County by county news for Tuesday

Sales tax revenue from the penny-on-the-dollar Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax has exceeded projections by 3.3 percent for calendar year 2011, said Cobb County Schools finance chief Mike Addison. Kennesaw State University did a study two years ago, during the depths of the recession, that projected $10 million in receipts for Cobb schools from January through September, Addison said. The school system actually received nearly $326,000 more than that, he said. Ty Tagami

Cobb CVB changes name, logo

Representatives of the Cobb County Convention and Visitors Bureau unveiled the marketing organization’s new name and logo on Thursday.

The organization will now be known as Cobb Travel and Tourism and feature a new bright orange and grey logo. Prior to the change, the CVB had not upgraded its brand for at least 20 years, said president and CEO Holly Bass.

The organization also has a new website, www.TravelCobb.org. Janel Davis

Center asks for food donations

The Center for Family Resources is looking for staple food donations for 1,500 low-income Cobb families for a Thanksgiving program Friday and Saturday at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. Holiday food items and grocery store gift certificates can be dropped off at the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. Information: www.TheCFR.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Austell business group to discuss fraud

Austell Business Association members will meet today to learn about business fraud safeguards. Cobb official Heidi Bonito will be the guest speaker.

The luncheon meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. at the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 105, Austell. Information: felicia@servproswcobb.com. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Decorating workshop on Wednesday

The Cobb County Library Foundation, in partnership with Gas South, is sponsoring a holiday decorating workshop on Wednesday, at 11 a.m. at the Marietta Country Club, 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive, Kennesaw. Floral designers John Grady Burns and Jill Hellmer will show participants how to create simple decorations for the home. Tickets are $25 and space is limited. Information: 770-528-2196 or http://cobblibraryfoundation.org/?page_id=96. Veronica Fields Johnson

Christian Aid Mission asks for donations

Christian Aid Mission Partnership (CAMP) in Austell is seeking $10 donations to its “Thanks Giving” program.

Each $10 will supply a complete Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, to a family in need. CAMP’s goal is to feed 1,200 families in partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Donations may be made online at svcamp.org/events/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.htm.

Information: CAMP Food Pantry Manager Jay Cantrell, 770-819-0662, ext. 12. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

GWINNETT

Auburn mayor wins leadership award

Women in Municipal Government, a constituency group of the National League of Cities, has honored Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger with the 2011 Annual Leadership Award.

The award recognizes a local female official for “unique and outstanding leadership in local government,” according to a written statement.

Blechinger, who was elected mayor of Auburn in 2008, received the honor Friday during an award luncheon at the Congress of Cities and Exposition in Phoenix. Joel Anderson

Ga. 316 interchange work begins today

Construction will begin today on a new interchange at Ga. 316 and Collins Hill Road. Contractor GP’s Enterprises will begin clearing vegetation and other preliminary work. The $37.4 million project includes 2.2 miles of new roadway and two new bridges over Ga. 316. The work is expected to be finished in December 2014. David Wickert

Lawrenceville council runoff to be Dec. 6

Lawrenceville voters will return to the polls Dec. 6 for a city council runoff election.

Former Lawrenceville Mayor Rex Millsaps will face incumbent Peter “P.K.” Martin IV in the race for the council’s Post 4 seat. According to the unofficial results from last week’s election, Millsaps got 656 votes while Martin finished with 616. A third candidate, Renita Hamilton, received 312 votes. Joel Anderson

‘Christmas Carol’ returns to the Aurora

The Aurora Theatre’s Anthony Rodriguez will resume his solo performance of the Charles Dickens holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” from Dec. 1 through Dec. 18.

The regular performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. There will also be a special opening-night performance at 8 p.m. Dec. 1.

Tickets cost $15 per show.

Information: 678-226-6222 or www.auroratheatre.com. Joel Anderson

Hawks coaches to serve Thanksgiving meal

The Atlanta Hawks coaching staff, former player Tom Gugliotta and others will serve a Thanksgiving meal to 300 people today at Meadowcreek High School. The Hawks have partnered with United Way of Metro Atlanta to host the meal. The event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the school, which is located at 4455 Steve Reynolds Boulevard in Norcross. Joel Anderson

Snellville opens doors to entrepreneurs

Snellville will celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week through the end of the week with a couple of events.

The South Gwinnett Entrepreneurship Alliance will host the “Unleashing Ideas Summit” on Wednesday. The group invites people to Snellville City Hall from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a class entitled “Is Starting a Business Right for You?”

