COBB
Volunteers needed at animal shelter
The volunteers of Cobb County Animal Control are seeking additional volunteers to assist at the Cobb County Animal Shelter, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Applications are being accepted for the weekday and weekend volunteer programs.
Must be 18 or older. Shelter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Training will be provided.
Information: animalcontrol.cobbcountyga.gov.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Emory-Adventist Hospital classes
Emory-Adventist Hospital, 3949 South Cobb Drive N.E., Smyrna, will offer classes:
“Be Kind to your Colon,” 7 p.m. today about the prevention of colorectal cancer.
“Coping with Asthma,” 7 p.m. Sunday with Dr. Eugene Hurwitz, Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia.
“Pelvic Pain,” 7 p.m. Tuesday with Dr. Melinda Miller-Thrasher, Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Managing Diabetes with Insulin,” a diabetes management class, is 4:30 p.m. every fourth Monday in the cafeteria. Register: 770-437-6913.
To register for all other classes: 770-319-2025.
-- Mea Watkins
Film screening on colonialism in Guyana
Kennesaw State University and the Walter Rodney Foundation will host a screening of “The Terror and the Time” at 5 p.m. today at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, 101 Auburn Avenue, N.E. The film is a critical analysis of British colonialism in Guyana, with a focus on the nation’s first elections under a provisional democratic constitution in 1953. Information: 404-730-4001 ext. 100 or http://afpls.org/events-aarl.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Living History at East Cobb Christian School
East Cobb Christian School will hold its 16th annual Living History Day program 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday.
The program, which is part educational and part entertainment, is organized by the school’s sixth through eighth grade students.
This year’s program will focus on the period 1845-1880, representing the Industrial Revolution and Westward Expansion. East Cobb Christian School is on the campus of the East Cobb Presbyterian Church, 4616 Roswell Rd. N.E., Marietta. Information: 770-565-0881.
-- Mea Watkins
Kemp Library to close for improvements
Kemp Memorial Library will close at 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday so new carpet can be installed. It will reopen for regular hours Monday. Public computers will not be available Friday or Monday, due to the installation. The library is located at 4029 Due West Road NW Marietta.
Information: 770-528-2527 or www.cobbcat.org/BranchKemp.html
-- Jaime Sarrio
District 1 town hall set for Thursday
A town hall meeting will be held for District 1 residents from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293, Acworth. Commissioner Helen Goreham represents the northwest Cobb district and will be in attendance. Information: 770-528-3313.
-- Jaime Sarrio
GWINNETT
Norcross awarded two study grants
The Atlanta Regional Commission recently awarded the city of Norcross $40,000 for a study that will propose railroad intersection improvements, particularly the one at Holcomb Bridge Road and Thrasher Streets.
The city also has received $30,000 in funding to study the feasibility of a multi-use trail from Norcross to Lilburn obtained from the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District. Both are Livable Centers Initiative grants, intended to help promote quality growth and safe, connected communities.
-- Andria Simmons
Norcross has women’s fashion exhibit
The vintage outfits in the “Inspired Visions - Rediscovering Women’s Apparel 1860-1950” exhibit will give you an idea what fashionable ladies used to wear based upon family photos of Norcross women. The exhibit is part of the city’s celebration of “Women’s History Month.”
An opening party will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Norcross Arts Center at 17 College Street. Info: Call the Norcross Welcome Center & Museum 678-421-2049.
-- Andria Simmons
Camp offered for middle schoolers
Middle school students may experience career options before they start high school. Maxwell High School of Technology will welcome rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students to the Technical Education Middle School Summer Camp 8 a.m. to noon June 3-6. Students will learn about auto collision, auto services, construction, cosmetology, culinary arts, electronics, early childhood education-babysitting certification, electronics, flash 2-D game animation, healthcare science, law and justice and welding. Register by May 3. The camp takes place from: maxwellhigh.com.
-- Nancy Badertscher
Duluth arts scholarships available
The Duluth Fine Arts League is providing three scholarships for Duluth high school seniors majoring in the fine arts in the fall of 2013. Scholarships will be awarded to the first, second and third place students in the amounts of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. Completed applications must be received by 6 p.m. March 30. Information: www.duluthfineartsleague.org or contact Mary Buck at marybuck1@bellsouth.net.
-- Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Summer art camp registration is open
The Hudgens Arts Center will have four different week-long sessions of the Color Wheel Summer Art Camp for children ages 5 to 12 in June, plus, three different week-long sessions of the Summer Pottery Camp for kids aged 8 to 14 in July.
Information: www.thehudgens.org.
-- Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Residents can review Duluth’s 2014 budget
Duluth’s FY2014 Preliminary Budget will be available for a public review meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 1 in the Community Room of City Hall. All department directors and other city staff will be on hand to answer questions about the proposed budget. www.duluthga.net.
-- Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Two dead in Forsyth County wreck
Forsyth County authorities were on the scene of a fatal wreck late Tuesday morning north of Cumming.
The wreck happened before 9 a.m. on Ga. 53 near Porter Lane in northern Forsyth County.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, two vehicles collided head-on, killing both drivers.
Ga. 53 was shut down in both directions while authorities investigated the wreck.
-- Mike Morris
Ex-employees accused of stealing apparel
Jacob McDonald and Thomas Jones, who worked at College Station Sports, allegedly took $11,000 worth of T-shirts, workout clothes and other apparel in June 2012, but the theft wasn’t discovered until January, Alpharetta police said.
A College Station employee from another store spotted hundreds of shirts with the tags still on them from College Station at the Plato’s Closet in Roswell.
McDonald is out on bail, while Jones remains in custody at the Fulton County jail on $5,000 bond.
-- Angel K. Brooks
Community awards nominees sought
The Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau is asking for nominations for the 21st annual Meeting and Community Awards in three categories: History Maker of the Year; Young Professional of the Year; and Economic Development. Nomination deadline is Friday, March 15. Guidelines and forms available at http://www.visitroswellga.com/award-forms-guidelines.html. Information: Dotty Etris at 770-640-3253 or detris@roswellgov.com.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Cherokee GOP taps new leadership
The Cherokee County Republican Party elected a new chairman at its Saturday county convention. IT hardware engineer Rick Davies of Acworth replaces Bob Rugg in the top post, and will serve a two-year term. Party members also elected a new executive board and delegates to upcoming district and state gatherings at the Saturday meeting.
-- Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Milton seeking resident input for park
As it plans a small park at Webb Road and Deerfield Parkway, Milton’s Parks and Recreation department hosts an input meeting 7 p.m. March 21 at City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Parkway. Ideas include a veterans’ memorial and walking trail with exercise stations. Information: Jim Cregge, 678-242-2489 or jim.cregge@cityofmiltonga.us.
-- Michael Alpert for the AJC
Forsyth camp registration opens
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation has opened on-line registration for kids’ summer camps at the county’s three recreation centers at Central, Fowler and Old Atlanta Parks. In-person registration from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. begins at the rec centers April 1. The Central and Fowler centers are in Cumming, at 2300 Keith Bridge Road and 4110 Carolene Way, respectively, and Old Atlanta is at 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee. Information: forsythco.com/parks, 770-781-2215.
-- Michael Alpert for the AJC
ATLANTA
Atlanta police bust marijuana grow house
Atlanta police discovered a marijuana grow operation with plants worth more than half a million dollars in southwest Atlanta on Monday.
At least 250 plants were found in a home in the 3200 block of Telford Terrace, police said.
Authorities, who had received several tips about the home recently, were in the area Sunday responding to an unrelated medical call when they noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the home.
Four rooms contained marijuana plants, there was also an irrigation system and cut plants were hanging to dry.
Police said people were living at the home as well but have not been located.
Police were on the scene loading the plants into a white van Monday night.
-- Angel K. Brooks and Curtis Compton
Buckhead is back, says coalition president
Former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell, now president of the Buckhead Coalition, argued in a recent “State of the Community” address to the Buckhead Business Association that the area is showing signs of economic recovery.
“A luxury market like Buckhead will be the last to feel the impending recession, and the first to overcome its impact,” Massell said in his speech.
Massell said Buckhead’s growing population, sales increases, new apartment developments are all positive signs.
-- Staff
GJP to host annual awards event
The Georgia Justice Project announced its annual Grass Roots Awards and 25th anniversary campaign celebration will take place April 11 at Greystone Hall in Piedmont Park.
Teri McClure, the general counsel of UPS, will be honored with a Grass Roots Justice Award.
GJP serves economically disadvantaged members in the community who are also at the highest risk for criminal involvement.
Information and sponsorships: Shannon DeMyers at shannon@GJP.org.
-- Kenneth Musisi
DEKALB
Citizen Police Academy applicants sought
The DeKalb County Police Department seeks applicants for its April Citizen Police Academy. The free 10-week academy is comprised of two-hour sessions, one night per week. Applicants must be at least 21, live or work in DeKalb County, have no prior felony convictions, consent to a background check, and consent to participate in two ride-alongs with a uniformed officer.
