County by county news for Tuesday

Born in Austell and a Powder Springs resident, she is vice president and banking center manager at the Austell office of Bank of America, a community volunteer and a member of Orange Hill Baptist Church, Austell. Cost: $10/ members; $12/ guests. Reservations: Marla Miller, suiteassetsllc@gmail.com.Information: austellbusinessassociation.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta seeks power board member

Marietta’s City Council is taking applications through Friday for a seat on the city’s Board of Lights and Water.

Candidates don’t have to live within city limits, but do have to receive utility service from Marietta to be appointed.

Applications are at the city clerk’s office, Marietta City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. or online at www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Residents to vote on redevelopment

The Marietta City Council last week angreed to let residents decide if a $35 million redevelopment project will move forward.

The council decided in a 7-0 vote to put the proposed general obligation bond on the Nov. 5 ballot.

The city plans to spend $31 million to redevelop the Franklin Road corridor that parallels I-75 and $4 million for streetscape improvements on Whitlock Avenue west of Marietta Square. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Cobb commissioner seeking volunteers

Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid, who represents District 4, is looking for volunteers to help in the office and on special projects.

Interested residents should download and fill out a volunteer packet available at cobbcounty.org/cupid.

Cupid’s district covers the southern portion of the county.

Jaime Sarrio

Cobb to hold meetings on new flex bus route

Cobb Community Transit will hold a series of meetings this month on the new pilot flex bus route in south Cobb.

The proposed route will provide stops between Cumberland and Austell.

Residents can learn more and offer feedback from 6 to 8 p.m. today at South Cobb Public Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton; 6:30-8:30 p.m. June 27 at Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs; and 10 a.m.-noon July 20 at Mable House Arts Center, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.

Information: cobbcct.org or 770-427-4444. Jaime Sarrio

Cobb EMC to hold town hall meeting

Cobb EMC will hold a town hall meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m June 24, in the community room at 1000 EMC Parkway, Marietta.

The event will provide customers an opportunity to interact with leadership and get an update on the board’s activity.

Information: 678-355-3090 or www.cobbemc.com/townhall. Jaime Sarrio

GWINNETT

Boat catches fire on Lake Lanier

A boat fire on Lake Lanier near Buford Dam Park left two adults and one child injured Sunday afternoon.

The caller told Gwinnett County Fire dispatch that there was an explosion on an older wooden boat just before 2 p.m. and that everybody had gotten off.

The adults and child were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at local hospitals, Gwinnett fire Lt. Colin Rhoden said in a news release.

Gwinnett arson investigators are examining the boat to determine the cause of the fire. Cailin O’Brien

Fleeing driver hit by Duluth police car

Duluth police were attempting a traffic stop Monday morning when the driver refused to stop and jumped out of the car and ran away from police.

The fleeing driver was hit by a police car responding to the scene and was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, police said. Cailin O’Brien

Meeting planned on special needs kids

Gwinnett County Public Schools will host GCPS Child Find 12:30 to 2:30 June 25 identifying and supporting children with disabilities who currently are enroll in private or home school programs at the Instructional Support Center, Building 2000, Central Gwinnett Room, 437 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee.

GCPS is required by law to locate and identify children aged from birth to 21-years-old with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services.

Nancy Badertscher

County to smoke test sewer system

In preparation for the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources test for sewer system leaks this week, Sugar Hill is instructing residents to run water to fill drain traps, including those in fixtures not regularly used.

The city said residents may see normal, non-toxic, non-staining smoke coming from plumbing vents atop their roofs and need not be home during testing. Information: 770-945-6716. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Gwinnett police offering job fair

The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a Job Fair 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Gwinnett Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. Police officer and E-911 communications officer positions. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before attending the fair. Info: www.gwinnettcounty.com Choose Police, then employment. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Tech forum to focus on cybersecurity

The Gwinnett Chamber invites businesses to a Gwinnett Technology Forum: The World of Information Security: Securing Your Business Inside and Out 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. today at Gwinnett Technical College, 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville.

A panel of security experts will discuss trends and challenges of securing your business data and networks.

