COBB
Marietta schools to adopt budget today
Marietta City Schools plans to adopt a $84.1 million budget at a meeting 7 p.m. today at school headquarters, 250 Howard Street, Marietta. A public hearing on the budget will start at 6:30 p.m. The proposed budget for the fiscal year starting 2015 reflects a 7.7 percent increase and a plan to add 14.5 teachers. The millage rate would drop from 18.68 to 17.97. Information: www.marietta-city.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Marietta announces appointments
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has reappointed J. Larry Stevens to the Marietta Housing Authority board for a five- year term and Chervonta “Taye” Pugh for a one-year term.
The City Council has appointed Terry Lee Ward to the Historic Board of Review for a one-year term, Kellie Conteras for two years and Bobby Vanburen to the Board of Zoning Appeals for two years. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Saturday fundraiser for girl with leukemia
A “Battling for Bella” fundraiser will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church, 4780 Flint Hill Road, Austell for Isabella “Bella” Rice, 7, with all proceeds going to her family to pay medical bills in her fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
There will be a fun walk, a prayer balloon release, food, drinks, karaoke and a showing of Disney’s “Frozen.”
Information: bellascraftykids.org,
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or email isabellavsleukemia@yahoo.com or BattlingForBella@gmail.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Alternative fuels show to stop in Marietta
The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Roadshow, a nationwide series of educational events, will make a stop Monday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Marietta. The event begins at 9 a.m.
Business leaders and fleet managers will have the opportunity to evaluate motor vehicles that run on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas, propane, biofuel and electricity.
Suppliers and manufacturers will be on hand to deliver presentations and educate guests. Marietta is one of eight cities in the state hosting the event this month.
Information: www.afvroadshow.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
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
GWINNETT
Gwinnett schoolsTV program wins Emmy
The Gwinnett County school district recently won an Emmy for a television program that encourages children to read.
The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences honored Gwinnett for an episode of its program “Love That Book!” The award was in the category of Outstanding Achievement: News and Program Specialty Excellence, Children/Youth (12 and under) Program.
The awards were handed out June 7. Eric Stirgus
Workshop for small business owners
Gwinnett County government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will host a free small business workshop, ‘How to Do Business With the County,’ 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday at UGA’s Gwinnett Campus, 2530 Sever Road in Lawrenceville. Registration: www.gwinnettchamber.org/events. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Learn to build a rain barrel
The Community Garden @Snellville will host a Rain Barrel Class at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the garden next to Briscoe Park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway. Master gardener Martha Whitman will demonstrate how to build and use a rain barrel. Participants will go home with a complete barrel to use with a gutter downspout. Cost: $40 cash; includes all materials for a complete barrel. Registration required: whitperson@bellsouth.net. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Volunteers needed to install smoke alarms
Norcross Police and Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services are teaming up to install smoke alarms between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Norcross’ Manufactured Home Community on Buford Highway. Fifteen volunteers are needed to help install alarms. No special skills needed; training provided. Information: NPD’s Detective Arelis Rivera, 678-209-8758.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sickle cell support group to meet
Sickle Cell Matters Inc. will host its first monthly support group meeting at noon Saturday in Classroom 1 of Eastside Medical Center, 1700 Medical Way, Snellville.
Sickle Cell Matters promotes disease management workshops for individuals diagnosed with the disease. The group’s mission is to improve the lives of people affected by sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, training, support and positive social experiences.
The support group meets on the third Saturday of the month.
Information: sicklecellmatters@yahoo.com or 404-791-5453.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Third in series on human trafficking
The Gwinnett Human Relations Commission will present the third in a series of forums to raise awareness of human trafficking 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church of Lawrenceville, 395 West Crogan St.
Information and registration: email hrc@gwinnettcounty.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Cherokee to get first look at school budget
The Cherokee County Board of Education will hold its first public hearing on the proposed 2014-2015 budget 7 p.m. Thursday night at Historic Canton High School, 111 Academy St., Canton. District officials are considering a $347.7 million general fund budget, up from roughly $321 million. The plan the three furlough days for district employees, decreases class size from kindergarten through the fifth grade, allows for hiring additional teachers, and keeps the operating millage raate level. Public hearings are July 9 and July 23. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee school board to fill vacancy
The Cherokee County Board of Education will consider an interim replacement for former school board member Kelly Marlow Trim. The board will meet 7 p.m. Thursday at Historic Canton High School, 111 Academy St., Canton. Marlow resigned in April, following her conviction on felony charges involving false statements. The interim will serve until a special election Nov. 4 to pick a candidate to fill the remainder of the term, which expires Dec. 31, 2016.Mark Woolsey for ther AJC
UNG combining philanthropic efforts
The University of North Georgia is finalizing the merger of its philanthropic foundations effective July 1, creating the North Georgia Foundation Inc. It’s part of a complex consolidation process for the university, which was formed in January of 2013 by combining North Georgia College and State University and Gainesville State College. School officials say the foundation will have combined assets of $52 million and will be able to do a more effective job of fundraising. Mark Woolsey
Woodstock sets rugby camp
Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department hosts a youth rugby camp 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. July 9-11 at Dupree Park for players ages 8-14.
