Second line parade honors life of Henry County man

Submitted by Devin Fehely, 11Alive Reporter

Friday, December 6th, 2013, 5:29am

ATLANTA -- It was a celebration much like the man it honored -- full of music, love and the joy Joseph Hawkins brought to his life.

"When I die, the one thing I want you to do for me is have a big party," Katie Hawkins-Gaar said her father often told his family.

Katie never expected that day to come so soon. But when her 58-year-old father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given just days to live, a plan quickly came together.

"He didn't want it to be a sad event," Katie said.

Katie planned a traditional New Orleans-style send-off for her dad after his death on November 15. Hawkins had a special connection to the Crescent City. He'd lived there as a young man. It's also where he met his wife and started his family.

Katie found a group of local musicians who performed a New Orleans "second line" parade through the streets of Atlanta's Cabbagetown neighborhood.

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Submitted by Donna Lowry, 11Alive Reporter

Thursday, December 5th, 2013, 12:26pm

Job fair for Atlanta teens this Saturday

ATLANTA -- The city of Atlanta is offering a job fair to Atlanta teenagers interested in summer jobs.

The event is only for teens who live within the city because it's sponsored by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA). The agency hopes to find jobs for 350 teenagers on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AWDA offices at 818 Pollard Street in Atlanta.

It's open to juniors and seniors in high schools. Students who apply may bring the following: high school transcript, Georgia ID or driver's license, Social Security card, birth certificate and proof of residence. Register online for Selective Service (boys 18 years or older) prior to arrival.

This is where you get more information: AWDA Summer Youth Employment

The director of Atlanta Workforce Development says they also want to hear from businesses interested in employing teens.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Thursday, December 5th, 2013, 7:49am

(WXIA) -- Registration for the 2014 General Educational Development tests is now open on the new MyGED website.

The site, located at ged.com, offers study plans, skills assessments and other resources to help adults receive the equivalent of a high school diploma.

The 2014 GED program launches on Jan. 2. It was overhauled to better prepare GED candidates for higher education and the working world, and ultimately allow them to find jobs with higher pay.

The website also features a list of GED testing centers across metro Atlanta.

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Submitted by Don Buckindail, Manager of Digital Content

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013, 11:03pm

ATLANTA -- Run-off elections for Atlanta School Board, State Senate and Georgia House highlighted Tuesday's elections across the metro.

Here's the list of races and results:
(For results on a mobile device click here, or paste this url into a browser: http://on.11alive.com/1cTf6MI)

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Submitted by Jennifer Leslie, 11Alive Reporter

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013, 1:18pm

ATLANTA -- The Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority has run out of money for its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), despite increased funding from the federal government.

FACAA has posted this notice on its website: "Funds for LIHEAP have been exhausted. No further appointments for applications can be provided until further notice."

Seniors began applying for as much as $350 in help in November. Monday was supposed to be the first application day for other residents who fall below the income cap.

Rep. John Lewis (D-Atlanta) issued a statement late Monday after receiving complaints from constituents who were turned away.

"Even though there have been automatic cuts to some federal spending programs that have dramatically affected many of my constituents in the 5th District, this program is not one of them," Rep. Lewis said.

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Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Saturday, November 30th, 2013, 8:23am

Atlanta unemployment jumps to 7.7 percent

ATLANTA -- Metro Atlanta's unemployment rate climbed to 7.7 percent in October, up from 7.4 percent in September.

Fulton County's unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in October.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the reason for the increase is twofold: the number of layoffs increased, as did the number of unemployed residents.

Despite the unemployment numbers, metro Atlanta added roughly 2.4 million jobs in October, mostly in trade and transportation; education and health care; government; manufacturing; and financial services.

Metro Athens had Georgia's lowest unemployment rate in October, at 5.8 percent. The Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 10.9 percent.

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Fulton and community partners to host celebration for children and families in need

Submitted by FeleciaChurch on Thursday, November 28th, 10:29 am

ATLANTA -- Children and families in need and outstanding students will be the focus of a “Community Cares” Christmas Celebration on Friday, December 20, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The event will feature distribution of toys, clothing, non-perishable items and recognition of students who have demonstrated academic excellence and perfect attendance. Community partners supporting the event with entertainment, food, resources and giveaways include Fulton County Housing and Human Services Department, Office of Children and Youth, V103 FM, Music Education Group (MEG), Treasure Chest, Inc., and other caring sponsors.

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