COBB
YWCA to renovate women’s shelter
The YWCA of Northwest Georgia plans to start a renovation of its battered women shelter in January. The Y has $1.4 million to raise to reach a goal of $7.1 million before renovating the 32 year-old facility in Cobb County. The expansion will increase beds from 32 to 40 and add living, dining, kitchen and bathroom space for the 200 to 250 women and children using the shelter each year. The Y has completed upgrading administrative offices, adding counseling services and 12 transitional apartments. Information: www.ywcanwga.com.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Kennesaw schedules fireworks for Saturday
Kennesaw has rescheduled a fireworks show, cancelled by rain July 3, to be Saturday at the Depot, 2828 Depot St. downtown. The event will start with concerts at 6:15 p.m. and Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet Tribute Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Superintendent speaks to business group
The South Cobb Business Association will hear from Cobb County School Superintendent, Michael Hinojosa, 11:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.Cost is $12 for members with online pre-payment, $15 for members at the door or $20 for nonmembers.
Information: sc-ba.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
New private school to open in Mableton
Smyrna Academy of Excellence, will open on Aug. 13 at 6688 Mableton Parkway, Mableton.
The SAE School Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit independent school, is designed for students in pre-k through eighth grade with plans to expand to12th grade.
Free drop-in tours are available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays this month.
Information: saeschool.org, Info@SAEschool.org, 678-310-9136 (main) or 678-861-1275 (admissions). Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Smyrna to get recycling center
Smyrna City Council on Monday approved spending $435,000 to buy land off Lake Drive and South Cobb Drive for a recycling center. Funding will come from the 2011 SPLOST.
Plans include improving an existing 7,000 square-foot building. About 2,000 residents use the center on Smyrna Hill Drive monthly. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Austell seeks to hire two firefighters
Applications are being accepted for two Austell firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-1 positions.
Salary is $34,000 plus, and applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and an EMT-Intermediate certification.
They may apply at Austell City Hall, 2716 Broad St. SW from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weekdays.
Applications also may be downloaded from the city’s website and mailed to: Pat Maxwell, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Austell Fire and Emergency Services, 2716 Broad St. SW, Austell, GA 30106.
Information: austellga.gov, click “Employment,” then “Job Vacancies.”Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
GWINNETT
Body found at apartment complex identified
Police have identified a body found Sunday afternoon outside a Gwinnett County apartment complex as Darinel Martinez Lopez, 26, of Duluth. The cause of Lopez’s death is unknown but police said they plan to investigate the case as a homicide for now.
Investigators were called to the Landmark at Bella Vista apartments in the 4000 block of Satellite Boulevard, near Duluth, around 3 p.m., Cpl. T.R. Tobler with Gwinnett police said. A person walking in the area found Lopez in green space between the complex and Satellite Boulevard, Tobler said. Alexis Stevens
Citizenship classes at Lawrenceville library
The Lawrenceville branch of the Gwinnett Public Library will offer classes to help pass the U.S. Citizenship test 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday through Sept. 12 at 1001 Lawrenceville Highway.
No registration required.
Information: www.gwinnettpl.org.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Election qualifying packets available
Qualifying Packages for the upcoming election are now available on the Duluth Elections page at www.duluthga.net. Qualifying is 8:30 a.m. Aug. 26 through 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28 in the office of the City Clerk at Duluth City Hall, 3167 Main Street. Information: 770-476-3434.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Volunteers wanted for focus group
Duluth seeks residents interested in serving as a focus group noon to 1 p.m. July 30 in the City Hall Main Street Conference Room to discuss the topic, “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere.” Participants will discuss ideas for “After 5” attractions in downtown Duluth. www.duluthga.net.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Election notices mailed to inactive voters
The Gwinnett County Voter Registrations and Elections Division has mailed notices to registered voters who haven’t voted or had written contact with the elections office for three years. Residents have 30 days to return the notice before being placed on an inactive voter list. . Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Elections. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gwinnett schools seek curriculum feedback
Gwinnett County Public Schools is accepting applications to become members of the GEMS Oversight Committee and provide curriculum feedback. Deadline is Sept. 16.
