County by county news for Tuesday

Monthly fees for this telemedicine plan, based in Thomasville, will be $2.25 for an individual or $4.25 for a family, with the city paying $6 monthly for each person or family. If all of the city’s 100 employees signed up, the cost to the city would be $7,200.

City employees also have the option of using the city’s traditional health care plan. Information: myidealdoctor.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Free business networking today

The West Cobb Business Association will host the monthly West Cobb Leads Exchange from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs.

This free networking event is open to any business.

Reservations are required.

Information: westcobbbusiness.com/events-special.html#speed, speednetworking@westcobbbusiness.com or Chris Mooreland, Peachtree Planning, 770-689-7728770-689-7728. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Marietta mayor to give annual talk

Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin will give his annual state of the city address at a Cobb Chamber breakfast 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. Wednesday at the Mansour Center, 955 Roswell St., Marietta. Tumlin will talk about city plans and review the last year which included a voter passage of a $68 million redevelopment bond. Information: www.mariettaga.gov.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Kennesaw to open gardening plots

Kennesaw’s Smith-Gilbert Gardens will offer 4-foot by 4-foot vegetable plots starting 6 a.m.-8 a.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. today at 2382 Pine Mountain Road. The $225 veggie plot fee includes 16 classes on vegetable gardening. The city’s 16-acre gardens will also offer free docent or volunteer training for five weeks starting 10 a.m. March 18.

Information: www.smithgilbertgardens.com.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Dinner gala to benefit Families First

Dining for a Difference, to benefit the nonprofit, Families First, is 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Intercontinental Buckhead Hotel, 3315 Peachtree Road NE.

Playwright Pearl Cleage will present poetry that she created for this event. Scholarships will also be presented to five metro students, who will share their stories with the audience.

Information: www.familiesfirst.org/get-involved/T64-dining-for-a-difference or 404-853-2810.

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Amphitheater seeks opening acts, help

Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, is looking for volunteers to serve as ushers, ticket takers, crowd control, stage technicians and even as opening acts for concerts and events.

Usher training classes will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 5 and May 3.

Information: mablehouse.org, MHBA@cobbcounty.org or Robby Edwards, 770-819-2943.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Snellville developing signage master plan

The Snellville Downtown Development Agency has approved a $27,750 contract to develop a signage master plan to include designing city entry identification signs with location plans and individual street signs identified by districts within the city. The plan will also include design and location plans for information kiosks and coordination with partner city organizations signage within the overall master plan to create a city center. Atlanta-based Sky Design is also responsible for branding and signage campaigns in Lawrenceville and Norcross. The design phase of the project is expected to last up to three months. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

‘Spirit’ award winners announced

The Duluth Mayor and Council presented seven Capture the Spirit Awards to citizens, groups and business owners who tirelessly give back to the community at the State of the City Address. Award recipients: Cherie & Greg Pritchard, Michael Hopkins, Duluth Fine Arts League, Cindy Brown, Jean Harrivel, Rob Ponder, Dennis Taylor & Co. Inc.

Information: www.duluthga.net.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Michael C. Carlos Museum art trip

Gwinnett Parks & Recreation will host a road trip to the Michael C. Carlos Museum 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday leaving from the Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross. The museum features collections of Egyptian, near Eastern, Classical, ancient American, African, and Asian art. Cost: $21 per person plus money for lunch. Ages 17 and up. Register: 678-277-0920 or email renee.arant@gwinnettcounty.com.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Braselton celebrating championship

Braselton is inviting the public to a Rock the Champs gala to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1964 state basketball champions of Jackson County High at 6 p.m. Thursday in the West Jackson Primary School gym, 4825 Georgia 53 in Braselton. The basketball team is remembered for their 33-1 record for the season. Team members and cheerleaders will be featured, as well as tributes from the city, players and a distinguished coach defeated by Jackson County. Information: Amy Pinnell of the Downtown Development Authority, 706-684-0369.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Chamber meeting on social media

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will hold its first Annual Meeting in conjunction with their monthly Lunch & Learn series 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Norcross.

