County by county news for Thursday

Of the city’s 17 sanitation workers, one will remain to handle billing services and 11 have found jobs with Kennesaw, other local cities or with the new company.

The meeting will be at City Hall, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave. Information: wwww.kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for AJC

Cash-strapped YWCA may cut some services

The YWCA of Northwest Georgia is looking at cuts in services if the agency can’t raise $115,000.

The organization has raised $40,000 so far towards a budget shortfall of $155,000. The program that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding counties has an annual budget of $1.7 million.

Information: ywca.nwga.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Sun Valley fundraiser this weekend

A fundraiser to purchase and reopen Sun Valley Beach in Powder Springs, is planned from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Clinton Nature Preserve, 8720 Ephesus Church Road, Villa Rica in Douglas County.

The Beach Blast will include a Saturday 5K Beach Run, bands, The Higher Choir on Sunday, a car and motorcycle show, a children’s inflatable play area, food vendors, bake sale and a Saturday night family movie. Costs: $10; $52 for 5K; $36.70 for Fun Run; $46.90 for 5K group.

Information: savesunvalley.ticketleap.com/run/, Main@SaveSunValley.org, 678-664-4386. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Heroes gala to benefit Smyrna fire and police

Smyrna will honor members of its police and fire departments 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday at Brawner Hall, 3180 Atlanta Road. The fourth Smyrna Heroes Gala at Taylor-Brawner Park will benefit the city’s police and fire departments. Funds will be used for public safety improvements, benevolent funds and community outreach. Information: www.smyrnaheroesgala.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Police to raise money for Horizon League

The Acworth Police Department and Horizon League will hold a 24-hour event 7 p.m. Friday Sept. 13 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 South Main St. to raise money for athletics for the disabled. Covering the Bases has raised more than $100,000 for a rubberized field, handicapped accessible playground and concession stand. Information: www.acworth.org/parks. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Duluth to host free concert Saturday

The City of Duluth will host a free fall festival concert 7 p.m. Saturday at the Duluth Amphitheater, 3142 Hill St. Opening act will be The Skipperdees and Rupert’s Orchestra will headline and perform current Top 40 songs, Motown hits, Classic Rock and Swing. A fireworks display will be held at the close of the concert.Veronica Fields Johnson

GWINNETT

Foundation donates to county

The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center Foundation is donating $26,000 to Gwinnett in the form of a new concession trailer (valued at $16,000) and a $10,000 monetary donation toward the purchase of a passenger tram for educational purposes.

The tram will help transport senior citizens, small children, expectant mothers, visitors with disabilities and others allowing them access to nature trails at the center as well as experience bird watching, animal tracking, native plant identification, and future outdoor exhibits.

Information: www.gwinnettehc.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Police to host firearms safety seminar

The Gwinnett County Police Department will offer a free Firearms Safety Seminar from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. Gwinnett Police Academy personnel will discuss Georgia carry and deadly force laws, how to obtain a carry permit, personal defense and types of weapons and their use. Please do not bring firearms to this event. Seating is limited. Information: Cpl. J. Golliher at 678-226-7766. Veronica Fields Johnson

Four residents serving on budget review

The county commission asked four residents to join the 2014 budget review team: Mark Brock, Norwood Davis,Marian Lucia and Herman Pennamon. Each County department and agency will present a business plan including needed financial resources to the review team on Sept. 4 – 6 and 9 –10 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The videotaped presentations will be available to the public on TVgwinnett and on demand at www.gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Nonprofits to attend networking fair

The Community Council of Gwinnett County will host a free networking fair from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 18 at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. The annual event showcases several nonprofit organizations and builds awareness of the programs, products and services that exist to meet the needs of Gwinnett citizens. Information: www.commcouncilgc.org/. Veronica Fields Johnson

Organization to offer free SAT Prep class

College Nannies & Tutors of Duluth will offer a free SAT Prep class 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17 at Gwinnett Fire Station 7, 3343 Bunten Road, Duluth.

