COBB
Cobb schools recognized for clean air
The Clean Air Campaign recently named 26 Cobb County Schools as “Clean Air Schools”.
The campaign recognized 300 Georgia schools for launching projects that reduce air pollution.
The schools also promoted bus ridership and carpools.
To read the entire list of schools recognized, visit http://cobbcast.cobbk12.org/?p=4745.
Daarel Burnette II
Freethought Society discussion Sunday
The Atlanta Freethought Society will have Dr. Andy Thomson as its guest 1 p.m. Sunday at AFS Hall, 4775 N. Church Lane, Smyrna. Thomson will speak on the topic: “Why We Believe in Gods.” “Religious beliefs, like reading and writing and junk food, are cultural creations that use mechanisms originally designed for other purposes,” says Thomson, practicing psychiatrist at the University of Virginia Student Health Services in Charlottesville, Va. The program, free and open to the public, will be preceded by conversation, socializing, and light refreshments at noon.Nancy Badertscher
Retired educators to meet in Smyrna
The Cobb Marietta Retired Educators Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13 in the Freeman Poole Multipurpose Center, 4025 S. Hurt Road, Smyrna. John Adams, Executive Director of Educators First, will be the featured speaker. Lunch by Mother’s Finest for $10. Reservations: Debby Overstreet at debbybob@comcast.net.
Information: ww.cmrea.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Farmers Market open on Thursdays
The Mableton Farmers Market is open each Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Sept. 27 at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road.
Healthy eating habits and wellness also are emphasized through events and classes.
Low-income older adults may qualify for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers worth $20 each.
Information: mableton.org/FarmersMarket.html, localharvest.org or Cheryl Mayerik at cmayerik@atlantaregional.com or 404-463-3125. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Austell has new city website
Austell has a new city website at austellga.gov with increased access to iPhones and iPads and ongoing redesign and video options planned.
By late September, online payment services will be offered for traffic citations and bills for utility, property tax and stormwater.
Comments: email to webmaster@austellga.gov.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Volunteer program 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 are 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
GWINNETT
Gwinnett begins 2013 budget process
Gwinnett County begins is 2013 budget review this week when County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash convenes a citizen committee to study county spending.
The six-member committee will hear staff presentations in a series of meetings this week. Eventually it will make recommendations on budget priorities. The presentations will be available for viewing on the county web site and on TVgwinnett, the county’s cable television channel.
Nash will unveil her proposed budget Nov. 6.
David Wickert
Gwinnett to buy new fire truck
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of a new aerial ladder fire truck Tuesday.
The new truck will use the ladder from an older model already owned by the county, saving $174,586. The cost of the new truck with the refurbished ladder: $858,691.
Sutphen Corporation of Ohio will deliver the truck in July 2014. David Wickert
Low-cost vaccination clinic on Saturday
The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is having a low cost vaccination clinic this Saturday.
All proceeds go to help homeless animals in Georgia. The low cost vaccination clinic helps people in need keep their animals healthy. The clinic will be held at the Georgia SPCA at 1175 Buford Highway, suite 109 in Suwanee.
Information: 678-765-2726.
Andria Simmons
Public comment sought on development
Gwinnett County is accepting public comment on its proposed 2013 community development program action plan.
The plan highlights programs and activities recommended to receive U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding next year.
The county is accepting comment on the plan through Sept. 10.
To view the plan and for more information, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.
David Wickert
Basketball tournament in Lawrenceville
Gwinnett Parks & Rec is asking who is “king of the court?” at a 3 on 3-basketball tournament for age groups 10 and up at 10 a.m. Saturday at Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville.
Team registration only, $25 per team. Must register by today by calling 770-822-5414 or www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Muslims’ blood drive to honor 9/11 victims
The Georgia Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA will host a blood drive 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 at Baitul Baqi Mosque, 6113 Oakbrook Pkwy., Norcross. The event is part of the second annual “Muslims for Life, ” a nationwide campaign to collect 11,000 units of blood from Aug. 11 to Sept. 11 to honor the victims of 9 /11 and to stress that Islam values life. Information: 404-510-3399, hazeemp@yahoo.com or http://muslimsforlife.org.
