COBB
Marietta High selected for cultural exchange
Marietta High School is serving as a host school for students participating in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs SportsUnited Program. This is a cultural exchange opportunity for high school basketball athletes in the United States and Turkey. SportsUnited will bring 14 high school basketball players, one coach and one youth trainer from Turkey to take part in a two-week that runs through Nov. 12. They travel first to Washington D.C. then to Marietta and the metro region.
Nancy Badertscher
Federal healthcare workshops
The Powder Springs Community Task Force is sponsoring free workshops on the Federal Affordable Care Act 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Ron Anderson Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs through March 1, except for Thanksgiving week and all of December.
Topics will cover open enrollment periods, the rule for pre-existing conditions, available health plans, how to apply for insurance and subsidies, exclusions and health insurance for the young.
Registration: 770-439-3611, C. Langford at 770-943-1840.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Veterans offered free lunch on Vets Day
Kennnesaw will provide a free lunch for active duty military and veterans noon-2 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. No identification is required. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Police athletic league sets funding goal
The Marietta Police Athletic League has set a goal to raise $5,000 by Nov. 30 to buy equipment for its youth sports program. The city police department started a PAL program six years ago to promote positive experiences between police and youth through recreational activities. Information: 404-747-4095. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Marietta mayor proposes term limits
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin has asked the city council to limit individual term limits for mayor and council members to three consecutive terms starting January 2018. The city’s judicial/legislative committee will discuss the request at a meeting starting 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. The local Cobb legislative delegation would have to amend the city charter to change the limits.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Interfaith food drive, fundraiser planned
Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta will hold a fundraiser to benefit its interfaith initiatives and the Atlanta Community Food Bank from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta, 2401 Lake Park Drive. S.E., Smyrna.
Holy Smoke: An Interfaith Community of Faith and Food Fundraiser traditional dishes served on Rosh Hashana and Sikh services, along with other holiday delicacies.
Tickets, $15 in advance and $20 at the door, can be purchased at www.faithallianceofmetroatlanta.com. Parking is free. Mea Watkins
GWINNETT
Peachtree Corners stockpiling dirt for future
PPH Properties, the owner of a four-acre site along Peachtree Parkway has begun clearing trees in preparation for a natural foods grocery store and several small retail stores. Part of the site work will involve stockpiling excess dirt onto the adjacent city-owned property.
City officials were concerned about the impact dump trucks would have on existing roads, traffic and air quality. Trees will remain along the perimeter to create a natural buffer to help mitigate the view of the stockpile until the property is developed. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Norcross seeks railroad crossing opinions
Moreland Altobelli, an engineering firm hired by Norcross to study safety concerns around the railroad crossing at Holcomb Bridge Road and Thrasher Street has presented six alternative improvements. The study updates and a survey for residents are available at www.norcrossga.net/index.aspx?nid=632. Norcross plans to finalize the study for presentation to the City Council by end of the year. Information: jmueller@norcrossga.net.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Animal shelter to sponsor food drive
Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Services will host a food drive for the Gwinnett CAN Challenge to increase donations to local food banks through Dec. 31 at 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville. Participants may bring a donation of five items and receive a $10 voucher good for shelter fees for adoptions, reclaims or rescues.
Information: http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Police/AnimalWelfareandEnforcementNew or 770-339-3200.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Dyslexia documentary coming to Alpharetta
The International Dyslexia Association Georgia Branch and Decoding Dyslexia Georgia will host a preview of the documentary Dislecksia: The Movie at 7:30 p.m. Mondayat Studio Movie Grill, 2880 Holcombe Bridge Road, Alpharetta.
This documentary, featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Stephen J. Cannell and Joe Pantoliano, mixes humor with insight and analysis to educate viewers on the many misconceptions about dyslexia, the need for raised awareness, early identification and social change.
Filmmaker Harvey Hubble will lead a Q&A panel after the film.
Information: idaga.org/events.htm.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Nominations open for 2014 Movers & Makers
Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett Tech, is accepting submissions for the third-annual Movers & Makers Awards.
