Author: On Common Ground News

There’s still time to apply for Gwinnett County Police Department’s first-ever summer Youth Police Academy. The application deadline is June 30. The academy gives teens interested in a career in law enforcement a behind-the-scenes look at the department. Participants will learn classroom instruction, team building, and character development and topics will include uniform patrol, criminal investigations, crime scene investigations, traffic stops, firearms safety, gangs, and narcotics awareness. The Youth Police Academy is scheduled for July 25-29 and will take place at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center located at 854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. There will be a maximum of 30 students…

Gwinnett commissioners approved a $232,707 contract with the Georgia Department of Human Services. The contract will pay for transportation services for Gwinnett seniors 60 and older to and from senior centers and medical appointments and treatments. The state will provide group and/or one-way trips in wheelchair-accessible vehicles between July 1 and June 30 next year. “This is one of several transportation options we can offer seniors,” said Senior Services Manager Jamie Cramer. “We also offer transportation vouchers to get to and from medical appointments under a program called Get in Gear as well as a volunteer driver program with funding…

The city of Lithonia Farmers Market kicks off its inaugural market season on Sunday, June 5, 1 to 5 p.m. at Lithonia City Park, 2501 Park Drive, Lithonia.  Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson says the market will run every Sunday through Sept. 18. “We’re really excited about bringing fresh, locally-grown produce to our community,” said Jackson. “This is a way to address the critical health issues that impact so many in African American communities.” Jackson says the Sunday market will provide a fun day filled with activities including  games, prizes, music and Zumba classes. SNAP/EBT will be accepted at the Farmers…

The City of Decatur is launching its Silver Spokes program this month to encourage senior citizens to exercise by riding a tricycle. The city applied for and received a $1,000 mini grant through the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association to purchase three adult tricycles for the new pilot program. “I had read about tricycle programs for seniors in Austin (Texas) and Portland (Oregon) and thought it would be great to start a pilot program here for our seniors,” said Tracie Sanchez, adult programs supervisor , Decatur Active Living. “We are designated as a bike-friendly city plus we have three solid…

Atlanta designer Donna King has what it takes when it comes to fashionable business sense. King, the CEO and chief designer for P. Sherrod & Co., recently won the 2016 Belk Southern Designer Showcase Contest, landing her a coveted spot as a vendor for retail department store giant Belk. “Oh my gosh, I was super surprised! I know you’re supposed to think all that positive, law-of-attraction stuff, but who really thinks, ‘I’m going to win’?” said King. A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, King embraces Southern living and the “Southern Girl” title she has earned since moving to…

A popular DeKalb senior center is celebrating a decade of helping seniors remain active. The Lou Walker Senior Center, located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia, announces “Life Begins at Lou Walker,” a weeklong tenth anniversary celebration, June 3-11. “The Lou Walker Senior Center has become a premiere example of how government should take care of those who have worked hard, supported families and served in the community for so many years,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. “This center is a place where seniors can remain physically active, mentally engaged and socially connected as they reap the benefits of their…

There was no change in the number of votes received by Thua Barlay, who ran for the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, Post 1 seat, Rockdale elections officials have determined. Barlay, who placed third in the seven-way race, had requested a ballot recount in the May 24 Democratic primary. Elections officials held the recount on June 1 and there was no difference in the ballot results, said Rockdale Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch. Barlay earned 1,340 votes (18.85 percent). Phyllis Hatcher earned 1,386 votes (19.49 percent). As a result, Hatcher will be in a runoff on July 26 with front-runner Sherri L.…

The Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce will host its Third Wednesday luncheon on June 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at This Is It banquet facility, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia. Join us as Clarence Boone, Sales Manager for the Corporate, Government, Association and Film markets for Discover DeKalb presents “Tourism, Film and the Entrepreneur.” Mr. Boone has worked in direct sales and management for over 30 years throughout the state of Georgia in a variety of industries.  He considers his current responsibility to not only bring conferences and meetings into DeKalb County but more so to further provide economic impact…

MARTA has purchased 18 articulated buses that will complement the agency’s current fleet of 565, 40-foot buses. The “bendy” buses, which have a distinctive, accordion-like feature, are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and cost about $845,000 each. The articulated buses will be used on routes that have the highest ridership, such as the #39, #196 and the Braves Shuttle. With capacity for 53 seated passengers and space for 40-50 standing passengers, the buses are enabled with Wi-Fi that can accommodate light web-surfing and email accessibility.

Vacation Bible School 2016 will take place June 13-June 17, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Clarkston First Baptist Church’s main campus, 3999 Church St., Clarkston, and the Clarkston South location at 4518 North Henry Blvd., Suite 117, Stockbridge. Each day, individuals will submerge to find the truth below the surface, learning more about how Jesus sees; Jesus knows; Jesus saves and is needed by everyone through Bible stories and activities. VBS is free and open to the public. A combined service will be held on Friday night at the main location.