COBB
Austell to renovate
town hall and jail
Renovation costs, totaling $7,420, were approved by the Austell City Council Monday night for the city’s 1883 Town Hall and Jail and Marshal’s Office on Broad Street.
When worn cedar siding was removed, impressive stonework was revealed, Councilwoman Trudie Causey told the AJC.
More stonework will be repaired, and an awning will be added.
City officials still are undecided on how to use the building -- other than for its current storage of Christmas decorations, Causey said, and as incentive for adjacent owners to spruce up their businesses. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Taste of Smyrna gears up Saturday
Local restaurants will sell samples from $1 to $4 at the Taste of Smyrna’s “Festival of Delectable” 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday around the downtown Village Green off Atlanta Road. The event will have fare from more than 25 restaurants, childrens’ activities and music. Information: www.ci.smyrna.ga.us. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw holds Paws in the Park for pets
Kennesaw will have a Paws in the Park for pets and owners 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Swift Cantrell Park off Old US Highway 41. The free event to encourage pet etiquette from dog walkers in city parks will have a Doggie Parade at 10 a.m. and vendors with free samples of pet food and products and information from rescue and adoption groups. The park also has a walking trail named in memory of Fisher King, the dog that led Kennesaw resident Bill Borden’s sled team in the Iditarod in 2002. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw fall recreation guide out
Educational programs by the Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department begin after Labor Day, and the agency’s fall program guide is now available.
Guides are mailed to past participants and distributed to elementary schools. Electronic versions are available at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec, and registration is available there, too. Registration is first-come, first-served and also can be done at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Dr. Information: 770-422-9714. Ty Tagami
Vigil for World Alzheimer’s Day Sept. 21
Cobb Alzheimer’s Resource and Educational Services (CARE) will host its 1st Annual Candlelight Vigil, “Shining a Light on Alzheimer’s,” in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Glover Park, 50 Park Square, Marietta. Attendees are asked to wear purple and bring their own candle or flashlight. To add a friend or family’s member’s name to the list, contact CARE at 770-842-5809. Mea Watkins
Event benefits Wounded Warrior Project
Warrior Pride Fitness of Marietta is sponsoring the Pushups for Charity Challenge on Saturday at 9 a.m. to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that honors severely injured service men and women. The three competition teams will include: 1. Regular Joe’s and Jane’s, open to all West Cobb residents, 2. Cobb County, Acworth and Marietta Police Departments and 3. Cobb County and Marietta Fire Departments. Information: www.PushUpsForCharityWestCobb.com. Veronica Fields Johnson
GWINNETT
Artist receptions at four library branches
The Gwinnett County Public Library will host artist receptions from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at four branches: Artists Jim Mengason and Rosemary Williams will be at the Buford branch; artists Lois Colborn and Jean Richardson will be at the Dacula branch; artists Ralph Beach, Liz Borkhuis and Dorette Smith will be at the Grayson branch; artists Latifah Shakir and Judith Surowiec will be at the Lilburn branch.
The events, part of the library’s “Fall into the Arts” series, are free and open to the public.Information: 770-978-5154 or www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org. David Wickert
Suwanee to host business workshop
Suwanee will host a visual merchandising training workshop for local businesses on Oct. 3. Titled “Designing Window Displays That Sell,” the workshop will be led by Susan Shaddox, interior design consultant with Main Street Arkansas. The workshop is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Suwanee City Hall at 330 Town Center Avenue. Registration costs $20 and the deadline is Sept. 20. Information: astarnes@suwanee.com or 770-904-3388. Joel Anderson
International festival in Norcross Sept. 24
The Gateway International Food and Music Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 24 at Lillian Webb Park in downtown Norcross.
The event will feature international cuisine and music. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.gwinnettvillagealliance.com. David Wickert
Group shipping 10,000 bars of soap to Sudan
The Global Soap Project will send more than 10,000 bars of discarded and processed soap to South Sudan. The organization, which collects and processes donated soap from several sources including hotels, will transport the soap from the nonprofit’s warehouse in Norcross. Organizations helping the soap along its way include ModerNash and Helping Hands International. The soap will provide hygiene for 2,500 families for one month. South Sudan became an independent nation in July. Shelia Poole
Aurora Theater’s next series begins today
Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville will host the 2011-12 Harvel Lab Series from today through Oct. 2.
The series will begin with “Underneath the Lintel,” which features actor Steve Coulter as a Dutch librarian who turns into a globe-trotting detective when he becomes obsessed with a book that’s overdue by 113 years.
Other shows in the series will be “Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom” and “El Insólito Caso de Miss Piña Colada/The Preposterous Case of Miss Piña Colada.”
Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com.
Joel Anderson
Program teaches pool safety for children
Safe Kids Gwinnett is offering a new pool safety program for children that will make informational materials available to apartment complexes.
For information on swimming classes for kids, visit www.gwinnettparks.com. Andria Simmons
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee: Tornado damage tallies $12 million
A tornado that struck Cherokee County on Labor Day and cut a path a quarter mile wide and 24 miles long through the county did about $12 million damage, Cherokee County officials estimate. That figure my rise as the county continues to gather damage reports. The twister cut a path through Towne Lake, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Ball Ground and Nelson. First reports estimated about 400 homes were damaged. The tally now is more than 600. Damage estimate includes businesses and churches that were hit. Jeffry Scott
High Point school receives recognition
High Point Elementary in Sandy Springs received a state recognition for student achievement on Georgia standardized tests. It was one of 22 schools to receive a Single Statewide Accountability System Gold Award for gains on state exams in 2010. Schools selected for the award must achieve Adequate Yearly Progress goals for students for two consecutive years; demonstrate that at least 30 percent of kids exceeded standards in all test areas; and place in the 97th percentile or higher in greatest student achievement gains statewide. D. Aileen Dodd
Aerospace engineer talks to homeschoolers
Aerospace engineer and science educator Kevin Howard will present a science program for homeschoolers on Friday at the Roswell Library. “Homeschool Science” is for students ages 6-10 and starts at 10:30 a.m. at 115 Norcross Street. Registration: 770-640-3075. Johnny Edwards
Sandy Springs PD to hold open house
The Sandy Springs Police Department invites the public to an open house today from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the new headquarters administrative and operations buildings, both located in the Morgan Falls Office Complex at 7840 Roswell Road. Officers and volunteers will be on hand to assist residents and citizens interested in seeing the two new buildings. Information: www.sandyspringspolice.org. Veronica Fields Johnson
Sandy Springs festival this weekend
The Sandy Springs Festival will be held this weekend at Heritage Sandy Springs, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle. The festival will be open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, and features local food, a 5K/10K race, a car show and a pet parade. Admission is $5, adults; $2, children. Proceeds go to Heritage Sandy Springs. For more information, visit www.sandyspringsfestival.com Michelle E. Shaw
Author Robert Jones to present Civil War lecture
Robert Jones, author of “Retracing the Route of Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea,” will present a lecture from the book during the Alpharetta Historical Society meeting at 7:30 p.m. today at the Mansell House and Gardens, 1835 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta. Jones is the President of the Kennesaw Historical Society and Director of Programs and Education for the Kennesaw Museum Foundation. He has authored several books on Georgia historical topics. For information, call 770-475-4663. Mea Watkins
ATLANTA
Farr to deliver economic outlook today
Noted economist Dorsey Farr will deliver an economic and capital market outlook today at the weekly breakfast meeting of the Buckhead Business Association. Location is the City Club of Buckhead, inside the Atlanta Financial Center at 3343 Peachtree Road, Suite 1850. The breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and is open to the public. Cost is $10 for BBA members and $20 for non-members. Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org or 404-467-7607. Veronica Fields Johnson
PROBE College Fair in Atlanta Friday
The 2011 PROBE College Fair will stop in Atlanta Friday at Atlanta Metropolitan College from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair is free and open to high school students and their families who want the chance to speak one-on-one with representatives from colleges and universities. For information and to view the entire fall schedule, visit http://www.gaprobe.org. Jaime Sarrio
Breast cancer walk at Morehouse Saturday
The Morehouse College 12th Annual Breast Cancer Walk will take place Saturday at 8 a.m., starting from the College’s MLK International Chapel at 830 Westview Dr. SW. Registration fee is $20 and includes a T-shirt. Proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. Information: Sandra Walker at 404-215-6200 or swalker@morehouse.edu or Mary Peaks at 404-215-2636 or mpeaks@morehouse.edu. Veronica Fields Johnson
Identity theft conference Sept. 22
As reports of identity theft rise across the country, police are being pressured by their communities to curb the crime.
LifeLock and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association are presenting a free, one-day identity theft conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 for local, regional and state law enforcement officials to hear about real cases and new scams. The seminar will be at the Double Tree Hotel at 3400 Norman Berry Drive in Atlanta. Andria Simmons
DEKALB
Decatur set to hire visitors center manager
Decatur will announce the manager for its brand new Visitors Center later this month, according to Linda Harris, the city’s Assistant Director of Community and Economic Development. Harris said 34 people applied for the position. The Welcome Center will operate out of the first floor of the old DeKalb County Courthouse, at least for the first two years. Among other things the Center, which should open by the end of this year, will offer maps, coupons to the city’s restaurants and shops, and welcome packets for out-of-town guests attending weddings, reunions, conferences and meetings. Bill Banks for the AJC
Chamblee hires first finance director
Chamblee has hired its first finance director to help guide the north DeKalb County city of about 15,000.