There will be a brief recap of the Chamber’s 2013 accomplishments, awards and an introduction to the Chamber’s 2014 Program of Work: Connecting Communities. Keynote speaker Jonathan Holmes, of Mighty 8th Media, will discuss How Social is Your Brand. Attendees will learn about the power of social media and how it can help grow their businesses.

Information: 770-239-7442 or www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Sandy Springs woman killed by truck on I-285

Sandy Springs police are investigating the death of a 37-year-old woman who was hit by a tractor-trailer truck on Sunday after reportedly walking into a lane on I-285 West, police said on Monday.

Police have identified the victim as Zaka Marie Bleicher of Sandy Springs. The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on the interstate at Roswell Road. The truck driver pulled over and called 911, police said. Bleicher was dead when police arrived.

The incident is still under investigation. No charges against the truck driver have been filed. Jordan Friedman

Arts group to start grant awards process

The Forsyth County Arts Alliance will kick off the 2014 process of handing out grant money to local/regional arts providers tonight.

A grant orientation workshop will be held 6- 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Post Road Library, 5100 Post Road, Cumming.

The grant letter of intent deadline is April 25, with the actual application deadline May 23 Grants will be awarded during a July 17 luncheon.

More information: forsythartsalliance.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee ambulance service wins regional award

Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services has won the EMS Region One of the Year Award for a second time.

The Cherokee service was lauded for high performance, a spotless record and making improvements benefiting residents in its service area, and now is placed in the running for the statewide award to be presented May 22.

Cherokee EMS was also Region One champ in 2008. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Woodstock to test fire hydrants

Woodstock Fire Department plans fire hydrant maintenance through April 30.

Residents may notice some water discoloration from sediment stirred up.

The city says the cloudy water isn’t a health hazard, but may stain light-colored clothing.

Eliminate the problem by running water until it clears. I

nformation: 770-926-2896. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta aiming for business recognition

Alpharetta wants to recognize its top businesses. Companies within the city who got a significant award, accolade or recognition in 2013 should send information to the city as part of Alpharetta’s second annual Business Awards Breakfast. The deadline for submissions is today. Information: sabdullahi@alpharetta.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth church offers services to needy

North Lanier Baptist Church, 829 Atlanta Highway, Cumming is offering “3 Days of Hope,” a service project providing free services to those in need Thursday- Saturday. Included are medical and vision screenings, oil changes and emissions testing and haircuts and manicures. Information: 3daysofhope.us

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

School board plans vote on $658M budget

The Atlanta Board of Education is set to give tentative approval today to the city school system’s $658 million budget.

The 2014-2015 general fund budget is $63 million higher than the current year’s spending plan, with costs driven up by a 3 percent pay raise, elimination of furloughs and charter school growth. Rising tax collections would fund $633 million of the budget, and $25 million from reserves would cover the balance. Mark Niesse

Future of Coan Middle School to be discussed

Coan Middle School in East Lake could be closed or upgraded in an effort to address the school’s declining enrollment, according to a letter from Superintendent Erroll Davis.

Atlanta Public Schools has scheduled community meetings today and Monday to discuss ideas about the future of Coan Middle, whose enrollment has declined to about 250 students. Mark Niesse

Sickle Cell Day at state Capitol

Sickle cell patients, families, providers and supporters statewide will gather at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the state Capitol’s South Wing, 20 Washington St. SW for Sickle Cell Day.

Hosted by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia Inc., participants hope to inform representatives about the challenges shared by the sickle cell community and to express appreciation for the state’s continues support for those coping with the genetic disorder.

Information: www.sicklecellga.org or 404-755-1641. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Diabetes awareness program today

The community education program “Community Resources to Prevent Diabetes and Its Complications” is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at Dogwood Branch Library, 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW.

The program will include a special showing of “The Debilitator,” a local-produced 30-minute film.

Free.

Information: 740-807-1054.