Information: dtmilligan@dekalbcountyga.gov. Deadline is Friday.
-- Mea Watkins
County adds “Green” to website
A page dedicated to helping residents learn more about environmental programs and conservation efforts has been added to the county’s website.
The page will offer information about countywide initiatives and different events and programs to boost DeKalb’s bid to become the “Greenest Urban County in America.” Information: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/greenfocus.
-- April Hunt
Cancer prevention discussion today
DeKalb Medical Center will host a free discussion, “7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Cancer” 6 to 7 p.m. today in the Medical Theatre on the North Decatur Campus, 2701 N. Decatur Road. DeKalb Medical gynecological oncologist Dr. R. Allen Lawhead will discuss signs, symptoms and facts about cancer in women. Register: 404-501-9355.
-- Veronica Fields Johnson
Gifted Summer Camp at Emory University
The Summer Institute for the Gifted will host a residential camp for academically talented students age 9 to 17 June 23 to July 13 at Emory University.
Students will live in the dormitories and study courses from academic, art and recreational classes. Financial assistance and scholarships are available. A day program for 5- to 8-years-olds is also available.
Information: 866-303-4744 Ext. 5159, sig.info@giftedstudy.org or www.giftedstudy.org.
-- Mea Watkins
History center needs auction items
The DeKalb History Center is asking for donations of services or items it can auction off during its annual fund-raiser later this month.
The party, which is free and open to the public, runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 22 in the Historic Courthouse in downtown Decatur. The event features food and drink, in addition to the auction.
Information: 404-373-1088 x. 20 or at borger@dekalbhistory.org.
-- April Hunt
DeKalb senior group wins $50,000 grant
Senior Connections, a nonprofit that serves senior citizens in DeKalb and Fulton counties, recently won a $50,000 grant for its programs that deliver hot meals to elderly in need and help those seniors raising minor children.
The Kaiser Permanente grant will pay for more than 15,000 meals the group prepares weekly and the more than 1,000 meals to be delivered to low-income seniors throughout metro Atlanta.
Senior Connections delivers more than 700,000 meals across the 10-county region every year. Other services include in-home care and classes and trips around the region.
-- April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Stockbridge improves wastewater plant
Stockbridge is making $1.7 million in improvements to its wastewater treatment facility, including adding a high-performance belt press to take excess water out of sludge.
The project will improve operations and cut costs at the plant. The city currently disposes of its sludge by spreading it on hayfields. The city will buy a new “spreader truck” to apply the sludge to the fields. The project funded through SPLOST, is expected to be finished in a year.
-- Tammy Joyner
Police seek victims in burglary ring
Police said a burglary ring has been pawning items stolen locally in other states such as Florida, South Carolina.
Investigators learned of the scheme when Scott Vincent was caught breaking into 90-year-old Claudia Turner’s home late last month — her home had been burglarized 15 times.
Police said calls from tipsters after the arrest led them to a storage facility in Locust Grove and a home in McDonough, where investigators found items stolen from Turner’s home and other homes.
-- Marcus K. Garner
Water authority confirms appointments
After an administrative drought, the City Council of Peachtree City finally confirmed new appointments to the Water and Sewerage Authority last week. John Cheatham, John Harrell and Terry Garlock will serve graduated terms that expire between 2015 and 2017. William Holland was designated as an alternate. The WASA board has been under fire for rate increases attributed to system maintenance.
-- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Free car seat checks today in Peachtree City
The Peachtree City Police Department and the Fayette County Safe Kids Organization will offer free inspections of car safety seats 1 to 4 p.m. today in the Fresh Market parking lot of the Peachtree Crossing shopping center. No appointment is necessary, but parents should allow 30 minutes for the check. Information: 770-487-8866.
-- Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Tri-Cities High School to present “Chicago”
Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Drama Program will present “Chicago” Thursday through March 24 at the school, 2575 Harris St., East Point. Admission: $15 adults; $10 seniors, students groups of 10 or more adults. Information: brownpapertickets.com (keyword: chicago), call 404-669-8010.
-- Mea Watkins
Emergency planning workshop in Henry
The Henry County Emergency Management Agency is partnering with AmeriCorps to host an emergency planning workshop 9 a.m.-noon Thursday at the Henry County Emergency Operations Center, 526 Industrial Blvd., McDonough. Participants will learn how to survive independently for at least 72 hours by putting together an inexpensive “ready kit” and developing a plan on how to reconnect if families are separated during a disaster. Information: 770-288-7865 or sbroomfield@co.henry.ga.us.
-- Monroe Roark for the AJC