Information: web.gwinnettchamber.org or 770-232-3000. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

MARTA hosts rapid transit forum in Sandy Springs

MARTA is hosting a public input meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 26 at the North Fulton Annex Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, to evaluate transit options in the Ga. 400 Corridor, one of metro Atlanta’s most congested areas. Information: Jason Morgan, MARTA Project Manager, 404-848-4494, Connect400@itsmarta.com.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Forsyth lawmakersto review session

The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Lanier-Forsyth Rotary Club will hold a post-legislative breakfast at 7:30 a.m. today at the Forsyth County Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming.

Seven state lawmakers representing Forsyth County are scheduled to discuss local and state issues.

Information: www.cummingforsythchamber.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Public invited to parking study meeting

Canton officials have set a meeting on the city’s parking problems for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Canton City Hall, 151 Elizabeth St. The city has contracted with Michigan-based Rich and Associates to do a $ 29,000 study.

The study is expected to be complete in 90 days.

Information: www.canton-georgia.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee announces open house schedule

The Cherokee County School District has determined its open house and walk through schedule for district schools for the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.

The schedule is posted on the district’s homepage at www.Cherokee.k12.ga.us. Class schedules and teacher assignments will be available at each school’s event.

School begins Aug. 5, and individual schools’ front offices will be open daily starting July 23. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee schools feed children this summer

The Cherokee County School District is providing meals at no cost to kids during the summer break through the USDA Seamless Summer Feeding Program.

Any child younger than 18 can get breakfast and/or lunch at any of eight school-district-operated locations; there is no income or registration requirement.

Information: 770-721-8421. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Free summer program for kindergartners

KinderCare Learning Center, 9550 Nesbit Ferry Road, Alpharetta, is offering a free, six-week Bright from the Start summer transition program for children going into kindergarten in the fall who were unable to attend a Georgia pre-K program during the 2012-2013 school year.

Activities will focus on building skills in math, reading, physical health and social development. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Information: Cassandra Miles at 770-587-1436.Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Council president to host conference

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is hosting his second “Back to Business Conference” 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Atlanta City Hall, located, 55 Trinity Ave.

The free event focused on business opportunities stemming from the construction of the Atlanta Falcons new $1 billion stadium. It will feature exhibitors from the Falcons, Home Depot, Coca-Cola and government agencies, among others.

Information: www.backtobusinessatl.eventbrite.com or 404-330-6052. Katie Leslie

Buckhead sponsors teen photo contest

The Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE,, is looking for youth photography with a summer contest June 1 - Aug. 31 for ages 12-18.

Information: 404-814-3500

Veronica Fields Johnson

Illustrator featured in library exhibit

In collaboration with Gregarious Art Statements, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will exhibit works by illustrator R. Gregory Christie, the 2013 Ashley Bryan Illustrated Africana Children’s Literature Award winner, through Aug. 25.

Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100. Mea Watkins

Street food festival set for July 13

Atlanta’s favorite food trucks will roll into Piedmont Park noon to 8 p.m. July 13 for the city’s second annual Street Food Festival featuring more than 25 food trucks and live music. A percentage of sales go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Tickets: www.atlantastreetfoodfestival.com. Nancy Badertscher

Haitian photo exhibit at Auburn library

In recognition of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, “Smile Haiti! Photographic Exhibit by Shaina Oliphant” will run through Aug. 25 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., NE. Information: 404-730-4001 ext. 100 Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

County holding zoning meeting Tuesday

DeKalb County’s planning department will host a public information meeting 6:30 p.m. today at the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr., Decatur to solicit comments on changes to its zoning code.

The code has not been updated since 2007. April Hunt

Avondale hearing Wednesday on tax hike

Avondale Estates, which is proposing a 17 percent increase in its tax rate, will hold hearings on the proposal 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall on North Avondale Plaza.

The city wants to raise its tax rate by 1.75 mills, to 12.165. The increase is about $97 more a year on a home worth $200,000. A third hearing will be held at 7 p.m. June 24, at City Hall.Information: www.avondaleestates.org.

