COBB
Cobb County starts accelerated GED program
Cobb County's "CobbWorks" and Paxen Learning Corporation have launched a new program to help 17-20 year olds complete their GED. Almost 40 students have completed the program since its birth in March. Program staff work with students to master reading, writing, math, science and social studies material—all of which is tested on the GED. Students are also placed with local employers to learn several skills. For more information about the program, contact Veronica Bedford at 678-303-4429 or vbedford@paxen.com.
Daarel Burnette II
Free play in Mableton on Friday
"Once On This Island" will be performed free 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Students, ages 12 to 18, will present the musical as the culmination of The Theatre Project summer camp at the Mable House Arts Center. Nominated for eight Tonys, the play is a Caribbean adaptation of "The Little Mermaid." Information: mablehouse.org or 770-819-3285. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta City Schools to meet
Marietta City school board will meet 6 p.m. today for its regular monthly meeting. Included on the agenda is awarding the student and employee of the month, purchasing a new "Study Island" and changing Park Street Elementary School's theme. The board will meet at 6 p.m. at the district's central office at 250 Howard Street in Marietta. Daarel Burnette II
Cobb teacher makes presentation in Bosnia
Barbara Dusterhoff, a teacher at Nickajack Elementary, recently traveled to Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina to speak at a conference for English language teachers. She was featured as an English language specialist at the conference, Teachers of English Language at Tulza, which aimed to bring teachers of Bosniak Muslims, Croat Catholics and Serbian Eastern Orthodox backgrounds together. Dusterhoff shared methods of teaching English with students and teachers worldwide. Daarel Burnette II
Mableton market open on Thursdays
The Mableton Farmers Market is open each Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Sept. 27 at the Mable House Complex, 5239 Floyd Road.
Healthy eating habits and wellness also are emphasized through events and classes.
Low-income older adults may qualify for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers worth $20 each.
Information: mableton.org/FarmersMarket.html, localharvest.org or Market Coordinator Cheryl Mayerik at cmayerik@atlantaregional.com or 404-463-3125. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Money help available for seniors in need
Cobb Senior Services is offering financial help for low-income senior citizens who are 60 or older. Seniors must live in Cobb and meet income guidelines to get assistance with delinquent rent, utilities, prescription assistance and limited financial assistance. Information: Cobb Senior Services at 770-528-5364. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Medical Center partners with college athletes
Gwinnett Medical Center is partnering its Sports Medicine Program with Georgia Gwinnett College athletes. The program introduces Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing and performance training to the GCC athletics department to reduce the chance of follow-up concussions. In addition the program provides Sportsmetrics, an ACL Injury Prevention program that will evaluate and correct potential tears in ligaments in female athletes. GMC Certified Athletic Trainer, James Williams, will provide on-site management for sports medicine at GGC.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Broadway in the Park goes under the sea
Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, and evil Ursula swim into Town Center Park for Suwanee Performing Arts' 2012 Broadway in the Park production. Little Mermaid Jr., Suwanee Performing Arts' annual summer performance and fundraiser, will be staged 7 p.m. July 27 and 28. An original one-act play, Filligan's Island is a take on the popular 1960s television series Gilligan's Island. Information: www.suwaneeperformingarts.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Berkeley Lake principal to meet parents
Parents are invited to meet Berkeley Lake Elementary School's new principal, Susan Bearse at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Berkeley Lake City Hall. Attendees are asked to not bring children to avoid distractions. Email kidd_cathy@hotmail.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Peachtree Corners to discuss millage rate
Newly formed Peachtree Corners will hold a public hearing regarding the city's millage rate at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Atlanta Hilton NE, 5993 Peachtree Ind. Blvd. Information: www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Fire station offering safety camps
The Gwinnett fire department hoss one-day camps for fourth and fifth grade students 9 a.m. - noon Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug.2 at Fire Station 20, 1801 Cruse Road, Lawrenceville. The camps will offer hands-on fire, water and personal safety skills and includes a tour of the fire station. To register, call 678-518-4845. Karen Huppertz
Leadership program for female athletes offered
The Athena Leadership Academy will hold a series of leadership training workshops aimed at teaching young female athletes how to succeed on and off the field by using skills learned in sports.
