Live Workforce Panel, Weekend Events

Good morning, Kennesaw. Here's Thursday's briefing to help you start your day.

In local weather, The National Weather Service reports a 70 percent chance of precipitation today with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. Today will be cloudy with a high near 67 and a low around 50.

Let's talk careers. is hosting a panel at its  today to address the skills gap in Georgia's workforce, as well as the current state of education and career training. Representatives from CTC, Cobb Works, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Workforce Investment Board, the Department of Labor and the Technical College System of Georgia will be on hand to answer questions. You can join in for the live discussion on Kennesaw Patch at 11:30 a.m.

In school news, Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy will hold its lottery in February, two months before the school is scheduled to move into its newly built 100,000-square-foot facility on Cobb Parkway. The deadline to apply to the public charter school for grades K-6 is Friday, Feb. 10.

Are you a Kennesaw business owner? While you may have seen our business directory, did you know you can claim and manage your listing for free?  on how to claim your listing to upload photos, update and share company information and more.

Stop, drop and swap. Drop off your gently used books, music CDs and DVD movies today and tomorrow from 12-8 p.m. at the to receive a redeemable ticket for the same number of items. Come back on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m for the

Celebrate and explore Smith-Gilbert Gardens during Sunday's Conifer Rendezvous from 2 to 4 p.m. Community members are invited to enjoy warm beverages and stroll through all 16 acres of the Gardens' winter landscape. Members of the American Conifer Society will be on hand to help you explore the Gardens' special collection of conifers. The winner of the Gardens' will also be announced.