COBB
Students get up-close lesson in solar energy
A 5,000 -watt solar energy system at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy is giving students hands on lessons on renewable energy and also helping lower the school’s power bills. Marietta Power & Water received about $27,000 in economic stimulus money toward a $40,000 project to install 22 ground-mounted solar panels in a courtyard at the school in September. The system is hooked up to the internet allowing students and teachers to monitor daily output. The grant was part of $460,000 that Electric Cities of Georgia received in federal funds for the Renewable Energy Grant Program. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Make-A-Wish 5K race to be Saturday
Cobb’s annual 5K race benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama is scheduled for Saturday.
Runners can register online now for electronic timed or untimed races. Group discounts are also available. Donors unable to participate in the race can register as a phantom runner for $20. Proceeds will go toward granting wishes for Cobb children with life-threatening medical conditions. The race begins and ends at Marietta Square. Register: http://www.cobbcountyga.gov/makeawish5k Janel Davis
Acworth council town meeting today
The Acworth City Council and mayor will host a Town Hall Meeting 6:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m., today , at Acworth City Hall, 4415 Senator Russell Avenue, Acworth. Elected officials and city department heads will be in attendance to answer questions. Jeffry Scott
Volunteers needed to plant trees in Marietta
Marietta Tree Keepers will plant 17 trees 9-11a.m. Saturday at the Chestnut Hill Road fire station off Powder Springs Road. Volunteers of all ages can sign up starting at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments and tools will be provided. Information: www.mariettaga.gov/departments/emergency/fire/station4.aspx. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
‘Old’ Powder Springs School reunion Oct. 15
The seventh reunion of the “Old” Powder Springs School will be held on Oct. 15 at the Ford Center Reception Hall, 4181 Atlanta St.
All students, teachers and anyone who was involved in the school are invited, including spouses and friends.
Social time will be 3 to 5 p.m., dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and the program from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Information: Marcus or Dot Miller at 770-949-0770 or mmiller@shbcga.org. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Two arrested in burglary of cycle store
Cobb County Police this week arrested two suspects accused of burglarizing Advanced Cycles at 6940 Mableton Parkway in Mableton.
Officers were dispatched at 8:07 p.m. Sunday after someone set off the alarm. They arrived in time to see two suspects exiting. Several motorcycles and an all-terrain vehicle had already been removed and placed in the woods behind it the store.
The officers arrested Andrea Jamaal Bostic, 28, of Clarkston, and Brandon Antonio Tillman, 20, of Mableton, on charges of burglary, motor vehicle theft and damaging property. Andria Simmons
GWINNETT
Student dies after medical issue on campus
A Dacula High School student died after suffering a medical emergency Tuesday on campus. The student, whose name was not released, died after being transported to the hospital, Principal Donald Nutt wrote in a letter posted on the school’s website.
“A number of students were in the gym when this situation occurred, others may have seen the ambulance on campus, and others may have heard about the situation throughout the day as word spread about this student’s death,” Nutt wrote.
“A loss like this touches not just our students but others throughout the school and community,” Nutt wrote. Alexis Stevens
Spend an evening with Mark Twain Oct. 10
Gwinnett County will sponsor an evening with Mark Twain from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 E. Crogan, St., Lawrenceville.
The event includes a dinner buffet and a performance of Mark Twain stories interpreted by Kurt Sutton. The event is open to those age 10 and up and costs $28 per person. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 10. To register call 770-822-5450. David Wickert
Pulitzer Prize-winning author to discuss book
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Tommy P. Hughes Grand Ballroom, Salon 1 and 2, Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth.
Mukherjee is the author of “The Emperor of All Maladies,” a chronicle of the history of cancer that was named one of the 10 best books of 2010 by The New York Times.
The free event is part of the Gwinnett County Public Library’s “Fall Into the Arts” series. More information, visit www.gwinnettfallintothearts.org or call 770-978-5154.
DAVID WICKERT
‘Touch a tractor’ days at McDaniel Farm Park
Gwinnett County will sponsor “touch a tractor” days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.
Families can explore antique tractors, take a hayride, watch historical demonstrations and decorate a pumpkin, among other activities. The cost is $1 per person, plus small fees for food, pumpkins and some activities. Information or to register: 770-822-8840. DAVID WICKERT
Safety course for older drivers Oct. 11
AARP and Gwinnett County Community Services will host a driver safety course for those over age 50 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Gwinnett Medical Center Resource Center Oak Room, 665 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville.