Veronica Fields Johnson
NORTHSIDE
Canton cancels fire district hearings
The City of Canton may have to go back to the drawing board on its creation of a separate fire district. The City Council has canceled two public hearings on the district’s proposed mill levy set for Thursday.
That followed an attorney general’s opinion casting doubt on whether the newly-created district could levy taxes this year, and whether it was legal to specify no groups are tax-exempt. The council discusses fire service plans at a work session 6 p.m. Thursday at Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Monthly Friday night festival set
The city of Woodstock’s monthly Friday Night Live event set this week has been dubbed “The Great Downtown Tailgate.” Downtown merchants will stay open late, various stores will feature live music, contests and giveaways, and a drawing for a $100 Downtown Dollars gift certificate will be held.
Those attending are encouraged to wear their favorite football team’s gear. Info: 770-924-0406. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woman arrested on “bath salts” charges
Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad agents have arrested a woman they say was selling illegal “bath salts” out of her car.
Serena Burkard of Marietta, who police say manages the metro Atlanta Smoke 911 stores, was arrested on controlled-substance charges in Woodstock Tuesday. Agents say they found bath salts, synthetic marijuana and more than $10,000 in cash in her vehicle. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock concert series upcoming
Woodstock’s free Brown Bag Concert Series performances are from noon to 1 p.m. each Thursday in September at the Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road.
Blankets, lawn chairs, etc., are welcome. Information: Special Events Coordinator Marybeth Stockdale, 770-517-6788, mstockdale@woodstockga.gov. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
Tool collection drive to benefit charity
The Roswell Recycling Center and Kiwanis Club of Historic Roswell will host a tool collection drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 and Oct. 20 at the Center, 11570 Maxwell Road, Alpharetta.
New and gently used tools will be accepted.
The Atlanta Community ToolBank is the only nonprofit in greater Atlanta dedicated to equipping the charitable sector with the tools needed to implement a range of community improvement projects.
Information: www.atlanta.toolbank.org or contact Gina Chaves, at 404-880-0054 x11 or gina.chaves@toolbank.org. Patrick Fox
Teens can learn to survive zombie invasion
To teach teens about being prepared for unexpected emergency or disaster situations, Johns Creek’s Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road will hold a Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness class at 2 p.m. Saturday, with tips on how to survive an invasion of the walking dead.
Information: 770-360-8897. Johnny Edwards
ATLANTA
2nd arrest in lounge owner’s slaying
Atlanta police apprehended Demario Carman just after midnight Wednesday near Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta, police said.
Carman is linked to the Aug. 16 shooting death of Vanessa Elaine Thrasher, owner of O.T.’s Lounge and Soul Food Grill.
Thrasher had been scheduled to testify in the 2011 murder of one of her employees outside the Joseph E. Boone restaurant, but police and family have characterized her slaying as a robbery. Marcus K. Garner
Authors sign copies of book on minstrelsy
Authors Yuval Taylor and Jake Austen will talk about their new book, “Darkest America: Black Minstrelsy From Slavery to Hip-Hop,” and sign copies 6 p.m. Friday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Avenue, N.E The book examines black minstrelsy’s history of from its origins to modern-day manifestations in American pop culture.
Information: 404-730-4001 Ext. 100. Johnny Edwards
GA senator, students debated welfare act
State Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, debated with students in the Law and Social Welfare class at Georgia State University College of Law last week about House Bill 861, also known as Georgia’s Social Responsibility and Accountability Act.
The bill signed into law in April requires most applicants of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to submit to a drug test before receiving benefits. The class discussed the underlying policies and constitutionality of the bill and the likelihood of its effectiveness.
Andria Simmons
‘Go Green Fashionista’ this weekend
The annual “Go Green Fashionista” event held in Miami is coming to Atlanta 4 - 10 p.m. Saturday at Harlem Nights Ultra Lounge, 201 Courtland St.
The event honors eco-friendly fashion designers, stylists and vendors and connects participants to nature and organic gardening. Tickets are $15.
Information: http://gogreenfashionistaatl.eventbrite.com. Kenneth Musisi
DEKALB
No gains in search for murder suspect
Late Tuesday night, SWAT officers surrounded a home on Hollow Tree Drive off Flat Shoals Parkway, looking for 27-year-old Craig Tellis, who is wanted for the Sunday night shooting death of Antory Harris at the Walden Pond apartment complex, Channel 2 Action News reported.
