Author: On Common Ground News

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center was filled with tears and cheers. As the names were called, dozens of little children beamed as they came forward, happy to get not one but several gifts. The kids gave big hugs to Dr. Gayle S. Daniels, founder of Words of Comfort Ministries, Inc. (WOC), as she presented the gifts, some of them bicycles and packages too big for them to carry during the Dec. 17 pre-Christmas event. Daniels said she and her army of volunteers were able to be a blessing to the children because of an outpouring of support from donors…

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2017 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, February 13, this seven-week program offers motivated individuals the essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been…

ATLANTA   Atlanta Pet Expo hosts free Winter Wonderland for pets and families The Atlanta Pet Expo welcomes families and their furry friends to enjoy a pet-friendly Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Four-legged friends will receive spa treatments from local groomers, sample delicious treats, and try on the latest in furry fashions. Pet caretakers will enjoy interacting with top trainers and learning pet care tips from animal welfare organizations. There also will be agility demonstration, pet talent and costume shows, and a pet/owner look-alike…

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis returned to work on Dec. 14, welcomed by elected officials, constituents, friends and staff who gathered for a press conference that morning to hear from him firsthand. “I’m savoring the moment, enjoying the day and can’t wait to be among the constituents,” said Ellis, who was accompanied by his wife, Philippa, outside the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. “We’re going to be sure the trains run on time, be prepared for any emergency and ensure a smooth transition.” Ellis, who was suspended in 2013 after being indicted on corruption charges, thanked his many supporters…

The special election for the new city of Stonecrest in east DeKalb County is taking shape. The qualifying period for candidates seeking to run for mayor and the five-member Stonecrest City Council will be held Jan. 9-11, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Candidates must qualify at the DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur. The qualifying fee for mayor is $600 and for City Council member is $450. The mayor will be elected at large, while the council seats will be decided by voters who live within each of the five districts. The last…

Gov. Nathan Deal has named the Governor’s Commission on Stonecrest, a five-member body consisting of a chairman and four others to oversee the establishment of the new city. The commission will prepare for the new city by facilitating the provision of community services and facilities, the collection of taxes and fees, and the negotiation of intergovernmental agreements. The commission will remain in place until elections for the City Council are held in March. The members of the Governor’s Commission on City of Stonecrest are as follows: Joel Thibodeaux, Chair Thibodeaux is the director of audits and compliance with the…

Charles S. Hill, M.D. and his son, Charles S. Hill II, have launched their joint exploratory committee for the City of Stonecrest offices of Mayor and City Council District 5, respectively. Dr. Hill is a Harvard-trained ophthalmologist who owns and operates Hill’s Eye Clinic, which has served South DeKalb over 30 years. Hill said he is considering running for Mayor of Stonecrest because he is tired of the corruption, graft, and incompetence in DeKalb County government in addition to people running for public office only to enrich and aggrandize themselves. He said he believes the best candidates for public office…

In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 26, garbage, recyclable materials and yard trimmings collection for residential customers will be based on a revised collection schedule. The revised schedule is as follows: Monday, Dec. 26 – Christmas Day observed. No sanitation collection service. Tuesday, Dec. 27 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Dec. 26, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Wednesday, Dec. 28 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Dec. 27, will be serviced on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Thursday, Dec. 29 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday,…

Georgia Power is inviting Georgians to showcase their holiday light displays during its first-ever Light Up the Holidays photo contest. The contest runs through Jan. 8. Contestants may enter on Facebook or Twitter:        Facebook: Visit the company’s Facebook page and upload your photo to the #GeorgiaPowerLights app. Tell your friends and family to visit the app to vote for your picture.        Twitter: Follow @GeorgiaPower and tweet your photo using #GeorgiaPowerLights. Ask your friends and family to like your tweet. Each week throughout the contest, Georgia Power will randomly select one winner from all entries received on both platforms…