COBB
Golick campaign awards scholarships
State Rep. Rich Golick, R-Smyrna, has announced the two winners of his annual State House Scholarship Fund which his campaign committee has given over the past 15 years. The $1,000 scholarships were given to Rayleigh Rozier, a Campbell High School graduate and a University of Georgia freshman, and John A. “Jag” Gangemi, a Westiminster School graduate and Georgia Tech freshman. Golick said the scholarships have one condition: “Years from now when they achieve the level of success they can and will reach, they must help a student on the way up just as they have been helped. Pay it forward.” Bill Rankin
Elementarys get “blue ribbon” recognition
The Marietta Center for Advanced Academics has been named a National Blue Ribbon School.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan included the school among 236 to receive the honor this year. The school was in the “exemplary high performing” category because of high scores on state tests.
Third to fifth grade students attend the magnet school where they take an accelerated curriculum emphasizing science, technology and math through an “interdisciplinary project-based” approach in a “one-to-one computing environment,” according to the school. Two Cobb County schools, Fair Oaks Elementary and Tritt Elementary, also made the list. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Cumberland CID Board to meet Thursday
The Cumberland Community Improvement District Board of Directors will meet at 7:30 a.m. Thursday9/26 at the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, 240 Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta. Information: Melissa Crook at 770-859-2357. Veronica Fields Johnson
Use Census data to help your business
“Get Smart About Your Business: A Census Economic/Business Workshop” will be 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton.
Participants will learn the basics of using U.S. Census data to start or expand their business by locating potential customers, exploring expansion or better understanding their industry.
Information: 678-398-5828. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Cupid plans town hall meeting
Cobb County District Four Commissioner Lisa Cupid will hold a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. today at the Ron Anderson Recreation Center, 3820 Macedonia Road, Powder Springs.
Information: 770-528-3312 or cobbcounty.org/cupid. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw skatepark construction underway
Kennesaw has started the final phase of construction on a $1.8 million skatepark at Swift -Cantrell Park off Old U.S. Highway 41. The project, funded by $1.4 million in 2011 SPLOST funds and corporate and private donations, is expected to be completed this fall. Work is under way on a flow course and bowl.
The 40,000-square-foot project is modeled on a competitive street league design for skaters on all levels. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
GWINNETT
Renovations coming to Bethesda Park
Lawrenceville’s Bethesda Park will receive a $1.02 million renovation to the softball facilities which include a two-story building with concessions, restrooms, a scorekeeper’s deck, offices, meeting room/offices, a maintenance area, replaced backstops, improve field drainage, more shade for spectators, add fencing and landscaping and repaved parking lot. The complex hosts state, regional and local tournaments during 40 weekends a year. The facility is also the Gwinnett Masters home field for special-needs athletes age 18 and over. Renovations will be paid for with 2009 SPLOST funds Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Lilburn lake to undergo improvements
Gwinnett will spend nearly $1.8 million to remove sediment and improve water quality in county-owned Pounds Lake near Lilburn. Construction should begin in November and take about six months to complete. Information: www.gwinnettcounty.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Seniors scholarship semi-finalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corp. has begun its nationwide search for its 2014 National Merit Scholars — winners of scholarships worth some $35 million who will be announced starting next spring. As part of this first step, 51 Gwinnett County Public Schools seniors have qualified by being named 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists. The students from 11 Gwinnett high schools will compete with about 16,000 students, nationwide, for the official National Merit Scholar title. Nancy Badertscher
Public safety fall festival this weekend
The county police and fire departments will host a public safety fall festival 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Coolray Field, 2500 Buford Drive, Lawrenceville. The free event features fire truck, police motorcycle and helicopter displays, safety training demonstrations, kids’ activities, pet adoptions, and a softball face-off between police and firefighters. Information: 770-513-5119 or 678-518-4845. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Food trucks in Duluth Fridays through Oct. 25
The City of Duluth will sponsor Food Truck/Block Party 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays on Main Street through Oct. 25. Festivities will feature entertainment, a line up of food trucks and other activities. Information: www.duluthga.net/foodtruckfridays Veronica Fields Johnson
Norcross to host clean-up, recycling day
Norcross will sponsor Neighborhood Clean-Up and Recycling Day Saturday at Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. American Security Shredding will collect up to five medium-size boxes per vehicle from 9 a.m. to noon. Electronics Recycling will provide disposal of old cellphones, computers and keyboards from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center.
