Author: On Common Ground News

The DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is continuing to hire lifeguards for the 2016 swimming season. All applicants must be age 18 or older to apply. Those applying for county pool lifeguard positions are required to submit proof of current certification in CPR, first aid, lifeguarding and water safety instruction, provided by the Red Cross, YMCA or other nationally-recognized aquatic training programs. All applicants selected will be required to successfully complete drug and alcohol screening and criminal background check prior to employment. To apply for a summer lifeguard position with DeKalb County, complete an online application at www.dekalbcountyga.gov and…

A mass wedding ceremony was held on June 11 at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. The ceremonies were performed for a group that included newlyweds as well as married couples who wanted to renew their vows. “It was a very moving experience to see all of those couples sharing their faith and their wedding vows before their families and friends,” said Pastor James C. Ward, Antioch-Lithonia’s senior pastor. Pastor Ward, who performed the wedding, said the church provided flowers, decorations, the programs, music and a cake and punch reception at no cost to the couples.…

Volunteering has a new advocate—JustServe.org. The North America Southeast Public Affairs Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has launched a website, JustServe.org, to help match those who want to volunteer with faith, nonprofit, community and governmental organizations that need help. Rockdale and surrounding communities have joined the movement. “We now have about 17 opportunities listed for Rockdale and surrounding areas,” said Doreen Williams, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Rockdale County Commissioner. “This is just another way to become involved in your community and do something to…

State Rep. Earnest “Coach” Williams celebrated his 67th birthday with family and friends at Jesse’s Restaurant Lounge on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur on June 10. The longtime DeKalb County Democratic legislator became emotional as he thanked the public for allowing him to represent House District 87 since 2002. Williams, a retired educator, told the audience he was honored to be assigned to the same seat (136) at the State Capitol as the late Julian Bond, one of the country’s greatest Civil Rights leaders. Williams has held that seat for 12 years. Jesse “Jay” Cunningham, who owns Jesse’s Restaurant Lounge…

Voices of Faith Ministries celebrated its annual homecoming and tailgate on June 12 at its Stone Mountain campus, located at 2500 Rockbridge Road S.W. Church members and visitors spread out on the church’s front lawn with tents, grills and free food following the church’s 11:30 a.m. worship service. There were game trucks, water slides and music. The church is under the leadership of Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., founder and overseer. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Approximately 600 people attended the culminating event of a weeklong 10th anniversary celebration of the Lou Walker Senior Center (LWSC), located at 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The event featured a red carpet reception, silent auction benefiting the center, and Broadway-style production celebrating the life, work and legacy of founder Lou Walker. DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May was presented the center’s Spirit of Lou Walker Award. “It means a lot for me to be honored with an award that bears the name of man who did so much for DeKalb County and for seniors,” Interim CEO May said. “The legacy…

The Harlem Fine Arts Show is in Atlanta through June 18 for its highly anticipated exhibition and sale at the Center for Civil and Human Rights. A portion of the proceeds from the June 15 invitation-only opening event will benefit the Emerging 200 Atlanta, the young professional auxiliary of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. The traveling show of contemporary paintings, sculpture, and photography—the largest of its kind featuring art from the African Diaspora—debuted in Atlanta in 2014. The show opened to the public on June 16 and runs through June 18. Check out the works of 15 artists…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) is pleased to announce veteran law enforcement officer Melody Maddox was recently promoted to the position of Chief of Police. During the past five years, Maddox has served as Assistant Police Chief and as a lead officer at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Her duties included selecting and assigning personnel and training staff with regard to campus patrol operations. Additionally, she has held positions with the DeKalb County Police Department, the City of Atlanta’s Police Department and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department. “I am delighted Melody Maddox has been named Georgia Piedmont’s new police chief,” said…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) will host its final two open house events that are designed to introduce prospective students to exciting, new courses and industry-leading programs currently being offered by the college.  The final two events are scheduled Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The two locations are: DeKalb Campus, 495 North Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston; and South DeKalb Campus, 2460 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur.  Attendees will have many opportunities to meet directly with admissions personnel to gain valuable information regarding the application process and learn about the college’s programs that are available on the respective campuses.  As…

Rockdale Medical Center announced that Alan George, FACHE, has been named the hospital’s new chief executive officer, effective July 11. George most recently served as CEO of Palestine Regional Medical Center (PRMC), a LifePoint Health facility in Palestine, Texas. He replaces Jerry Dooley, who has served as interim CEO of the hospital since April. “Alan is a proven healthcare leader who has focused on quality and excellence throughout his successful career,” said Robert Klein, chief operating officer of LifePoint Health’s Central Group, of which RMC is a part. “His strong commitment to quality, collaboration with physicians and all hospital team…