COBB
Lions Park set for extensive renovations
Cobb County is renovating Lions Park, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton near the intersection of Floyd Road and Veterans Memorial Highway. Expected to be completed by Feb. 1, the work includes $1,009,330 for replacement of the concession/restroom building on the lower field with a new building, including an outdoor cooking area and renovation of the upper field restrooms and two baseball fields.
Also, $89,692 will be paid for field lighting, pole replacement and electrical work for both fields. Information: tom.bills@cobbcounty.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
KSU dean wins national award
The Association for Continuing Higher Education will honor Kennesaw State University’s Barbara Calhoun with a leadership award at an annual conference in Las Vegas in October. Calhoun, dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Education, has worked 30 years in continuing education with 20 years at KSU. The association will also give a marketing award to KSU for a scholarship fundraiser that raised $30,000. Information: www.kennesaw.edu/coned.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw mayor to hold town hall meeting
Kennesaw Mayor Mark Matthews will hold a town hall meeting 6 p.m. Thursday at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. Matthews will talk about the budget, downtown development and 2016 SPLOST improvements. . Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell police remove 2 vehicles
Austell police have removed a car and trailer to 1920 Roy Industrial Blvd., Austell in hopes the owners will reclaim them before disposal.
The car is a 2005 Kia Sedona that was at Manheim Georgia Auction. With “Bolton Furniture” on both sides, the 48-foot trailer was at 1330 Veterans Memorial Highway.
Information: Austell Police Chief R. G. Starrett at rstarrett@austell.org or 770-944-4331, Willie’s Wrecker Service, Inc., 770-947-7138.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Children’s consignment sale this week
The Twice Blessed Children’s Consignment Sale will be 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, 4075 Macland Road, Powder Springs.
Many items will be sold for half off on Saturday.
Proceeds will support children’s ministries of the church.
Information: 770-943-3008 ext. 1212, email info@twice-blessed.org or visit twice-blessed.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Covered bridge to close for maintenance
The historic covered bridge on Concord Road in Smyrna will close today for about a month for maintenance. Drivers will have to detour on South Hurt Road and Hurt Road during the Cobb Department of Transportation work.
The 131-foot long bridge, between the East West Connector and Hicks Road, was first built in 1848 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Veterans Resource Center hosts open house
The Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services will be hosting a community open house for their new Veterans Resource Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at Gwinnett Government Annex Building, 750 S. Perry St. Suite 300 in Lawrenceville. A luncheon at 11 a.m. will feature keynote speaker Congressman Rob Woodall. The coalition helps meet the needs of Gwinnett Veterans and their families by providing current information, referrals, and resources. Open to the public. Register for luncheon: rsvp@gcveterans.org or 770-828-8652. Information: www.gwinnettcoalition.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sugar Hill hosting free wellness fair
Sugar Hill will be holding the 2nd annual Community Wellness Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at Sugar Hill City Hall and lawn. City staff, community members and local businesses will collaborate with physical, mental and financial wellness vendors. Event includes free fitness classes, wellness screenings and a Kid Zone with activities for children. Those interested may donate blood. Information: Scott Andrews and 770-945-6716 or sandrews@cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Mobile career lab coming to area
The Atlanta Regional Workforce Board’s Mobile Career Resource Center will visit 9:30 until noon Aug. 21. at the Grayson library at 700 Grayson Parkway and 1:30 to 4 p.m. that afternoon at the Lawrenceville branch, 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.
The Mobile Career Lab provides job seekers a computer lab, interview area, printer, scanner, and copy services, assistance with on-line job searches, resume and cover letter development, on-line tutorials and individual assessments of training eligibility and options. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Buford Business Alliance to meet
The Buford Business Alliance will meet for their Business After-Hours Gathering 5:30 to 7 p.m. today,at the Interstate Poker Club, 554 West Main Street, Suite 100, Building A in Buford. Meeting will cover upcoming events and provide a forum for ideas to promote and improve historic Buford.
Information: news@visitbuford.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sugar Hill Business Alliance wants you
The Sugar Hill Business Alliance will meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Sugar Hill City Hall.
