Affordable Skating, Golf and Reading for Kids

Submitted by Valerie Hoff, 11Alive Reporter

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, 2:59pm

Sparkles Family Fun Centers have free skate nights for families starting in June.

In the Gwinnett County location Wednesdays are free from 6pm to 9 pm. In Smyrna, Kennesaw and Hiram Thursday nights are free.
Skate rental is an additional $4.00

Adults must be accompanied by a child and children must have an adult with them. To find free skating locations nationwide go to KidsSkateFree.com.

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Atlanta's ‘BEST WORLD MUSIC ACT’ Salutes Men on Father's Day

Submitted by Jen Farris, Arts, Culture & Entertainment Writer and Producer

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 8:47pm

Atlanta's ‘BEST WORLD MUSIC ACT’ Salutes Men on Father's Day

ATLANTA -- You have seen them on NBC television network reality series “America’s Got Talent” and if you are a reality-show junkie, you remember them sharing their high-energy dance experience with singer/songwriter Kandi Burruss and Attorney Phaedra Parks in connection with their travels to South Africa on BRAVO cable network top-rated reality series “Real Housewives of Atlanta”.

Now, the 19-year Atlanta-based ensemble GIWAYEN MATA, is going to bring their ‘contagious’ high energy drum and dance to the Southwest Arts Center for Father's Day. Between educating audiences about African traditions and breaking barriers as an all-sistah ensemble in a male dominated percussion industry, its no wonder Creative Loafing Magazine named them "Best Local World Music Act" three times!

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$1.00 Off McDonalds Cherry Berry Chiller equals FREE in some areas

Submitted by The Coupon Diva, The Coupon Diva

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 7:46am

Here is a awesome coupon $1.00/1 coupon this is a great snack while you are on the go. Now in some areas there is still the $1.00 price, meaning a FREE ONE !!! This is McDonald's new flavor and it's pretty good, I must say. Not sure how long McDonalds is going ot have this to printout, so print it out TODAY.

If you are interested in more deals like this be sure to check out Pretty Frugal Diva my website: http://www.prettyfrugaldiva.com

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Atlanta Public Schools slash $47 million from budget

Submitted by Devin Fehely, 11Alive Reporter

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012, 6:46am

Atlanta Public Schools slash $47 million from budget

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Public School system voted to slash $47 million from next year's budget, eliminating nearly 500 jobs including teachers, custodians and school bus drivers.

The board's decision came after hours of public testimony -- much of it opposed to the deep cuts school officials insist are necessary to balance the budget.

The superintendent's budget plan calls for eliminating 230 teachers, 90 custodians and 14 bus drivers.

A spokesman for the school system says they plan to replace the janitorial staff with contractors. The move is expected to save the district an estimated $3 million annually.

Additional cost-cutting measures include no raises this year for school system employees and two furlough days.

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Mayor Reed pressured to endorse same sex marriage

Submitted by Paul Crawley, 11Alive Reporter

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 6:16pm

ATLANTA - Three years ago State Senator Kasim Reed and Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood practically stumbled over each other courting the city's sizeable gay and lesbian vote in the mayor's race.

Reed ended up winning a squeaker by just over 700 votes.

Most observers believe he and Norwood split the LGBT vote.

But now some in that vocal and politically active community are threatening to vote against Mayor Reed next year if he doesn't follow President Obama's recent example and personally endorse same sex marriage.

"His refusal to come out and endorse same sex marriage in line with President Obama's endorsement of same sex marriage equality overshadows a lot of the great things that the mayor has done," LGBT activist Charlie Stadtlander told 11 Alive News on Monday.

Stadtlander has started a Facebook page to put pressure on the mayor.

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When does the school year end?

Submitted by Beth Sawicki, Where U Live Producer

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 12:32pm

ATLANTA -- The last day of school is right around the corner for Atlanta students.

Public schools will dismiss for the summer on Tuesday, May 22.

The last days of school in other metro Atlanta districts are staggered throughout the second half of May. They include:

Wednesday, May 16
Clarke County

Thursday, May 17
Hall County

Friday, May 18
Bartow County
Clayton County
Fulton County

Tuesday, May 22
Barrow County

Wednesday, May 23
Carroll County
Gwinnett County
Newton County

Thursday, May 24
Cobb County
Decatur City Schools
DeKalb County
Rockdale County

Friday, May 25
Buford City Schools
Cherokee County
Coweta County
Douglas County
Fayette County
Floyd County
Forsyth County
Henry County
Marietta City Schools
Paulding County

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Children of Conservation Offers Dinner & A Cause Cards Starting June 1

Submitted by Mandy Betts, Social Media Manager

Thursday, May 10th, 2012, 5:18pm

Children of Conservation is once again giving Atlanta residents the opportunity to save at some of the city’s top restaurants while also supporting an important cause. The non-profit organization known for providing an otherwise unavailable education to children of wildlife sanctuary workers in Africa is teaming up with over 85 local restaurants in all areas of Atlanta for its second annual Dinner & A Cause Card fundraiser.

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