Author: On Common Ground News

Hundreds filled the Lithonia Amphitheater for On Common Ground News’ “A Night of Smooth Jazz” on Aug. 20 featuring headliners Ronnie Laws and Lonnie Liston Smith. The crowd also enjoyed special guests Jaman Laws, Julie Dexter, Joey “Papa J” Sommerville, Rhonda Thomas, Groove Centric and DJ Naturel. While some concert patrons brought their picnic baskets and coolers, others purchased barbecue, crab legs, shrimp and Italian icees from vendors. VIPs were treated in elegant fashion—by candlelight at linen-covered tables and chairs for the outdoor event. JFly, who produced the event, will join On Common Ground News in presenting a a concert…

 The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs is installing book boxes, sometimes called little libraries, in several parks to increase literacy and promote a love of reading. The primary goal of this initiative is to increase literacy by providing the exchange of free books in the local communities. Patrons are encouraged to take part in this free program, which allows readers of all ages to borrow, take or drop off a book for future usage. “This project brings books to neighborhood parks to make them more accessible for our youth,” DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May said. “Now,…

DeKalb County Public Library and the DeKalb County School District are teaming up for a library card sign-up campaign this fall to encourage all students, their family members and school system staff to get a library card. Beginning in September, which is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and continuing through October, the Library and the school system will promote the benefits of having a card along with the Library’s new and colorful, limited-edition card, designed just for the campaign. School Superintendent R. Stephen Green is chairing the campaign. He will appear on a specially-designed poster which will be displayed in each…

The City of Lithonia Farmers Market is offering locally-grown fruits, vegetables and other goods every Sunday through Sept. 18, 1 to 5 p.m., at the City Hall parking lot, 6920 Main St. Shoppers can be seen packing up newly laid eggs, selecting just picked produce and even learning about the secret lives of bees from the local honey expert, just to name a few of the things in store when you arrive. Growers like Gwendolyn Washington, who operates Phoenix Gardens with her husband, Brennan, love to chat with shoppers who are interested in how they grow their crops. Washington is…

The Citizens Progressive Club of Rockdale, Inc. will presents its 60th Anniversary Dinner and Gala on Saturday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. This year’s theme is “Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future of the Community for All.” The guest speaker for the occasion will be  Gregory B. Levett, Sr. of  Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. Levett received national recognition as the “2015 Funeral Director of the Year” by the funeral industry. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets and additional information, contact the…

CONYERS – Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is hosting its annual Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding event for Rockdale residents and business owners, Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the parking lot of the Rockdale County Government Annex, 1400 Parker Road. The free event will provide the public a place to safely discard and recycle old documents and electronics, regardless of working condition. There is a maximum of four banker boxes per vehicle allowed for paper shredding, and as a new element this year due to high demand, participants must provide photo ID as proof of an address…

South DeKalb will show off its marching bands, step teams and many things that make its residents proud to call South DeKalb home at the 4th Annual Heart of South DeKalb Festival, which will be held 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the parking lot of the Gallery at South DeKalb mall near Macy’s. The free outdoor festival is the largest event of its kind in South DeKalb. The day begins with a parade featuring high school bands, step teams, community organizations and leaders heading to the mall at 8:30 a.m., from New Life Church on Candler Road. Bring you…

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services will be available Nov. 1. This federally-funded program assists low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with heating bills through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Beginning Nov. 1, 2016, residents ages 65 and older or those who are homebound can apply for assistance through the Department’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. All other eligible families may apply for assistance beginning Dec. 1, 2016. Funds are administered through local Community Action Agencies on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are exhausted. In…

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and the Department of Parks and Recreation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated pool at Maddox Park. Reed was joined by Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Councilmember Ivory Lee Young, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Morris, MARTA Senior Director of Transit Oriented Development and Real Estate Amanda Rhein and Northwest Business Association President Rev. Larry Hill. The opening of the pool fulfills the mayor’s campaign commitment to reopen and revitalize recreation centers and pools in the City of Atlanta. “Since my first day as Mayor, I’ve been determined…

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 16 approved a contract to build sidewalks on Killian Hill Road from Sandra Drive to Nantucket Drive near Trickum Middle School. “I am so pleased to get this project under way because it will improve pedestrian safety along this busy roadway,” said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard. CMES Inc. was the lowest of five responsive bids at $745,558. The project will install just over a mile of sidewalk, curb and gutter and drainage improvements on the north side of Killian Hill Road. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2017. The…