Travis Sims, formerly a senior accountant with Metrac Inc. in Atlanta, has taken the new role to help prepare and monitor the city budget and manage its cash flow.
Sims will work directly for City Manager Niles Ford, who took office in May.
The new faces are among several changes in the city, which grew by nearly 6,000 people through annexation. Chamblee also recently cut its tax millage rate from 7.95 mills to 7.4 mills. The change saves about $33 on tax bills for on the average home, assessed at $225,000. April Hunt
Concert to benefit Rape Crisis Center
The DeKalb Rape Crisis Center, in partnership with Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, is sponsoring a benefit concert on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Featured performers include Dayna Kurtz, JoyScout, Mark van Allen and Roxie Watson. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go toward helping survivors rebuild their lives through counseling and supports prevention education. Information: www.eddiesattic.com or 877-548-3237. Veronica Fields Johnson
Doraville offers amnesty for traffic tickets
Doraville’s Municipal Court is offering amnesty for two months for people who have past due, unpaid traffic tickets and bench warrants.
Ticket and citation holders can visit Municipal Court, 3765 Park Ave., Doraville, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. during both September and October. Fees for past due citations will be waived, but the original citation fines will be due. Those with active warrants can report on only at noon on Tuesdays. If you have an active warrant and report at any other time, you will be taken to jail. Information: 770-455-1001 April Hunt
Veterans Day 5K run registration begins
Registration has begun for a Veterans Day 5K in south DeKalb County.
The Healthy DeKalb event, sponsored by the county Board of Health and commissioner Stan Watson, features a 1-mile walk and 5K run. Activities begin at 8 a.m. on Nov. 12 at Snapfinger Woods Road and DeKalb Medical Center Parkway. Registration is $10 for children under 10 and $15 for adults and seniors. Proceeds benefit the DeKalb County Police Athletic League and the Center for Community Empowerment. More information: Eddie Broadway at ebroadw@bellsouth.net. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Commission awards contract to bus seniors
After holding off for a month amid concerns about the fairness of the bid process, the Fulton commission has awarded a $3.3 million contract to California-based MV Transportation Inc., to bus seniors and disabled residents to senior centers, medical appointments and grocery stores, among other places. The work was being handled by three vendors, one through a state contract. County Manager Zachary Williams said the new arrangement will save $1 million. Chairman John Eaves, the sole dissenter in the vote, said he still has concerns about the process. Johnny Edwards
Henry court retools, gets new name
The Henry County Probate Resource Court has a new name. It is now the Henry County Resource Court. The juvenile, state and superior courts worked together to fold the nearly three-year-old program under the Superior and State Court umbrella which is presided over by Judge William Bartles.
The court is one of 13 mental health courts in the state and is designed to help people who’ve committed crimes due to serious mental illness. Tammy Joyner
East Point Customer Care department moves
In an effort to provide better customer service, the city of East Point’s Customer Care Department has relocated its operations this week to the renovated building located at 2791 East Point Street. Amenities of the new facility include, drive-through service, customer service kiosks, teller windows and a lock box located in front of the new building. John Thompson for the AJC
Run to focus on stopping sex abuse
Wellspring Living’s “Stop the Injustice” 5K run/walk on Saturday in Peachtree City will focus on stopping the sexual abuse of young girls.
The event begins at 8 a.m. at the Bridge Community Center at 225 Willowbend Road. The entry fee is $30; those who want to support the effort but can’t run may register as “phantom walkers.”
Participants receive T-shirts, and prizes will be awarded in various divisions. Proceeds benefit education, advocacy and treatment programs for girls and women. See www.wellspringliving.org to sign up. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Debbie Britt elected to Meals on Wheels board
Fayette Senior Services President and CEO Debbie Britt has been elected to the Meals on Wheels Association of America’s board of directors. Britt was sworn in for a three-year term at MOWAA’s national conference in Chicago on Sept. 1.
Britt is also president-elect of the Meals on Wheels Association of Georgia. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Happy Days Festival in Hapeville this weekend
Hapeville will celebrate its 120th year with the 2011 Happy Days Festival this weekend. The festival kicks off with a Friday night concert from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Jess Lucas Downtown Park. The Saturday celebrations begin with a parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins and ends at Hapeville First Baptist Church at 612 College Street.
John Thompson for the AJC
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