County by county news for Thursday

Based on Biblical principles, this free 12-week course offers computer skills, job readiness, effective communication, financial literacy, workplace dynamics, conflict resolution, forgiveness and time, stress and anger management.

Information: svcamp.org/hope_program.htm, HOPE instructor Kay Wimpey, 770-819-0662, ext. 25 or kay@campaustell.org.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Vets homeownership tour Sunday

Veterans Center, Inc. will host the Vets Homeownership Tour 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton.

Homeownership information will be provided to veterans and their families during three workshops to be taught by industry professionals on “Homebuyer Education,” “Foreclosure Prevention” and “Sustaining Your Home.”

There also will be one-on-one counseling with Housing and Urban Development certified counselors.

Registration: 678-792-VETS (8387) or cobbvetshomeownership.eventbrite.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

CERT disaster training information offered

Cobb’s Community Emergency Response Team will hold an informational meeting 7 to 9 p.m.Tuesday at Cobb Police Precinct 2, 4700 Austell Road, Austell.

The CERT initial training course offers basic disaster response skills and techniques for residents to save lives and protect property when emergency services are not immediately available after a disaster.

Cobb's Emergency Management Agency staff will hold CERT sessions this month and in August and September at Cobb Emergency Operations Center, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Information: cobbcounty.org/cert.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta starts black history walking tour

The Marietta Visitors Bureau has added a walking tour of 13 black heritage sites to tours offered to visitors to the city.

The project is a collaboration between Marietta, the visitor’s center and a group of black community leaders. A brochure is available of the sites that are located within a mile of the Marietta Square. A driving tour and signs at the sites are planned.

Information: www.mariettasquare.com or the Visitors Bureau at 770-429-1115.Tucker McQueen for the AJC

25 middle school girls attend STEM camp

Twenty-five middle school girls from the Cobb County school district are taking part in a week-long camp, offering hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and math, and a chance to engage with academic leaders and women working in STEM careers.

The program, GE Girls @ Georgia Tech is sponsored by the Atlanta GE Women’s Network, in collaboration with Georgia Tech Women in Engineering. Nancy Badertscher

GWINNETT

2013 Leadership Gwinnett class selected

Leadership Gwinnett has picked its 29th class, which will begin its nine-month training program in August. The 42 selections were culled from nearly 350 nominations. They were picked based on work experience, accomplishments, community involvement, education and more. The program year is comprised of two overnight retreats, seven learning days covering leadership in a world class community, infrastructure, economics, education, health and human services, justice and regional relations, as well as monthly study groups and other activities Information: www.leadershipgwinnett.com Dan Klepal

Flag Day celebration Saturday

U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall and state Rep. Buzz Brockway will speak at the Flag Day celebration hosted by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution 2 p.m. Saturday at the Courthouse Gardens Assisted Living facility, 1000 River Centre Place in Lawrenceville. There will be refreshments and musical entertainment. Information: Pam Lyle at qccpam@aol.com. Dan Klepal

Snellville announces next artist in series

Snellville has chosen Raphael Sagage as the next visual artist exhibiting in the Art on the Wall at City Hall program for June and July. Raphael Sagage's impressionistic paintings include experimental techniques combined with more traditional application of media. Artists and groups interested in having a solo exhibition at city hall are encouraged to contact the Snellville art jurors. Information: www.snellville.org or www.snellvillearts.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Snellville hosting Flag Day celebration

Snellville invites the public to its second annual Flag Day Ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday in front of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. This year’s program will involve veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan, including Snellville residents Sgt. Robert Ricks and Pfc. Marion Nesmith who both were awarded the French Legion of Honor medal during World War II. The Sons of the American Revolution Elijah Clark Militia will provide a musket salute. The Snellville Police Department Color Guard will raise a flag that has been flown over the nation’s Capitol. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

5K run to benefit Gwinnett firefighters

The Gwinnett Fire 5 Alarm 5K race, 8 a.m. Saturday at Towne Center Park, Suwanee will benefit the Gwinnett Fire Employees' Benevolent Fund, which serves fire employees and their families. Registration: $25. Information: www.5alarm5k.blogspot.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Tech college to offer free OB ultrasounds

Gwinnett Technical College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is offering free OB ultrasounds by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the campus, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. Women should be 18-32 weeks pregnant and must have a provided permission slip signed by their physician at the appointment. Information: abryant@gwinnetttech.edu, 678-226-6966 or vedmondson@gwinnetttech.edu or 678-226-6687. Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

Outlet mall preview to benefit local arts group

Officials with the Woodstock Visitors Center are selling VIP tickets for the Red Carpet Preview at the Outlet Shoppes of Atlanta, I-575 at Ridgewalk Parkway.