Participants must register at least a week in advance by calling 678-259-0232. Information: www.collegetutors.com.Veronica Fields Johnson

Church to host kids consignment sale

McKendree United Methodist Church will host Kids Clothes Closet fall consignment sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the church, 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Lawrenceville. Available items include children’s clothing and shoes, baby equipment, toys and books.

Information: 770-339-9801 or www.mckendreeumc.com/ministries/events/.Veronica Fields Johnson

NORTHSIDE

UNG wins top school designation

The University of North Georgia, which has campuses in Forsyth and three other North Georgia counties, has made the U.S. News and World Report list of the top 25 public universities in the south, placing at number 22.

School officials say the ranking considered such factors as graduation and retention rates, financial resources and alumni giving. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs festival this month

The city of Sandy Springs will host its annual Heritage Sandy Springs festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Heritage Green, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle. Events include fine art, live music, cultural performances, a pet parade, 10K/5K race and more. Tickets: $5 for adults; $2 for ages 6 – 17; 5 and under and Heritage Sandy Springs Members are free. Two-day passes are also available. Information: www.sandyspringsfestival.com, or events@heritagesandysprings.org. Sandra Marshall Murray

Library to host eBook info session

The College Park Library will host an eBook information session at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at the library, 3647 Main St., College Park. The session will explore the basic ways to download eBooks from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System website. Attendees will learn to download, return eBooks and transfer from the Nook, iPad and Kindle devises. Information: 404-762-4060. Veronica Fields Johnson

Fulton offers info on homeowner rights

The Fulton County Office of Housing and Community Development will host an information session on homeowner rights and code enforcement 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Roswell Library, 115 Norcross St., Roswell.

Topics will include the Making Home Affordable program and code enforcement issues such as streets and vehicles, garbage, nuisances, signs and handbills.

Information on homeowner rights: Audra Pender at 404-612-3024.

Information on code enforcement: 770-594-6101. Veronica Fields Johnson

Cherokee chamber seeks nominees

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominees for the Leadership Cherokee class through Oct. 1.

Written application and interview required for possible placement in the nine-month leadership training program that begins in January.

Information: 770-345-0400. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta hosts youth triathlon

IronKids Alpharetta, the largest youth triathlon in the U.S., is Sunday at Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

Participants receive a medal and the top three athletes in each age category will be awarded a trophy. Registration: $50 online; $65 onsite. No registration race morning.

Information: hy-veeironkids.com/alpharetta. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Metro Resource Center to hold gala

The Metro Resource Center will celebrate 25 years during its Portraits of Sweet Success award gala 6 p.m. Sunday at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel, 265 Peachtree Center Ave. N.E.

The ceremony will honor individuals who have excelled in their respective careers and contributed immensely in their community.

The Metro Resource Center Inc. is a nonprofit community-based health and social agency dedicated to improving the quality of life for physically and mentally challenged elderly and young adults,.

Cost: $150. Information: dianelarche@aol.com or 404-273-3227. Mea Watkins

Library to host new and used book sale

The Friends of the Stewart-Lakewood Library will host a fall book sale from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the library, 2893 Lakewood Avenue, S.W. New and used books will be available and proceeds will support library programs. Information: 404-762-4054. Veronica Fields Johnson

Rehab center sponsors falls prevention event

The Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center will host a falls prevention awareness fair 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at the center, 1821 Anderson Avenue, N.W. Health screenings for vision, balance, blood pressure and blood sugar will be offered. Medication reviews are available and participants should bring a list of their prescriptions.The event is free and donations will be accepted. Information: 678-420-2915. Veronica Fields Johnson

African unity festival set; volunteers needed

The Shrine of the Black Madonna Social Action Committee will host the West End African Unity & Cultural Festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at 944 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd.

Activities will include live entertainment, vendors, an African gala, farmers market, health fair and workshops on alternative education and health and wellness.

Information: 404-444-6696 or talkingdrum@live.com. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Two vehicles run into homes

Houses kept getting in the way of cars on Tuesday.

At least two vehicles ran into homes causing damage and minor injuries.

