New business strategy will create 60 jobs
By PÉRALTE C. PAUL / www.ajc.com
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Exide Technologies, the Alpharetta-based car and truck battery maker, said Wednesday it is reorganizing its research and development division in a strategy shift aimed at increasing productivity and collaboration that will create 60 jobs.
It was not immediately known how many of those 60 engineering jobs will be in metro Atlanta versus other Exide locations. But under the reorganization, the Global, Development and Engineering division now will have three units — the Advanced Research and Development Organization and two Global Product Development Centers.
The first unit will be based in Alpharetta and headed by Rick Johnson, Exide’s vice president of engineering for transportation in the Americas. Under his new role, he’ll be responsible for overseeing development of technologies that can be brought to market over the next two to five years, with a key focus on renewable energy storage.
The two product development centers — one in Alpharetta focused on transportation and the other in Buedingen, Germany, focused on industrial energy — are charged with designing products.
“We are working to assemble the best teams in the industry to direct our efforts in becoming a worldwide leader in innovative technology solutions for tomorrow,” Gordon Ulsh, Exide’s president and chief executive said in a statement the company released after the markets closed Wednesday. “This investment in our Global RD&E organization clearly underscores Exide’s commitment to the development of new products and technology. Our strategy is designed to enable Exide to participate in emerging markets and technologies for hybrid electric vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy generation.”
Exide shares rose 35 cents or more than 7 percent to close Wednesday at $5.10 per share.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
RBM of Atlanta - North Announces One Year Anniversary Event
Courtesy Access North GA
ALPHARETTA - RBM of Atlanta-North will host an event on Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Alpharetta.The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the dealership, located at 345 McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta.RBM of Atlanta-North will have activities for the entire family, including face painting, pedal car races, food and other refreshments. There will also be a mini tennis court courtesy of T2 Tennis with participants receiving T-shirts, hats and other fun giveaways.
ALPHARETTA - RBM of Atlanta-North will host an event on Saturday, Oct. 18, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the opening of its Mercedes-Benz dealership in Alpharetta.The celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the dealership, located at 345 McFarland Parkway in Alpharetta.RBM of Atlanta-North will have activities for the entire family, including face painting, pedal car races, food and other refreshments. There will also be a mini tennis court courtesy of T2 Tennis with participants receiving T-shirts, hats and other fun giveaways.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Alan Jackson Entertains Sold Out Crowd In Alpharetta
by Scott Sowers /Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008 ALPHARETTA - One of his biggest hits talks about growing up and playing on the Chattahoochee River, and last Saturday the singer got a chance to sing this hit a few miles from the river itself. Country superstar Alan Jackson played in front of a huge crowd Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, giving fans a special homecoming performance.Growing up in nearby Newnan, Jackson has long had a deep appreciation for the area, and the fans seemed to give that right back, hanging onto his every word.
Saying to the crowd that it was good to be close to home, Jackson filled the evening with a set of his numerous country hits.The man who has sold more than 50 million records over the last few decades opened the show with "She's Gone Country," which began right after a countdown clock on the giant video monitors ended after two minutes. Jackson is a mostly stoic performer, standing up there with his acoustic guitar, letting the music speak for itself.Practically the only time he seemed to move was when he would walk about the stage, throwing scores of guitar picks to the crowd as if he was dispensing candy in a parade, while his band, the Strayhorns, played.One particular odd note about the band is that in addition to an electric guitar player and Jackson on his acoustic, the band features two other acoustic guitar players. Now, it doesn't seem like he's doing a lot of particularly complicated music to warrant the three acoustics, because not one of the three stands out over the other, but clearly it's worked for him over the years.And, oh were the fans excited to see him.
Two women were spotted with cutoff neon yellow t-shirts with ironed-on pictures of the singer and the words "AJ + Me = Good Time" written on the back in permanent marker. This in addition to their glow sticks and flashing lights necklaces, and well, they were definitely aficionados to say the least.
Opening the show were two up-and-coming acts on the Nashville scene, Ashton Shepherd and Blake Shelton. Shepherd first took to the stage for a short, but energetic set where she showcased her vocal range.Following her was Shelton, a tall number in his collared cowboy shirt with a camouflage Fender Telecaster guitar. Shelton liked to tell stories on stage, and actually apologized to the crowd, saying how he often said stupid stuff on stage, but that it was fitting since his initials are "BS."