Arlinda Smith Broady

DEKALB

Final Wilson demolition commences

Demolition began this month on the final 56 units – facing East Trinity Place and Commerce Drive – of Decatur’s original Allen Wilson Terrace housing built in 1941. The work finishes in May but for now the land is on hold until the Decatur Housing Authority completes its renovation of the Gateway Manor apartments. Eventually the old Wilson units will be replaced by 120 to 150 market-rate condos or rental units but there is no timetable for that project. In January families began moving into the 71 new apartments comprising Phase III of Wilson’s $30 million redevelopment.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Civil rights figures to speak at high school

Andrew Young and Carolyn McKinstry will speak at Chamblee Charter High School, 3688 Chamblee Dunwoody Road 6 p.m. today.

Young, who was a Congressman, Atlanta mayor, United Nations ambassador and executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, will share the podium with McKinstry, who as a teenager survived the 1963 Birmingham church bombing that killed four girls. Ty Tagami

AARP sponsoring employment fair

AARP Georgia hosts a job fair for workers 50 and over at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia.

Representatives of the Georgia Department of Labor will assist with resume writing and interviewing skills. Other resources available at the job fair will include information on health care, housing and social media. Registration required.

Information: aarp.cvent.com/jobfair

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Wait list grows for Decatur Pre-K

After holding its Pre-K lottery last week, City Schools Decatur has 73 on its wait list for 190 slots at the College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center. Last year’s wait list was 47 with 30 eventually offered slots. CSD’s projecting a 2014-15 enrollment increase of eight percent, down from the 10 to 12 percent in recent years. But that projection is based on Pre-K remaining relatively flat. A more intense Pre-K demand may signal a much larger overall increase than anticipated.

Bill Banks for the AJC

DeKalb officials to help deliver senior meals

Three DeKalb County commissioners will help prepare and deliver meals through Senior Connections during the March for Meals event.

Other officials are encouraged to join the effort, designed to draw attention to the 560,000 meals the group delivers every year to needy seniors in DeKalb and Fulton counties.

Information: www.marchformeals.com.

April Hunt

Brookhaven to begin road work

Brookhaven will begin $2 million in road paving and resurfacing this spring.

An evaluation of city roads last year graded the streets based on conditions such as potholes and cracks. A final list of streets in line for repairs, which tentatively include thoroughfares will be discussed by City Council this month. Work is slated to begin in late spring. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fayette hospital earns stroke award

Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville has earned an achievement award from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for its care of stroke patients. The hospital met specific diagnostic and treatment measures for the aggressive use of medications and risk-reduction therapies to reduce rates of death and disability. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Peachtree City seeks rec instructors

Peachtree City’s Recreation and Special Events Department is looking for instructors to lead classes offered at the Glenloch Recreation Center and the Kedron Fieldhouse and Aquatic Center. Art, preschool and holiday camp teachers are especially needed. Anyone with special talents or interests can contact Billy Spezzano at bspezzano@peachtree-city.org to submit a proposal.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Piedmont Henry sets ‘Walk with a Doc’

Piedmont Henry Hospital has “Walk with a Doc” events 8:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month through July at Heritage Park, McDonough.

A different physician will answer general health questions.

Register at piedmont.org under the “Search Classes & Events” tab or 877-527-3712. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry schools host job fair for teachers

Henry County Schools host a job fair for certified teachers 9 a.m. to noon Friday at McDonough Presbyterian Church, 427 McGarity Road.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us.

Monroe Roark for the AJC

Clayton State job fair attracts veterans

Clayton State University’s Office of Career Services will hold its annual job and graduate school fair for university students and alumni on Thursday.

This year, the university teams with the state Department of Juvenile Justice to recruit veterans for available jobs.

The state department is participating in several job fairs around the state this month.

Available job openings include positions in corrections, transportation, security emergency response, probation and parole, healthcare, social work and teaching.

The job fair runs from noon to 3 p.m. in the university’s student activities center.

Information: 678-466-5400

Janel Davis

Gardening expert to speak in Fayetteville

“The Lawn and Garden Show” host Walter Reeves will appear at the Fayette County Public Library, 1821 Heritage Park Way, Fayetteville, 11 a.m. today. The event is free and open to the public.

Reeves will talk about useful tools for gardening. His radio show airs Saturday mornings on 95.5 FM, News Talk WSB. He also writes a column on gardening matters and hosts a program on Georgia Public Television.

Information: www.walterreeves.com. Kent A. Miles for the AJC