Information: www.gwin-nett.k12.ga.us. Nancy Badertscher
Sugar Hill gas customers to get help
Sugar Hill has entered into an agreement with North Gwinnett Co-Op to offer assistance to individuals and families needing help paying their gas bill. The city’s natural gas bill will include a section on the payment coupon allowing customers to add $1, $2, $5, or more to their payment to help those needing assistance. Individuals requesting assistance will be directed to the Co-Op where they may apply for a voucher to be credited to a specific account. www.cityofsugarhill.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Woman dies in one-car crash in Forsyth
Gloria M. Lawrence, 62, of Cumming was driving eastbound on Drew Road in south Forsyth County Sunday when she suffered a medical emergency and ran her car into a fence at 7:58 a.m., said Forsyth County Sheriff’s Officer.
Lawrence died at Northside Forsyth Hospital at about 9 a.m. Sunday, officials said.
The sheriff’s office could not say what medical problem caused the crash, but said Lawrence died from the medical problem, not the crash. Cailin O’Brien
Candidate forum set for Cherokee
The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the Cherokee Farm Bureau will hold a candidate forum/meet and greet at 6:30 p.m. today at Cagle’s Family Farm, 362 Stringer Road, Canton. Hopefuls for city council, county commissioner and other offices will be given two minutes to speak, and will then field audience questions. More info: www.cherokee-chamber.com/newsroom/
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
River and history groups plan fundraiser
The Coosa River Basin Initiative, Upper Etowah River Alliance and the Cherokee County Historical Society are teaming up for the Paddling Through Cherokee County History Event at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. The day includes a six-mile paddle and educational program and is a fundraiser for the three non-profits. Info: www.coosa.org.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Group brings mobile food bank to Cumming
The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is partnering with the First Christian Church and the MSG Foundation to bring a mobile food bank to Cumming. The drive is part of the MSG Foundation’s Summer Bags of Love Program as area children prepare to return to school.
The event will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, 1270 Sawnee Drive, Cumming.
Information: 770-889-2859 or www.msgfound.org. Patrick Fox
Woodstock nixes sewer extension due to cost
The Woodstock City Council last week backed away from plans to expand city sewer service along North Main Street after learning that it would cost around $200,000 for just nine residents and businesses. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Back-to-school clinic offered in Cherokee
The Cherokee County Health Department is planning a back-to-school health clinic from 2-6 p.m. today at both public health centers.
Hearing, dental and vision screenings will be offered for $30, as will immunizations (with a charge for vaccines).
Locations: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, and 7545 N. Main St., Woodstock. Mark Woolsey
Alpharetta holds hearings on parks
The Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department has scheduled two public meetings 6 to 7:15 p.m. Aug. 8 and Sept. 12 at Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 S. Main Street. to gather input for development of a 10-year master plan.
Information: 678-297-6162 or email recreation@alpharetta.ga.us Patrick Fox
ATLANTA
African Children’s Choir to perform next month
The African Children’s Choir will be performing 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at Wieua Road Baptist Church 3626 Peachtree Road.
The African Children choir is a nonprofit humanitarian and relief organization dedicated to helping Africa’s most vulnerable children.
Information: www.africanchildrenchoir.com. or call 404-814-4460. Sandra Marshall Murray
Atlanta schools add registration dates
Atlanta Public Schools has added additional dates for students to enroll and register for the 2013-2014 school year, which begins Aug. 7 at traditional schools.
Parents who haven’t previously registered their children may do so at their schools on July 25, July 26 and July 29.
Permanent bus stops for late-registering students will be assigned around Aug. 23. Mark Niesse
Buckhead sponsors teen photo contest
The Buckhead Library, 269 Buckhead Ave. NE,, is looking for youth photography with a summer contest through Aug. 31 for ages 12-18.
Information: 404-814-3500
Veronica Fields Johnson
Haitian photo exhibit at Auburn library
In recognition of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, “Smile Haiti! Photographic Exhibit by Shaina Oliphant” will run through Aug. 25 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave., NE.
Information: 404-730-4001 ext. 100 Veronica Fields Johnson
Illustrator featured in library exhibit
In collaboration with Gregarious Art Statements, the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Ave. N.E., will exhibit works by illustrator R. Gregory Christie, the 2013 Ashley Bryan Illustrated Africana Children’s Literature Award winner, through Aug. 25.