The sessions will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings through July 31 at The Pitcher's Mound, 2150 Boggs Rd., Suite 250, Duluth. Information: Hope Howell at (404) 408-3480 or email AthenaLeadership1@gmail.com. Mea Watkins
Lilburn Idol finale Friday
Lilburn Idol winners from three preliminary competitions will compete in a finale at 7 p.m. Friday at the Lilburn City Park.
Information about previous winners is available at www.cityoflilburn.com; select "news tab. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Ga. 400 will get operations upgrade
The Georgia Department of Transportation says Ga. 400 will get an upgrade further north through Forsyth County.
DOT officials awarded a $3.2 million contract to extend the Georgia Intelligent Transportation System from McFarland Parkway to Ga.20.
The system includes ramp meters, cameras, electronic signs and connections to the Georgia Navigator traffic system. Completion is set for July 31, 2013.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Cherokee schools to hold open house
The Cherokee County School District will be open for registration 8 a.m. - noon July 26 through July 30 for the 2012-2013 school year, set to begin Aug. 1. Schedules will be available during open house and walk-throughs. The schedule for school open houses and walk-throughs. Information: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/
Wayne Washington
Web site tracks status of city's goals
Milton has launched an interactive Web site designed to give residents and business owners the opportunity to follow progress on the city's three-year Strategic Plan.
The site offers detailed information and updates on how the city is meeting the goals adopted last year of: promoting the equestrian lifestyle; preserving open space; building relationships; structuring economic growth; and providing responsive government. Information: www.cityofmiltonga.us/strategicplan. Patrick Fox
Police: driver had heart attack, hit bridge.
A 51-year-old man died Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack and crashing into a bridge at the Forsyth-Hall County line. Sheriff's officials in Forsyth say Phillip Jones of Alto, Georgia was traveling West on Ga. 369 when he lost control of his car.
Jones was pronounced dead at a Gainesville hospital late Monday morning.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Senior Services needs volunteers
Forsyth County Senior Services is looking for volunteers for Alzheimer's disease and dementia respite care. Volunteers would help staff with games, music, crafts and exercise during meetings of "The Sunshine Club" Monday through Friday at the senior services office, 595 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. More info: Jim Yarbrough at 770-781-2178. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Red department to host volleyball camp
Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department is sponsoring a volleyball camp for students in grades 3-8 this fall. Campers will focus on techniques, coordination development activities and team concepts. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 23-27 at Alpharetta Community Center, 175 Roswell Street. Cost is $150 for Alpharetta residents and $225 for all others. Kathryn Houghton Ely, varsity volleyball coach for Alpharetta High School, will be the instructor.
Register:www.alpharetta.ga.
us/recreation. Information: 678-297-6100 or cyoung@alpharetta.ga.us.
Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
Police expect large crowds this week
The Atlanta Police Department asks residents and visitors to prepare for heavy traffic and crowds this week because of several large events. Thousands of visitors are expected in downtown and Midtown through Friday. The city will host the BB&T Atlanta Open at Atlantic Station, the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishing Market at AmericasMart and the Microsoft convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. Police recommended using MARTA or carpooling and to park in well-lit, established parking lots and not to leave valuable items in vehicles. Jeremiah McWilliams
Police seek ID of body in burned car
Investigators Monday were still trying to identify a body found in a burned car. A call at about 2:30 a.m. Saturday to a southwest Atlanta house fire led police to the back of a vacant home, where they found a burning car and a body in the trunk. Monday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office was trying to determine the cause of death, identify the body, and tell if it was a man or a woman. Christopher Seward
School board approves public input changes
The Atlanta school board approved changes to its policy on public input before meetings. The board will allocate 30 minutes for public comment before committee of the whole meetings, and an hour before monthly board meetings. Quarterly, they will hold a meeting in various regions for public comment on issues. Information: www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Jaime Sarrio
Board upholds decision of tribunals
The Atlanta school board last week upheld the tribunal decisions of two educators implicated in a state cheating investigation. The board voted to accept a recommendation to reinstate Angela Williamson, a Dobbs Elementary teacher who was the only educator to be cleared by a tribunal. Termination for Slater Elementary Principal Selena Dukes-Walton was also approved by the school board.
Jaime Sarrio
DEKALB
3 killed over heated dominoes game
A judge has sentenced a DeKalb County man to three life sentences without possibility of parole in the killing of three people, including a toddler, after an argument following a heated game of dominoes.
Ronald Clemons was sentenced after pleading guilty Monday to multiple counts of malice murder and felony murder.