Nominations are being accepted in six categories: Three “Makers” Awards honoring manufacturers of the year, two “Movers” Awards honoring supply chain companies, and one most valuable provider. Applications are due by Jan. 17.
Information: www.partnershipgwinnett.com. Questions: Troels Adrian at Troels@gwinnettchamber.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Funeral today for longtime state lawmaker
Funeral services are set for Tuesday, Nov. 5 for Rep. Calvin Hill, R-Canton. Services will be at 12:30 p.m. at Canton First United Methodist Church.
Burial will follow at Macedonia Memorial Park. Hill passed away at his home last Wednesday after a battle with leukemia. Hill, a former mayor of Ball Ground, was sworn in as a state lawmaker in 2003. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Senior Sense Expo Saturday in Cherokee
Cherokee County Senior Services will hold its third annual Senior Sense Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. Flu shots, demonstrations, and door prizes will be among the offerings.
More than 50 vendors will be on hand to showcase senior products and services. More info: 770-345-7515. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Alpharetta school hosts 5K run
Holcomb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta hosts a Holcomb Bridge Hustle 5K. The race is being hosted by the school in partnership with the Kyle Pease Foundation, and assisted student athletes and community members are encouraged to attend. The race takes place Nov. 9, starting at 8 a.m.
The nonprofit Kyle Pease Foundation promotes success for young persons with disabilities through sports and competition.
The foundation can assist students with race registration fees, provide a custom-fitted race chair and provide a race pusher for the assisted-athlete.
Nancy Badertscher
Marshal’s office issues scam warning
The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office wants residents to be careful about door-to-door salespeople.
Chief Marshall Chris Collett says he’s getting reports of solicitors without permits trying to talk their way into homes.
He says those lacking permits haven’t had a criminal background check and shouldn’t be allowed inside.
To make a report call 678-493-6200. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee ethics group seeks new member
The Cherokee County Board of Ethics is looking to fill a vacancy immediately. Prospective candidates should be Cherokee County residents and Democratic Party members.
The position opened up when the incumbent moved outside the county, and the term expires in January of 2016.
Information: lbahrens@cherokeega.com
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Creek cleanup planned in Canton
Rivers Alive is seeking volunteers to clean up a stretch of Canton Creek from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov.15.
Volunteers should meet at Harmon Field, 226 Harmon Circle, Canton. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver and parents must accompany kids under 18. Information: 770-883-7996 Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Court rules for Coke heir’s descendant
The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday ruled in favor of eight descendants of Asa Candler, who founded the Coca-Cola Co.
The descendants had sued a trust company, accusing it of making improper payments to their grandfather and significantly depleting the trust.
Writing for a unanimous court, Justice Robert Benham said that while Reliance Trust Company did not act in bad faith in paying Charles Howard “Buddy” Candler III a total of $1.1 million from the trust during his lifetime, Reliance’s decision-making was “infected with…arbitrariness” and oppressed the grandchildren, who filed suit. Bill Rankin
Trial set for former APS tech director
Atlanta Public Schools’ former technology director is scheduled to go on trial Dec. 2 on bribery and fraud charges.
Federal prosecutors claim Jerome Oberlton, who worked as the school system’s chief information officer from 2004 to 2007, used his influence at the school system to award a $780,000 computer project and score a profit from the deal. Mark Niesse
McPherson historical listing gets update
As part of the Army’s closure of Fort McPherson, the existing National Register of Historic Places district for the Staff Row and Old Post Area of the historic base was updated and expanded to include all of the historic resources associated with the fort from 1887 through 1959. Arlinda Smith Broady
Piedmont Atlanta on 100 best list
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital has been recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best hospitals for cardiac care.
Healthgrades, an online resource that helps consumers search, compare and connect with physicians and hospitals, evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide for 31 of the most common inpatient procedures and conditions.
Information: www.healthgrades.com/quality. Arlinda Smith Broady
DEKALB
Jobs Bus stopping in DeKalb
DeKalb County’s “jobs bus” – an RV outfitted with computers, private interview area and office gear for job seekers – has stops in Tucker, Decatur and south DeKalb this week for job seekers.
The bus will be stationed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday 11/5 at Westwood College, 2309 Park Lake Dr., near Tucker.
