Author: On Common Ground News

Have you ever considered doing business in other countries? Did you know that there are resources in Georgia to help you to expand globally? Learn more at the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce’s Third Wednesday Luncheon, Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. The guest speaker will be Shehzin Jafar, International Trade Manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Additional guest speakers will include Alena Edmondson of EDN Global and Stacy K. Blackmon of Global Women. Since 1998, Edmondson has focused on driving small business development in communities of color…

The Fulton County Workforce Development Division will host a Youth Enrichment Services (YES) orientation session for youth ages 16 to 21 who are in need of employment. The session, the second one offered this month, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Adamsville Career Center, 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta. Parents are welcome to attend the session, which will provide information on Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) eligibility requirements. Workforce Development wants young people to apply for participation in the YES program. The year-round program increases work opportunities for youth, encourages leadership and promotes…

 The Atlanta City Council approved $52,000 in funding to support the activities and initiatives of the Atlanta Youth Commission. The allocation was sponsored by District 5 City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong. The measure was approved unanimously. “These funds will help this vital commission carry out its mission,” Archibong said. “It is a body dedicated to advancing the causes and issues important to our city’s youth. Allocating funding for this commission couldn’t be more timely, and demonstrates the high value our city places on our youth.” The Atlanta Youth Commission was established by the City Council for the purpose of acting as a think…

Gov. Nathan Deal announced a law enforcement reform package that includes a 20 percent pay raise for more than 3,300 state law enforcement officers and a multi-phase overhaul of officer training and certification courses. The pay increase is effective Jan. 1, 2017, and represents more than $78 million in state funding in the amended FY17 budget and the FY18 budget. “Since our founding, one of government’s primary roles is the protection of its people,” said Deal. “While the responsibility to provide for the public’s safety has not changed over the course of time, the demands of fulfilling this fundamental obligation…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is pleased to announce the finalists for 2016-17 RCPS Teacher of the Year are: Shauna Roddenberry of Barksdale Elementary, Allison Dunlop of Lorraine Elementary, and Kim Sanderson of Davis Middle. All three received surprise visits to their classrooms Friday morning by a crowd of officials, including RCPS Superintendent Richard Autry and school board members, to announce their selection and commend them as inspirations and exemplary educators. All the 22 school-level Teachers of the Year will be celebrated in a ceremony on September 26, 2016, 6 p.m. at Rockdale Career Academy. One of the finalists will…

Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 1430 Bouldercrest Road, Conley, invites the community to Gospel Singing, Mime, and Dance on Saturday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m. Donation request for adults is $15 and $10 for youths. Children 6 and under are free. Proceeds will benefit local and global missions.

St. James Children’s Ministry announces the 2016 Fall and Winter St. James UMC Kids’ Consignment Sale, Sept. 16 and 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop for high quality children’s clothing, furniture, toys, books, and accessories, as well as maternity items in the activities building at 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta.

Ben Hill United Methodist Church, 2099 Fairburn Road, Atlanta, presents Jazzing with Grace, on Friday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. The concert will benefit the Foundation of Wesley Woods whose mission is to help older adults age with grace. Milkshake and the Milkshake Quintet featuring Tina Mayfield will headline the concert. Other phenomenal artists from Ben Hill UMC and Tony Hightower also will be featured. Monica Kaufman Pearson is Mistress of Ceremonies with co-host Harvey Monk. Admission is free.  Help Ben Hill UMC support the quality of life programs for older adults in North Georgia.  Donations are appreciated.

School is starting and students from around the world—India Korea, Germany, Ghana, China and many other countries—are in Atlanta. Atlanta Ministry with International Students (AMIS) invites the community to the 39th Annual International Student and Scholar Welcome Reception on Sunday, Sept. 25, 3-5 p.m., at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. The free event will be held at the Evans Dining Hall and includes good food and a student jazz trio. AMIS gives you an opportunity to befriend young people who are far from home, to show hospitality for the stranger in our gates. The reception is sponsored by AMIS, Georgia…

Voices of Faith Ministries will host the “Daughters of Faith Youth Rally” on Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the church’s Stone Mountain campus, 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. Youths and their parents are invited to enjoy food, music, entertainment, games and vendors. The mentoring program is transforming lives and taking back our youths.