COBB
Powder Springs mayor breaks rare tie
In a rare move, Powder Springs Mayor Patricia Vaughn broke a 2-2 tie Monday by voting to reject all bids and seek new bids to sell 1.6 acres south of Richard D. Sailors Parkway between Florence Road and U.S. 278. A part of the motion also approves another appraisal for no more than $1,500.
Councilwomen Rosalyn Neal and Cheryl Sarvis voted in favor, while Councilwoman Nancy Hudson and Councilman Al Thurman opposed the motion with Councilman Chris Wizner absent.
Thurman said he was opposed to using city funds for the new appraisal. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw delays mobile home park annexation
Kennesaw City Council delayed annexation of 32 acres of the 84-acre Castle Lake Mobile Home Park off Old Highway 41 after residents opposed the plan.
The city annexed the rest of the park in February for a $150 million retail and residential development. The council on Monday voted to get more information before voting on the second development, a proposed $40 million mixed-use project. Residents said the $2,500 offered was not enough to relocate.
The park has 320 trailer lots. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Powder Springs police may take cars home
The Powder Springs City Council approved Monday a policy to allow some of the city’s police officers to take police vehicles home to extend the life of the newer vehicles.
Council also approved Monday the purchase of a replacement police vehicle for $35,977 to replace one that was damaged by a motorist and last month four new Ford Interceptor SUVs for police lieutenants at $191,327.
Fourteen rule sections are included in the new law - any and all of which can be suspended or revoked by Police Chief Charlie Sewell for violations with no appeals or grievances that can be filed by the officers.Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Civil War camp to set up on Marietta Square
Union and Confederate re-enactors will set up camp Thursday through Sunday in Glover Park on the Marietta Square to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Historian Brad Quinlin will lead a walking tour of Civil War hospital sites 11:30 a.m. Saturday starting at the Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot St.
Tickets: $15. Information: www.mariettahistory.org.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Cobb Chamber hosts free workshop today
A free workshop on “Performance and Success with Quickbooks” will be presented by Score 1 to 3 p.m. today at the Cobb Chamber, 240 Interstate North Parkway.
Information: info@cobbchamber.org or 770-980-2000.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Marietta police offer place to drop off meds
The Marietta Police Department, 240 Lemon St., has started a permanent place to drop off unused prescription medications at a secured box that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the station. Information: Sgt. Rick Redd at 770-794-5306.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Nominations due for Golden Hammer Awards
The Lawrenceville Tourism and Trade Association is accepting nominations for the 7th Annual Golden Hammer Awards now through July 18. The awards recognize individuals and businesses engaged in renovation, remodels and build projects to revitalize downtown Lawrenceville. Awards will be announced at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at 550 Trackside, 550 N. Clayton St. Information: Jenny.Savoy@LawrencevilleGa.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Norcross opens performing arts school
Gwinnett’s first performing arts charter school is scheduled to open in August 2014 at 182 Hunter Street Northwest in Norcross. North Metro Academy of Performing Arts is currently taking applications for K – 6th graders for the 2014 – 2015 school year. The Academy will integrate performing arts into a rigorous Common Core-based curriculum. Information: 770-903-3400 or northmetroacademyofperformingarts.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Series on Civil War highlights women
The Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center continues their month-long series commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with an interpretive performance of ‘Civil War Women’ by Cindy Horton at 4 p.m. Sunday10 College St. Free. Information: 678-421-2049 or www.norcrossga.net.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Berkeley Lake seeks input on plan
Berkeley Lake will host an Open House to discuss the city’s comprehensive plan process 6 to 8 p.m. June 30 at City Hall, 4040 S. Berkeley Lake Road. Residents are invited to provide input at this meeting. Questions: Jared Lombard at jlombard@atlantaregional.com.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Job fair for veterans and others
Unemployment Eliminators will hold a Job/Career Fair for veterans, transitioning military personnel, students, recent graduates and anyone seeking employment 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville. Admission and parking are free. Information: www.unemploymenteliminators.com or 678-863-0425.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Gwinnett district seeks input on property tax
Gwinnett County school officials are holding three public hearings starting next week for residents to speak about a plan to maintain the district’s property tax rate.
The property tax rate is currently 21.85 mills. The county’s school board voted in favor of the proposed millage rate in May.
