Marietta Schools Lead State Clean Air Effort

1. The Clean Air Campaign this week announced that the had the highest level of participation in its Clean Air Schools program this year. The program is designed to empower students and parents to take action for clean air within their school community. More than 300 Clean Air Schools participated this year in one or more of the following programs: No-Idling Program, Pool to School or Ride the Bus! For Clean Air.

The students learned how to “repair the air” with no idling initiatives, promoting carpooling and alternative modes of transportation (walking and riding the bus) and learning about the air through creative lesson plans.

Marietta schools reported a 58 percent participation rate. also among the top districts with a 41 percent participation rate.

2. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada recently presented the with its Distinguished Budget Award, a recognition for the city's committement to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

The award shows that the city's $282.7 million budget follows recognized budgeting guidelines and serves as an effective policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. 

This is the 16th consecutive year the city has earned the award and 18th time overall.

3. The Watershed Stewardship Program is offering a free make-and-take rain barrel workshop at 10 a.m. today at the Cobb County Water Quality Lab. Participants will create their own rain barrels from 55 gallon drums donated by Coca-Cola.

4. For your civic duty enjoyment there are a number of meetings scheduled for today including a 9 a.m. meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee at the second floor board room of and a 10 a.m. meeting of the county Board of Tax Assessors at the .

5. Today is International Museum Day, and as every good Mariettan knows, this city has an amazing offering of museums. What are your favorites?