COBB
Groups honored for their work in community
Four Cobb County groups received Creating Community Awards for their work in fostering community cooperation and connecting diverse communities. The Intellectual Diversity Club at Marietta Middle School, the Georgia Ballet, Temple Kol Emeth and Zion Baptist Church with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and Dr. Oral Moses received the inaugural awards presented by the Cobb Community Relations Council. Awards will be presented during the Creating Community awards dinner March 18 at The Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. in Powder Springs. Information: http://ccrc.cobbcountyga.gov. Janel Davis
MYT columnist Kristof to speak at KSU
New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner Nicholas Kristof is scheduled to speak at Kennesaw State University at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, in the auditorium of the new Prillaman Hall Health and Sciences Building. He will also speak that same day at 7 p.m. at the KSU Center on 3333 Busbee Drive in Kennesaw. Rich McKay
Prom dress fundraiser to be March 16-19
Just in time for spring, the Cobb Alcohol Taskforce will hold a prom dress fundraiser March 16-19.
The dress sale is open to the public and also includes accessories. Dresses will be priced from $25 too $100. Only cash will be accepted, and proceeds benefit the taskforce, which works to reduce underage and youth binge drinking.
Sale hours are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 16-18, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 19 at 797 Roswell St. in Marietta, a storefront across from Roswell Street Church. Information: www.cobbat.org. Janel Davis
Family Resource Database available
Families from Cobb County can research more than 1,000 available social services using the school district’s new Family Resource Database, www.cobbk12.org/FamilyResources. The service is part of the “Success For All Students” project, a mental health support program funded by an $8.5 million federal grant. The goal is to decrease discipline problems, improve attendance and boost student achievement. Jaime Sarrio
Hospital sets annual golf tournament
The Foundation of Emory-Adventist Hospital at Smyrna’s annual “Swing into Spring” Golf Tournament is set forMay 6 at Bradshaw Farm Golf Club in Woodstock. Foursomes begin at $650 for the tournament, which is aimed at helping provide state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment. Information: Sharon Croyle at 770-438-5232 or the website at www.emoryadventist,.org. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Donation will mean discount at Six Flags
Six Flags Over Georgia will offer discount tickets this weekend to those who donate canned goods.
The items will go to MUST Ministries for distribution.
Six unexpired, undamaged canned goods qualify for one discounted ticket at $20.11 plus tax at the park ticket booths, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell at I-20.
Hours will be 10-8 Saturday and 10:30-7 Sunday.
Info: www.sixflags.com/overGeorgia/events/openingday2011.aspx Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Resident input wanted on traffic and growth
Residents can offer their thoughts on how to deal with traffic congestion, shifting growth patterns and other issues facing metro Atlanta from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 14 at Suwanee City Hall, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee.
The meeting is one of a series of forums sponsored by the Civic League for Regional Atlanta. They are part of an effort to address land development and transportation needs in 18 metro Atlanta counties. The event is free and open to the public, though reservations are requested. To make a reservation, visit www.civicleagueatlanta.org. David Wickert
Board of education meets Thursday
The Gwinnett Board of Education will meet on Thursday for its monthly workshop and business meetings.
The board workshop will be at 3 p.m. in the executive board room at the district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road N.W. in Suwanee. The business meeting will follow at 7 p.m. in the school board meeting room.
Visit www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us for information. D. Aileen Dodd
Foundation makes awards $22,325
The Jackson EMC Foundation has awarded $22,325 to four organizations serving Gwinnett County residents. The foundation awarded:
-- $10,000 to the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center to allow low-income students attend field studies and educational programs.
-- $5,000 to the Side-By-Side Brain Injury Clubhouse to provide 12 months of rehabilitation for five adults with brain injuries.
-- $5,000 to the Southern Ballet Theatre of Georgia to provide tickets to “Aladdin” to 400 underprivileged children.
-- $2,325 to Diamonds in the Rough for a mentoring and leadership development program for girls.
Author Kristin Hannah to speak April 1
Author Kristin Hannah will speak at 7:15 p.m. April 1 at the Atlanta Marriott Norcross, 475 Technology Parkway, Norcross.
Hannah is the author of 18 novels, including “Night Road.” The event is free and open to the public.
Information: www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert
Sports academy to hold spring break camp
Suwanee Sports Academy will hold a Spring Break camp for students who want recreation and athletic training during vacation.
The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for K-6 students. After care and additional athletics also will be available to 6:30 p.m. for those who need to stay longer.