Public hearings are set for 11:45 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 p.m. June 26 at the Gwinnett school district’s headquarters, 437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee.Eric Stirgus
NORTHSIDE
Forsyth to consider pawnshop ordinance
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a proposed change to the Forsyth County Pawnbrokers and Pawn Shop Establishment Ordinance. It’s set for 5 p.m. July 3 at the Forsyth County Administration Building, 110 E. Main St., Cumming. The proposal would repeal a section of the ordinance banning the sale of metal knuckles, blackjacks or similar weapons and deeming any licensee or employee who does so guilty of an offense. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock gives final buudget approal
The Woodstock City Council gave final approval to its budget Monday. The roughly $34.1 million document calls for a rollback in the millage rate from 7.889 to 7.250, due to an anticipated increase in the tax digest, and hands employees a 2 percent pay raise. The budget also calls for a hike in water and sewer rates, with the monthly base rates for both water and sewer rising by $1. Mark Woolsey
Forsyth sheriff starting special needs program
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office starts a program called Special Needs Awareness of Public Safety. SNAPS will offer people with special needs personal interaction with law officers through classes, scenarios and simulations. The firstl event featuring the sheriff’s office, fire department, 9-1-1 and EMS is 4- 6 p.m. Saturday at Cumming First United Methodist Church, 770 Canton Highway. Meetings will be held beginning at 5 p.m. July 9 at 3520 Settingdown Road, Cumming. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Northside 9-1-1 seeks accreditation
The Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority, which provides service to Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody and Brookhaven is seeking accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. City employees and the public can offer comment by phone 1-3 p.m. July 21 at 404-843-6615. Written comments can be sent to CALEA, 13575 Heathcote Blvd., Suite 320,Gainesville, VA, 20155. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Volunteers certified in Cherokee County
Sixteen Cherokee County volunteers became certified firefighters after completing required coursework recently. Volunteer Barrett Reiner received the Pinnacle Award and Molly Childs won the Lewis Williams Outstanding Achievement Award. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Recycling initiative to launch in Roswell
Keep Roswell Beautiful will hold a ceremony at 2:30 p.m. today near the playground at Roswell Area Park, 10495 Woodstock Road, to debut the city’s recycling bin initiative.
The bins, for aluminum cans and glass and plastic bottles, will be available year-round to increase the number of recycling opportunities throughout the city’s park system.
Roswell is one of more than two dozen communities nationwide receiving public park recycling grants this year.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
ATLANTA
New president for the Georgia Conservancy
Robert Ramsey will take the reins of the Georgia Conservancy starting July 1, replacing former Lt. Gov Pierre Howard.
Ramsey, currently the group’s vice president of development, was one of the world’s top professional fly fishing guides before entering the policy side of natural resource conservation and environmental advocacy. He has been with the Conservancy since 2011.
Howard, who became president in 2009, announced earlier this year that his plans to step down. Kristina Torres
Belhaven University names new dean
Emma W. Morris has been named the new dean of faculty for the Atlanta campus of Belhaven University.
Morris served as vice president of advancement and most recently chairwoman of the Organizational Leadership Department of the adult program at Point University in East Point.
Morris holds a bachelor of arts degree from Emory University and a master of business administration degree from the University of South Carolina. She has been a speaker, writer and adviser to entrepreneurs and corporate executives for over 20 years.
Belhaven University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 30 academic majors. It is based in Jackson, Miss.
Morris begins her duties as Belhaven dean of faculty in Atlanta on July 8. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Jewish genealogy workshop on Sunday
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia will host a workshop at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Breman Museum, 1440 Spring St. NW.
Participants in this round-table discussion are invited to bring their laptops, documents and records to discuss their research concerns.
Admission is included in the museum’s fee - $12, adults; $8, seniors 62 and over; $6, students/educators; free, children under 3 but free for museum members.
Information: thebreman.org or David Slater, slaterd@bellsouth.net.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
DEKALB
Anti-Recidivism Court helps reform youth
The Anti-Recidivism Court, created by District Attorney Robert James in December 2011, requires participants between the ages of 17 and 25 to report for probation, perform community service, undergo random reporting, report to monthly compliance hearings, abide by curfew and electronic monitoring, and attend behavior modification classes.
