Dobbins to hear from people on noise, impact
Dobbins Air Reserve Base officials will hold a community meeting today to discuss the base’s new compatibility study.
The Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study will include an analysis of the effects of aircraft noise, the aircraft accident potential and the impact of adjacent land development on neighboring communities.
The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta. Information: 678-655-5055 Janel Davis
Wine tasting to benefit animal shelter
Marietta Wine Market will host a wine tasting today benefitting the Cobb County Animal Control.
The fundraiser suggested minimum contribution is $10 and includes appetizers.
The wine tasting runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the market, 18 Powder Springs Street on Marietta Square.
Donate online at: www.cobbanimalcontrol.org Janel Davis
Operation Warmth collects coats for kids
Operation Warmth has set a goal of collecting 500 coats for Cobb County elementary and middle school children by Dec. 20.
Email cobboperationwarmth@gmail.com to be assigned a specific coat for a child in need and to make arrangements for pick-up or delivery.
No monetary donations are being accepted -- only new coats.
Information:
or
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Police hold Christmas event for kids
The Cobb County Fraternal Order of Police Kermit Sanders Lodge #13 is hosting its 24th annual “Cops & Kids” event today.
The event (formerly called “Shop with a Cop”) will be from 8 a.m. to noon at Target at 4125 Austell Road in Austell.
Info: Cobb County Police Department’s Public Information Office at 770-499-3910. Andria Simmons
Three named Cobb citizens of the year
Three Cobb County residents were named citizen of the year last week by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.
Gwen Buller, co-chairwoman of GTC Gives Back breast cancer care charity, received the West Cobb citizen’s award. Chef Henry Chandler, owner of Henry’s Louisiana Grill and Henry’s Uptown restaurants received the Acworth honor for his volunteer work.
Jay Cunning, owner of Superior Plumbing Service, received the Kennesaw honor for his company’s community service and festival sponsorships. Janel Davis
Bank branches sponsor Toys for Tots drive
The Bank of North Georgia is sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive through Friday.
Each branch is supporting a local charity and customers and local residents can participate by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the following bank branches: Kennesaw/Chastain Road, Marietta/Johnson Ferry, Marietta/Roswell Street.
Information: www.bankofnorthgeorgia.com. Veronica Fields Johnson
GWINNETT
Police arrest two in fatal stabbing
Two people were arrested early Tuesday and charged with last week’s death of a man found stabbed in a Duluth parking lot.
Kwang Ko, 32, of Duluth, was found lying in the parking lot between the bank and an Aldi store on Pleasant Hill Road last Thursday. He later died of stab wounds, police said
On Tuesday police arrested Seung Won Lee and Dong Ho Shin, both of Duluth, and charged each with murder and aggravated assault, Woodruff said.
The two were booked into the Gwinnett County Jail and are being held without bond. Mike Morris
Duluth police awarded $16,660 grant
The Duluth Police Department has been awarded a $16,600 grant from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant will fund the agency’s Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) unit, which aims to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities from drugs and alcohol, speeding and aggressive driving and non-use of safety belts. Information: 770-476-4151 or www.gahighwaysafety.org. Joel Anderson
SPCA to offer low-cost pet vaccinations
The Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will offer low-cost vaccinations and tests Saturday for cat and dog owners. Owners can bring their pets from 1 to 4 p.m. For a $10 donation, they can also receive a photo with Santa and a printed photo and CID with all the pictures. The Georgia SPCA is at 1175 Buford Highway, Suite 109, Suwanee. Information: 678-765-2726 or Jane Stewart at stewart426@bellsouth.net. Joel Anderson
Aurora to show Bonnie and Clyde musical
The Aurora Theatre has announced a new musical, “Bonnie & Clyde: A Folktale,” will debut at the theater in March.
The show is set in Depression-Era Texas, following renowned outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.The shows will run March 15 through April 8. Information: www.auroratheatre.com or 678-226-6222. Joel Anderson
New London Theatre Christmas show Dec. 18
The New London Theatre in Snellville is putting on new shows of “A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show” through Dec. 18. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the theater, which is located at 2485 Main Street East in Snellville. Tickets are $10 and available through http://www.newlondontheatre.org/.
Information: 770-559-1484 and information@newlondontheatre.org. Joel Anderson
Duluth police program aimed at students
The Duluth Police Department has launched a new program geared toward middle school students. The BADGE (Bullying, Alcohol, Drugs and Gangs Education) Program “provides the 7th grade student with skills and knowledge to avoid the pitfalls that so often plague our communities,” said a statement from the police.
The course is offered during health classes four days a week and will last for three weeks.
Information: bjohnson@duluthpd.com or 678-475-3521. Joel Anderson
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth fire department graduates recruits
The Forsyth County Fire Department promoted two employees and graduated a six-member recruit class at a special ceremony Dec. 9 in Cumming.
Ed Siggelkow, who joined the department in 2006 and serves as fire marshal, was promoted to captain. Robert Styles, who has been with the department since 2001, was promoted to lieutenant. The six new firefighters are the only recruit class the Fire Department has had this year.