When officers searched the home early Wednesday, they didn’t find Tellis. Mike Morris
The DeKalb Walks Initiative to host event
The public is invited to the DeKalb Walks… For the Health of It event on 9 a.m. Saturday at the Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur.
The free event promotes the health benefits of walking and cash prizes will be given to the group with the most team members participating. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. To pre-register contact Commissioner Larry L. Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425. Veronica Fields Johnson
Non-profit to sponsor public auction
Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, a non-profit that provides home medical equipment at little or no cost to the recipient, is sponsoring an auction of overstock inventory on 10 a.m. today at 4900 Lewis Rd, Stone Mountain.
Items for sale include televisions, furniture and other items. Viewing is at 8 a.m. All proceeds will benefit FODAC.
Information: www.auctionebid.com/auction-calendar/all-auctions/auction-detail/?id=187261. Veronica Fields Johnson
Cross country team forming for DeKalb parks
DeKalb County’s parks and recreation department is registering youth for a cross country running team that will compete this fall.
The team is for kids between 5 and 14-years-old and will include four meets in October, after practices at county recreation centers. Cost is $30 per child.
Information: 404-371-6270.
April Hunt
Decatur awards history center with $5,000
Decatur’s city commission awarded a $5,000 grant to the DeKalb History Center, most of which goes towards renovating the Swanton House.
History Center Executive Director Melissa Forgey said repairs include window and brick replacement, along with damages incurred from water and mildew.
Basic repairs, she added, are mostly ongoing for this, one of the city’s oldest houses, built as a log cabin circa 1825 and enlarged in 1852.
Now on West Trinity Place, the house originally stood at Howard Street and Atlanta Avenue. Bill Banks for the AJC
Lithonia to start own development group
The Development Authority of DeKalb County recently gave a grant to Lithonia to jumpstart downtown development.
The $20,000 is seed money to help Lithonia start its own downtown development authority. The center city – once full of granite buildings created from stone in nearby quarries – was partly demolished during Urban Renewal to make way for what is now Lithonia Plaza.
The plaza, now an eyesore that is partially owned by the city, will be the first focus of the revitalization. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Peachtree City cops seek golf cart flasher
Peachtree City police are on the lookout for flasher on a dark four-passenger golf cart with white wheels. Police said that around 8 p.m. Monday a young man drove past a woman several times on the path north of Flat Creek Road before exposing himself to her as she walked.
The man is described as being white, in his late teens to early 20s, having short hair and thin to average build.
Call 770-631-2510 or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline, 770-487-6010. Christopher Seward
Thieves hit East Point, again and again
Thieves broke into East Point municipal buildings multiple times in recent weeks, costing the south Fulton County city tens of thousands of dollars in losses, Channel 2 Action News reported.
In the last week alone, the thieves targeted East Point Power, the municipal electrical system, and stole from seven trucks of the utility. Surveillance video shows the suspects unspooling copper wiring from one of the trucks.
Police believe the burglars cut through a fence to get into city-owned property around 2 or 3 a.m.
In another incident, someone walked through the front gate of the municipal complex and took chainsaws and blowers and broke into a vending machine, police said.
Six break-ins have occurred in the past month at the city’s power, fleet maintenance, meter and sanitation departments, police said. The three most recent break-ins cost the city $20,000 in total losses.
Investigators believe multiple groups are behind the heists.
David Ibata
Voter registration event Sunday
The Fayette County Democratic Committee will sponsor a voter registration drive from 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 9 at Fellowship of Love Church at North Fayette Elementary School, 609 Kenwood Rd., Fayetteville.
Participants can also complete change of address forms, verify registration, sign up for absentee ballots.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Lowe’s grant funds school playground
A $22,945 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation will give Hood Avenue Primary school in Fayetteville an updated playground.
The school’s PTO applied for the grant to replace the current equipment, which is more than 15 years old, with safer and more physically challenging structures.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Concert benefits Wounded Warriors
A concert in Peachtree City honoring America’s military heroes will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
The show begins just before 6 p.m. Saturday at the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater. Bands include The FlyCats, Big Jake, Lights Out, Leadfoot, The Final Answer Band and Gravity.
Tickets are $15-$25 at http://ticketalternative.com/Venues/513.aspx.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
