COBB
Kennesaw sets qualifying dates
Kennesaw has set Aug. 26 to Aug. 28 as dates to qualify for three at-large council seats.
Post 3-5 seats up for election Nov. 5 are held by Bruce Jenkins, Bill Thrash and Jeff Duckett.
Candidates can file at the City Hall training room, 2529 J.O. Stephenson Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fees are $360.
Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.
Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Medal of Honor recipients at benefit
Medal of Honor recipients retired Cpl. Hershel “Woody” Williams, Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston and Sgt. Dakota Meyer will speak 7 p.m. Friday at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.
The Hearts for Heroes benefit for the Marietta Museum of History and Aviation Wing will also honor six citizen soldiers in Cobb’s communities.
Information.: www.marietta hearts for heroes.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Development Authority topic of luncheon
The Cobb County Development Authority will be the South Cobb Business Association topic at 11:30 a.m. March 6 at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East West Connector, Austell.
Luncheon cost is $12 for members, who pay online, $15 for members at the door or $20 for guests.
Information: sc-ba.org.
Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Antebellum museum offers school tours
The Root House Museum and Garden is offering school group tours are scheduled Tuesday through Friday and are offered at a special rate of $6 per student. Teachers are admitted without charge.
The museum is located at 145 Denmead St. NE, Marietta. Information: program.coordinator@cobblandmarks.com Meghan de St. Aubin
Band boosters sponsor recycling day
The Wheeler High School Band Boosters will host a community recycling day 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the East Cobb Middle School parking lot, 380 Holt Rd., N.E., Marietta.
Accepted items include electronics, paint, all metals and paper for secure shredding. Cost is $10 to unload a car full of recyclable items, plus additional fees of $15 for each TV or computer monitor, $15 for up to 10 gallons of latex or oil paint and $10 for first box of paper to be shredded, $5 for each additional box.
Information: wildcatpriderecycle@gmail.com Veronica Fields Johnson
Registration open for chamber expo
Registration is open for the 2013 Cobb Chamber Business to Business Expo, which takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. May 16 at the Cobb Galleria Exhibition Hall D.
The event is expected to draw 1,600 attendees and will feature more than 150 companies showcasing products and services.
Information: jdudley@cobbchamber.org or 770-859-2359 or visit www.cobbchamber.org/businessexpo. Jaime Sarrio
GWINNETT
Miles selected for full-time Magistrate judge
Rodney “Keith” Miles has been selected as Gwinnett County’s newest full-time Magistrate Judge to fill the position left vacant by Kristina Hammer Blum’s appointment as Chief Magistrate. Miles has served as a prosecutor for 26 years in the Gwinnett Circuit and leaves his current position as Supervising Assistant District Attorney in the Major Drug Unit. A University of Georgia School of Law graduate, Miles has served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Bryant Huff and as a Solicitor for the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court in addition to his experience in the District Attorney’s Office. Andria Simmons
Casino Night to benefit Snellville garden
The Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary Club and the Community Garden at Snellville Committee will host St. Patrick’s Eve Casino Night from 6 to 10 p.m. March 16 at the Summit Chase Country Club, 3197 Classic Drive in Snellville. Sponsors are needed for the event, which aims to raise funds for the construction of a pavilion at the Community Garden at Snellville. To become a sponsor, contact casinonightsponsors@gmail.com.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $50. Reservations: casinonightreservations@gmail.com. Mea Watkins
Pet vaccines this weekend
Planned PEThood, a non-profit organization that offers low-cost spay and neuter services, will offer vaccines for dogs and cats 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 2860 Buford Highway, Duluth. No appointment or income qualification is needed. The clinic also offers surgeries during the week. A rabies vaccination is free with surgery.
Information: 678-561-3491.
Dan Klepal
Gwinnett Tech professor wins award
Gwinnett Tech adjunct English professor Cynthia Gregory won the Nell Ann Pickett Award for her conference proposal about inspiring vibrant online learning communities. She received a $550 stipend and plaque and will present her proposal at the Two-Year College English Association’s Southeast conference Thursday through Saturday in Greenville, S.C. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
New road traverses GGC campus
Georgia Gwinnett College has opened Lonnie Harvel Boulevard, a now primary artery arching from University Center Lane near the Lawrenceville college’s main entrance to Collins Industrial Way near Walther Boulevard. The three-quarter mile road, a portion of which was Tree Creek Boulevard, is named for the the school’s vice president of Educational Technology and charter cabinet member who died in 2010. MICHAEL ALPERT FOR THE AJC
N. Berkeley Lake reopens
North Berkeley Lake Road has reopened to all traffic. Rain delayed plans to install erosion control sod on the city’s newly repaired dam. The dam will be covered with erosion control matting until late spring when the weather has enough dry days for the grass installation. Gwinnett DOT will continue completion of sidewalks along the road with single lane closures as needed.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
NORTHSIDE
Fire Dept. to sponsor citizens fire academy
The Johns Creek Fire Department will sponsor an 8-week citizens fire academy beginning March 12.
