COBB
County approves changes to pawn shop rules
Cobb commissioners Tuesday voted unanimously to require the county’s pawn shops to upload a digital fingerprint and photograph of every customer to an online database searchable by police nationwide. Critics said the new rules raise privacy issues, but police said the electronic database is a crime-fighting tool because it allows police to search pawn shop transactions across several jurisdictions. Currently, most of Cobb’s 18 pawn shops and 77 precious metals dealers file pawn tickets with customer and item information, which detectives must go in person to review.
Jaime Sarrio
County approves slight drop in tax rate
Cobb commissioners Tuesday voted to slightly lower the county’s millage rate, which could result in a savings of about $14 on a $200,000 home or $38 on a $500,000 home. It’s the first decrease since 2011.
The decrease from 7.72 to 7.52 mills would be reflected on property tax bills mailed out Aug. 15 and due Oct. 15.Jaime Sarrio
Orchestra makes new staff appointments
The Georgia Symphony Orchestra has named cellist Christopher Thibdeau associate conductor and creative director. Michael Alexander is music director of the 95-member orchestra based in Kennesaw. Thibdeau, an adjunct cello professor at Clayton State University. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw to hold league sports event
Kennesaw will hold a league sports event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Adams Park, 2753 Watts Drive.
Youth can participate in drills, challenges and on-field demonstrations with coaches and volunteers from Kennesaw Baseball, Girls Softball and Youth Football Associations and Kennesaw Fubol Club. (soccer).
Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
New private school to open in Mableton
A new private school, Smyrna Academy of Excellence, will open on Aug. 13 at 6688 Mableton Parkway, Mableton.
The SAE School Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit independent school, is designed for students in pre-K through eighth grade with plans to expand to twelfth grade.
South Cobb educators, parents and residents govern the school to keep it “safe, innovative and rigorous,” following the Project-Based Learning model from High Tech High in San Diego, California.
Free, drop-in tours are available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays this month.
Information: saeschool.org, Info@SAEschool.org, 678-310-9136 (main) or 678-861-1275 (admissions).
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Safety Village to host family safety day
The Cobb Safety Village will host family safety day 9 a.m. to noon Friday at 1220 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta.
The event will feature safety activities including water safety games, free fingerprinting kits, up-close views of emergency vehicles, entertainment and refreshments.
Admission is $5 per person, a $20 maximum per family.
Information: 770-852-3270.
Jaime Sarrio
GWINNETT
Election notices mailed to inactive registered voters
The Gwinnett County Voter Registrations and Elections Division has mailed notices to registered voters in Gwinnett who haven’t voted or had written contact with the elections office for three years. Residents receiving notices have 30 days to return the notice before being placed on an inactive voter list. Voters on the inactive list must either vote or have written contact with the elections office during the next two election cycles or they will be dropped from the roll and required to re-register to vote. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Elections. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Grayson wants you in the Christmas spirit
Grayson will host the sixth annual Christmas in July 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Grayson Arts and History Center, 2070 Rosebud Road in Grayson. The free fundraiser will showcase ideas for Christmas decorating and preview new gift items for the holiday season. Visitors will enjoy refreshments from the Historical Cookbook “From Trip to Grayson” and holiday music. Information: 678-985-7775 or www.cityofgrayson.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Child care centers serving free food
Children at four childcare centers are now eligible for free meals, the non-profit Quality Care for Children announced Wednesday. They are: Hamilton Mill Child Development Center Inc., Buford; Atlanta School of Excellence, Celebrity Kids Learning Center and Ms. Niecy’s Home Away From Home Learning Center LLC, all in Atlanta. The food is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program. Nancy Badertscher
Gwinnett schools seek curriculum feedback
Gwinnett County Public Schools is accepting applications to become members of the GEMS Oversight Committee and provide curriculum feedback.
Deadline is Sept. 16.
Information: www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us.Nancy Badertscher
Sugar Hill gas customers to get help
Sugar Hill has entered into an agreement with North Gwinnett Co-Op to offer assistance to individuals and families needing help paying their gas bill. The city’s natural gas bill will include a section on the payment coupon allowing customers to add $1, $2, $5, or more to their payment to help those needing assistance paying their utility bill. Individuals requesting assistance will be directed to the Co-Op where they may apply for a voucher to be credited to a specific account. www.cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Art show exhibit runs through August
Some people have an eye for creating art from trash. Bree Sauers, from Tannery Row Artist Colony, has created a dress collection from paper and plaster, and landscapes and still lifes from discarded items. The exhibit will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Aug. 16 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Information: 770-822-5450. Hannah Morgan
NORTHSIDE
Sheriff impersonator operating in Forsyth
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of a scammer impersonating a sheriff’s lieutenant, who’s called several people and claims that unless a $362 speeding fine is paid by credit or debit over the phone, a family member will be arrested for failure to appear in court on the ticket.
