Immaculate Heart of Mary School holds an open house 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 22. A special presentation at 3:15 p.m. will feature an overview from the administrative and student perspective of this 2009 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Immaculate Heart of Mary School is a Catholic school that serves 500 students in kindergarten through eighth grade and was established in 1958. Questions: Julie Tooher, admissions director at 404-636-4488 or visit www.ihmschool.org. Nancy Badertscher

SOUTHSIDE

Masked gunmen rob Fayette Verizon store

Fayetteville police are looking for the two armed men who robbed a cell phone store Thursday morning. According to Fayetteville police Capt. Steve Crawshaw, two males wearing dark clothes and masks robbed the Verizon Wireless store on Promenade Parkway shortly after 9 a.m. “The men displayed pistols and demanded phones,” Crawshaw said. He said the men took an undetermined number of cell phones and were last seen getting into a white Kia or Hyundai with a red “drive-out” tag.

There were no customers inside the store at the time, and no one was injured. Mike Morris

Living Memorial Service set for Jan. 22

The Annual Living Memorial Service honoring the lives of those who have been remembered with a donation to Piedmont Henry Hospital is scheduled for 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. The service will include a candle lighting ceremony celebrating the lives of those 66 people whose legacy was honored in 2011 with a gift. All family, friends and those who made a donation are invited. Monroe Roark

Piedmont Henry to offer heart screenings

Piedmont Henry Hospital will hold its annual Heart Health Screening on Thursday, February 16 in the hospital’s South Tower Atrium between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Participants will receive a free total cholesterol screening and cardiovascular risk assessment. No fasting is required for the total cholesterol screening. Details: call the Community Education Department at 678-604-1040 or logon to the hospital’s website: piedmonthenry.org/classes/earlydetection. Tammy Joyner

East Point group to plant trees

The Egan Park neighborhood in East Point is holding a tree planting with Trees Atlanta Jan.28 from 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers will gather at the neighborhood park on Bachelor Street.

Contact Donna Clayton at 404-519-6640 or Shannon Juhan at 404-275-0063 by Jan.17 if you would like to receive a front yard tree or if you can help plant. John Thompson for the AJC

Scholarship entry deadline Jan. 31

Jan. 31 is the deadline for high school seniors to submit entries to the Better Business Bureau’s 2012 Student of Integrity Scholarship program. The BBB will award $1,000 scholarships to six high school seniors. Graduating seniors in school in metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia are eligible. The scholarships are awarded based on leadership skills(extracurricular activities), community service, academic achievement and an essay. Details: http://atlanta.bbb.org/2012-requirements-for-student-of-integrity-scholarship/ Tammy Joyner

AARP offers seniors income tax assistance

The American Association of Retired Persons will prepare senior citizens’ income tax returns from Feb. 1 to April 13 at the Frank Bailey Senior Center, 6213 Riverdale Road in Riverdale. You must be 55 or older. Tax preparation hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 678-479-5505. Tammy Joyner