Atlanta
Overdose awareness vigil to be held
An Atlanta International Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil will be held 7:45 - 9 p.m. Friday at Piedmont Park at the 12th Street entrance. Celebrated around the world, the event aims to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death, especially for those mourning the loss of loved ones. It also spreads the message that overdose death is preventable.
Information: 404-942-7042. Andria Simmons
Cobb
Cobb organization seeks mentors
Cobb Mentoring Matters, a year-old volunteer mentoring program, is seeking mentors for this school year's Cobb students. Mentors go through an orientation and background check and paired with a student at a local school. Mentors are asked to meet weekly with students.
Information: 678-594-7582 ext. 229 or www.cobbmentoringmatters.org. Daarel Burnette II
Kennesaw State dean to retire
The college of arts dean at Kennesaw State University will retire in February.
Joseph Meeks has been the dean for 14 years and has served on Kennesaw State's faculty for 38 years.
Ivan Pulinkala, chairman of the dance department, will serve as the interim dean starting in February.
A new dean is expected by summer 2013. Laura Diamond
Fayette
Senior center hosts veterans benefits talk
Elder Law Attorney Bob Goldberg will discuss the Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance pension program from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at The Gathering Place senior center in Peachtree City. The program will help veterans over 65 and their families navigate the application process for tax-free monthly benefits. Admission is free but registration is required; call 770-461-0813 or e-mail register@fayss.org.
Jill Howard Church For the AJC
Fulton
Emergency housing workshop Wednesday Fulton County's Office of Housing and Community Development will hold another workshop on transitional housing and emergency shelters on Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Mechanicsville Library, 400 Formwalt St., S.W., Atlanta.
County-operated and collaboratively-operated facilities include the Jefferson Place Assessment Center for men, Springdale Place Comprehensive Services Center for women and children, Eden Village at the City of Refuge for women and children and Odyssey Villas at Vineyard Courts for families. Information: 404-613-0412.
Johnny Edwards
Cherokee
Deputies recognized for exemplary service
Seven Cherokee County deputies were recognized at this week's county Commission meeting at the Bluffs for going above and beyond their everyday service to the community.
Cpl. Mark Kapanowski and Deputy Sean O'Brien both received Life Saving awards. Deputy Chris Mendel received the Sheriff's Citation for Bravery. Corporal Craig Davenport, Deputy Blake McCoy and Deputy Chris Bryant all received Commendation Awards. Deputy Olen Boughner received the Sheriff's Citation for Meritorious Service.
Sheriff Roger Garrison presented the awards. Andria Simmons