But in the end, the crowd was clearly there to hear Alan Jackson, and he seemed very appreciative of the moment by pointing out his extensive family who had made the trip up to the north end of Atlanta to hear their relative belt out his hits.Jackson has had a long career in the industry, but with the way he's still drawing in crowds, he doesn't look to quit any time soon.
October 07, 2008 ALPHARETTA - One of his biggest hits talks about growing up and playing on the Chattahoochee River, and last Saturday the singer got a chance to sing this hit a few miles from the river itself. Country superstar Alan Jackson played in front of a huge crowd Oct. 4 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, giving fans a special homecoming performance.Growing up in nearby Newnan, Jackson has long had a deep appreciation for the area, and the fans seemed to give that right back, hanging onto his every word.
Saying to the crowd that it was good to be close to home, Jackson filled the evening with a set of his numerous country hits.The man who has sold more than 50 million records over the last few decades opened the show with "She's Gone Country," which began right after a countdown clock on the giant video monitors ended after two minutes. Jackson is a mostly stoic performer, standing up there with his acoustic guitar, letting the music speak for itself.Practically the only time he seemed to move was when he would walk about the stage, throwing scores of guitar picks to the crowd as if he was dispensing candy in a parade, while his band, the Strayhorns, played.One particular odd note about the band is that in addition to an electric guitar player and Jackson on his acoustic, the band features two other acoustic guitar players. Now, it doesn't seem like he's doing a lot of particularly complicated music to warrant the three acoustics, because not one of the three stands out over the other, but clearly it's worked for him over the years.And, oh were the fans excited to see him.
Two women were spotted with cutoff neon yellow t-shirts with ironed-on pictures of the singer and the words "AJ + Me = Good Time" written on the back in permanent marker. This in addition to their glow sticks and flashing lights necklaces, and well, they were definitely aficionados to say the least.
Opening the show were two up-and-coming acts on the Nashville scene, Ashton Shepherd and Blake Shelton. Shepherd first took to the stage for a short, but energetic set where she showcased her vocal range.Following her was Shelton, a tall number in his collared cowboy shirt with a camouflage Fender Telecaster guitar. Shelton liked to tell stories on stage, and actually apologized to the crowd, saying how he often said stupid stuff on stage, but that it was fitting since his initials are "BS."
But in the end, the crowd was clearly there to hear Alan Jackson, and he seemed very appreciative of the moment by pointing out his extensive family who had made the trip up to the north end of Atlanta to hear their relative belt out his hits.Jackson has had a long career in the industry, but with the way he's still drawing in crowds, he doesn't look to quit any time soon.
Alpharetta's Atherogenics Consents To Bankruptcy
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
ALPHARETTA – A $300 million debt burden is sending AtheroGenics, an Alpharetta-based pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, into bankruptcy. Company officials expect either to sell the company, its assets or both.AtheroGenics consented to the involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition filed Sept. 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It has sought to convert the case to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The debt burden restricted its ability to develop its primary asset, drug candidate AGI-1067.The Alpharetta company had a peak employment of approximately 120 employees in early 2007, said Russell Medford, M.D., Ph.D., its president and CEO. In May 2007 the company announced it was cutting its staff in half. Today 30 employees remain on board until the company's restructuring.The failure of AGI-1067 to achieve primary goals in its drug trials early last year caused the company stock to decline substantially, which damaged its ability to access financing. The drug had been intended to help reduce instances of cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, but it did not show success. After that point, the company focused on findings that the drug candidate showed a marked reduction in the development of new onset diabetes in patients with impaired fasting glucose, a condition which is a precursor to diabetes.
"Unfortunately, even with positive results from our ANDES diabetes trial, the stock price did not recover," Medford said via e-mail. "We continue to believe that there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for our novel lead drug candidate AGI-1067, which could become the first diabetes treatment with demonstrated cardiovascular safety. We hope to identify a potential buyer that is interested in future development of the drug."
Proceeds from any transactions will be distributed to thecCompany's stakeholders, including its creditors."We believe that the Chapter 11 filing is a necessary step in response to the creditors' involuntary liquidation petition," said Medford. "We remain hopeful that AGI-1067 will ultimately continue to be developed, as we believe that it has real potential to be the first diabetes treatment that could reduce serious cardiovascular events. There remains a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for a drug with this profile."