It will be parked from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Department of Family and Children Services office, 178 Sams St., Decatur.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday , the bus will be at the Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, south of Decatur.
April Hunt
Brookhaven Chamber hosts networking
The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will hold its fall networking meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Villa Christina on Summit Boulevard.
The event features newly nominated board members and is open to current and would be members.
Information: AFreeman@BrookhavenCommerce.org.
April Hunt
Caribbean group holds ball in Clarkston
Georgia Caribbean Culture Inc. will hold a masquerade ball at 7 p.m. Saturday at Georgia Piedmont Technical College near Clarkston.
Tickets are $55, with proceeds going to the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Atlanta.
Information: 770-722-5828 or carnivaltherapists@gmail.com.
April Hunt
Doraville projecting growth in fund balance
Doraville City Manager recently reported that the north DeKalb City is on pace to end the year with nearly $2.8 million in its fund balance.
That is more than double the $1.2 million left over in 2011, when the city reorganized its structure to better handle the $1 million yearly loss in revenue from the closing of the General Motors plant. April Hunt
Neighborhood Summit returns to DeKalb
Registration is open for a neighborhood summit next month designed to help DeKalb County residents partner with government to better their community.
The free event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Courtyard Marriott Decatur, 130 Clairemont Ave.
Registration/information: 404-371-2881 or onedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. April Hunt
Lithonia teen honored from House floor
Congressman Hank Johnson, D- Lithonia, recently honored a Lithonia teen from the House floor for winning a national award promoting peaceful action.
Mary-Pat Hector launched the “Think Twice” campaign in April after the shooting deaths of a 14-year-old Grayson High student in Loganville and a 15-year-old student in Chicago.
Hector plans to use the $50,000 award that comes with the Peace First Price to attend Spelman College and also boost her campaign’s website and programming.
Information: www.justthink2wice.com.
April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Medal of Honor winner to speak at Woodward
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Col. Leo K. Thorsness will deliver the keynote address at Woodward Academy’s annual Veterans Day ceremony 11 a.m. Monday in the Richard C. Gresham Memorial Chapel.
It will be followed by a luncheon and question and answer session with Thorsness. One of 99 living recipients, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for a surface-to-air missile suppression mission over North Vietnam in April 1967. Information: www.woodward.edu. Nancy Badertscher
Common Cause honors Fayette chairman
Fayette County Commission Chairman Steve Brown will receive a 2013 Democracy Award from Common Cause Georgia on Sunday. The nonprofit government watchdog group gives the awards to “public officials, members of the media, and citizen advocates for their work to improve democracy in the areas of ethics reforms, open and accountable government, and other good government issues.” Brown supported a county resolution calling for more ethics reform in state government.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Adopt-A-Senior needs volunteers for holidays
The Henry County Council on Aging and Henry County Senior Services are looking for someone to adopt a senior citizen for the holidays. Through the Adopt-a-Senior program, a participant can buy gifts for a designated senior or make a cash donation to the program. Currently, there are 275 seniors who receive in-home services from Henry County Senior Services. Information: 770-288-7010, 770-288-7000 or www.henrycounty-ga.org/seniorservices. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Wheelchair handball champs in Stockbridge
The 17th Annual American Association of Adapted Sports Programs’ Wheelchair Handball State Championship is set for Saturday at the J.P. Moseley Recreation Center in Stockbridge. Henry County Schools and the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the event. Admission is free. Games begin at 9:30 a.m. and run until after 5 p.m. The champion is the fall sports event for AAASP. Information: www.adaptedsports.org.
Tammy Joyner
Fayette commissioners criticize Facebook
The Fayette County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution last week asking Facebook to “withdraw any plans to expose our teenagers to serious threats on the Internet in an attempt to increase profits.” Facebook now allows users ages 13-17 to make photos and other updates viewable by the public, including advertisers.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Public workshops set for Fairview district
Two workshops are scheduled for Thursday to gain community input regarding the Fairview Road overlay district. A business-oriented design workshop is set for 8:30 a.m. and a resident-oriented meeting is set for 6 p.m. Both will take place at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge. Info: www.henrycounty-ga.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
