COBB
Extra turn lane to ease congestion in Marietta
Marietta is expected to approve an agreement Wednesday with the Georgia Department of Transportation to add a second right turn lane at a congested intersection on South Marietta Parkway at Powder Spring Street.
The $380,000 project will add another turn westbound and turn signals for both lanes.
Currently, westbound traffic has to yield. A traffic study reports that about 36 percent of crashes at the intersection are rear end collisions at the westbound turn. Tucker McQueen for AJC
$1M lottery ticket sold in Smyrna
Claro Vargas, of Smyrna, won $1 million playing the $10 Million Cash Spectacular instant game, the Georgia Lottery said today. The ticket was sold at the Shell Express located on Spring Road, in Smyrna.
Vargas claimed his prize at Georgia Lottery headquarters in Atlanta, lottery officials said. Vargas could not be reached for comment.Alexis Stevens
Cobb parents can view new textbooks
The public can review kindergarden to 12th grade math, advanced placement French and advanced placement Spanish textbooks and materials being considered for use in the coming school year for Cobb County schools.
The books are available for review 8 a.m.-5 p.m. until Thursday at the central administrative office, 514 Glover St., Marietta. Emily Farlow
Reading program includes prize drawings
The Cobb County Public Library System has launched the free Summer Reading Program for all ages through July 31 with more than 800 activities to encourage the development of lifelong literacy skills.
Prize drawings for children in grades 6 to 12 and adults, who submit book reviews, include an iPad from Cobb EMC, a Kindle Fire HD from Manning Properties and free pizza from Stevi B’s.
Children also may be able to win Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks tickets.
Information: cobbcat.org/srp.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Commissioner seeks volunteers, interns
Cobb County District Four Commissioner Lisa Cupid is looking for volunteers and interns to serve on her staff.
Various positions will assist with administrative work, communications, community and constituent outreach, economic development and policy research.
Resumes, including email address and area of interest, may be sent to johnathan.warren@cobbcounty.org.
Information: 770-528-3312.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Powder Springs seeks bidders for streets
Powder Springs officials will hold a pre-proposal meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St. for contractors interested in bidding on the completion Marietta Street from Brownsville Road to Sharon Drive, Florence Road from Dallas Powder Springs Road to the city limit and Austell Powder Springs Road from Marietta Street to Old Austell Road.
Questions: due 5 p.m. June 19 and proposals 10 a.m. June 25. Information: Larry Terry, Croy Engineering LLC, 770-971-5407 or lterry@croyengineering.com Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Technology startup, Alive Studios, opening here
Alive Studios Inc., an augmented reality company developing software for interactive classroom learning launches in Gwinnett and is expected to create more than 30 new jobs over the next three years. Alive Studios is now the sole developer and supporter of the former Logical Choice Technologies’ products. Each product incorporates computer-generated augmented reality technology (3-D without glasses) into games, activities, and lessons. The supplements are designed to help students grasp key concepts in reading and math.
Information: www.alivestudiosco.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Art students honored with NYC exhibit
The nonprofit Alliance for Young Artists & Writers picked Cadie Crew, who was a senior at Mill Creek High School, Phu Nguyen, who was a senior at Norcross High School, Savanacq Ogburn, a rising junior at Grayson High School, and Jenna Still, who was a senior at Brookwood High School for the 2014 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a recognition program for students in grades 7 through 12.
The work is on display in New York City until Saturday at the “Art.Write.Now. 2014 National Exhibition.” Eric Sturgis
Gwinnett trails added to national system
The National Park Service recognized four trails in the Gwinnett County park system as national recreation trails:Harbins Park and Little Mulberry Park in Dacula, McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth, and Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee. The four trails make up approximately 15 miles of the 452 newest miles in the trail system. Information: www.americantrails.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sugar Hill celebration seeks volunteers
The volunteer team for the 75th @ Sugar Hill Anniversary Celebration is looking for event help Aug. 1-2. Volunteers needed: drivers, gophers, merchandising, parade, concert, dinner, clean-up, and more. Information: Scott Dorsey by July 11 at volunteers@sugarhill75th.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Library presents master griller
Steven Raichlen, dubbed America’s “master griller” by Esquire Magazine, will discuss his career and share barbecuing secrets 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Norcross Cultural Arts Center, 10 College St. Raichlen is the author of over 25 bestselling cookbooks . Free. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org/Steven-Raichlen or 770-978-5154. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Duluth moving July 3rd celebration downtown
Duluth will move the city’s July 3rd celebration to the Duluth Town Green this year. The celebration, previously held at Scott Hudgens Park, is being moved due to pending construction. Event will include music by America’s 116th Army Rock Band and Funk/R&B Group, food vendors and children’s activities.