AtheroGenics has retained the services of Merriman Curhan Ford and Co. to assist with the sale of the Company and/or its key assets during the Chapter 11 proceeding. The Company has also retained King & Spalding LLP to serve as its legal advisor in the bankruptcy proceeding.
October 07, 2008
ALPHARETTA – A $300 million debt burden is sending AtheroGenics, an Alpharetta-based pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, into bankruptcy. Company officials expect either to sell the company, its assets or both.AtheroGenics consented to the involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition filed Sept. 15 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. It has sought to convert the case to Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
The debt burden restricted its ability to develop its primary asset, drug candidate AGI-1067.The Alpharetta company had a peak employment of approximately 120 employees in early 2007, said Russell Medford, M.D., Ph.D., its president and CEO. In May 2007 the company announced it was cutting its staff in half. Today 30 employees remain on board until the company's restructuring.The failure of AGI-1067 to achieve primary goals in its drug trials early last year caused the company stock to decline substantially, which damaged its ability to access financing. The drug had been intended to help reduce instances of cardiac arrest, stroke and other cardiovascular problems, but it did not show success. After that point, the company focused on findings that the drug candidate showed a marked reduction in the development of new onset diabetes in patients with impaired fasting glucose, a condition which is a precursor to diabetes.
"Unfortunately, even with positive results from our ANDES diabetes trial, the stock price did not recover," Medford said via e-mail. "We continue to believe that there is a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for our novel lead drug candidate AGI-1067, which could become the first diabetes treatment with demonstrated cardiovascular safety. We hope to identify a potential buyer that is interested in future development of the drug."
Proceeds from any transactions will be distributed to thecCompany's stakeholders, including its creditors."We believe that the Chapter 11 filing is a necessary step in response to the creditors' involuntary liquidation petition," said Medford. "We remain hopeful that AGI-1067 will ultimately continue to be developed, as we believe that it has real potential to be the first diabetes treatment that could reduce serious cardiovascular events. There remains a significant medical need and commercial opportunity for a drug with this profile."
AtheroGenics has retained the services of Merriman Curhan Ford and Co. to assist with the sale of the Company and/or its key assets during the Chapter 11 proceeding. The Company has also retained King & Spalding LLP to serve as its legal advisor in the bankruptcy proceeding.
Alpharetta Based Verizon Office Wants Old Cell Phones
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
During the next 30-minutes, approximately 200 women in Georgia will be beaten by someone they love. In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon Wireless is continuing its efforts to help victims of domestic violence in Georgia and encouraging residents to donate any no-longer-used cell phone to the company's HopeLine® program. Wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition from any wireless service provider, can be donated at any Verizon Wireless retail location statewide.
The company also recently announced that through their partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Verizon Wireless volunteers will be at the HopeLine Tent at Falcons Landing collecting fans' no-longer-used phones for the following Atlanta Falcons home football games: Oct. 12 against Chicago Bears, Nov. 9 against New Orleans Saints and Dec. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader in the ongoing domestic violence awareness campaign. Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program turns unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Phones are refurbished or recycled, and funds are used to purchase new wireless phones with airtime for victims or used to fund prevention and awareness programs.
"Last year, Georgians donated more than 18,000 phones for HopeLine, which equals thousands of minutes of freedom for domestic violence victims right here in Georgia," said Jeff Mango, President of the GA/AL region for Verizon Wireless. "We are asking all Georgians to dig through their junk drawers and donate no longer used wireless phones to assist victims of domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives."
For more than a decade, Verizon Wireless has been committed to raising awareness of domestic violence and working to prevent it. Verizon Wireless collected its first used wireless phone through HopeLine in 2001and recently passed the 5 million phones collected mark. That is one phone for every person in Metro Atlanta. HopeLine has provided wireless phones with the equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and cash grants totaling more than $5 million to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.Verizon Wireless has worked with the following organizations, among many others, to execute HopeLine Phone Drives: UPS, The Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech, Brenau University, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Glenn County Community Crisis Center and the Fitzgerald County 4-H Club.