The academy is open to city residents and those who work in Johns Creek age 18 and older. Participants will learn about JCFD’s operations, fire tactics and fire prevention and participate in practical drills.
Application deadline is March 4 and there is a $25 program fee. Information: Meloni Scurry at 678-474-1641 or meloni.scurry@johnscreekga.gov. Veronica Fields Johnson
Academic bowl to help fund upgrades
The Etowah High School Foundation will host an academic “Brain Drain” fundraising bowl at 6:30 p.m Friday at the school, 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock. Etowah’s student Academic Bowl team will square off against a teacher squad.
Admission: $3, adults, $2, students. Money raised will be used to fund classroom upgrades at Chapman Intermediate School.
Information: keith.ball@cherokee.k12.ga.us Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Town hall meeting in Woodstock
Woodstock city officials will hold a town hall meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Deer Run West Clubhouse, 7032 Hunters Ridge, Woodstock.
Mayor Donnie Henriques, Woodstock City Council members and department heads will attend.
Among discussion topics: Towne Lake Parkway widening, downtown parking improvements, trail improvements and law enforcement.
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Author to speak at library volunteer party
New York Times bestselling author Karen White will be the featured speaker at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the library, 9560 Spruill Rd., Johns Creek.
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required. Information: 770-360-8820. Veronica Fields Johnson
Northside lawmakers plan town hall meeting
State Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta and Rep. Calvin Hill, R-Hickory Flat will hold two town hall meetings March 2 to discuss the 2013 legislative session and take questions. The first will be at 9 a.m. at the Hickory Flat Public Library, 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton.
The second will be at 10:30 at Ball Ground City Hall, 215 Valley St. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Leadership program offers info sessions
Leadership Forsyth, an educational and leadership development program, is holding a series of free informational sessions on how prospective enrollees can get involved.
Sessions: 8 a.m. March 14 at the Forsyth Conference Center, 12:30 p.m. March 20 at Northside Hospital-Forsyth and 5 p.m. March 28 at the Forsyth County Board of Education Central Office.
Information: tammi@leadershipforsyth.org
Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Atlanta Archdiocese will hold mass for pope
The Archdiocese of Atlanta will celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving in appreciation for the leadership of Pope Benedict XVI.
Benedict XVI recently resigned, becoming the first pope to step down in six centuries.
The mass will also be for the election of a new pope. The mass will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of Christ the King, 2699 Peachtree Road N.E. Shelia M. Poole
Water main work to affect Atlanta traffic
Atlanta issued a traffic advisory through Friday. Water mains will be replaced and are expected to affect traffic at Metropolitan Parkway SW between Deckner Avenue and Claire Drive, Flora Avenue NE between Hardee Street and LaFrance Street and Linwood Avenue NE between North Avenue and Williams Mill Road. Contractors will install new water mains at the listed locations, reducing traffic by one lane. Motorists are urged to use alternate routes whenever possible. Jeremiah McWilliams
Carter Center’s auction brings in $1.6 million
The Carter Center’s annual Winter Weekend auction held recently in San Diego raised more than $1.6 million to benefit the center’s initiatives to advance peace and health worldwide.
A handmade stool by the former president went for $300,00.
More than 150 items, including original artwork and woodwork, an Argo movie poster signed by the cast and Carter and high-end vacations were up for bid. Shelia M. Poole
Volunteers needed for ‘Day of Beauty’
Organizers for the annual “Day of Beauty” are seeking beauticians and photographers to offer services to special needs kids and their teachers 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 29 at the Paul Mitchell School-Atlanta, 887 W. Marietta Street.
The free services will include haircuts, color services, facial waxing, make-up, manicures, chair massages, etc.
Information: tinyurl.com/dayofbeauty. Kenneth Musisi
DEKALB
Woman dies from crash injuries
A 57-year-old woman has died from injuries she sustained in an accident early Sunday morning on I-285 West near Chamblee Dunwoody Road.
Cobb County Police said Evelyn P. Ngoboworigha died on Monday. Ngoboworigha was driving a 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis that was disabled in the second lane from the right when a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe allegedly rear-ended the vehicle.