A firework display with City Hall as the backdrop will conclude the event. Duluth Celebrates America takes place 6 to 9 p.m., July 3.
Information: www.duluthga.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Parking garage project to begin in Forsyth
Constrruction of the Mason Street parking facility near the Forsyth County Administration Building will start this week. The five-level facility is the second of two parking decks being built as part of the SPLOST-funded jail and courthouse construction project, with the Castleberry parking facility now complete. An extension of construction fencing for the Mason Street facility will take part of the employee parking area on the north side of the administration building, and the 15-minute loading and unloading spaces along School Street. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Fulton educators are master teachers
Seven teacher, more than any other county in the state, in the Fulton County Schools system have earned Georgia Master Teacher status: Susan Ali-Ahmad of Lake Windward Elementary School and Gale Ritchie of Haynes Bridge Middle School, both in Alpharetta, plus Charlotte Melhorn Hayes of Findley Oaks Elementary School in Johns Creek and Angela Rice of Sandy Springs Middle School. The certificaton’s based on such factors as assessments of classroom performance and student growth, and remains in place for seven years. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Labor commissioner speaks at chamber
The Cumming-Forsyth Coounty Chamber of Commerce will present a roundtable discussion with Mark Butler, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor 11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. todayat the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming. The event will focus on community business needs. Information: cummingforsythchamber.org
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Free safety class offered for ATV riders
All-terrain vehicle riders can participate in a free safety course on Friday at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation campus, 1450 Morrison Parkway, Alpharetta. Information: 800-887-2887. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Homeowners to hear project details
MARTA will discuss the proposed Connect 400 project at Sandy Springs neighborhood association meetings 7 p.m. Thursday at the Dunwoody Community Church, 2250 Dunwoody Club Drive.
The Connect 400 Project would extend passenger rail or bus service north from the North Springs station to the Ga. 400 interchange with Windward Parkway.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Cherokee volunteer firefighters host event
Cherokee County volunteer firefighters will host a meet and greet event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 14 at several of the county’s fire stations; Fire Station 2,388 Groover Street in Ball Ground, Fire station 8, 260 Hickory Road, Holly Springs and Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughan Road in Hickory Flat. Cherokee County Fire Department spokesman Tim Cavemder says it’s both a recruiting event and an opportunity for residents to get to know their volunteer firefighters.
Cavender says folks interested in volunteer work as a result can go to cherokeecountyfire.com for more information and to apply.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Professional forum on leadership Saturday
Out and Equal Atlanta is hosting a day of workplace leadership development at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Newell Rubbermaid headquarters, 3 Glenlake Parkway, Atlanta.
The program, “Developing Authentic Leaders in the Workplace,” will feature eight different workshops, keynote speakers and a job fair offering career opportunities for LGBTlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender professionals.
Admission to the event is $35.
Information: www.bit.ly/OEA_WLF2014 or outandequal.org/atlanta
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Caribbean film festival continues
The seventh Caribbean Film Festival, hosted by the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System, continues at 1 p.m. SundayJune 15 at the Central Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, with screenings of films from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. The film festival is free and open to the public.
“The Merikins” is a documentary about the descendants of enslaved Africans from the United States who fought for the British in the War of 1812 and settled in Trinidad after the war. Also screening will be the Barbadian films “Rum Shop” and “Chattel House.”
The festival is one of a series of events taking place at the library during National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
Information: www.afpls.org/news
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Wellness workshop set for seniors
The Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility will host two workshops designed to help older citizens manage chronic disease, stress and mental health.
The workshops, presented by the Wholistic Stress Control Institute, will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Darnell center, 677 Fairburn Road. The discussion will focus on a 10-week program on living well with diabetes.
Information: 404-613-8580.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
DEKALB
Northwoods named to national register
The Northwoods neighborhood in Doraville was placed on the National Register of Historic Places which recognizes the neighborhood’s significance in providing housing and other amenities for industrial workers in postwar DeKalb County.