April Hunt

Storytelling program at History Center

A storytelling series for children returns to DeKalb History Center 10 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday through July 31 at the historic Biffle Cabin, 720 W. Trinity Place. The programs fare $4 for members; $6 for others. Information: 404-373-1088, ext. 22 or www.dekalbhistory.org. April Hunt

Schools should surpass2013-14 projection

Decatur schools should surpass the 11 percent anticipated growth. As of last week 4,047 students have enrolled for 2013-14, or 96 percent of a projected 4,229 students. Decatur closed the 2012-13 year with 3,830 students. So far the most growth has occurred in the second (71 more students) and 11th (48 more) grades.

This marks the third consecutive year the school system has grown by 11 percent or more, and it has swollen by more than 35 percent since 2008. Bill Banks for the AJC

Private group taking over animal control

LifeLine Animal Project is looking to hire workers to help when it takes over operations at DeKalb County’s animal shelter on July 1.

The county will pay the no-kill shelter about $2 million a year to handle all animal services except pickup and cruelty investigations.

The group will need workers for shelter and office jobs.

For a list of positions or to apply: www.lifelineanimal.org/dcas. April Hunt

Service board

seeks volunteers

A non-profit group that supports behavioral health and developmental disability services is seeking new board members.

The DeKalb Community Service Board requires only that would-be members be a county resident, not employed by a provider and have an interest in the services.

Information: 404-508-7875 or www.btfdekalb.org. April Hunt

Dive into Shabbat at MJCCA outdoor pool

Celebrate Shabbat at the MJCCA’s Outdoor Pool and Splash Park 5–7 p.m. June 28, July 12, July 26 and Aug. 9 at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Bring a picnic or purchase kosher food.

Open swim begins at 5 p.m. followed by Shabbat songs and blessings with Rabbi Glusman at 6 p.m. Free. Information: Rabbi Brian Glusman, brian.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161. Mea Watkins

SOUTHSIDE

Drug recycling program in McDonough

The 2013 Recycling Series in McDonough continues with consumer medication disposal 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through June 29.

Controlled prescriptions are not allowed. Dropoff points are 88 Keys Ferry Street and 1063 Industrial Pkwy.

Participants may also receive free blood pressure screening.

The medication dropoff is free and registration is not required. If the Fire Department is responding to a call, collection will not be available until their return. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Fayette teachers nominated for awards

Three Fayette County music teachers are among 217 national nominees for the first-ever Grammy Music Educator Award. Barbara Baker of McIntosh High, Christy Todd of Rising Starr Middle and Dana Lamb of Cleveland Elementary were chosen as quarter finalists based on their contributions to student learning and commitment to their fields. All three will be part of continued screening to select 10 national finalists later in the year.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City seeks festival vendors

Peachtree City’s annual International Festival and Rotary Dragon Boat Races won’t be held until Sept. 28, but the Convention and Visitors Bureau is already seeking vendors for the event. Artisans and craft and food vendors can contact Nikki Sheets at 678-216-0282 or nikki@visitpeachtreecity.com. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Kickball league starting in Henry

The Sweet Lady Kickers Kickball League for women ages 21-50 is sponsored by the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Athletic Association and Henry County Parks & Recreation. Registration is 6-8 p.m. Mondays and 1-3 p.m. Saturdays through June 24 at Hidden Valley Park, 100 Spraggins Memorial Pkwy., Stockbridge. The season is Aug. 3 - Sept. 28. Information: 678-732-5688. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Piedmont offers hospital guidance

Piedmont Fayette Hospital, in conjunction with Fayette Senior Services, will present a free seminar on “How to Prepare and What to Expect” during hospital stays and emergency room visits 2-4 p.m. Thursday at the hospital’s West Entrance Dining Conference Room. Registration required. Information: 770-461-0813.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Labor chief headlines business summit

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler will speak at the Region 3 Atlanta South Business and Employer Summit 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Clayton State University, Morrow. The event features consultants, attorneys and experts on employment law. Supervisors, managers, human resource professionals and business owners are encouraged to attend. Butler will update local, state and federal legislative issues affecting employers and businesses. Cost: $60/person; $50/additional attendees per company; $75 at the door, includes a light breakfast and lunch.

Information: lee.hunter@gdol.ga.gov or call 404-859-6451. Tammy Joyner