Officials say anybody getting such a call should notify them immediately ar 770-781-3087. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock nixes sewer extension
The Woodstock City Council Monday night backed away from plans to expand city sewer service along North Main Street after learning that it would cost around $200,000 for just nine residents and businesses. City Manager Jeff Moon recommended against moving forward with the plan, noting no money had been budgeted for it. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Dunwoody chief named to state association
Dunwoody Police Chief Billy Grogan was sworn in as the new fourth vice president of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Tuesday. The GACP represents and is responsible for training and professional development of police chiefs across Georgia.
Grogan served 28 years with the Marietta Police Department obtaining the rank of deputy chief before leaving to become Dunwoody’s first police chief in 2008. Patrick Fox
PTA works to help school’s needy families
The PTA at Canton Elementary School’s STEM Academy is creating a “care closet” to help meet the needs of its children and families throughout the school year. A benefit event is set for 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 2, at Canton Chick-fil-As at Canton Marketplace and Riverstone. The goal is to collect donations of toiletry items for the care closet, and donors will be thanked with a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich.
Nancy Badertscher
Back-to-school clinic offered in Cherokee
The Cherokee County Health Department is planning a back-to-school health clinic from 2-6 p.m. Tuessday at both public health centers.
Hearing, dental and vision screenings will be offered for $30, as will immunizations (with a charge for vaccines).
Locations: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, and 7545 N. Main St., Woodstock.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Roswell hosts National Night Out
The Roswell Police department along with Roswell Target stores will host a National Night Out 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Roswell City Hall, 39 Hill St. The event is free and open to all residents.
This family friendly event will include local vendors, face painting, rock climbing wall, prizes and more. Police vehicles, Fire equipment, SWAT and K-9 demonstrations will be highlighted. The goal is to heighten crime-prevention awareness and build local support.
Information: www.NationalNightOut.org or 770-640-4422. Sandra Marshall Murray
ATLANTA
Fulton offers back-to-school immunizations
Fulton County will host a back-to-school immunization drive 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday at: Adamsville Regional Health Center, 404-613-4215; College Park Regional Health Center, 404-765-4155; North Fulton Regional Health Center, 404-612-1876.
The event also will feature dental, vision and hearing screenings. Bring the child’s immunization records. For children entering kindergarten or those new to Georgia, also bring a Georgia immunization certificate (Form 3231) and a dental, vision and hearing form (Form 3300).
Information: 404-612-1211.
David Wickert
Grocer to give free supplies to teachers
Kroger’s Atlanta Division will give away classroom supplies to teachers 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Atlanta Civic Center, 395 Piedmont Ave. N.E. and the North Atlanta Trade Center, 1700 Jeurgens Court, Norcross. Educators with a valid Georgia teacher ID can receive up to $40 in free school supplies. Items include, but are not limited to, copy paper, construction paper, markers, scotch tape, disinfectant wipes and sandwich bags.
Distribution on a first-come, first-served basis.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Mayor names two new executives
Mayor Kasim Reed has added two staffers to his administration: Claire Collobert Angelle is the director of International Affairs and LaRonda Sutton is the director of the newly-created Office of Film and Entertainment. Angelle, the former press attaché for the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, is tasked with running international activities within the city, as well as facilitating trade, tourism and cultural initiatives at a $90,000 annual salary.
Sutton, an entertainment executive with two decades experience in the music, television and film industries, is charged with overseeing the permitting process for film productions within Atlanta. Her office is also expected to work with neighborhoods and businesses impacted by filming. Sutton will earn $100,000. Katie Leslie
DEKALB
Avondale crosswalks nearly finished
Work on six Avondale Estates crosswalks along U.S. 278 (which has several names) should conclude this week. In March the city received a $10,000 Lifelong Communities Grant (total project cost is $17,000) to restripe these crosswalks and either replace or install ADA accessible ramps.
Four of the intersections are along North Avondale Road/East College Avenue west to Sams Crossing.