The district is one of the first planned tract developments that included a mixture of houses, schools, parks, churches and shopping centers.Information: www.georgiashpo.org
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Avondale applies for ‘Quiet Zone’
Avondale Estates has applied to the Federal Railroad Administration that its railroad crossing at Laredo Drive and Wells Street is designated a “Quiet Zone.” If approved the railroad would “cease the routine sounding” of its horn—except in emergency situations—preceding the intersection.
This anticipates a potential mixed-use development on the site occupied from 1916-2010 by Fenner Dunlop, now under contract.
There are currently nine quiet zones in Georgia, including one in DeKalb County. Bill Banks for the AJC
Clarkston seeks city planning help
The city of Clarkston is seeking residents and business owners to help plan how to make the city an attractive destination for private investment and redevelopment.
Stakeholders could serve on a committee with city staff and a project management team to update its Livable Centers Initiative plan, a project that was chosen by the Atlanta Regional Commission to receive $80,000 in funding.
Information: 404-296-6489 or jgaines@cityofclarkston.com. Mark Niesse
Discussion on housing, lending practices
The South DeKalb Improvement Association is holding its quarterly meeting at 9:30 a.m. SaturdayJune 14 at the Berean Community Center, 2440 Young Road, Stone Mountain.
Wayne G. Early, president of Early Economics Inc., will talk about the effects of the foreclosure crisis on communities, explain housing and lending practices, and educate attendees on their rights.
The meeting is open to members, individuals, home owners associations, churches, groups and organizations interested in creating a sustainable South DeKalb.
Information: sdiainc@gmail.com or 770-322-3842. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Community Service Board hires HR director
A nonprofit provider of DeKalb County mental health, addiction and developmental disability services has named a new chief human resources officer. The DeKalb Community Service Board announced that Tia Plunkett-McQueen will take the job. Mark Niesse
Stone Mountain opens farmers market
The Stone Mountain Farmers Market opens at 4 p.m. today in the municipal parking lot on Main Street in Stone Mountain Village.
The market will carry locally grown produce, dairy products and meats. It will be open on Tuesdaysthrough Sept. 9.
Information: mmckinley@stonemountaincity.org or 770-498-8984, Ext. 137.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Open house Thursday on pedestrian bridge project
An open house on the Global Gateway Connector Project in College Park is 5 p.m. Monday at city hall, 3667 Main St.
The Global Gateway Connector Project is a proposal to build a pedestrian bridge across Camp Creek Parkway to connect the Georgia International Convention Center with downtown College Park. The project also calls for construction of a multi-use trail to connect the proposed bridge to the convention center and downtown. The public may view the proposal, ask questions and comment. Information: www.collegeparkga.com. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Farm market to openin south Fulton
The Fulton County Cooperative Extension is opening a new farm market Thursday at the entrance to the Camp Fulton-Truitt 4-H center, 4300 Herschel Road, College Park.
The Fulton Farm Stand will provide fresh, locally grown produce available to south Fulton residents.
The market will be open from 4 to 7 p.m.
Information: 404-762-7085.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Library to host memoir workshop
The Friends of the Peachtree City Library will sponsor a memoir-writing workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 at the library. Led by author Jessica Handler, it is open to writers of all levels and includes lunch.
Registration is $25; forms are at the library and www.peachtree-city.org/library. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette park committee meeting
The pubic is invited to attend the next meeting of the Fayette County Justice Park Committee at 7 p.m. on June 25 at the Administrative Complex meeting room, 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville.
The volunteer group is working on developing a park near the county justice center. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Host families sought for cultural exchange
World Heritage Student Exchange Programs, a public benefit organization, is seeking families in Fayette and Coweta counties willing to host high school boys and girls from overseas.
The deadline for schools to place the cultural exchange students is July 1. Families interested in opening their homes to foreign students can call 404-234-1548 or 1-866-277-2799.
Information: www.whhosts.com.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Community Gardens fundraiser June 21
Community Gardens of Henry will host Love and Homegrown Tomatoes Party 6-9 p.m. June 21 at Heritage Village Garden, 101 Lake Dow Road, McDonough as a fundraiser for charitable donation gardens at Wesley Way Helping Harvests in McDonough, the Helping Harvests at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Center in Locust Grove, and the community gardening program in Henry County.
Tickets: $10, adults; $5, children under 16; children under 3 are free.
Information: www.henrytomatoparty.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
