County by county news for Tuesday

The letters are from EMC members and clean energy advocates thanking the Marietta co-op’s board for severing ties last month with a coalition of EMCs developing the Plant Washington coal plant in Sandersville, Ga. Cobb EMC spent $13. 5 million in the effort. Cobb EMC and CASE members will gather at 10 a.m. on Tuesday across from the Cobb EMC headquarters before delivering the cards. Janel Davis

Commissioner Birrell to hold town hall meeting

Cobb County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell will hold a town hall meeting on Thursday for residents of her northeast Cobb district. Cobb Planning Division Manager Dana Johnson will be the featured speaker. He will discuss the county’s comprehensive plan and future land use map amendments, along with the Canton Road redevelopment plans.

The meeting runs from 7 p.m. 8:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center, 3400 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta.

Information: 770-528-3317 Janel Davis

Forum Wednesday for Cobb EMC candidates

Cobb EMC Watch is sponsoring a candidate forum Wednesday for candidates seeking a seat on Cobb EMC’s board of directors.

Six of the 10 board seats are up for election on March 31. An election was held last year for the other four board seats.

The forum begins at 7 p.m. at Rib Ranch, 2063 Canton Road in Marietta. Information: www.cobbemcwatch.org Janel Davis

Powder Springs council to have work session

The Powder Springs City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday in the second floor conference room of City Hall, 4484 Marietta St., Powder Springs.

This regularly scheduled work session precedes a second work session to be held at 6 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the Community Development building’s conference room at 4488 Pineview Drive next to City Hall.

The council’s voting meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 in the Council Chambers -- also in the Community Development building. Information: City Hall, 770-943-1666. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Smyrna to hold open house for Brawner Hall

Smyrna is hosting an open house for Brawner Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at 3180 Atlanta Road to promote the refurbished historic home as site for special events and business meetings and give prospective clients a chance to review caterers, who will be serving light hors d’oeuvres. RSVP to Shea Daniels at mdaniels@smyrnaga.gov Jeffry Scott

Kiwanis Clubs to host youth golf tourney

The Lost Mountain and Marietta Golden “K” Kiwanis Clubs will host their 17th annual youth charity golf tournament May 2. The event will kick off with registration at 9:30 a.m., and start at noon. The tournament will be at The Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm, 3030 Bradshaw Club Drive, Woodstock. Proceeds will go to local youth organizations. Information: 770-596-8906. Laurie Hoffman

GWINNETT

County to take aerial photo to update info

Gwinnett County is taking aerial photographs to update its geographical information system.

Surveyors are placing 10-foot by 12-foot black and white plastic targets in the shapes “V,” “X” and “T” in public rights of way and on public land as part of the work.

The targets will be removed after the flights are finished in mid-April.

The county asks residents not to disturb the targets. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.org. David Wickert

Shelter plans to stay open in summer

The SaltLight Center, Gwinnett County’s only cold-weather emergency shelter for homeless women and children, has announced that it will remain open through the summer. Discussion is under way about expanding service into the fall and beyond. Those seeking shelter at The SaltLight Center should call the Gwinnett Helpline at 770-995-3339. Information: Carol Karpf at 770-885-2947 or www.familypromisegwinnett.org. Joel Anderson

School chief recognized by group

Gwinnett Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks was recognized by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful for his support of community improvement programs.

Wilbanks was presented with the Environmental Legacy Award for the decades-long partnership between the district and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. Thousands of students and the county have participated in its programs that focus on environmental stewardship, recycling, and community beautification by combating the adverse effects of litter and graffiti. D. Aileen Dodd

Lauren Willig to speak Wednesday

Author Lauren Willig will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Center LVIS room at Georgia Gwinnett College, 1000 University Center Lane, Lawrenceville.

Willig, the author of the Pink Carnation Series, will appear as part of Gwinnett County Public Library’s “meet the author” series. A reception for the author begins at 6, with a book chat and signing to follow at 7 p.m. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org. David Wickert

Driver education class taught in Chinese

AARP will sponsor a driver education class taught in Chinese from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross.