Information: 404-730-4001, ext. 100. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Libraries add “Muslim bookshelf”
The DeKalb County Public Library is one of 840 systems nationwide to receive a federal grant to highlight Muslim culture.
The National Endowment for the Humanities award will fund discussions, films and books. Events are planned at the Decatur, Embry Hills and Scott Candler branches in August and September.
Upcoming events: www.dekalblibrary.org.
List of new material: www.programminglibrarian.org/muslimjourneys/mj-bookshelf/mj-collection.html April Hunt
Schools, commission to meet Aug. 5
A joint meeting between City Schools Decatur and city commissioners has been set for 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at City Hall. CSD is trying to get a $59.5 million bond referendum (to pay for renovations to Decatur high and Renfroe middle schools) on the Nov. 5 ballot, but it may get resistance from commissioners.
Superintendent Phyllis Edwards said recently, “There are a number of people who doubt our projections (that school enrollment will nearly double by 2018), but I’m telling you, these projections are just the minimum.” Bill Banks for the AJC
DeKalb residents needed for survey
The Atlanta Regional Commission is asking DeKalb residents to take an online survey on how the public is included in regional plans and policies.
DeKalb is one of 18 counties included in the study, known as Metro Atlanta Matters.
The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S52HS5Y. April Hunt
Dunwoody adds to city services
Dunwoody is now offering life safety and accessibility plan reviews and inspections required for building renovation and new construction, services. The plan reviews and inspections will be at the same cost the county charges.
The city anticipates completing more than 95 percent of development plan reviews within two weeks.Patrick Fox
Brook Run Park celebration Aug. 3
Initial construction of the Brook Run Park multi-use trail is almost done. Celebrate with a free parade on Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. at the entrance of the trail, Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody.
Children aged 12 and younger can decorate their bikes, wagons, scooters or wheelchairs and compete for Most Colorful, Most Creative and Best Theme. Children can register at parks@dunwoodyga.gov.
Information: www.dunwoodyga.gov. Hannah Morgan
South DeKalb Festival coming in September
A free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, is coming to south DeKalb County in September.
The Heart of South DeKalb has already secured several local restaurants to serve as corporate sponsors.
Additional community groups are invited to join in planning and programming for the event, slated for the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 28.
Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Would-be Waffle House bandit shot by customer
A would-be robber was shot early Monday when he tried to hold up a Union City Waffle House, police said.
A customer inside the 24-hour diner shot the robbery suspect, police said.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. His condition was not immediately available.
Police said there were no other injuries in the incident.
Mike Morris
Fayette schools seek substitute bus drivers
The Fayette County School System Transportation Department needs more substitute bus drivers for the 2013-14 school year. No previous bus experience is required; the system will provide training to candidates with acceptable Motor Vehicle Reports and criminal background checks. Pay is $25 per route, with two routes per day. Applications are at www.fcboe.org or call Dawn Wiley at 770-460-3535, ext. 166.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette begins golf cart rules review
Fayette County has begun reviewing the ordinances within its municipalities regarding the public use of golf carts, with the goal of standardizing them. County interns Kyra Parks of Whitewater High School and Jason Girolami of Starr’s Mill High School have compiled the information for presentation to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. Among the issues are age and permit requirements that vary widely within the county. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Theatre solicits scripts and directors
The Academy Theatre will be presenting “Tapas: A Short Play Festival of Rebirth & Renewal” the first weekend in October at the Stockbridge Community Arts Complex. The Theatre is soliciting scripts and directors. All plays ought to be 7 to 12 minutes in length and deal with rebirth and renewal.
Information: academytheatre30002@yahoo.com. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Stockbridge looking to be a Main Street city
The Stockbridge City Council gave a green light at Thursday night’s special called meeting to apply for Main Street status with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. City officials said they would learn in November if Stockbridge is selected. Right now 96 cities in Georgia are Main Street communities, including the other three cities in Henry County – Hampton, Locust Grove and McDonough.
Information: www.cityofstockbridge.com.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Items needed for benefit yard sale
Organizers of the 8th annual Benefit Yard Sale for African Orphans are accepting donations at Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City. Items can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. today through Thursday at 101 Carriage Lane, just off Ga. Hwy. 54 East. The sale takes place Friday and Saturday. Proceeds help provide housing and services to children in Uganda.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