The sports academy is located at 3640 Burnette Road in Suwanee.
Information: 770- 614-6686 or www.ssasports.com. D. Aileen Dodd
Volunteers needed to help repair park
Local residents can help restore trails and repair flood damage from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Yellow River Park, 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain. The event is open to all ages. Information and to register: 770-418-2331. David Wickert
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth park manager honored by state group
The Georgia Recreation and Park Association awarded Matthew Pate, Outdoor Program Manager for the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department, its 2010 Outdoor Section Distinguished Professional Award. Pate manages the largest municipal adventure program in the state and helped secure grants for environmental science programs for youth and natural history art on the Big Creek Greenway. The Amateur Softball Association gave Athletic Manager Wayne Maddox its 2010 James Farrell ASA Award of Excellence award. Jeffry Scott
Cumming man wins $300,000 in lottery
Stopping at a Dawonsville gas station may have been the best decision Marc Shirley ever made.
The 30-year-old Cumming man won second prize in the Georgia Lottery’s $3 million Taxes Paid game — good for $300,000 (after taxes). He claimed the prize Monday at Georgia Lottery headquarters, officials said.
Shirley purchased the ticket at the Silver City CITGO at 6623 Highway 9.
Christian Boone
Johns Creek police host golf tourney
Johns Creek police will host their 3rd annual golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics Georgia on April 11 at the Standard Club in Johns Creek.
The tournament is part of the police department’s annual participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises money each year for more than 23,000 intellectually disabled children and adults.
Information: Maj. John Clifton at 678-474-1580 or Sgt. Debra Kalish at 678-474-1587. Andria Simmons
Library adds extra CRCT class
A series of CRCT prep classes for students ages 11-14 at the Roswell Branch library has filled to capacity, so another class has been added that still has five openings. An overview class will be held on March 19 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the library at 115 Norcross Street. Reservations are required. Information: 770-640-3075. Johnny Edwards
‘Tea with Bea’ at Barrington Hall April 23
The public is invited to Barrington Hall on April 23 for “Tea with Bea,” a performance featuring local actress Holly Stevenson, who will portray late English author Beatrix Potter. “Tea with Bea” is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and admission is $10 per person. In the role of Potter, Stevenson will tell the stories of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck, Tom Kitten and Mrs. Tiggy Winkle. Reservations: 770-640-3855. Joel Anderson
Johns Creek Derby Day will be May 7
Johns Creek FRIENDS, one of more than 30 Community Friends groups in metro Atlanta, will sponsor its fifth annual Derby Day May 7 to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The event will be from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the Country Club of the South. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $75 a person or $675 for a table of 10. Call 404-785-7337 or visit www.choa.org/derbyday. Reservations are limited and must be received by April 15. Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Man arrested at airport on counterfeiting charge
A Virginia man was recently charged with trying to smuggle 199 counterfeit $100 bills into the United States from Peru.
Jose Elias Tapia, a 38-year-old Peruvian native and a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested after he arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Jan. 18.
Tapia pleaded not guilty last week before a U.S. magistrate in Atlanta. Bill Rankin
Central Atlanta Progress meeting today
This year’s Central Atlanta Progress annual meeting will take place today at a new venue -- the ThreeSixty Theatre at Pemberton Place, adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola.
The event theme is “Celebrating 70 Years of Progress and Our Vision for the Future,” and will offer information on news, business trends and life in downtown Atlanta.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. Tickets are $75 for members, $85 for non-members and available at www.atlantadowntown.com.
Information: 404-658-1877. Ernie Suggs
Workshop on home leak repair Wednesday
The Fulton County Public Works Department will hold a workshop Wednesday teaching residents to find and repair home leaks, along with other ways to save water.
Part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Fix a Leak Week,” the workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Center, 677 Fairburn Rd, NW, Atlanta. Information: 404-612-7400. Johnny Edwards
CAU offers summer nanoscholar program
Clark Atlanta University’s Center for Functional Nanoscale Materials is set to start its 2011 Summer Nanoscholars Program, a six-week research experience for undergraduate students majoring in a natural or physical science.
The application deadline is March 31.
Information: http://www.cfnm.cau.edu or contact the center at 404-880-6784. Ernie Suggs
DEKALB
Ex-deputy waives court appearance
Former DeKalb County Deputy Chief Donald E. Frank has waived his court appearance for a new indictment against him that was recently returned by a federal grand jury, court filings say.
