County by county news for Tuesday

Reservations must be made by Friday for the noon luncheon at Collar Community Center, 2625 Joe Jerkins Blvd. next to Austell City Hall. Cost is $10 for members and $12 for guests.

For reservations, contact Felicia Jones at felicia@servproswcobb.com. Information: barneslawgroup.com/Attorneys/RoyEBarnes.aspx. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Dream Dash to benefit teen center

The Kennesaw Dream Foundation’s first annual Dream Dash 5k benefitting the Kennesaw Teen Center is set for Saturday and begins at Kennesaw First Baptist Church.

The race route runs down Main Street over Jiles Road into Swift-Cantrell Park, and ends in downtown Kennesaw at the railroad crossing. Races begin at 7:30 a.m. Information and registration: http://dd5k.com/; 404-723-4561 Janel Davis

Wilkerson to hold candidate forum

State Representative David Wilkerson, D-Austell, will host a meet and greet event for south Cobb area county commission and school board candidates on June 27. The six candidates for the District 4 seat on the county commission, and three candidates for the Post 3 seat on the county school board have been invited. The forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road in Powder Springs.

Information: email: info@wilkersonforcobb.com; visit: www.wilkersonforcobb.com Janel Davis

Juneteenth fest in Marietta this weekend

The city of Marietta and the Cobb branch of the NAACP will recognize Juneteenth with a jazz and R&B concert, 7-11 p.m. Friday, and family activities, food and music from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 16 Saturday in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Information: cobbnaacp.org. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Shelter pairs senior cats with seniors

Cobb Senior Services and Cobb County Animal Control are joining forces to help senior cats find good homes with senior adults.

Because casts are relatively easy to care for, they make good companions for the targeted age group. At various summer forums, seniors can learn about the program, as well as, a free dog and cat food program, information on cat ownership and onsite adoptions with pet carriers.

Seniors can find more information at www.communityveterinarycare.org, and at the counties senior centers. Janel Davis

Acworth presents ‘Love the Lake’ concert

The city of Acworth presents a “Love the Lake” concert at Cauble Park 8 p.m. Friday with a Caribbean-themed performance by Steel Dreamin’. Special lighting effects, beach balls and pink flamingos are part of the act. Concert-goers are invited to bring blankets and chairs or buy 6-seat tables for $50. Free shuttles to the lake will run from City Hall, 4415 Senator Russell Ave., and the post office at 4915 N. Main St. 770-917-1234; www.acworth.org. H.M. Cauley for the AJC

GWINNETT

Three hurt in Lawrenceville house fire

Two adults and a child were injured Sunday evening when a fire broke out in the 500 block of Coalville Drive in Lawrenceville.

The one-story residential home was engulfed in smoke when firefighters arrived at 5:40 p.m. Two adult women were treated at the scene for minor-to-moderate burns on their upper bodies and possible smoke inhalation burns. A child also was treated for smoke inhalation. All three were transported to Gwinnett Medical Center for further evaluation.

Fire investigators said the blaze was caused by a grease fire on a stove in the garage. Andria Simmons

County approves contracts for road work

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved contracts for the widening of Ga. 20 in Sugar Hill and improvements to Club Drive near Gwinnett Place Mall last week.

Commissioners accepted $30 million in state and federal funding for utility relocation and construction as part of a project to widen Ga. 20 from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to the Forsyth County line. They also awarded a $452,905 contract to Ohmshiv Construction for new sidewalks and road shoulder improvements along Club Drive from Cruse Road to Club Drive Park. David Wickert

Mulberry Park trail wins national honor

On May 31 the federal government named the Karina Miller Preserve Loop Trail at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula a National Recreation Trail.

The 890-acre park includes 5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails and other facilities at one of the highest elevations in Gwinnett County. The National Recreation Trail designation recognizes trails that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the country.

Information : www.gwinnettparks.com. David Wickert

Norcross’ Bluesberry Festival on Saturday

Norcross is inviting residents and visitors to enjoy locally grown blueberries, a mini-beerfest and a lineup of blues artists at the appropriately named BluesBerry Festival.

The festival starts at 4 p.m. Saturday with the mini-beerfest at The Iron Horse Tavern at 29 Jones St. in Downtown Historic Norcross. From 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., Truett Lollis, T-Grease Johnson and Little G Weevil will perform on the stage at Betty Mauldin Park. Local restaurants will also host live music and blueberry chef specials starting that morning.

