Public Agenda - Hands on Atlanta day

Hands on Atlanta, a nonprofit group devoted to connecting thousands of volunteers with more than 400 local causes, is holding its biggest annual volunteer day on Sat., Oct. 1. An estimated 17,000 people will spend the morning doing community service all over the metro area, and there is a critical need for volunteers for dozens of projects, such as the Africa’s Children’s Fund’s initiative to fix up local housing for hurricane-displaced families. Those wanting to participate in Hands on Atlanta Day must sign up no later than Fri., Sept. 30.

The volunteer portion of the event starts at 8:45 a.m. at various locations throughout metro Atlanta, followed by a 1-3 p.m. reception at Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. For more info or to learn where volunteers are needed, call 404-979-2800 or visit www.handsonatlanta.org.

· Atlanta Planning Advisory Board The board, which works with neighborhood planning units, meets the third Saturday of every month to discuss land use, zoning, transportation, environmental quality parks and open spaces. Every third Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon. Committee Room No. 2, City Hall, 68 Mitchell St. 404-330-6899. www.atlantaga.gov.

· Beltline Day of Action The Beltline project is gaining momentum. To help make it a reality, spend an afternoon with the Sierra Club by going door-to-door and handing out information on the 22-mile loop of parks and transit that would circle Atlanta. Sat., Oct. 1, 1-5 p.m. Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. RSVP to colleen.kiernan@sierraclub.org or call 404-607-1262, ext. 229. www.beltline.org.

· Campaign Kickoff Secretary of state candidate Angela Moore hosts her campaign kickoff and is inviting all Georgians, as well as Hurricane Katrina survivors, who can pick up clothing and infant items. Sun., Oct. 2, 1 p.m. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. 404-222-7275. www.angelasos06.com.

· College Park City Council At council meetings, issues not on the agenda may be addressed at the beginning of the meeting. Third Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. City Hall, 3667 Main St., College Park. 404-669-3754. www.collegeparkga.com.

· Council candidates speak The Midtown Neighbors’ Association will host a forum for the two candidates running for City Council District 6, covering Candler Park, Midtown, and Virginia-Highland. Incumbent Anne Fauver and challenger Steve Brodie will give brief remarks and answer questions. Thurs., Oct. 6. 6:30-8:30 pm. Grady High School auditorium, 929 Charles Allen Drive. www.midtownatlanta.org

· Decatur City Council The council meets twice a month to discuss local government and address community endeavors. Third Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Temporary City Hall, 233 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. 404-371-8386. www.decaturga.com.

· East Atlanta Marketing The East Atlanta Marketing Committee promotes awareness for East Atlanta Village. Third Monday of every month, 7 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 7 p.m. Joe’s, 510 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-521-1122. www.eaca.net.

· East Point City Council Local governmental issues, upcoming community endeavors, and city planning will be discussed. Third Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 2777 East Point St., East Point. 404-765-1133. www.eastpointcity.org.

· Fulton Commissioners Come to the Fulton County Commission meeting at the beginning of the month to hear zoning cases, or at the end of the month to hear commissioner and county manager issues. Third Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m.; first Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. Fulton County Government Center’s Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor St. 404-730-8200. www.co.fulton.ga.us/commissioners.

· Neighborhood Planning Unit The city’s Neighborhood Planning Units are citizen-run councils that advise the mayor and Atlanta City Council. Each NPU meets on a monthly basis to solicit community concerns. Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older whose primary residence is within the NPU, or any business within the NPU. Dates and times vary. To find out which NPU you belong to and when it meets, visit www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6899.

· Sustainable Atlanta Roundtable This roundtable will focus on using combinations of renewable energy techniques and will be led by Jeff Barrie, the creator of the documentary Kilowatt Ours. Tickets are $5-$15 and include a Whole Foods continental breakfast. Fri., Oct. 7, 7:30-9 a.m. All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 W. Peachtree St. RSVP by Oct. 5. 404-872-3549. www.southface.org.

· Town Hall Meeting Cobb County Commissioner Helen Goreham will hold a town hall meeting to discuss issues important to northwest Cobb. First Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.; fourth Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m. Cobb County Building, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. www.cobbcounty.org. 770-528-3313.

· Young Dems of Atlanta The Young Democrats of Atlanta meet monthly to socialize, talk politics, and figure out ways to get young people involved in campaigns. First Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Manuel’s Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. www.fultonyoungdems.org. 404-525-3447.

· CL events:

· Political Party Join CL Editor Ken Edelstein and a panel of local politicos and players at the next Political Party. The event, which is open to the public and encourages discussion of issues facing metro Atlanta, is held the second Wednesday of every month, 8 p.m. (doors at 7:30), at Dad’s Garage Theater, 280 Elizabeth St.

· Air Loaf Listen to CL’s writers and critics discuss what’s going on around town on Air America’s “Air Loaf.” Tune in to 1690 AM weekdays at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

· Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.