Participants are also encouraged to bring canned or nonperishable goods to support the “CAN” Do for Hunger food drive. Information: www.norcrossga.net. Veronica Fields Johnson
NORTHSIDE
Woodstock approves apartment moratorium
The Woodstock City Council Monday night gave final approval to a six-month moratorium on new apartments in the SmartCode zoning area near Ridgewalk Parkway. The ban means that no plans or building permits will be accepted or approved until Feb. 26, 2014. The move stems from development and traffic issues in that area, plus a city policy that apartments not exceed 20% of the city’s dwelling units Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Fulton elementary wins national award
Mountain Park Elementary School has been named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School.
The school in north Fulton County school was selected for the “exemplary” high performance of its students
It’s the second time in a decade that the school has won the award, according to Superintendent Robert Avossa. Ty Tagami
Fulton elementary wins national award
Mountain Park Elementary School has been named a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School.
The school in north Fulton County school was selected for the “exemplary” high performance of its students
It’s the second time in a decade that the school has won the award, according to Superintendent Robert Avossa. Ty Tagami
Fulton gets grant to address drop-out rates
Fulton County Schools has been awarded a $500,000 grant by The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation to cut the dropout rate and raise graduation stats. By 2017, the district aims to increase its graduation rate to 90 percent.
“In order to reach our aggressive, but attainable, strategic plan goals, we need support from the philanthropic community,” said Superintendent Robert Avossa. Nancy Badertscher
Drive-by flu shot clinic in Cherokee
The North Georgia Health District and its member health departments will begin a series of drive-by flu shot clinics in September.
The Cherokee County clinic is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Woodstock Health Center, 7545 N. Main St., Woodstock.
Cost for a regular flu shot is $22; the over-65 Fluzone high-dose shot is $50.
Information: www.nghd.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Library to host eBook info session
The College Park Library will host an e-book information session at 5 p.m. Thursday at the library, 3647 Main St., College Park.
The session will explore the basic ways to download e-books from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System website. Attendees will learn to download, return e-books and transfer from the Nook, iPad and Kindle devices.
Information: 404-762-4060. Veronica Fields Johnson
Cherokee victim notification offered
The Cherokee County Victim & Notification Everyday registration is a comprehensive community awareness program that uses computer technology and the telephone to provide victims of crime with offender custody information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Callers to the VINE hotline can determine the custody status of an offender in the Cherokee County Jail.
Registered victims will also receive automated telephone notification upon the arrest, release, transfer, or escape of that offender. .
Information: 770-928-0239. Staff
ATLANTA
Law school looking for new dean
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School has launched a search for a new dean because of the upcoming retirement of Richardson Lynn.
Lynn, who joined the law school in 2006, recently announced he will step down next year. The school is forming a search committee to find a successor to lead the 80-year-old law school. Michael C. Markovitz, a member of the school’s board of directors, will chair a 10-person search panel comprised of faculty from the Atlanta and Savannah campuses, board members, students, alumni and administrative staffsaid. Bill Rankin
NAACP to host gun buy back event
The NAACP Atlanta Branch will host a Gun Buy Back Talk 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Howell Park, 983 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Information on gun violence and other social issues will be shared. Free food and live entertainment will be available. The event is part of the organization’s Atlanta Project Rescue initiative, which focuses on educating and assisting the community on the risks and dangers of domestic violence and black on black crime. Information: 404-524-0580. Veronica Fields Johnson
Library to host new and used book sale
The Friends of the Stewart-Lakewood Library will host a fall book sale from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the library, 2893 Lakewood Avenue, S.W. New and used books will be available and proceeds will support library programs. Information: 404-762-4054. Veronica Fields Johnson
Briarcliff UMC to hold annual charity event
Briarcliff United Methodist Church, 4105 Briarcliff Road N.E, hosts a barbecue dinner, silent auction and variety show 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4 .