Frank was supposed to stand trial on Monday on charges that he solicited and accepted bribes. But this week’s trial was postponed because federal prosecutors recently obtained a new indictment, also charging Willie Daren Durrett, a former police lieutenant. Durrett pleaded not guilty last week and Frank, who previously pleaded not guilty, said in a recent court filing he elected not to return to court to be arraigned for the new indictment. Bill Rankin
Forum Thursday for project opportunities
DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson wants local business owners to profit from the county’s $1.35 billion water and sewer system upgrades.
Watson will host a small business forum Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center on Panola Road. Officials will tell residents how they can bid on the projects, as well as find jobs. Speakers include county officials and former state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. Megan Matteucci
Air conditioner thief caught on video
DeKalb County Police Department are hunting a thief caught on a surveillance camera stealing air conditioners. Detectives said the man stole four units on March 4 outside of a business at 3644 Chamblee Tucker Road. Detectives believe the same criminal is responsible for stealing two more units nearby. Steve Visser
Rep. Hank Johnson offers scholarships
U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) is offering scholarships worth up to $10,000 for high school artists. The 2011 Congressional Arts Competition is open to high school students who live in the Fourth Congressional District, which includes most of DeKalb County and parts of Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. Entries are due April 12-14. Information: www.hankjohnson.house.gov/services/artistic-discovery.shtml. Megan Matteucci
Decatur won’t charge Pre-k tuition after all
It doesn’t appear Decatur schools will charge a Pre-k tuition next year, at least not the $3,055 for full-day students that Superintendent Phyllis Edwards had announced. With Gov. Nathan Deal adjusting his proposal for lottery-funded Pre-K dollars, it now stands that full days will remain in place, but there will be 20 fewer school days. Bill Banks
Businesses encouraged to go green
Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB) and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to launch the Green Business Program, which will reward DeKalb businesses for their achievements in promoting environmental sustainability.
To enroll , a business must subscribe to a commercial recycling program through the DeKalb County Sanitation Division, clean and maintain the perimeter and the right-of-way in front of the business and become members of KDB at the Business Level. Information: 404-371-2654 or kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov. Joel Anderson
SOUTHSIDE
Fulton set to approve transportation wish list
Fulton County commissioners could approve a wish list of transportation projects to be included in the 2012 one-cent sales tax referendum this week. Lists are due to the state Department of Transportation by March 30. The new tax would generate an estimated $7-8 billion over 10 years for a 10-county area. Fulton’s leaders are concerned that Fulton won’t get a fair share, charging that both the Atlanta Regional Roundtable, which will decide on the final project list, and its five-member executive committee are weighted toward the suburbs. Johnny Edwards
Chattahoochee Hills to host moving memorial
The Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Concerns for Police Survivors is bringing the moving Georgia Law Enforcement Memorial Wall of officers killed in the line of duty to Chattahoochee Hills Police Department at 2 p.m. Friday. Earlier in the day, the memorial will be at the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office at 11 a.m. They will be at the Carrollton County Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office at 9 a.m. Steve Visser
Fulton lets poll workers train online
Fulton County’s Registration and Elections Department is giving poll workers the option of taking a training course online. A Web-based class will have video demonstrations, pop quizzes and a final exam, allowing workers to go through each section at their own pace. They still have to attend one workshop in person to learn about voting equipment.
The online training begins March 31. Information: 404-612-7791. Johnny Edwards
East Point building gives way to seniors complex
The King Building on Cleveland Avenue in East Point will soon be reborn. The seven-story structure will be demolished and replaced with a 100-unit apartment complex for seniors 62 and older. Gateway East Point will be managed by Memphis-based LEDIC Management Group. Demolition of the existing building is set for later in the spring. John Thompson for the AJC
Henry installs metal detectors for meetings
Future visitors to Henry County commission meetings will walk through a metal detector, an added security measure installed partly in response to recent shootings at public meetings in Florida and Arizona. A police officer is routinely assigned to attend commission meetings for security. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Movie filming to impact Peachtree City traffic
The Peachtree City Police Department is asking motorists to avoid the Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater area on McIntosh Trail/Kelly Drive on today between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Gospel Truth Pictures is in town filming the movie “Joyful Noise,” and up to 2,000 extras will be in the area. Off-site parking for film participants will be at Dogwood Baptist Church, Heritage Christian Church, Providence United Methodist Church and Peachtree City Christian Church, with shuttle service to the amphitheater. Anyone going to and from Huddleston Elementary School should expect delays and allow extra travel time. Jill Howard Church
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