The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for others. Members must bring their insurance card to qualify for the discount. David Wickert
Norcross hosts 5th annual Rocktoberfest
The 5th Annual Rocktoberfest, a festival of music geared towards celebrating the roots of classic, and hard rock is Oct. 22 from noon to midnight at the North Atlanta Trade Center, 1700 Jeurgens Court, in Norcross.
Information: 770-279-9899 or www.northatlantatradecenter.com. Kenneth Musisi
NORTHSIDE
Milton makes plans to celebrate fifth birthday
The City of Milton will hold its fifth birthday party from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Birmingham United Methodist Church.
Admission and parking at Birmingham Park is free with continuous shuttles running all day. The first 250 entrants who bring two canned goods for North Fulton Community Charities receive a free T shirt. This year’s Milton Roundup includes a children’s arts and activity tent, entertainment and vendors and non-profit groups offering jewelry, holiday decorations, children’s games and food. Information: 678-242-2509. Patrick Fox
River Eves students reach reading goals
Roswell’s River Eves Elementary had 150 students in grades 2 to 5 reach their reading goal in the school’s Accelerated Reader Enrichment Program. Their success was rewarded with a Kona Ice sweet treat and a visit from Richard Raeside, the program’s co-chair, who was decked out as the Kona Ice Penguin mascot. “We have seen a positive correlation between reading achievement and participation in our Accelerated Reader program,” Principal Neil Pinnock said. Nancy Badertscher
School completes book program
Fulton County’s Holcomb Bridge Middle School celebrated the completion of its first One School, One Book program last Friday with a special luncheon. The entire school read Paul Fleischman’s Seedfolks, a novel about the impromptu creation of a garden that drew together a diverse, inner city neighborhood. Local Home Depot and Sam’s Club stores donated seed for the students to plant at home. “We hope the enthusiasm we’ve seen from the students around reading this novel will stay with them far into the future,” Principal Joy Schroerlucke said. Nancy Badertscher
Up all night to save animals in shelter
Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Drive, Canton is racing to save more lives and they will be staying up all night long from 12:01 a.m. to – 6 a.m. on Sunday. The staff is pulling out all the stops to save nearly 1,000 animals. Most animals will be available for a $25 adoption fee but a few are Lucky Cat and Dogs who will be sponsored for free adoptions. Information: www.cherokeega.com under “departments” and “animal shelter.” Sandra Marshall Murray
Macedonia teachers raise money for cancer
Teachers at Macedonia Elementary School in Cherokee County have agreed to a dress in denim and pink on Mondays in exchange for a donation of $20 from students and parents to raise $700 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Jeffry Scott
Library lets kids embrace mythology
Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum will present “High Adventures with Herakles” after school on Thursday for children ages 7-12. Students can be actors in the story of the labors of Herakles, a hero from Greek mythology, known as Hercules in Roman mythology.
The program starts at 4 p.m. at Johns Creek’s Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road. Registration: 770-360-8897. Johnny Edwards
ATLANTA
Atlanta will vote on Sunday alcohol Nov. 8
It’s official: Atlanta voters will decide on Nov. 8 whether retailers should be allowed to sell take-home beer, wine and distilled spirits.
The City Council voted Monday to authorize Mayor Kasim Reed to enter into a contract with Fulton County to conduct the tally, which will be piggy-backed onto an already-scheduled special election. The city agreed to pay the county up to $17,050 to run the election.
Jeremiah McWilliams
APS to meet with special needs parents
Atlanta Public Schools will hold a meeting for parents/guardians of students with special needs at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Maynard Holbrook Jackson High, 801 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, 30316. Superintendent Erroll Davis will be in attendance and parents can learn more about what the district is doing to educate these students. Information: 404-802-2602 or www.atlantapublicschools.us Jaime Sarrio
Cascade church hold job symposium today
Cascade United Methodist Church’s Career Network is hosting U.S. Labor Secretary, Hilda L. Solis and the U. S. Department of Labor’s Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFBNP) in a job symposium. The event is open to the public. It takes place today from 1-4 p.m. at Cascade UMC, 3144 Cascade Road, SW, Atlanta. Information: 404 691 5770 or www.cascadeumc.org. Kenneth Musisi
Road to Equality tour comes to Atlanta
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with Georgia Equality, plans a press conference Thursday in Atlanta.
This is the 15th stop on HRC’s “On the Road to Equality” nationwide bus tour, spreading the message of equality. This stop coincides with the Atlanta Pride Festival. The press conference is at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Atlanta Community Center/Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Avenue. The public is invited. Nancy Badertscher
DEKALB
Ex-police officer indicted in crash deaths
A Former DeKalb County police officer was indicted Tuesday on charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and violation of oath of office in a crash that killed two women on Feb. 19.