Proceeds go to the Murphy Harpst Children’s Home, a treatment center for abused and neglected children. Admission: $8 adults; $4 children; $25 family Information: www.briarcliffumc.com, riarcliffumc.com, or 404-321-3854. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Woman defrauded the disadvantaged
A jury has convicted a Stone Mountain woman of stealing the identities of people who were homeless, mentally challenged and physically disabled, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.From 2007 to 2011, Cora Cadia Ford, 55, prepared and filed false tax returns with the IRS using the names and social security numbers of disadvantaged victims, prosecutors said. She deposited the refund checks into her own bank account or cashed them at check-cashing stores and then used the money for her own benefit, while those who had their identities stolen had their disability benefits reduced or eliminated for periods of time. Ford will be sentenced Dec. 16. Bill Rankin
Sheep descend on cemetery
For the next week a herd of about 75 sheep will graze in portions of the Decatur cemetery to help control Japanese hops, kudzu and other invasive plants. The herd will be protected and kept on task by human shepherd, solar powered, low-voltage electrified fencing and livestock guard dogs. The project’s run by Trees Atlanta, which is conducting a 5-year woodland restoration effort on the cemetery’s east side. Two years ago the city completed a $1.2 million restoration of the circa-1828 cemetery which has roughly 10,000 graves. Bill Banks for the AJC
Superintendent to brief parents
Interim school Superintendent Michael Thurmond is expected to brief parents in south DeKalb County at an advocacy group’s meeting on Oct. 3.
The South DeKalb Parent Council is holding its meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Towers High School, 3919 Brookcrest Circle, Decatur, and billing Thurmond’s speech as a “state of the district address.” The public is invited. Ty Tagami
Community health and wellness fair scheduled
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter and the William C. Brown Library will hold a community health and wellness fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur.
The fair will include exercise coaching, fun and games, giveaways, and guest speakers. Vision, dental, diabetes, blood glucose, blood pressure and flu vaccines will be available. Mea Watkins
South DeKalb Festival this weekend
The Heart of South DeKalb, a free outdoor festival, featuring food and entertainment from the multi-cultural area, Saturday at the the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall.
Information: 404-683-3599 or heartofsouthdekalbfestival2013@gmail.com. April Hunt
DeKalb to host event for waste disposal
Household hazardous waste can be disposed safely at an event in DeKalb County in October.
Examples of the waste to be accepted are: aerosols, cleaners, paint, flammables, fluorescent lights, batteries, mercury and photo and swimming pool chemicals. Items not accepted include bio-hazards, medical and agricultural waste, pharmaceuticals and nonhazardous waste. The event runs from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 19 at the central transfer station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, near Decatur. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Input sought on South Fulton transportation
One of a series of meetings seeking feedback on the under-development South Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. tonight at the Landmark Christian School, 50 SE Broad St., Fairburn.
Input is sought on such projects as roadway upgrade and widening, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and trails, and public transit.
Information: southfultonctp.org Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Bus safety poster winners announced
Three local students were announced as the winners of the Henry County School System’s school bus safety poster contest.
More than 100 entries were submitted in three divisions stretching from kindergarten through eighth grade. Fairview Elementary second-grader Ryann Palmer had the top poster for Division 1.
Luella Elementary fifth-grade student Kimberly Long was the Division 2 winner. Division 3 was won by Hampton Middle eighth-grader Raicel Gomez.
Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Governor’s staff visited Henry County
State Representatives Brian Strickland (R-McDonough) hosted Stuart Wilkinson with the Governor’s Office of County and Local Government Affairs Thursday as he toured Henry County and met with local officials in each city.
The purpose of Wilkinson’s trip was to showcase Henry County and to remind local leaders of the resources available through the Governor’s office.
Strickland represents District 111, which includes portions of Henry County. Staff
Dragon Boat races commence Saturday
Peachtree City’s sixth annual Dragon Boat Races will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lake Peachtree.
More than 40 teams will compete, and other events include martial arts, music and dancing.
International foods will be offered, as will kids’ activities.
Admission is free.
Information:www.ptcdragonboats.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Clayton NAACP to meet in Jonesboro
The Clayton County branch of the NAACP will hold its general membership meeting 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Watkins Community Center, 511 W. Fayetteville Road in Jonesboro.
Details: naacp.clayton@aol.com. Tammy Joyner
Airshow will close Fayette park
Fayette County will close the new Lake McIntosh Park on Oct. 11-14 as part of the “safety zone” being established during the Great Georgia Airshow. The expanded event, taking place at Peachtree City’s Falcon Field Airport, will have both day and evening activities involving aircraft.
The Planterra Ridge Golf Course and nearby businesses will also be affected. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