The course is geared to people age 50 and older but is open to all ages. The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. To register, call 770-638-5661. David Wickert

SpayGeorgia offers free spay/rabies coupons

SpayGeorgia, a Lilburn-based non-profit agency, is offering 50 free female cat spay and rabies certificates to be used during March. The certificates may be used at Planned PEThood in Duluth. Certificates will be given on a first-come, first-served basis (one per household). Planned PEThood is at 2860 Buford Highway, Duluth. Information: 770-662-4479. Laurie Hoffman

NORTHSIDE

Webb Bridge team wins academic competition

The Academic Bowl team from Webb Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta has been named winner of the 2012 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades. The competition was Saturday at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. The team, coached by Robert Swanson, Brenda Youngblood and Daria Fernalld, emerged victorious in the final of four single-elimination rounds. The Professional Association of Educators is chief sponsor of the competition, which involves more than 1,200 students in local, regional and state level competitions. Nancy Badertscher

Milton to discuss Ga. 9 district plans

Milton will hold the third of four meetings Wednesday to discuss development in the Highway 9 District. The study includes the Ga. 9 area from Bethany Bend in Milton to Mayfield Road in Alpharetta and the areas east of Ga. 9 to Ga. 400. The meeting is at 6 p.m. at Milton City Hall, 35000 Deerfield Parkway. Information: 678-242-2538. Patrick Fox

Tree recycling surpasses expectations

Forsyth County’s Christmas tree recycling effort surpassed the expectations of organizers. Keep Forsyth County Beautiful collected and recycled 8,710 trees. Forsyth County residents have now recycled more than 78,000 trees since the county first began participating in the “Bring One for the Chipper” event in 1994.Patrick Fox

School board to hold work session

The Fulton County school board will hold its monthly work session tomorrow in Atlanta to discuss pending business and upcoming initiatives.

The workshop presentations will begin at 2 p.m. at Fulton County Schools Administrative Center, 786 Cleveland Avenue S.W. Executive session will follow. The meeting will resume afterwards for discussion of the upcoming school board meeting agenda and special recognitions. Public comment will be held at 6:30 p.m. D. Aileen Dodd

Woodstock officials change meeting format

Aiming to attract more interest from the public, Woodstock city officials are switching the format for their periodic Towne Hall meetings from a by-ward system to a citywide format. The first meeting of 2012 is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. at The Chambers at City Center, 8534 Main St. City elected officials and staffers will be on hand to discuss such subjects as: the amphitheater project, Ridgewalk project developments and downtown street improvements. Information: www.woodstockga.gov Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Sandy Springs to hold tree planting

Sandy Springs and Trees Sandy Springs are hosting a celebratory tree planting in honor of Arbor Day Friday. Four Princeton Elms, two Swamp White Oaks and two Tulip Poplar trees will be added at the corner of Sandy Springs Circle and Cliftwood Drive, across from the LeFont Theater.

The event begins at 11 a.m.

“These trees will serve as a reminder that our actions today impact generations to come,” Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos said. “Trees work hard for us providing shade, habitat and fresh oxygen.” Patrick Fox

ATLANTA

Massell to speak to Buckhead business group

Former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell will give his annual State of Buckhead address at the Buckhead Business Association weekly breakfast on Thursday at the City Club of Buckhead. Massell is slated to

Massell is the founding president of the Buckhead Coalition, a nonprofit civic organization comprised of chief executive officers. The business association’s weekly breakfast series takes place each Thursday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the City Club of Buckhead, 3343 Peachtree Road N.E. Tickets are $10 for BBA members and $20 for visitors. Information: www.buckheadbusiness.org. Jeremiah McWilliams

New officers for Citizen Review Board

The Atlanta Citizen Review Board has selected a new chairman and vice chairman as it continues to look for an executive director of the agency that investigates citizens’ complaints against police officers.

Attorney Paul Bartels succeeded Joy Morrissey, ACRB chair for three years. The new vice chairman is William Harrison, who works for the Fulton County Public Defender’s office and whom the Atlanta City Council appointed to the ACRB last September.

At the same time, the board has narrowed down candidates for executive director to five. Cris Beamund resigned that position in November. Rhonda Cook

Beacon College open house in Atlanta Feb. 29

Beacon College, a Leesburg, Fla., college exclusively for students with learning disabilities, will showcase its success stories with Atlanta-area residents 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Ravinia Club & Spa, 2 Ravinia Drive, Atlanta. The event is open to area students with learning disabilities and their family, as well as area high school guidance counselors, teachers, educational consultants, school psychologists and other special education professionals.

Students interested in learning more about the college are encouraged to RSVP by Feb. 27 at 352-638-9731 or email: admissions@beaconcollege.edu.

Gracie Bonds Staples

DEKALB

Edwards spreads bonus to staff

When Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards received a three percent raise last November, for an annual salary of $175,000, she was also awarded a bonus of $18,602. Edwards subsequently declined the bonus, asking that it go instead to the school system’s staff.