It is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. July 17, the day before the center opens to the public. Proceeds benefit the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village in Woodstock.

The center, at 8588 Main St., is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Information: www.elmstreetarts.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Chattahoochee race and festival is Saturday

Back to the Chattahoochee River Race and Festival is 9 a.m. Saturday at Garrard Landing Park, 8000 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell. The eight-mile race for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards ends at Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell, site of live music, exhibits and a farmers market.

Cost: $50 for solo boats, $70 for tandems. Information: 770-641-3727. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Golf tournament to aid football program

The Centennial Football Booster Club will host a golf tournament at 1 p.m. Monday at River Pines Golf Course, 4775 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. Proceeds will help purchase equipment and support of the program. After the tournament there will be a silent auction with dinner provided by Outback Steakhouse. Information: Matt Risse at 678-898-3744 or mattrisse@comcast.net.

Veronica Fields Johnson

Students can meet popular author

Janice Hardy, popular young adult author, will be speaking to middle school students who dream of becoming writers 7 p.m. June 27 at Barnes and Noble. Students may reserve a seat by calling 770-781-0867. There is no charge to attend, and Hardy will be signing copies of her trilogy, “The Healing Wars, Books I-III.

The bookstore is at the Collection Forsyth, formerly The Avenues, 410 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming.

Nancy Badertscher

Older adult health, fitness fair in Forsyth

Forsyth County will hold its second annual Healthy Aging and Fitness Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road.

The free event for adults 50 and up will include health screenings, exercise demonstrations and chair massage, among other activities.

Information: www.forsythco.com.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock warns of delays on Ridgewalk

Woodstock officials are warning of substantial traffic delays along Ridgewalk Parkway through June 21 (weather permitting) as crews do final paving, milling and temporary striping for the widening project between I-575 and Ridge Trail.

The city urges seeking alternate routes.

Officials say the entire project is set for a mid-July completion, just before the scheduled opening of a nearby outlet mall. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Free dental care available this weekend

The Georgia Dental Association and its Foundation for Oral Health will host the Georgia Mission of Mercy, a two-day dental clinic providing free dental care to Georgians in need. The clinic is 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the North Atlanta Trade Center, 1700 Jeurgens Court, Norcross. Patients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: www.GeorgiaMissionofMercy.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

Non-profit to sponsor fashion show

The seventh annual Moda Real Fashion Show will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Atlanta International School, 2890 N. Fulton Dr., N.E. Moda Real is a non-profit organization that helps Hispanic girls, ages 8 to 18, build self-esteem, family values and pride in their heritage. Actress Sasha Rionda will be the mistress of ceremonies and Alma Mexicana will provide entertainment. Tickets are $5. Information: www.modareal.org Veronica Fields Johnson

Race for sex trafficking survivors

Wellspring Living is hosting its first Run for One 5K race Saturday to raise funds for sex trafficking survivors. The proceeds will go toward treatment programs for women and girls who have been sexually abused or trafficked.

Registration 7 a.m.; race 8:30 a.m. Sign up booth located on Berne Street by Grant Park. Cost: $35.

Information: www.wellspringliving.org or Beth Shepherd at 678-978-2732.

Katie Leslie

Puppet show to benefit Children’s Healthcare

Piccadilly Puppets Company, a non-profit touring puppet theater, will perform a benefit puppet show at 11 a.m. Saturday at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Rd., Decatur. Mime and musician Tim Settimi will provide pre-show entertainment at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $10 and proceeds will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Information: 404-636-0022 or www.piccadillypuppets.org.

Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Isakson calls for hearing on VA

Republican U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson has requested a congressional hearing to address troubles at the Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur. Isakson serves on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and wrote a letter to committee leaders Tuesday requesting the hearing to follow up on a pair of audits in April that cited mismanagement in three deaths of mental health patients. Daniel Malloy

Care centers offered nutrition education

Eight workshops are planned to help operators of the state’s child care centers highlight nutrition in their classrooms. The workshops will be held from July to September in Marietta, Macon, Tifton and Savannah. The workshops are sponsored by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning and the National Food Service Management Institute. Information: Bright from the Start at 404-657-1779.

Nancy Badertscher

New development site approved

Decatur’s Planning Commission recommended rezoning the 7.6-acre lot on 2615 East College Avenue near the Avondale Marta Station to mixed use, which could eventually include up to 532 apartment units. The next step is getting approval from the city commissioners.

Although there’s yet no current project or developer, this becomes the city’s fourth mixed-use site likely within two or three years of getting built. Only the 315 West Ponce project, featuring 235 apartments and scheduled to break ground next month, has submitted a building permit. Bill Banks for the AJC

Commissioner hosts Father’s Day golf event

DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson is hosting a golf tournament this week in honor of Father’s Day, and to raise money two community groups.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Friday with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at the Sugar Creek Golf Course, 2706 Bouldercrest Road in south DeKalb.

Cost is $100 for an individual and $400 for a four-member team and includes a tournament goodie bag. Proceeds benefit the Porter Sanford performing arts foundation and the Scottdale Child Development Center.

Information: 770-925-3201.

April Hunt

Private group taking over animal control

LifeLine Animal Project is looking to hire workers to help when it takes over operations at DeKalb County’s animal shelter on July 1.

The county will pay the no-kill shelter about $2 million a year to handle all animal services except pickup and cruelty investigations.

The group will need workers for shelter and office jobs.

For a list of positions or to apply: www.lifelineanimal.org/dcas. April Hunt

Service board seeks volunteers

A non-profit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services in DeKalb County is seeking new board members.

The DeKalb Community Service Board requires only that would-be members be a county resident, not employed by a provider and have an interest in the services.

Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Temporary mortgage help forum in Morrow

HomeSafe Georgia is holding a forum 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. today at the Morrow Community Room, 1500 Morrow Road to teach about temporary mortgage payment assistance.

Collaborating partners include St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Morrow, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity, Riverdale AARP and the Morrow Business and Tourism Association.

Refreshments will be served.

Information: 770 961-9353. Tammy Joyner

Clayton to hold firearm safety session

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners will present a Firearms Safety and Awareness program 10 a.m. to noon June 29 in the commissioners' board room, 112 Smith St., Jonesboro. The presentation will focus on basic safety rules and cover topics such as children and guns, storage and Georgia laws. The presentation is for anyone considering becoming a gun owner or gun owners who need to brush up on rules and laws. No personal firearms are permitted. Registration is required. Details: contact Officer Kenneth Cameron at 770 472-8120 or Kenneth.cameron@co.clayton.ga.us Tammy Joyner

Free summer food program for children

Center of Hope Ministries, located at 492 Roy Huie Road, Riverdale, will provide meals to eligible children weekdays through the summer. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch noon to 2 p.m. Children who are part of households that receive food stamps are eligible. Information: Tashonna Thompson at 770-807-4673. Veronica Fields Johnson

Peachtree City library offers summer hours

The Peachtree City Library is on its summer schedule, open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The library is hosting summer reading programs, as well as Movie Mondays, Story & Craft Wednesdays and other events. Information: www.peachtree-city.org/library. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Jonesboro promotes marriage, family

The South Metro & Family Alliance, formerly Clayton County Marriage and Family, sponsors Marriage and Family Day 6 - 8 p.m. today at 121 South McDonough St., Jonesboro. Free. Bring chairs. Food provided by Chick-fil-A, entertainment, bounce house, gifts and vendors. The alliance exists to promote and equip healthy marriages and families. Nancy Badertscher

Kickball league starting in Henry

The Sweet Lady Kickers Kickball League for women 21-50 is sponsored by the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Athletic Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation. Registration is 6-8 p.m. Mondays and 1-3 p.m. Saturdays through June 24 at Hidden Valley Park, 100 Spraggins Memorial Pkwy. in Stockbridge. The season begins Aug. 3 and runs through Sept. 28, with games played at Hidden Valley Park on Saturdays between 4 and 6 p.m. as well as playoffs in October.

Information: 678-732-5688. Monroe Roark for the AJC