County by county news for Wednesday

South Cobb Citizen of Year event May 15

Reservations are due by Friday to attend the South Cobb Citizen of the Year Award luncheon at noon May 15 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell.

This event is sponsored by the South Cobb Rotary Club and the South Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

Reservations: eFax, 678-264-2223 or southcobbrotary@gmail.com.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

‘How to Do Business with Cobb’ seminar

A free “How to Do Business with Cobb” seminar will be 5 to 7 p.m. May 13 at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta.

Participants will learn how to become a vendor for the county and meet county personnel who make purchasing decisions.

Reservations: Inger.Eberhart@cobbcounty.org, 770-528-3317. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Austell seeks seasonal employee by Friday

Austell Public Works is accepting applications until Friday for a summer labor position.

The full-time employee primarily will be responsible for litter pick-up, mowing and weeding throughout the city for $8 an hour.

Information: austellga.gov, click “Position Details” under “Employment Opportunities.”

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Powder Springs approves police SUVs

The Powder Springs City Council approved Monday the purchase of four new Ford Interceptor SUVs for police lieutenants at $191,327 total.

Funding will come from contingency at $33,320; the seizure fund at $72,771 and Chief Charlie Sewell’s budget at $85,236.

Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

Host families needed for French students

Nearly two dozen French teens plan to visit the Atlanta area in July as part of an international education program, and host families are needed to house the students.

The program is run through Paris-based Loisirs Culturels à l’étranger and offers French teens a chance to stay in cities throughout the U. S. and experience American life firsthand.

Retired teacher Linda Farmer, who taught French and English in the Cobb County school system nearly 25 years, helps oversee the program and said families throughout the metro area are needed to host the French students from July 8-28.

No French language skills are needed. Information: lgfarmer@aol.com or 770-973-2452. Rose French

GWINNETT

Fire and Emergency Services opening doors

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services will hold an open house 8:30 to 10 a.m. May 16 at Gwinnett Fire Station 11, 5885 Live Oak Parkway in Norcross. Activities will include an overview of department services, interactive demonstrations, and tours of the station. Light refreshments provided.

Information: fireprograms@gwinnettcounty.com or call 678-518-4800. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Last day to sponsor Buford Business Expo

Today is the last day for sponsors and vendors to register for the Buford Business Alliance Expo to be held 2 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 at the Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Hwy NE. Event will include businesses face to face, workshops, giveaways and promotions. Information: 770-297-4750 or dannella@oakwoodoccasions.com. Karen Huppertz

Co-op in Grayson seeking donations

The Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry is seeking donations of lunch food items to assist families during the summer months. Donate 10 a.m. to noon or 3 to 7 p.m. each Monday or 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday at 1200 Athens Highway in Grayson. Information: 770-985-5229.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Buford planning business expo

The Buford Business Alliance is seeking small and large businesses for the 2014 Business Expo 2 to 7 p.m. June 10 at the Buford Community Center. Event will include networking, workshops, giveaways and other opportunities for potential customers and business-to-business relationships. Deadline for sponsor/vendor registration: May 9. Information: dannella@oakwoodoccasions.com or 770-297-4750. Karen Huppertz

Cleanup challenge underway through May

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful is hosting the Great American Cleanup Gwinnett Challenge, through May 31. Volunteers will beautify neighborhoods, reduce waste, initiate recycling programs, and plant trees. Open to businesses, governments, school, church and civic groups, athletic teams and individuals. Information: www.gwinnettcb.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Georgia Tech works to fight child obesity

Students from Georgia Tech are implementing a health education program to reduce childhood obesity by using elementary schools to promote healthier lifestyles with students at Duluth’s Chattahoochee Elementary School. The Health Integration via Education program provides weekly interactive health activities and lessons to 4th grade students covering diseases, the importance of physical activity, and identification and exploration of nutritious foods. HIVE also incorporates an online pedometer tool to track student’s progress and rewards for activity. Information: Sheldon Jefferson at 770-497-9907 or Sheldon_Jefferson@Gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Road closures set for Alpharetta event