The SHBA promotes social interactions between member businesses, involvement in city events, and participation in Downtown Development Authority projects and initiatives.
Information: Scott Andrews at 770-945-6716, or sandrews@cityofsugarhill.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Free blood pressure screenings
Duluth First United Methodist Church will offer free blood pressure screenings 10:30 to 11 a.m. today in the Gathering Room, 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday in Room B-113 and 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Aug. 27 in room F-204 of the church, 3208 Duluth Hwy. 120.
Information: 770-476-3776, ext. 115. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee school board to discuss gun policy
The Cherokee County Board of Education will tackle the school district’s weapons policy at its meeting 7 p.m. Thursday night at the Historic Canton High School auditorium, 111 Academy St., Canton. It will make revisions to bring the district into line with changes in state gun laws. It will remain a violation for students, parents and staff (other than school police) to bring guns onto campuses and into buildings, to school functions and onto school buses. Board members will also discuss strategic trends in education prior to the meeting. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
UNG enrollment shows uptick
Preliminary figures show that the University of North Georgia had record summer enrollment, with 5,853 students taking classes on the school’s four campuses, including the its newest facility in Forsyth County.
That’s an increase of 1.1 percent over summer, 2013. UNG has bucked a statewide trend of declining public university enrollment, with a headcount approaching 16,000 in 2013.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Family fun festival in Forsyth
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation will host the twelfth annual Play at the Park Family Fun Festival noon-5pm Sept. 21 at Fowler Park, 4110 Carolene Way, Cumming.
It’ll feature a kid’s play area, community expo, arts and crafts, food and Humane Society displays. Admission is free.
Information: 770-781-2215.Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Lanier names health dean
The Lanier Technical College system has named Dr. Deanne Dotson as its first Dean of Allied Health programs, part of a reorganization to make instruction across the school’s five campuses more efficient.
About 45 percent of Lanier Tech students are enrolled in health education programs.
Prior to her appointment, Dotson was director of the radiologic technology program at Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Assisted living project underway in Forsyth
The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce says construction is underway on an assisted living and memory care facility in south Forsyth that’s expected to add nearly 300 construction and operational jobs.
Two Atlanta companies are developing The Arbor Terrace of Johns Creek, set to open in late summer, 2015.
It’ll be on Peachtree Parkway near the Laurel Springs Golf and Country Club. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Education group plans golf fundraiser
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is planning its second annual fundraising Golf Classic Sept. 30 at Woodmont Golf and Country Club.
The nonprofit which supports school projects is seeking sponsorships, players and items for its silent auction and raffle.
Information/registration :www.cherokeecountyeducationalfoundation.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Atlanta man pleads guilty to Ohio crime
An Atlanta man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for shooting and killing a man who was sitting in a park in Hamilton, Ohio last spring.
According to a news report Friday by the Journal-News, Phillip Coleman III, a 27-year old from Atlanta, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter with a gun. Prosecutors say he shot a 24 year-old Ohio resident three times in the back of the head in March before reportedly fleeing to nearby Kentucky to avoid arrest.
A judge sentenced Coleman to 14 years in prison as part of a plea deal, according to the report. Jeff Ernsthausen
Annviersary for local organists guild
The Atlanta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present concerts through spring 2015 for its centennial celebration.
Atlanta native Alan Morrison, head of the Organ Department at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pa. will perform on Sept. 9 at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Fall performances include distinguished artists at First Presbyterian Church, Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church; and Saint Mark United Methodist Church.
Information: www.agoatlanta.org.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Black male expo next month at Morehouse
The Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta and the Morehouse Research Institute will present the 2014 Black Male Empowerment Expo at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 20. at the Morehouse Executive Center, 830 Westview Drive, Atlanta.
The free expo, which will run until 3:30 p.m., is open to males ages 18 - 38, who want to improve academically, vocationally, economically, and personally.
Participants will have access to interactive workshops, a powerful film, open forum, resource panel, keynote message, training/education service providers, health screenings, lunch, and exhibits.