An SUV ran into a home in the 500 block of Arbor Circle in DeKalb County, according to local officials.

Later in the day, a vehicle ran into a home in the 1800 block of Big Valley Lane in Stone Mountain. The driver was temporarily trapped in the vehicle but was removed with the help of police, according to local officials. Daarel Burnette II

Animal shelter offering specials

Adoption fees for dogs and cats are being sharply discounted at DeKalb County’s animal shelter during September.

To help find more animals find homes, adoption fees will be $20 for dogs and $10 for cats. The cost includes vaccinations, spay-neuter surgery and microchipping.

Information: www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com. April Hunt

Peace officers honor community champs

The Asian American Peace Officers of Georgia will host the APA Heroes & Advocates Awards Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Oriental Pearl Seafood Restaurant, 5399 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee. Mark F. Giuliano, FBI Atlanta Division Special Agent in Charge, will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for students. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds from the event will benefit AAPOG scholarship and community outreach programs.

Information: aapog.weebly.com or 404-494-0362. Veronica Fields Johnson

“Walk of Heroes” 5K returns

Registration is underway for a 5K run/walk to benefit DeKalb County residents with developmental disabilities, substance addiction and mental illness.

The Walk of Heroes will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 in Kirkwood. All proceeds benefit the DeKalb Community Service Board.

Information/race registration: www.walkofheroes5k.com. April Hunt

Lakeside organizers meet Monday

The Lakeside Community Alliance, organizers behind a cityhood effort in north-central DeKalb County, will hold a community meeting 7 p.m. Monday at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road.

The group has paid for a feasibility study of the city, which would run between Druid Hills Road and the Plesasantdale/Embry Hills area just outside the Perimeter and have an estimated 63,000 residents.

Information: www.lakesidealliance.org. April Hunt

Registration open for basketball leagues

DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.

Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.

Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt

Clayton’s most wanted found in Florida

A man on Clayton’s most wanted list was arrested Tuesday in Palatka, Fla.

Maximilliam Xavier Mack was wanted for armed robbery, aggravated assault and violation of probation, according to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office. The crimes took place in August. Earlier this year, he was twice charged with simple battery.

He will be transported to Georgia and prosecuted, the sheriff’s office said. Daarel Burnnette II

College Park picks head for tourism promotion

College Park’s newly-formed Destination Marketing Organization, an economic, travel and tourism promotions group, has picked Cookie Smoak as its first president.

Smoak, a College Park native, previously served as director of convention services for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Free pickleball workshop Saturday

Find out what the sport of pickleball is at a free workshop 10 a.m. Saturday at the Peachtree City Tennis Center. Activities will include a demonstration, free play, complimentary lunch and an opportunity for round-robin play. Sign up at info@visitpeachtreecity.com and wear tennis shoes; paddles will be available at the event. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Court changes payment deadline

A procedure in Peachtree City requires that all payments due to Peachtree City’s Municipal Court must be received by 1 p.m. the Monday before the court date on the citation. Payments, including those sent online, by mail or in person, can be made in lieu of appearing in court as long as the violation is not listed as “Must Appear.” Information: 770-631-2096. Jill Howard Church for the AJ

Fayette Community School classes open

Registration for Fayette Community School’s fall classes and camps is still open, including driver’s education, SAT/ACT prep, art and drama. Driver’s ed requires walk-in registration from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 205 Lafayette Ave. in Fayetteville. Details for all classes are at www.fayettecs.org or call 770-460-3990, ext. 470. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Clayton to provide CPR classes to public

Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services, 7810 Highway 85, Riverdale, will offer CPR Certification Classes 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth Friday of every month.

Pre-registration is required.

Fee is $25 or $6 for 65 and older. Only money orders or cash will be accepted.

Information: www.ccfes.org or 770-473-7833.Veronica Fields Johnson

Library has promotion workshop for writers

The College Park Library will host a promote and grow workshop for writers at 2 p.m. Saturday at the library, 3647 Main St., College Park.

Book promotion techniques will be shared. Reservations are required.

Information: 404-762-4060. Veronica Fields Johnson