A number of road closures are set from 5 a.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday in downtown Alpharetta in connection with the annual Taste of Alpharetta festival. Among then will be: Milton Avenue from Ga. 9 westbound to Milton Center and from Wills Road eastbound to Milton Center and Roswell Street from Old Milton Parkway to Milton Avenue. The “taste” is set for 5-10 p.m. Thursday across from Alpharetta City Hall at 2 S. Main St. It’ll feature samples from more than 60 restaurants, live music and cooking demonstrations. Information: alpharetta.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Ga. 9 work to cause delays in Forsyth

Resurfacing work on Ga. 9 (Atlanta Highway/Dahlonega Highway) in Forsyth County will last through Nov. 30 and will cause periodic delays and lane closures. The 5.83 mile pavement replacement project will stretch from Ga. 20 to Ga. 369. All work will be done from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Sundays through Fridays.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

School bus involved in accident in Roswell

A Fulton County school bus with 20 children on board was in an accident with another vehicle Tuesday morning, a spokeswoman for the Roswell Police Department said.

None of the students were injured in the crash, which occurred on Highway 120 at Barrington Drive, officials said.

The driver of the other vehicle received minor injuries, but did not require hospitalization.

Rodney Thrash

Cherokee education partners honored

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding Partners In Education for the Cherokee County School District at an annual awards ceremony. One winner was picked for each educational level. The winners: Chart Industries for its partnership with Cherokee High School, Oak Leaf Church for its teaming up with Teasley Middle School, Williams Orthodontics at Liberty Elementary School, and the Rotary Club of Canton for its partnership with the Canton Elementary School STEM academy. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

United Way benefit set for Saturday

The fifth annual Flavors of Forsyth is 4- 8 p.m. Saturday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Cumming. Dozens of local restaurants will be on hand with food samples and drinks, as will local food trucks. An artist market, live music, a craft wine and beer tasting and a kids zone will also be part of the event, which is a fundraiser for the United Way of Forsyth County. Information: unitedwayforsyth.com

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Reinhardt hosts young writers workshops

Reinhardt University in Waleska plans to launch a summer workshop for high-school-aged writers. The inaugural Etowah Valley Young Writers Institute will be held in two weeklong sessions June 16-20 and June 23-27 for rising 10th through 2th graders and will offer several different workshop-style courses, including poetry and screenwriting. They’ll be taught on-campus by Reinhardt faculty memberas. Cost: $315. More information: Reinhardt.edu/etowah.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

APS shrinks staff by about 130 positions

A total of about 130 positions in Atlanta Public Schools were slated for elimination Monday.

Reductions include curriculum personnel funded by expiring grants, facilities staff that will be consolidated and information technology employees lost in a reorganization.

The changes are intended to help the school system save money and become more efficient, according to school board documents posted online. Mark Niesse

Exhibit to show young photographers’ works

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta hosts the ImageMakers youth photography exhibit at 5:30 p.m. May 13 at Youth Art Connection, 63 Auburn Ave.

More than 100 photography works will be judged for awards and a chance to advance to regional competition.

Information: www.bgcma.org Kent A. Miles

Dixie Games event this weekend

The 34th annual Dixie Games competition for athletes with disabilities will take place FridayMay 9 through SundayMay 11 at venues in Atlanta and Cobb County.

Athletes from 16 states will participate in Paralympic-style adaptive sports events. Venues: Fair Oaks Park, 1460 W. Booth Road Extension SW, Marietta (archery); the Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road SW, Atlanta (boccia, powerlifting, fencing); the Center Cobb Aquatic Center, 520 S. Fairground St., Marietta (swimming); and the Westminster Schools, 1424 W. Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta (track and field). Information: dixiegames.com Kent A. Miles

CAU hosts young leaders program

Clark Atlanta University will be one of 20 hosts for the Washington Fellowship For Young African Leaders Program, June 14-July 25. The goal is to empower and bolster young leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring and networking in three distinct tracks — civic leadership, business and entrepreneurship, and public management. Nancy Badertscher

DEKALB

Beacon Hill close to opening

The $38.3 million Beacon Municipal Center opens later this month after 15 months construction. With one more board meeting remaining at Westchester Tuesday, City Schools Decatur moves into the complex in late May, with the police/municipal courts wing ready July 1 and the new Ebster Gym opening a month later. Bill Banks for the AJC

Brand expert to discuss book at Marcus Center

Marketing professional and brand expert Joey Reiman will speak at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta at Zaban Park, 7:30 p.m. May 20, at 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

Reiman, founder and CEO of the Atlanta-based global consultancy BrightHouse, will discuss his recent book, “The Story of Purpose: The Path to Creating a Brighter Brand, a Greater Company, and a Lasting Legacy.” .