The department has 126 field suppression personnel. Patrick Fox
Johns Creek hold crime safety workshop
Johns Creek Police Department Community Services Division will host a ‘Holiday Crime Safety’ workshop on Thursday and Dec. 20 at 11445 Johns Creek Parkway. The event will focused on preventing home burglaries, thefts from motor vehicles, robberies and holiday crime safety tips. Information: email JCPDcommsvsc@JohnsCreekGA.gov. Sandra Marshall Murray
Adoption workshop in Alpharetta Jan. 14
Beacon House Adoption Services and the Adoption Advocates of Georgia will host informational workshop on international and domestic adoption on Jan. 14 from 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. at the Marriott Courtyard Atlanta Alpharetta, 12655 Deerfield Parkway. Attendees will learn about the adoption process, the home study application and requirements. Information and to pre-register: www.BeaconHouseAdoption.com, 864-360-1523 and www.AdoptionAdvocatesofga.org 770-853-9591. Sandra Marshall Murray
Brain food offered at library study break
Teens who choose the Alpharetta Library as a place to study for finals will get free “brain food” on Monday. “Teen Study Break,” with food provided by library volunteers, starts at 5 p.m. at 238 Canton Street. Information: 770-740-2425. Johnny Edwards
Automotive class seeking junk cars
Junk and unwanted cars can find a home and a good use in the automotive training program at Fulton County’s Chattahoochee High School. The vehicles will be used to teach young automotive technicians, and they don’t need to be able to run or drive, said Jeff Shmanske, ASE master certified technician and automotive technology instructor at Chattahoochee. Contact: ShmanskeJ@fulton.k12.ga.us or call 770-521-7600 ext. 178
Nancy Badertscher
Milton invites input in online survey
An online community character study is available at the city of Milton’s website, www.cityofmiltonga.us, as part of the city’s Livable Communities Initiative (LCI) Grant study of the Ga. Highway 9 area.
The survey, which takes less than 10 minutes, includes a visual study of business, residential and green space areas. Residents rank images that are most appropriate for the Ga. 9/Windward/Deerfield parkways area. There are also questions about issues of transportation, business, housing and pedestrian access. Results will help city planners plan for growth. Andria Simmons
ATLANTA
Jackson school meeting on Thursday
A community meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at M.H. Jackson High School, 801 Glenwood Ave. SE Atlanta. Topics will include the planned renovation, advanced placement classes and the school’s bid to join the International Baccalaureate program. Valerie Jackson, former first lady of Atlanta, board chairwoman Brenda Muhammad and Superintendent Erroll Davis will deliver remarks. Information: http://talkupaps.wordpress.com. Jaime Sarrio
Ice skate for Toys of Tots tonight at Centennial
Tonight’s the night to put skates on your feet and the spirit of Christmas in your heart and head down to Centennial Olympic Park. The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and Toys for Tots Foundation are teaming up today to help needy children around the country. They’re offering a chance to skate free at Centennial Olympic Park’s ice skating rink with the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders to anyone who brings an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
The skating is set from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the free skating. Southwest Airlines will give away a set of Southwest tickets to one lucky winner, as well.
Info: www.centennialpark.com. Nancy Badertscher
Church delivers ‘Christmas kindness’
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta gave new gifts, coats and appliances to more than 3,000 families in need as part of its “Christmas Kindness” program during Dec. 3-7.
Three hundred volunteers assisted with the five day event. Kenneth Musisi
Sophia Academy to hold holiday camp
Sophia Academy will hold its third annual Holiday Camp Dec. 19-21 and Dec. 26-28 with an extended after-care program.
Parents are encourage to sign up now as space is limited. For information, contact Melissa Shure at 404-303-8722 ext. 110 or mshure@sophiaacademy.org. Gracie Bonds Staples
ATLANTA
Jackson school meeting on Thursday
A community meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at M.H. Jackson High School, 801 Glenwood Ave. SE Atlanta. Topics will include the planned renovation, advanced placement classes and the school’s bid to join the International Baccalaureate program. Valerie Jackson, former first lady of Atlanta, board chairwoman Brenda Muhammad and Superintendent Erroll Davis will deliver remarks. Information: http://talkupaps.wordpress.com. Jaime Sarrio
Ice skate for Toys of Tots tonight at Centennial
Tonight’s the night to put skates on your feet and the spirit of Christmas in your heart and head down to Centennial Olympic Park. The Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and Toys for Tots Foundation are teaming up today to help needy children around the country. They’re offering a chance to skate free at Centennial Olympic Park’s ice skating rink with the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders to anyone who brings an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
The skating is set from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the free skating. Southwest Airlines will give away a set of Southwest tickets to one lucky winner, as well.
Info: www.centennialpark.com. Nancy Badertscher
Church delivers ‘Christmas kindness’
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta gave new gifts, coats and appliances to more than 3,000 families in need as part of its “Christmas Kindness” program during Dec. 3-7.