The driver of the Tahoe, Francisco Rodriguez-Vasquez, faces a litany of charges including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, hit and run and DUI alcohol.
A passenger in the Mercury, Stroyer T. Butler, 35, is still listed in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital, according to Cobb police. Andria Simmons
ARC awards grant to Avondale Estates
The Atlanta Regional Commission awarded a $64,000 Livable Centers Initiative Grant to Avondale Estates, which the city will match with $16,000, the total going to updating Avondale’s downtown master plan. An ARC survey released this week, and completed by 381 Avondale residents, named improved walking conditions, safe street crossings and improved lighting in downtown as priorities. Bill Banks for the AJC
Post Office to continue Avondale door delivery
Avondale Estates recently learned the United States Postal Service has agreed to provide door delivery of mail to every home in the city’s historic district. This repeals last year’s policy that new historic-district residents would have to install curbside mailboxes. The city protested the issue with Mayor Ed Rieker calling the new decree “inefficient” and a “congestive process” in a pedestrian-based city where mail carriers have gone house-to-house on foot for decades. Bill Banks for the AJC
County seeks increase in hotel/motel tax
The DeKalb County Commission recently agreed to ask the General Assembly for permission to increase the county’s hotel/motel tax.
The county’s sales tax on hotel rooms is now at 5 percent. The increase would raise the rate to 8 percent, with 3.5 percent of the total going to the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau and the rest to the county for promoting tourism.
The increase would bring DeKalb from the lowest rate in the metro to one of the largest. Atlanta as well as Cobb and Gwinnett counties charge a 7 percent tax. April Hunt
Food drive to benefit food bank
DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon and Solicitor Sherry Boston have kicked off a food drive.
Donations of non-perishable food items will be donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which distributes to more than 58,000 families in the metro area weekly. High-protein items such as tuna and peanut butter are especially needed, as are fruit juices and canned vegetables.
Food collection barrels will be set up through Feb. 28 in the lobbies of county buildings in Decatur: the Maloof Building, 1300 Commerce Dr.; the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.; the DeKalb County Courthouse, N. McDonough St.; and the Tax Commissioner’s office, 4380 Memorial Dr. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Morrow to hold government lessons
The city of Morrow is inviting residents to a series of sessions it calls 2013 Government 101. Participants will be introduced to a variety of points, including public knowledge and awareness of government, leadership through education, the people behind local government decisions and an understanding of Morrow’s mission. Beginning March 28, the sessions will be held 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. For locations and registration: 678-902-0885.
Lisa Gibson for the AJC
Gun safety seminars in Henry
A series of free seminars in gun safety have been scheduled for citizens 21 years of age and older, through a joint effort by Henry County’s law enforcement agencies. Sessions ares 6-8 p.m. March 14 at Merle Manders Conference Center, Stockbridge; March 28 at Henry County Administration Building, McDonough; April 11 at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Tara Ballroom, Hampton; April 23 at Locust Grove Senior Center.
Monroe Roark for the AJC
Free session on gardening offered
The Clayton County Extension Office is hosting a “Noontime Knowledge” session 12:15-1 p.m. Thursday at “the Beach” at the county’s International Park (enter from 2300 Ga. 138 at the International Park sign). Participants will learn how to grow their own sweet potatoes, learn the nutritional value of them and meet the author of “Sweet Potato: A World of Super Food.” Admission to the event is free, but registration is encouraged: 770-473-5434; hortpa@uga.edu.
Lisa Gibson for the AJC
Piedmont to present healthcare report
Findings from Piedmont Healthcare’s recent community needs assessment for Piedmont Fayette Hospital will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, 600 W. Lanier St., Fayetteville. The organization will discuss future action plans and serve dinner. Information: 770-719-6060. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Commissioner touts youth program
The chairman of the Fayette County Commission is encouraging rising high school sophomores and juniors to apply to a regional leadership program. Steve Brown is offering to write recommendations for qualified students interested in the Model Atlanta Regional Commission. The program includes six months of study, debate and activities related to area issues. Information: Floyd Jones at fjones@fayettecountyga.gov by March 29. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
Fayette County Library offers free e-books
Members of the Fayette County Public Library can download free e-books and audiobooks from the library’s website. The books are compatible with Apple, Android, Blackberry, Kindle, Nook and other devices.
Titles are available any time and have no late fees because they expire automatically. See gadd.lib.overdrive.com or contact Jessica Kuhr at 770-461-8841 for details. Jill Howard Church for the AJC