In times of danger, Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE (#4673) from any Verizon Wireless phone. Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages.A few facts about domestic violence:·Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.·
Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.·The costs to U.S. businesses of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year in absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and safety costs - $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services.· Domestic violence claims at least eight million workdays each year, or the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
October 07, 2008
During the next 30-minutes, approximately 200 women in Georgia will be beaten by someone they love. In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon Wireless is continuing its efforts to help victims of domestic violence in Georgia and encouraging residents to donate any no-longer-used cell phone to the company's HopeLine® program. Wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition from any wireless service provider, can be donated at any Verizon Wireless retail location statewide.
The company also recently announced that through their partnership with the Atlanta Falcons Verizon Wireless volunteers will be at the HopeLine Tent at Falcons Landing collecting fans' no-longer-used phones for the following Atlanta Falcons home football games: Oct. 12 against Chicago Bears, Nov. 9 against New Orleans Saints and Dec. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader in the ongoing domestic violence awareness campaign. Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program turns unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence. Phones are refurbished or recycled, and funds are used to purchase new wireless phones with airtime for victims or used to fund prevention and awareness programs.
"Last year, Georgians donated more than 18,000 phones for HopeLine, which equals thousands of minutes of freedom for domestic violence victims right here in Georgia," said Jeff Mango, President of the GA/AL region for Verizon Wireless. "We are asking all Georgians to dig through their junk drawers and donate no longer used wireless phones to assist victims of domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives."
For more than a decade, Verizon Wireless has been committed to raising awareness of domestic violence and working to prevent it. Verizon Wireless collected its first used wireless phone through HopeLine in 2001and recently passed the 5 million phones collected mark. That is one phone for every person in Metro Atlanta. HopeLine has provided wireless phones with the equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and cash grants totaling more than $5 million to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.Verizon Wireless has worked with the following organizations, among many others, to execute HopeLine Phone Drives: UPS, The Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech, Brenau University, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Glenn County Community Crisis Center and the Fitzgerald County 4-H Club.
In times of danger, Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE (#4673) from any Verizon Wireless phone. Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free. The Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages.A few facts about domestic violence:·Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women in the United States - more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.·
Georgia ranks seventh in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.·The costs to U.S. businesses of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year in absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and safety costs - $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services.· Domestic violence claims at least eight million workdays each year, or the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country. For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. Receiving State Award
Appen Newspapers
October 07, 2008
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. will be recognized with the Outstanding Civic Organization for 2008 Award from the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) during the 18th annual GUFC Conference and Awards program, Oct. 29-31, in Augusta.The GUFC is the preeminent non-profit organization in the state with a mission to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. Amanda Day, grants administrator for the City of Alpharetta, submitted the application for the award.
Julie Hogg, president of Alpharetta Arboretum, said, "We are a very civic-minded organization and this award sums up our mission statement and speaks to the heart of what we do. It also establishes our reputation, provides a great calling card and is a tremendous accomplishment, as our organization just completed our first project Sept. 27."
"Alpharetta is known for many things, but our tree canopy is what makes us the lush community we are. It is something our citizens take great pride in, and we work hard to preserve and protect it through careful planning and public policy," said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas."Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. added an education component to the city's trees through the creation of the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, which will ensure that current and future generations understand and appreciate the importance of trees in our community and will do their part to protect them and our environment," the mayor said. "For that, and so much more, the City of Alpharetta was proud to nominate Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. as the 2008 Outstanding Civic Organization through the 18th Annual Georgia Urban Forest Council Awards Program."
When Letchas initiated the city's quest to "go green," a group of city residents, many of whom are members of the Alpharetta Tree Commission, stepped up to the challenge. In addition to creating an environmentally-friendly city, these individuals wanted to create a group capable of proving the City of Alpharetta worthy of its long-standing designation as a Tree City USA.In early 2008, Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. was founded "to enrich the community by connecting people to the natural environment through the preservation and stewardship of places of botanical interest, through horticultural demonstration, and through ecological education."
As president of Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., Hogg has tremendous leadership experience having worked off and on in the "green" industry over the past decade. She is enrolled as an adult college student, studying Public Horticulture at the University of Tennessee, and has access to cutting-edge environmental research.
Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board member, said "it's great to partner organizations such as the CVB and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., to create products that can be used by visitors to the City and that also give back and beautify the community."
Members of the current Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board of directors, established in Spring 2008, include: Julie Hogg, Janet Rodgers, Jim Paine, Cheryl Rand, Kristina Eicher and David Cox. Jeff Scroggin worked pro bono to write the organization's by-laws and set up all the legal aspects of the incorporation.