According to prosecutors, Kristina Hambie, 25, was driving at twice the speed limit when her police cruiser slammed into an Altima as it pulled into the intersection of Kensington Road and Covington Highway in the Avondale Estates area.
Shelley Amos, 56, died at the scene and Cheryl Blount Burton, 51, was pronounced dead at the DeKalb Medical Center.
Hambie was injured. Rhonda Cook
Clarkston to host kids tennis tourney
Clarkston will host a tennis tournament for children 8 years old and younger later this month at its new Milam Park courts.
Registration for the Atlanta Jr. Premium 300 is $13 and includes a t-shirt and certificate of participation. The tournament will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at the park, 3867 Norman Road.
More information: 770-416-4333 or ceejai@ustaatlanta.com.
April Hunt
Watson to hold small business forum
DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson will hold a small business forum later this month, to help local firms learn more about getting involved in the county’s $1.35 billion overhaul of its water/sewer system.
The session will include information about getting bonded and insurance needs for small companies. Work on the project is expected to break ground early next year.
The meeting runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, near Lithonia.
To register: goteamwatson@gmail.com. April Hunt
Willis Park surveys due this Friday
Residential surveys for Avondale Estates’ 80-year-old Willis Park, allowing the park’s ad hoc committee to evaluate desired park renovations and enhancements, are due this Friday. Chairperson Megan Graham said the Committee hopes the 2.7-acre Willis Park can become “attractive and accessible to residents of all ages,” and not just a space for children, as it’s been for decades. City Manager Clai Brown said Tuesday the city’s already received 200 completed surveys. The survey can be completed electronically by going to http://www.avondaleestates.org/willis_park_survey.html. Bill Banks for the AJC
Crime prevention event to be Saturday
DeKalb County Police will sponsor a day of crime prevention events Saturday at three Ace Hardware stores around the county.
The Celebrate Safe Communities events spotlight crime prevention efforts and aim to boost public awareness of safety messages.
One program will run all day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Ace store at 1404 Scott Boulevard near Decatur. A second runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the store at 4365 Cowan Road in Tucker; and a third runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. the store at 601 College Ave., Decatur.
More information: 404-294-2858. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette scuttles school closings for now
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden told the Board of Education Monday that closing elementary or middle schools was no longer being considered as part of the county’s budget-cutting process. Based on a demographics report and public opposition, Bearden said, “It would be premature to close schools at this time,” but left the possibility open if enrollment drops significantly in the future. Bearden said Fayette is projected to lose about 165 students (1 percent) per year for the next decade, a rate lower than originally expected. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Jonesboro council raises property tax
Jonesboro residents have a new city property tax. Jonesboro City attorney Steven M. Fincher confirmed City Council’s Monday night decision to approve a 1.5-mill property tax hike. The 4-3 decision came under fire after questions rose over whether the council’s vote was valid. The dispute centered on whether Mayor Luther Maddox invalidated the decision by voting before seeing if there was a tie among the council. Fincher said Tuesday, “He’s not limited to voting only in the case of a tie.” Tammy Joyner
Hampton candidate forum to be Oct. 10
The City Council Candidate Forum conducted by the Henry Council for Quality Growth is at 7 p.m. will be on Oct. 10 at Hampton Historic Depot, 20 East Main Street, Hampton. Information: Candy Franklin at cfranklin@cityofhampton-ga.gov. Kenneth Musisi
Fayette charity needs your vote to help troops
A Fayette County charity that sends customized care packages to overseas troops needs votes by noon today to win a $1 million American Giving Awards grant from Chase bank.
Hero Box, which was founded by the Housley family in 2007, sends thousands of packages to soldiers each month. It is one of 25 charities competing for the prize. Supporters can vote online via a link at www.HeroBox.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Haven House fundraiser dinner Oct. 8
Haven House, a Henry County shelter for victims of domestic violence, will host its largest fundraiser dinner of the year Oct. 8, from 7-11 p.m. at the Locust Grove Event Center.
The theme is “Hollywood Nights.” Sponsorships, tables and individual tickets are still available.
The web address for Haven House is www.henryhavenhouse.org. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Edwards proposed loitering ordinance
South Fulton Commissioner Bill Edwards will ask the commission to approve an ordinance against loitering in the unincorporated county today. It’s an effort to stop open-air drug dealing and keep pimps and prostitutes from soliciting business, according to Edwards’ proposed resolution and ordinance.
Loitering would be defined as lingering in public places after being told to move along by a police officer, or lingering somewhere “in a manner not usual for law-abiding citizens.” It would be punishable by up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. Johnny Edwards
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