The fee for the three-day camp is $20 and includes a t-shirt and pizza on Friday of that week. More information: 770-517-6788 or www.woodstockparksandrec.com/
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Forsyth Senior Services plans dance
Forsyth County Senior Services will kick off the summer season with a “You can’t Stop the Heat” summer dance and chili cookoff for adults ages 40 and up. It’s set for 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sexton Hall Enrichment Center, 2115 Chloe Road, Cumming and is part of the agency’s 2014 bimonthly dance series. Admission, $10 in advance, $15 at the door with music provided by the Sounds of Sawnee Jazz Band. Information: 770-781-2178. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
New pedestrian bridge set in Sandy Springs
The city of Sandy Springs will cut the ribbon to formally open the new pedestrian bridge on Dunwoody Club Drive at 4:30 p.m. today. City officials say the bridge was added as part of maintenance and repair on the existing bridge located between Grapevine Run and Ball Mill Place.
The bridge will provide pedestrians continuous sidewalks along Dunwoody Club from Jett Ferry to Mill Shire Lane.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Auburn Avenue to be transformed
Two blocks of Auburn Avenue in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward will be remade this weekend into a model community with a variety of housing, transportation and service options for young and older residents.
The Sweet Auburn “Living Beyond Expectations” transformation begins on Friday.
On 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday the public is invited to visit the locations and participate in numerous activities, from shops, restaurants and a movie theater, to health screenings, exercise classes and round table discussions about housing at Wheat Towers, an affordable senior apartment complex.
Information: on.fb.me/1ou9DG7 Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Workshop to focus on safe use of medications
An information session on the safe use of medications will take place at 11 a.m. June 26 at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road NW, Atlanta.
Guests will learn at the one-hour workshop how to avoid harm from medication misuse, abuse and errors.
Information: 404-613-8580.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Citizens fire academy taking applications
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has applications for its citizens fire academy.
The six-week course focuses on the tactics and strategy of firefighting and rescue from a first responder’s perspective 6 p.m. Wednesdays beginning July 9 at the department training academy, 407 Ashwood Ave. SE. Free. Deadline is June 30.
Information: www.atlantaga.gov/fire, wedwards@atlantaga.gov or 678-855-2621. Kent A. Miles
Morehouse hosts clinical trials forum
Morehouse School of Medicine will hold a forum noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the medical school’s National Center for Primary Care, 720 Westview Drive, about the need for more diversity in clinical trials.
Information: 404-752-1500 Janel Davis
DEKALB
Festival, concert in Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain’s 175th anniversary celebration continues with an evening of family-friendly activities June 28 in Stone Mountain Village.
The Second Street Children’s Festival at 5 p.m., between East Mountain Street and Manor Drive, will feature a variety of activities for participants of all ages. At 7 p.m. a bicycle parade will lead children and families to the Pavilion for an evening of musical entertainment by the Georgia Brass Band and a community choir made up of singers from participating area churches.
Information: www.stonemountainvillage.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Shelters reduce fees for animal adoptions
Fulton County Animal Services and DeKalb County Animal Services are offering dogs and cats for adoption at greatly reduced rates this month.
The shelters have taken in an increased number of animals recently, and both facilities are full. Dogs and cats 6 months and older may be adopted from the shelters for $25. The animals have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Information: www.fultonanimalservices.com or www.dekalbanimalservices.com
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Chamber to discuss Common Core
A panel discussion on the Common Core Performance Standards in state schools is the topic of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Executive Speaker series, 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Courtyard by Marriott, 130 Clairemont Ave., Decatur.
A panel of professional experts will participate in the luncheon discussion, which will focus on the state formally adopting a set of core standards for kindergarten through high school in English language arts, mathematics, and literacy in grades 6 to 12 in science, history and social studies, and technical subjects. Georgia has joined 44 other states, the District of Columbia, and two territories in adopting the Common Core initiative.
Information: nlloyd@dekalbchamber.org
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Friday deadline for youth sports signup
The early deadline for youth sports registration at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is Friday.
Youth sports start in August at the community center at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. New this year will be recreational lacrosse, rookie rugby, floor hockey, dodgeball and other nonleague competition sports. Young people can also participate in league sports of flag football and soccer.
Information: youthsportsleagues@atlantajcc.org, atlantajcc.org/sports or 678-812-4174. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Stone Mountain opens farmers market
The Stone Mountain Farmers Market opens Tuesdays through Sept. 9 in the municipal parking lot on Main Street in Stone Mountain Village.
The market will carry locally grown produce, dairy products and meats.
Information: mmckinley@stonemountaincity.org or 770-498-8984, Ext. 137.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSDIE
Fayette begins summer Market Days
Downtown Fayetteville’s first monthly Market Day of the summer will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday around the gazebo at the Administrative Complex, 140 Stonewall Ave. West. A variety of vendors will sell locally grown and made produce, foods and crafts. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor for future events can call 770-719-4173. Jill Howard Church for the AJ
State archives hours of operation expanding
Beginning July 14, the state archives will also be open Tuesdays, in addition to its current operating days of Wednesday through Saturday. The archives will be open on those days between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Georgia Archive was established in 1918 and was first housed in the State Capitol Building. The Georgia Archives moved to Morrow in 2003. Last year, the state archives was transferred from the jurisdiction of the Georgia Secretary of State to the Board of Regents. Janel Davis
Give wildlife space in Peachtree City
Peachtree City is reminding residents to give local wildlife a wide berth. Sightings of coyotes and foxes are not uncommon in greenbelt and wooded areas, and the city does not trap or remove animals who are not posing a threat to anyone.
Homeowners should remove bird feeders if they attract mice and their predators.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Community Gardens fundraiser Saturday
Community Gardens of Henry will host Love and Homegrown Tomatoes Party 6-9 p.m. Saturday 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, free. Information: www.henrytomatoparty.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Library to host memoir workshop Saturday
The Friends of the Peachtree City Library will sponsor a memoir-writing workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdayat 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
Host families sought for cultural exchange
World Heritage Student Exchange Programs 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