On Friday, South Gwinnett High School will host the Entrepreneur Advisors Symposium from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. Information: 770-985-3502 or economicdevelopment@snellville.org. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Student team works on 20th Habitat house

A network of Atlanta independent school students will soon complete their 20th Habitat for Humanity home.

The affordable housing is being built by students from Woodward Academy, The Lovett School, Marist School, The Westminster Schools and Pace Academy.

The independent school partnership will celebrate their commitment to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity at a special dedication ceremony for the new home at noon Saturday, the last day of the build. D. Aileen Dodd

School board to vote on charter plan

The Fulton County school board will vote on a plan to transform the system into a charter school district.

The vote will be held during the board’s business meeting today at 6 p.m. at Dunwoody Springs Elementary School, 8100 Roberts Dr., Sandy Springs. The board will go into executive session before the meeting at 5 p.m.

For information, visit www.fultonschools.org. D. Aileen Dodd

Johns Creek orchestra Christmas Gala Dec. 3

The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present its sixth annual Christmas Gala and Holiday Pops Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 11045 Parsons Road.

The orchestra, under the baton of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman, will feature lyric soprano Holly DiClaudio, the St. Benedict adult and children’s choirs and the Youth Chamber Orchestra. A champagne dessert reception follows. Tickets are $30 for adults, $23.50 for those 55 and older and $16.50 for students. Tickets and information: www.johnscreeksymphony.org; 678-748-5802. Patrick Fox

Senior Services awarded $25,000 grant

The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia has awarded a $25,000 grant to Senior Services North Fulton for its Transportation Options Program for Seniors. The program offers seniors transport to medical appointments. In 2010, Senior Services provided 1,268 round-trip rides through TOPS. To qualify, seniors must live in north Fulton County and complete an application. TOPS offers both van and escorted car services for older adults. Information: 770-993-1906. Patrick Fox

Nature Center to hold Backyard Campout

The Chattahoochee Nature Center will host a Backyard Campout on Saturday from 5 p.m. – 10 a.m. visitors can unwind from the busy week and sleep out under the stars.

Pre-Registration is required. $45 General Public/$35 CNC Member (price per tent) Information: visit www.chattnaturecenter.com or 770-992-2055 ext. 224 Sandra Marshall Murray

Genealogy workshop Thursday at library

The Forsyth County Public Library will conduct a free genealogy workshop at the Cumming Branch, located at 585 Dahlonega Road, on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Genealogist Dr. Kathy Dempsey will speak. Registration is required.

Information: 770-781-9840 or “Ask a Librarian” at www.forsythpl.org. Veronica Fields Johnson

ATLANTA

Atlanta lawyer leads environment group

Atlanta lawyer Stephen O’Day has been elected to be the new chairman of the Southern Environmental Law Center, which focuses on environmental issues across the Southeast.

O’Day, a partner with the Atlanta firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell, will be the fourth chairman in the center’s 25-year history. Bill Rankin

FaithWorks conference opens on Thursday

This year’s FaithWorks Conference on Thursday will focus on the role of spirituality in treating mental illness and addiction. Harold Koenig, director of Duke University’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health, will be the featured speaker. The conference will be held at Buckhead’s Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Road, N.W., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration: www.FaithWorksGA.com. Johnny Edwards

Cascade church choir to distribute dinners

Cascade United Methodist Church’s New Advent Choir will try to distribute groceries and Thanksgiving dinners to 500 Atlanta families through its “Thanksgiving Food Basket Project” on Nov. 21.

The Thanksgiving season begins with an annual concert by the 100 member choir at 6 p.m. on Sunday .

Choir members will return to the church at 6 a.m. Monday to sort groceries and deliver them to community organizations, area schools within the Cascade corridor and others. Ernie Suggs

Event to boost Hosea Feed the Hungry

Radio stations V-103 and 1380 WAOK, in association with State Farm and Kroger, are joining forces to support Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. Both stations will broadcast live from the Kroger store at 3479 Memorial Drive, Decatur, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on today and listeners are asked to support the Buy One, Donate One campaign. Requested donations include non-perishable food, clothing and money. Information: www.v-103.com or www.waok.com or www.HoseaFeedThe Hungry.com/donations. Veronica Fields Johnson

DEKALB

Sophia Academy raises $12,500 in tourney

Sophia Academy recently raised more than $12,500 for a capital campaign project to build a new multipurpose building. The DeKalb County school recently held the “Eagles on the Green” Golf Tournament to benefit its “The Dream Continues” capital campaign. The proceeds will be contributed to the $500,000 challenge grant for the building project. D. Aileen Dodd

Children’s shelter wins $540,000 grant

Young People Matter, which runs the first emergency shelter for runaways and homeless youth in DeKalb and surrounding counties, recently won a $540,000 for its operations.