Information: www.communitycouncilma.org, or call 404- 221-1222 or 404- 935-5859. GRACIE BONDS STAPLES
DEKALB
Decatur landscape has nine champion trees
Trees Atlanta has selected 293 “champion trees” inside I-285 including nine in Decatur.
Probably the rarest for this area is a Horse Chestnut (which produces buckeyes) fronting the Decatur Recreation Center. A Champion Tree according to Trees Atlanta, “represent some of the oldest, heartiest, and most beautiful trees our city has to offer.”
Six of the champions (a beech, holly, Virginia Pine, sassafras and two Eastern Redcedars) are in the Decatur Cemetery, with two more at Glenlake Park. Bill Banks for the AJC
Church holds back to school carnival
A “Back to School Carnival” will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4882 LaVista Road, Tucker.
The popular event drew 250 people on a rainy Saturday, last year. Activities include face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses, spin art, Bible stories, and food concessions. The free carnival is open to the community.
Staff will also be on hand to answer questions about church programs.
Information: www.standrewspresbyterian.org
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Tucker church hosts music fundraiser
A preview lineup of Music for Missions concerts has been announced at Lawerenceville Road United Methodist Church, Tucker.
The Capital City Xpress big band performs Sept. 7; pianist Michael Hanley performs Sept. 14; and Georgia Brass Band appears Nov. 9.
United Methodist Men presents the concert series as a major fundraiser for church projects. The church reports that more than $200,000 has been donated to support missions and charities.
Information: www.lrumc.org.
Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Abandoned homes ordinance in Pine Lake
Pine Lake city council is considering an ordinance for abandoned and unmaintained homes.
The ordinance would allow a building inspector to determine the home is unsafe and uninhabitable. Five complaints from different households would trigger the inspection.
The owner of the unfit home would have five days to bring it up to code.
Penalties would range from $150-$1000 per violation. Ultimately the city could demolish the structure and attach a lien to the property if the situation is not remedied. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
Child sex trafficking prevention event set
Sgt. Torrey Kennedy, of the DeKalb County Police Special Victims Unit, will speak on child sex trafficking from 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 23 at Great Travelers Rest Baptist Church House of Hope, in the H.F. Shepherd Multiplex building, 4650 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur.
“In Our Own Backyard: Child Sex Trafficking” is presented by the social justice ministry of the church.
Tickets are $12. The deadline to purchase is Aug. 17.
Information: 404-243-9336, Ext. 2231. Adrianne Murchison for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Fire causes closure of Peachtree City library
An electrical fire outside City Hall in Peachtree City Sunday caused power outages and the temporary closure of the library. The facility should reopen today. Now that the school year has begun, the library will be open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Peachtree City invites tax input
The City Council of Peachtree City will hold two public hearings regarding a proposed millage rate increase for 2014.
The city wants to raise property taxes by 1 mill but keep the bond rate the same. Hearings will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 14 and at 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 at City Hall.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayetteville plans August Market Day
Downtown Fayetteville’s August Market Day will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday on the square at 140 Stonewall Ave. West.
This month’s array of homemade and home-grown products will feature several new vendors, as well as live entertainment.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Free CERT training classes begin in Sept.
Henry County’s Emergency Management Agency along with the Henry County Fire Department will be hosting two Community Emergency Response Team training classes starting in September at the Henry County Emergency Operations Center in McDonough.
The free 20-hour course is open to participants age 18 and over who live or work in Henry County and can pass a criminal history background check.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Holmes hosts town hall meeting Aug. 23
Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes’ next town hall meeting is at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road in Stockbridge.
The meeting will focus on opportunities within the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation’s mentoring programs, Project Exposure and Project Blossom.
It is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
Information: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Henry schools earn transportation honor
The Henry County School System’s transportation department has received the Blue Sky Award from the Georgia Diesel Emissions Program of the state’s Environmental Protection Division.
It is the program’s highest achievement and is awarded to school systems that have reduced emissions in 75 percent or more of their bus fleets.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