Police records show Clemons left the home, came back and fatally shot 56-year-old Michael Thomas, 39-year-old Grover Strickland and 3-year-old Janiyah Daniels. A woman was also wounded in the shooting. Associated Press
Man robbed, shot at DeKalb apartments
A man was shot and wounded around 7 a.m. Monday an apparent robbery at a DeKalb County apartment complex in the 3700 block of Aztec Road. Channel 2 Action News reported that the O44-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, went to the complex to pick up a coworker, and when he got out of his car, he was robbed of his wallet and a gold chain and then shot.The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
A search was under way for the suspect, with K-9 units on the ground and a police helicopter in the air, according to Channel 2. Mike Morris
CEO named head of national group
DeKalb County Chief Executive Burrell Ellis recently took over as president of a national professional group.
Ellis was installed Sunday 7/15 as head of the County Executives of America, which represents about 700 counties nationwide that operate under an executive form of government.
DeKalb is the only metro Atlanta county that runs under the CEO structure and has been the target of resident complaints for years. April Hunt
Meeting to focus on neighborhoods
DeKalb County is holding a "Sustainable Communities" summit this week, designed to help residents get information about efforts to battle back against the foreclosure crisis.
Information will be available that helps residents stay in their homes as well as ways to get new families into vacant and foreclosed properties.
The summit runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, near Decatur.
Information or to register: 404-371-3689. April Hunt
Watershed group offering canoe outing
The South River Watershed Alliance is offering a free canoe outing of the waterway this Saturday7/21.
Paddlers will put in at Panola Shoals and take out at Klondike Road. Volunteers will lead the six-mile trip, which is expected to take about four hours.
Information: 404-285-3756.
April Hunt
New website offers guide to Doraville
A new website is up and running to help direct people to Doraville's array of ethnic eateries and shops.
The site, www.Doraville411.com., also includes real estate sales as well as maps to schools, parks, shopping and hotels in the small city. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Clayton seeks input on development plan
Clayton County community leaders have begun crafting a strategic plan aimed at boosting economic development. A meeting of Clayton County's Economic Development Strategic Plan will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m Thursday at Clayton State University, Continuing Education Center, 2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow.
The forum is part of an eight-step process that will be facilitated by economic development specialists from Georgia Tech. . Information: (678) 610-4021 or nfo@claytonchamber.org. Tammy Joyner
Police seek help catching child rapist
Clayton County police say a girl walking through the neighborhood of Rose Commons Drive near Lovejoy Thursday was taken to a wooded area and sexually assaulted by an armed man. Police describe the suspect as a dark-skinned black man, about 6 feet tall with an athletic build, in his mid- to late 20s with a close haircut, high puffy cheeks, short eye lashes and a tattoo on his left forearm. He may be left-handed.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joanne Southerland at 770-477-3655 or 678-229-8008, or by email at joanne.southerland@co.clayton.ga.us Marcus K. Garner
East Point fire stations offer cooling
Cooling stations are now available at the city's three fire stations. Citizens may rest, hydrate and cool down to avoid heat related illnesses. John Thompson for the AJC
Fulton offers help rehabbing homes
Fulton residents can hear about funds available to fix up homes at a workshop 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Camp Truitt Neighborhood Senior Center, 4320 Hershel Road, College Park offered by the county's Housing and Community Development Office. "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Fulton County's Housing Rehabilitation Program, But Didn't Know Who to Ask" will give information on an emergency assistance grant. Information: 404-612-8111.
Johnny Edwards
Fulton to hold meeting on Title I programs
Fulton schools will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Tri-Cities High School, 2575 Harris Street, East Point to discuss the Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan for all Title I schools and the Flexible Learning Program for the 12 schools designated as focus, priority, and alert schools.
Targeted schools: Banneker, Creekside, McClarin and Tri-Cities high schools; Bear Creek, Renaissance, Ridgeview and Sandy Springs middle schools; and Esther Jackson, High Point, Randolph and S. L. Lewis elementary schools. Information: 404-669-8217. Ernie Suggs
Henry police to assist in Charlotte for DNCThe Henry County Police Department has been asked to assist the city of Charlotte in providing supplemental police services during the week of the Democratic National Convention in September. The local government in Charlotte will pay all expenses. The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved an agreement at its July 16 meeting. Monroe Roark