U.S. 278 will only be partially closed except for brief periods required for striping. Bill Banks for the AJC
Schools, commission to meet Aug. 5
A joint meeting between City Schools Decatur and city commissioners has been set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at City Hall. CSD is trying to get a $59.5 million bond referendum (to pay for renovations to Decatur high and Renfroe middle schools) on the Nov. 5 ballot, but it may get resistance from commissioners.
Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said recently, “There are a number of people who doubt our projections (that school enrollment will nearly double by 2018), but I’m telling you, these projections are just the minimum.” Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb residents needed for survey
The Atlanta Regional Commission is asking DeKalb residents to take an online survey on how the public is included in regional plans and policies.
DeKalb is one of 18 counties included in the study, known as Metro Atlanta Matters.
The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S52HS5Y. April Hunt
Dive into Shabbat at MJCCA outdoor pool
Shabbat can be celebrated at the MJCCA’s Outdoor Pool and Splash Park from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and Aug. 9 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Bring a picnic or buy kosher food at Goodfriend’s Outdoor Grill. An open swim begins at 5 p.m., followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Brian Glusman at 6 p.m. Free.
Information: Glusman at brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Mea Watkins
Black history exhibit on display at mall
North DeKalb Mall will host an African-American History Exhibition Museum through Saturday in the Macy’s wing at the mall, 2050 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur. The free exhibit houses over 8,000 artifacts and will feature meet-and-greet sessions with storytellers, local authors and historical leaders and other activities.
James Horton, the collector, will greet visitors and answer questions.
Mall hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. To schedule group tours call 404-454-1462.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Brookhaven to launch police force July 31
Brookhaven will launch a 54-member police force on July 31 — the anniversary of the vote to create Georgia’s newest city.
Officers must complete a two-week training session to begin patrols.
Meanwhile, city officials are still negotiating with DeKalb County, which has provided police service in the city since its incorporation in December.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Clayton mayors host roundtable today
The mayors of Clayton County towns will gather for a roundtable on Thursday as part of the Clayton County Democratic Party and Talking Points 4 U Lunch and Learn series. The event is nonpartisan and will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at El Noa Noa South Cuban restaurant, 6640 Tara Blvd., in Jonesboro. Lunch buffet available. The forum will be moderated by Pat Pullar, chief executive of Talking Points 4 U, a political consulting firm. For details and to reserve a seat, call Lance Robertson at 404 919-1246.
Tammy Joyner
Fans, lightbulbs given away Saturday
Free fans and energy-efficient light bulbs will be given away at a Sustainability Summit 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at The Jefferson Park Recreation Center, 1431 Norman Berry Dr. in East Point.. The event is being sponsored by East Point City Councilman Alexander Gothard with the theme is “Let Us Show You How Going Green can Lower Your Monthly Bills.” It’s also a way of introducing residents to different ways more environmentally-conscious. Some two dozen vendors are slated to participate. Information: Gothard at 404 989-5709.Tammy Joyner
Items needed for benefit yard sale
Organizers the 8th annual Benefit Yard Sale for African Orphans are accepting donations at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City. Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. July 30-Aug. 1 at 101 Carriage Lane, just off Ga. Hwy. 54 East. The sale takes place Aug. 2-3. Proceeds help provide housing and services to children in Uganda.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Stockbridge council to meet tonight
The Stockbridge City Council will convene a special called meeting at 6 p.m. today [July 24] at City Hall. Agenda items include an urban redevelopment plan and opportunity zone, as well as a Main Street program resolution and the finalization of a SPLOST project list agreement with Henry County. Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Town hall meeting set for Saturday
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes’ monthly town hall meeting will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Crossroad Christian Church, 5365 North Henry Blvd., Stockbridge.
The meeting will focus on the future of Henry County’s public schools, and Henry County School Superintendent Ethan Hildreth will be the featured guest speaker. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Gallery to host BBQ and beer tasting
Arts Clayton Gallery and the Highway 138 Package Store will co-host “BBQ & Brew on Main,” a barbecue and craft beer tasting, from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the gallery, 136 S. Main St., Jonesboro. Artisan beer tastings and samples of barbecue and other foods will be available for a $20 donation at the door.
Proceeds will benefit the programs of Arts Clayton, a nonprofit community arts organization. Information: www.artsclayton.org or 770-473-5831.Veronica Fields Johnson