The school board matched the amount and all instructional staff received a $75 one-time payment in their checks this week, while non-instructional staff received a $50 one-time payment. Edwards is currently on a two-year contract that expires June 30, 2013. Bill Banks for the AJC

100 Black Men host youth summit

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County will host a youth summit focusing on financial literacy this weekend in DeKalb.

The event features ways to develop a financial plan and other practical lessons. It also will honor 13-year-old Stephen Stafford, a junior at Morehouse College pursuing a double major in math and science; 14-year-old Marypat Hector, who organized a support team for Alabama tornado victims last year and recently launched the Shake Off Violence town hall meetings in DeKalb, Fulton and Clayton counties; and 15-year-old Tony Betton, an actor and speaker who was a 2012 Stellar Award nominee.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center on Rainbow Drive, near Decatur.

More information: www.dekalb100blackmen.org. April Hunt

County honors Solicitor-General Boston

DeKalb County and several cities have honored Solicitor-General Sherry Boston and her office’s special victims unit for their work on raising awareness of domestic violence.

Boston’s office has worked with youth on identifying the problems of teen dating violence, including asking teens to sign a no-violence pledge.

The unit also works with victims of domestic violence as cases proceed through the system.

In addition to the county, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody Lithonia, Stone Mountain have recognized that work with official proclamations. April Hunt

Walk/run to benefit hemophilia group

The nonprofit Hemophilia of Georgia will host its 3rd annual Trot to Clot Walk and Run on May 19 at Stone Mountain Park.

The event will raise money to fund Camp Wannaklot, where children and teens who have inherited bleeding disorders can have fun and learn to manage their own treatment.

Visit www.hog.org/trot for more information and registration details. Misty Williams

County offers special on pet adoptions

DeKalb County is offering a Valentine’s Day adoption special on pets from its animal services offices this week.

Cost to adopt between Tuesday through Feb. 18 is $60, a savings of up to $30 per animal based on current adoption fees. The cost includes the treatments such as spay/neuter, vaccines and other medical tests.

Animals can be seen at the animal services office, 845 Camp Road, near Decatur, or online at www.dekalbcountyanimalservices.com.

Information: 404-294-3088. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Henry County manager Sanders resigns

Henry County manager James C. “Butch” Sanders resigned suddenly Monday saying he wants to “seek a new opportunity and direction in my professional career.” Sanders had been with the county since December 2010.” Henry County Commission Chair Elizabeth ‘B.J.’ Mathis said Sanders was helpful in the county’s negotiations of Tara Field, now Atlanta South Regional Airport. Henry tax digest has fallen by nearly $1.4 billion over the last three years, resulting in a 25 percent drop in Henry’s general fund budget. Tammy Joyner

Students honored for poetry recitation

Three Fayette County students won honors for poetry recitation at the Griffin RESA Literacy Days Competition. The event showcases elementary and middle school students from seven regional counties in contests related to memorization and presentation.

Lilly Anne Beatty of Peeples Elementary won first place for third grade; Olivia Wernecke of Braelinn Elementary won first place for fourth grade; and Spencer Dawson of Rising Starr Middle School earned second place for seventh grade. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

East Point invites residents to energy fair

East Point residents are invited to energy fair featuring items to make their homes more energy efficient. The fair is Feb.25 at the City Hall annex on East Forrest Avenue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can get free items such as a gas efficiency kit, an electric efficiency kit and free light bulbs. Residents must show proof of residency in the city. John Thompson for the AJC

Piedmont Henry facility recognized

Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Laurel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation facility has been named a “Top Nursing Home in America” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America for the third consecutive year. Laurel Park’s quality indicators were compared to 17,000 Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes throughout the nation. The facility also earned a zero deficiencies score on its annual state inspection in December. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Woodworker’s items on display at museum

Tom Quick, a local woodworker, has loaned the Hampton Historic Museum many handcrafted items from his workshop. The items include various woods and deer antlers, changed into pens, thimbles, curiosities, and thing-a-ma-bobs. The display will be at the museum through mid-March. Information: 770-946-4306. Kenneth Musisi

Clayton schools to host event Feb. 25

Clayton County Public Schools will host the third annual Unity in the Community College Fair and Step Show Feb. 25 at Mundy’s Mill High.The event raises money for the Superintendent’s Scholarship Fund. The free college fair and fine arts showcase starts at 10 a.m., followed by a marching band showcase featuring Forest Park, Drew, Mundy’s Mill, and Jonesboro high schools, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 each at all district schools. Tammy Joyner