The three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services runs through 2014 and will help operate the six-bed Open Hearts Shelter. More information: www.ypmatlanta.org. April Hunt

Chamber to hold networking lunch

The DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly networking lunch Wednesday in Chamblee.

The Network DeKalb event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Senior Connections, 5238 Peachtree Road.

Cost is $10 for members who RSVP by Nov. 15 and $15 after. The fee is $30 at the event.

More information: www.dekalbchamber.org. April Hunt

Avondale Estates mayor ready to move on

After a narrow election victory, Avondale Estates’ re-elected mayor Ed Rieker says he’s ready to move beyond an occasionally contentious campaign, where he and challenger David Milliron fired off public emails countering one another. “I’m hoping it’ll take about six weeks,” he said, “for all the yard signs to come down, and for everyone to become re-united in helping, among other things, to bring development to our downtown.” On Tuesday Rieker beat Milliron 625 to 595 in an election where 42 percent of the city voted.

Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur schools name teacher of year

Decatur schools superintendent Phyllis Edwards named Robyn Tibbetts, a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Renfroe Middle School, as the district’s 2011-12 Teacher of the Year. A graduate of Decatur High, she received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and her master’s from Walden University. Tibbetts, who’ll now compete for statewide Teacher of the Year honors, was presented a $1,000 check to be spent on a professional learning experience. Bill Banks for the AJC

Decatur sidewalk construction begins

Workers will commence pouring concrete on two long-discussed sidewalks- and crossing-improvements projects later this week, said Decatur’s Assistant City Manager David Junger. These include a small median at South Candler Street and Dougherty Street, a busy crossing that will also receive ramp improvements, new striping and L.E.D. flashing lights. There will also be a nine-foot wide median refuge with a safer crossing on East College Avenue, near Agnes Scott College’s main entrance. Total cost is $89,320, and both projects should be finished by late December. Bill Banks for the AJC

SOUTHSIDE

Babb educator is Clayton principal of year

Babb Middle School Principal Felicia Brown is 2012 Clayton County Principal of the Year. The education veteran joins Smith Elementary principal Machelle Matthews and Riverdale Elementary principal Kelly Veal as title holders. “(Brown) places a high value on instruction and makes a great effort to know the staff, the parents, the students, and members of the community,” said Gloria Duncan, coordinator of the district’s professional learning department which oversees the award. “She leads through example and for that she is well respected by all.” Tammy Joyner

Seniors Services asks help for Project Love

Fayette Senior Services needs support for its annual Project Love campaign, which provides Meals on Wheels deliveries to the elderly during holidays. Donations will help bridge the gap, as well as provide nonperishable “shelf meals” that can be kept on hand in case inclement weather hampers regular deliveries.

Donations can be made at www.LifeEnrichment.org or at 4 Center Drive in Fayetteville. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Realty to be Toys for Tots drop-off point

For the 30th year, Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty will serve as drop-off spots for the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” campaign. The company will begin taking donations on Thursday. Final pickup will be Monday, Dec. 19. Dropoff spots: 238 Stockbridge Road, Jonesboro; 4295 Jodeco Road, McDonough; 201 Prime Point, Peachtree City; 90 Glenda Trace (Ste. M), Newnan; Coldwell Banker American Land Mart offices at 889 Commerce Dr., Conyers, and in the McDonough Bullard location. Details: www.atlantatoysfortots.com. Tammy Joyner

International flare at Dutchtown school

Henry County’s Dutchtown Middle School hosts an international festival with cultural song and dance at 9 a.m. Friday to celebrate the diversity and cultures of the students in the Dutchtown cluster of schools. The school is located at 155 Mitchell Road, Hampton. Nancy Badertscher

County offers foreclosure workshop

Fulton County’s Housing and Community Development Office will hold a free information session Wednesday for residents in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure -- the last such session of the year. It will run from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Southwest branch library, 3665 Cascade Road, S.W., Atlanta.

Attendees can get information on contacting U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department-certified housing counselors, who can help with seeking loan modifications. Information: 404-612-3024. Johnny Edwards

Early voting for runoff starts this week

East Point residents can start voting this week for three City Council races that required a runoff after last week’s election. Early voting runs from Friday through Dec.2 and voters can head to the Fulton County Government Center, the South Fulton Annex or the North Fulton Annex to cast their ballots. Voting runs from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The runoff election is Dec.6. John Thompson for the AJC