Admission: $15, $10 for center members. Information: www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Exhibition to feature homeless artists

The Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, an organization that provides emergency services, job training and advocacy for homeless men and women in metro Atlanta, is hosting an art exhibition at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Old Courthouse on the Square, 101 E. Court Square in downtown Decatur. The “Central ArtWorks” exhibition will feature work produced by homeless men and women who are clients of the center. Tickets are $40, $25 for students.

Information: www.tinyurl.com/CentralArtWorks. Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Northlake Community Alliance meeting

The Northlake Community Alliance Inc. will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the back lot building behind Briarlake Baptist Church, 3715 LaVista Road, Decatur.

The meeting will focus on what new leaders of the DeKalb Development Authority are doing to improve the economy of the area. Vaughan Irons, the development authority chairman, and Douglas Stoner, the managing director, will speak.

Information: www.nlake.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

CDC specialist to speak at Dunwoody library

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention senior public affairs specialist Kathy Nellis Chastney will discuss her experiences at a talk hosted by Friends of the Dunwoody Library, 7 p.m. Monday at the library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road.

Guests will have the opportunity ask Chastney questions about working for the CDC, which is based in Atlanta.

Information: www.friendsofdunwoodylibrary.org

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Registration underway for Chamblee race

Registration is open for a 5K and 1K race Saturday that includes parts of the runways at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

The Chamblee Run and Rotary Roll is designed for runners and walkers of all levels, and is open to people in wheelchairs.

Registration: $20 in advance and $25 the week of the event.

Information: 770-986-5016; www.chambleega.com. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

College Park councilman named to aviation panels

College Park Councilman Ambrose Clay has been appointed to the board of Ascent, the aviation sustainability center of excellence, a cooperative of several universities and the Federal Aviation Administration.

He has also been appointed to a panel of the Airport Cooperative Research Program tasked with initiating and overseeing aviation research on helicopter noise, and the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee.

Information. www.collegeparkga.com Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Early voting open in Fayette

Early voting for the 2014 General Primary Election is under way through May 16 at three Fayette County locations. Registered voters can cast ballots weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peachtree City Library, the Tyrone Town Hall or the Fayette County Elections Office.

Voting will also be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Fayetteville location only.

Call 770-305-5408 with questions.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Rock violinist coming to Bennett’s Mill

Acclaimed violinist Bridgid Bibbens will perform with all 100 orchestra students at Bennett’s Mill Middle School at 7 p.m. Monday at the school auditorium, 210 Lester Road in Fayetteville.

Bibbens is known for her acoustic and electric performances with such artists as Christina Aguilera, Jay-Z, Robin Thicke, Alicia Keys and others.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Chamber to host ‘Eggs and Issues Breakfast’

Felicia Strong-Whitaker, interim director of the Fulton County Office of Purchasing and Contract Compliance, will be the keynote speaker at the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues Breakfast,” 7:30 a.m. May 15 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta.

Admission is $30 for chamber members, $40 for nonmembers.

Information: southfultonchamber.com

Kent A. Miles for the AJC

Piedmont Henry hosts cooking class

Piedmont Henry Hospital is hosting two cooking demonstrations for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers in May and June. “Fear Factor: From fearful to fearless in the kitchen” is May 28, and “How does your herb garden grow?” is June 25.

Both are from noon to 2 p.m. in the hospital’s Foundation Education Center.

Information and registration: piedmontcancer.org or 770-719-5860. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Art show Saturday on McDonough square

Art in the Park, sponsored by McDonough Arts, is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 10, on the square in McDonough.

Artists are welcome to gather, demonstrate their skill and bring some of their work to sell. There is no cost.

Information: 770-624-4440 or www.mcdonougharts.net.

Monroe Roark for the AJC