Three hundred volunteers assisted with the five day event. Kenneth Musisi
Sophia Academy to hold holiday camp
Sophia Academy will hold its third annual Holiday Camp Dec. 19-21 and Dec. 26-28 with an extended after-care program.
Parents are encourage to sign up now as space is limited. For information, contact Melissa Shure at 404-303-8722 ext. 110 or mshure@sophiaacademy.org. Gracie Bonds Staples
DEKALB
Doraville’s vote on vacant seat March 6
Doraville will hold a special election in March to fill the vacant city council seat formerly held by Mayor Donna Pittman.
The District 1 seat represents the northern part of the city, including the Tilly Mill and Winters Chapel areas.
Qualifying for the seat will be from Jan. 23 to 25 at Doraville City Hall. The fee is $252, or 3 percent of the $8,400 council salary.
The election will be held on March 6, the same date as the presidential primary. April Hunt
Watson to hold Christmas party Sunday
County Commissioner Stan Watson will host a Christmas party this week in south DeKalb to benefit his legislative breakfasts and local children.
The Touch of Red and White celebration runs from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Road. Howard Hewitt formerly of the band Shalamar will be part of the entertainment.
Entrance fee is $25 and a new unwrapped toy for the YMCA Academy of South DeKalb.
Information: GoTeamWatson@gmail.com. April Hunt
Group wants money to study mall area
The Stonecrest Growth Initiative Task Force and the Stonecrest Business Alliance plan to apply for a grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission to plot the future of the area around the Mall at Stonecrest.
The $150,000 Livable Centers Initiative or LCI grant will require $30,000 in matching funds to be awarded.
The area has applied twice before for the funding, which organizers hope to use to develop growth strategies.
Deadline for the grant is Dec. 16. April Hunt
Bank branches hold Toys for Tots drive
The Bank of North Georgia is sponsoring a Holiday Toy Drive through Friday.
Each branch is supporting a local charity and customers and local residents can participate by bringing new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls to the bank branches located in Dunwoody and Tucker.
Information: www.bankofnorthgeorgia.com. Veronica Fields Johnson
YMCA honors Commissioner Sutton
DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton recently earned an honor from the South DeKalb YMCA.
The group named her its 2011 Tom Wilson Impact award winner, named for the founder of the group’s Lady Attack soccer program, for her work with youth in the county. April Hunt
County holds winter break day camp
The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold a winter break day camp for children ages 5-12, from Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 27 -31 from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the county’s recreation centers.
Registration deadline is Friday. The fee is $30 per week, payable by either cashier’s check or money order to the recreation center of your choice.
Participants must provide their own lunch and snack. Information: LaShanda Davis at 404-371-3643.
Veronica Fields Johnson
SOUTHSIDE
Fayette board adopts shorter school calendar
The Fayette County Board of Education approved two pending schedule measures Monday. It formally adopted a new calendar for the 2012-13 school year, which was shortened by several days to trim staff and operating costs due to a projected $10 million budget shortfall. Next summer students will report to class on Aug. 13 and end the year on May 24. The Board also approved a two-year pilot program at Sandy Creek High School, which is experimenting with a seven-period school day to give students more scheduling options. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Stockbridge council adopts 2012 budget
The Stockbridge City Council voted Monday to adopt its 2012 operating budget of $19,827,232. While that is $606,094 less than the proposed 2011 budget, it is $1,474,942 more than the 2011 amended budget, with the increase attributed mainly to SPLOST projects and a loan payment on City Hall. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Sunday alcohol sales to begin in Stockbridge
The Stockbridge City Council approved an ordinance Monday that allows Sunday alcohol sales to begin immediately, after a referendum was approved in November. Voters in all four of Henry County’s cities passed Sunday sales, and McDonough merchants began selling last month. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Edwards to hold community meeting
Today Fulton County Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards will hold the last of three community meetings this week on the South Fulton Special Services District’s 2012 budget, a draft of which would raise the unincorporated area’s special property tax rate by 1.5 mills.
The session starts at 7 p.m. at Cedar Grove Community House, 9285 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn. Budget information: http://fultoncountyga.gov/finance-budget-information. Meeting information: 404-612-8230. Johnny Edwards
HMC accepts umbilical blood donations
Parents with children born at Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge now have the option of donating their child’s umbilical cord blood – rich with stem cells that can help patients who need bone marrow transplants.
Cord blood has been used in transplants to treat cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Henry Medical will donate the blood to LifeCord, a public cord blood bank affiliated with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. Misty Williams
New path to ease access to Starr’s Mill school
Construction of a multi-use path along a portion of Redwine Road in Fayette County is meant to improve access to the Starr’s Mill school complex.
The new path will begin near the entrance of the New Haven subdivision and go south across Bernhard Road/Peachtree Parkway past WoodCreek to The Preserve, where existing paths connect to the rest of the Peachtree City system.
The project is fully funded by a $740,000 federal grant under the Safe Routes to School program. Completion is expected by April . Jill Howard Church for the AJC
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