Information: www.aplacetoimagine.com. Joel Anderson

Pet vaccination clinic on Saturday

The Georgia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hosting a low cost vaccination clinic from 1 to 4 p.m. this Saturday. Rabies shots are $10, distemper/parvo shots are $10, canine Bordetella shots are $10, canine heartworm test is $25, microchipping is $25, deworming is $5, flea treatment is $5, nail clipping is $10. There will be a sale at the adjoining thrift shop, Sadie’s Place. All proceeds will help place homeless animals. The shelter is at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, in Suwanee.

Info: www.georgiaspca.org. Andria Simmons

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee files motion to allow company’s eviction

Cherokee County filed a motion Friday in the United States Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Georgia asking a judge to lift an automatic stay given to Ball Ground Recycling when the company filed for Chapter 11 protection May 25. Lifting the stay would clear the way for the county to evict plant owner Jimmy Bobo from land leased to the county as part of a partnership formed seven years ago. The company has fallen behind on bond payments, costing the county about $1.3 million last year and about another $600,000 in 2012. Jeffry Scott

Olens ‘offended’ by Cumming city attorney

Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens told Forsyth County Republicans at a breakfast Saturday in Cumming he was “offended” by Cumming City Attorney Dana Miles’ first response to his complaint that Mayor Henry Ford Gravitt broke open meetings laws when he banned activist Nydia Tisdale from video recording, and had her escorted from, a city council meeting April 17. Miles said Gravitt didn’t know if Tisdale was breaking the new state open records law, signed that same day by Governor Nathan Deal. Olens sued Cumming last week for fines up to $6,000. Jeffry Scott

Sandy Springs has new assistant city manager

Sandy Springs has hired Bryant Poole as assistant city manager for infrastructure. He joins the staff after 28 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation. Poole will head redevelopment of the City Center and oversee public works and capital improvements. Assistant City Manager Eden Freeman will continue to manage support services and be the point of contact on municipal court, information services, human resources and grants management. Patrick Fox

Milton school to get solid financial start

Milton’s Cambridge High, one of two new schools opened by Fulton County Schools this fall, will benefit from the district’s recently approved $814.1 budget that includes 102 new employees, including 90 teachers. Unlike schools in other districts, Cambridge teachers will not be forced to take furlough days, and property tax for the school’s households is projected to remain at 18.5 mills. Michael Alpert for the AJC

Homeowners to get coaching on taxes

North Fulton homeowners can talk to staffers from the county tax assessors office about how they set property tax values, and how to appeal them, at a community meeting today in Alpharetta. Hosted by county Commissioner Liz Hausmann, the meeting will last from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Road.

Information: 404-612-6404 or dewayne.pinckney@fultoncountyga.gov. Johnny Edwards

Candidates forum Tuesday in Cumming

Smart Growth Forsyth will hold a “Meet the Candidates” forum tonight at the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce events facility, 513 W. Maple St., Cumming. Board of commissioner candidates from districts 2, 4 and 5 have been invited. The forum begins at 7 p.m. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Summit focuses on immigrants

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on Arizona’s immigration law, prominent figures in the Southeast convened Monday at the W Downtown Atlanta hotel to discuss the importance of immigrants to the region’s economic and cultural vitality. Highlights of the first-ever Southeast Summit On Immigration included a keynote speech by former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Andria Simmons

Owens Corning donates to Habitat

Owens Corning recently announced it will donate up to $1 million in cash and in-kind gifts to Habitat for Humanity International over a three-year period. The Owens Corning Foundation donated $200,000 for 2012 and pledged $200,000 each year in 2013 and 2014. Shelia M. Poole

Youth Orchestra to play with ASO

The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform a side-by-side concert with members of the ASO on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Justin Blalock will be the concert host and guest orchestra conductor. The side-by-side concert will mark the end of an intensive four-day workshop allowing students to participate in special coaching sessions with the ASO musicians. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office or by calling 404-733-5000. Sandra Marshall Murray

‘Calypso Dreams’ to show at library

“Calypso Dreams,” the next movie in the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library’s fifth annual Caribbean Film Festival, will show on Wednesday. The award-winning film chronicles the roots of calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago.

Movies show each Wednesday this month, with receptions at 5 p.m. and movies starting at 6 p.m., followed by question-and-answer sessions. Next, on June 20, will be “Troubled Waters” from Saint Lucia. The library is at One Margaret Mitchell Square in downtown Atlanta. Johnny Edwards

DEKALB

County holds job-seeking seminars

DeKalb County will hold a series of seminars focusing on tools needed to find a job -- resume writing, networking and interview techniques.