October 07, 2008
Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. will be recognized with the Outstanding Civic Organization for 2008 Award from the Georgia Urban Forest Council (GUFC) during the 18th annual GUFC Conference and Awards program, Oct. 29-31, in Augusta.The GUFC is the preeminent non-profit organization in the state with a mission to sustain Georgia's green legacy by helping communities grow healthy trees. Amanda Day, grants administrator for the City of Alpharetta, submitted the application for the award.
Julie Hogg, president of Alpharetta Arboretum, said, "We are a very civic-minded organization and this award sums up our mission statement and speaks to the heart of what we do. It also establishes our reputation, provides a great calling card and is a tremendous accomplishment, as our organization just completed our first project Sept. 27."
"Alpharetta is known for many things, but our tree canopy is what makes us the lush community we are. It is something our citizens take great pride in, and we work hard to preserve and protect it through careful planning and public policy," said Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas."Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. added an education component to the city's trees through the creation of the Alpharetta Arboretum at Wills Park, which will ensure that current and future generations understand and appreciate the importance of trees in our community and will do their part to protect them and our environment," the mayor said. "For that, and so much more, the City of Alpharetta was proud to nominate Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. as the 2008 Outstanding Civic Organization through the 18th Annual Georgia Urban Forest Council Awards Program."
When Letchas initiated the city's quest to "go green," a group of city residents, many of whom are members of the Alpharetta Tree Commission, stepped up to the challenge. In addition to creating an environmentally-friendly city, these individuals wanted to create a group capable of proving the City of Alpharetta worthy of its long-standing designation as a Tree City USA.In early 2008, Alpharetta Arboretum, Inc. was founded "to enrich the community by connecting people to the natural environment through the preservation and stewardship of places of botanical interest, through horticultural demonstration, and through ecological education."
As president of Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., Hogg has tremendous leadership experience having worked off and on in the "green" industry over the past decade. She is enrolled as an adult college student, studying Public Horticulture at the University of Tennessee, and has access to cutting-edge environmental research.
Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board member, said "it's great to partner organizations such as the CVB and Alpharetta Arboretum Inc., to create products that can be used by visitors to the City and that also give back and beautify the community."
Members of the current Alpharetta Arboretum Inc. board of directors, established in Spring 2008, include: Julie Hogg, Janet Rodgers, Jim Paine, Cheryl Rand, Kristina Eicher and David Cox. Jeff Scroggin worked pro bono to write the organization's by-laws and set up all the legal aspects of the incorporation.
Lace 'em up and walk to school Wednesday
By ALEXIS STEVENS / www.ajc.com
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Some metro students will be walking to school Wednesday morning with their parents. And it’s not because they’re in trouble.
Forty-five Georgia schools will participate in International Walk to School day, an event that promotes walking and bicycling, instead of riding in a bus or car.
Environmental awareness is a priority for Alpharetta’s Ocee Elementary, said Monica Phillips, a PTA vice president. Last year, about 30 Ocee students and their parents walked to school for the event. This year, there has been more publicity for the event, which may get more walking, though rain is in the forecast.
East Side Elementary in Marietta will participate in the event — which went international in 2000 — for the first time. At 7 a.m., walkers will hit the road, either from their homes or two meeting points: East Cobb Park and Fullers Park.
Kim Dupuy, an East Side parent who helped plan the school’s event, said Cobb police will be in the area to help prevent speeding in the school zone.
Cobb schools transporation director Rick Grisham said the school buses will run their routes as usual Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Some metro students will be walking to school Wednesday morning with their parents. And it’s not because they’re in trouble.
Forty-five Georgia schools will participate in International Walk to School day, an event that promotes walking and bicycling, instead of riding in a bus or car.
Environmental awareness is a priority for Alpharetta’s Ocee Elementary, said Monica Phillips, a PTA vice president. Last year, about 30 Ocee students and their parents walked to school for the event. This year, there has been more publicity for the event, which may get more walking, though rain is in the forecast.
East Side Elementary in Marietta will participate in the event — which went international in 2000 — for the first time. At 7 a.m., walkers will hit the road, either from their homes or two meeting points: East Cobb Park and Fullers Park.
Kim Dupuy, an East Side parent who helped plan the school’s event, said Cobb police will be in the area to help prevent speeding in the school zone.
Cobb schools transporation director Rick Grisham said the school buses will run their routes as usual Wednesday morning.
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