James said the program provides life skills training and strict guidelines, giving those who complete the requirements a way to have their cases dismissed while making them less likely to commit crimes again. Mark Niesse
Gun safety focus of town hall meeting
A town hall meeting on gun safety is 7 p.m. Thursday at Wade Walker YMCA, 5605 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. State Rep. Billy Mitchell review the Safe Carry Protection Act, which takes effect July 1. The law allows residents with concealed carry permits to take guns into churches, government buildings and bars. Police department representatives will teach proper gun usage, storage and safety.
The YMCA is a gun free zone, and only law enforcement officers will be allowed entry with a firearm. Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Gallery to hold opening reception
ART Station, a contemporary art center in Stone Mountain, will host a reception for the opening of two exhibits “Stir the Pot” featuring works from the Ebony Stitchers Quilt Guild and “Lyrics, Wood and Clay,” by artist Stephen A. Webber 7 p.m. June 28 at 5384 Manor Road. Free. Information: artstation.org Kent A. Miles
Outdoor Shabbat event at Marcus center
“Dive Into Shabbat,” an outdoor Shabbat celebration and pool party is 5 p.m. June 27 at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. Free.
Guests can bring their own picnic dishes or purchase Kosher food on site. In case of inclement weather, call 678-812-4011.
Information: rabbi.glusman@atlantajcc.org or 678-812-4161.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Church to sponsor community health walk
Victory for the World Church, 1170 N. Hairston Road, Stone Mountain hosts a 5K Health Walk, 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
The 5-kilometer walk is to promote health awareness and education. Free health screenings and HIV testing and a CPR class will be offered.
Proceeds go to Victory’s Mission Ministry, which helps people and organizations in metro Atlanta and Africa.
Information: www.victoryfortheworld.org or 678-476-6000.
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Courses offered at Georgia Perimeter
Georgia Perimeter College offers half-semester courses for students to earn full-time, transferable credits in four weeks.
The courses begin June 30. Registration ends June 26.
More than 50 courses will be offered at Georgia Perimeter’s campuses in Clarkston, Dunwoody and Decatur, as well as offered online. Selected half-semester courses will also be offered on Georgia Perimeter’s Alpharetta campus and Newton campus in Covington.
Information: www.gpc.edu
Kent A. Miles for the AJC
SOUTHSIDE
Sheriff to host church safety seminar
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its “Church Safety and Security” program with the enactment of HB 60, which calls for changes to Georgia’s concealed weapons carry regulations. A nondenominational seminar is scheduled for 7 p.m. July 10, at the HCSO auditorium. Sheriff Keith McBrayer has determined that training programs should be expressly designed to prepare religious leaders and administrators to handle emergencies, according to officials. To reserve seats for the seminar, contact Lisa Fincher at 770-288-7127. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Piedmont Henry to host blood drive
Piedmont Henry Hospital and the American Red Cross host a blood drive 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 7 in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center, Classroom A. A donor must be: in good health; age 17 or older; weigh at least 110 pounds; not have donated blood within the last 56 days; and, show a valid photo I.D.
It is recommended donors eat a snack or meal within two hours prior to donating blood. Information: piedmonthenry.org.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette replies regarding lake fix
Fayette County Chairman Steve Brown has replied to a letter sent by the City Council of Peachtree City regarding the dredging and spillway repair pending at Lake Peachtree.
The city and the county are still trying to coordinate efforts with the state to obtain permits and begin work that has left the lake nearly dry since early spring. Brown said the county “is moving forward with all deliberate speed” to get the project closer to completion so the lake can be refilled.
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Conservation group hosts farm dinner
The Southern Conservation Trust will host a Farm to Table dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Minter’s Farm in Fayetteville. The event features food from local farmers as well as a silent auction and live music.
For tickets and information: sctlandtrust.org/farm-to-table-2014/. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Development officialto address chamber
Mary Ellen McClanahan, director of Entrepreneur and Small Business Development for the Georgia Department of Economic Development will be the keynote speaker at the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta.
Admission to the luncheon is $40 for chamber members, $50 for nonmembers.
Information: southfultonchamber.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC
Fayette park committee meeting
The pubic is invited to attend the next meeting of the Fayette County Justice Park Committee at 7 p.m. on June 25 at the Administrative Complex meeting room, 140 Stonewall Ave. West in Fayetteville.
The volunteer group is working on developing a park near the county justice center. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