The two-hour classes will be held every week for the rest of June at 320 Church St. in Decatur Interview techniques is at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Resume writing is on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. and again on Fridays at 2 p.m. The first in a two-part series on personal branding is at 10 a.m. on Thursdays and second part is on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Networking is at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Rhonda Cook

Course educates seniors to avoid scams

Prosecutors and law enforcement officials in DeKalb County are sponsoring a course on Thursday to help senior citizens avoid scams. The class, beginning at 10 a.m., will include tips from District Attorney Robert James, Sheriff Thomas Brown, Solicitor-General Sherry Boston and Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson along with a state legislator and representatives from the DeKalb County Police Department and Fire & Rescue and the Dunwoody Police Department. The training will be at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur. Rhonda Cook

PAWS Atlanta to hold fundraiser

PAWS Atlanta, the DeKalb County animal welfare group, will host one of its largest fundraisers this weekend.

“Party for the Paws” features dinner, a silent auction, live music and entertainment and dancing. The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Ansley Golf Club on Montgomery Ferry Drive in Atlanta. Tickets are $100 for individuals and $150 per couple. Information and to buy tickets: www.pawsatlanta.org. April Hunt

Night Out training session today

DeKalb County will hold a community training session today for the upcoming National Night Out. The Night Out event is designed to bring communities together to fight crime and decay through unit. That event will be held on Aug. 7.

The training workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, near Lithonia April Hunt

Park advisory group to meet Wednesday

The committee that helps DeKalb County decide how to spend its parks bond funds will meet Wednesday.

The Parks Bond Advisory Committee and Initiative for a Green DeKalb Advisory Council meeting will include an update on greenspace acquisitions and a tour of new trails at Mason Mill Park. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Mason Mill Park, 1400 McConnell Dr., near Decatur. Information: 404-371-2082. April Hunt

Lewis to meet DeKalb constituents

U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a Democrat who has represented the Atlanta area since 1987, will introduce himself to his new constituents in DeKalb County at a town hall on June 14.

Recent redistricting efforts have shifted Lewis’ congressional district further into DeKalb, prompting the meeting. The session begins at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Sanford Performing Arts Center on Rainbow Drive near Decatur. Information: 404-371-2988. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

Fulton commission, MARTA to me Wednesday

The Fulton County Commission has called a special meeting Wednesday to meet with MARTA. It will be held at noon in the fourth-floor conference room of the Government Center at 141 Pryor St., S.W., in downtown Atlanta.

The meeting is for MARTA General Manager Beverly Scott and other officials to give their second-quarter jurisdictional briefing. MARTA will also give updates on its fiscal year 2013 operating and capital budgets and talk about other transportation issues in Fulton. Johnny Edwards

Workshop helps to improve credit score

Those looking to buy a new home, new car or some other big-dollar item can get advice today on how to improve their credit scores. The Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department will host a workshop from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ponce de Leon branch library, 980 Ponce de Leon Ave., N.E., Atlanta. Equifax Vice President of Public Relations Tim Klein will run the class.

Information: 404-885-8300. Johnny Edwards

Market Day returns to Fayetteville Saturday

Market Day returns to downtown Fayetteville on Saturday with dozens of booths offering homemade and homegrown products. Main Street Coordinator Joyce Waits said more than 80 vendors have signed up to sell items ranging from produce and jewelry to flowers and crafts. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Future Market Days will be held on the third Saturday of each month through November. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Author to discuss new book at library

Newnan native Scott Thompson will discuss his new book “Young Men Shall See” at the Peachtree City Library Saturday at 1 p.m.

Thompson’s novel describes growing up in Georgia in the 1980s, and how the youth of his generation found their way in a new and integrated world. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

‘Lunch on the Lawn’ in Fayetteville Friday

Fayetteville Main Street’s “Lunch on the Lawn” takes place Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse.

Attendees can either bring their lunches or buy food on site and socialize amid entertainment by local singer/songwriter Jason Bowen.

The MOM’s Club of Fayetteville will sell baked goods to benefit playground equipment for the Church Street Park. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers

The American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to help cancer patients get to and from treatment in Clayton and Henry counties.

Many patients in these areas do not own cars or have access to public transportation, and missing appointments jeopardizes their chances for survival. The organization provides free training for “Road to Recovery” volunteers, who must be over 18 with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and a good driving record. To apply, call 770-632-6936. Jill Howard Church for the AJC