Author: On Common Ground News

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.

Peace Lutheran Church, 1679 Columbia Drive, Decatur, will have its Vacation Bible School on June 20-22, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The free program is open to children ages 5-12. There will be arts and crafts, games and praise songs. Lunch, snacks and dinner will be provided and a closing ceremony and block party will be held on the last day of the program. Peace Lutheran Church is sponsoring the program in partnership with the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Centerville, Virginia. The registration deadline is June 14. To register a child, call 404-289-1474.

Several churches in South DeKalb will hold a “Community Juneteenth Celebration” for a day of unification, fun and education. The Juneteenth celebration will be held on Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Kelley Chapel United Methodist Church, 3411 Kelley Chapel Road in Decatur, where the Rev. Derrick R. Rhodes is senior pastor. Juneteenth is also known as “Freedom Day” of “Emancipation Day.” It is a holiday recognized in 41 U.S. states, including Georgia. It is called Juneteenth because, though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed to be effective Jan. 1, slaves in East Texas were not aware that…

New mothers will receive free resources to help protect their babies from sleep-related infant deaths under a new statewide initiative.  Georgia’s 77 birthing hospitals are participating in the state’s “Safe to Sleep” program and are providing every mother and newborn an infant gown with “This Side Up” messaging to remind them and caregivers that babies sleep safest on their backs. The mothers also will receive a “Safe to Sleep” book reminding them about the importance of safe sleep practices. Travel bassinets will be given to Medicaid and uninsured families for babies who weigh up to 15 pounds or are four to…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) will host the first of two Open House events designed to introduce prospective students to exciting, new courses and industry-leading programs currently being offered by the college.  The first Open House is scheduled Saturday, June 11,  10 a.m. until 2 p.m., on the Newton County campus, 1600 Alcovy Road, Covington. Attendees will have many opportunities to meet directly with admissions personnel to gain information regarding the application process.  They will also receive information regarding the college’s industry-leading programs that are available on the Newton campus.  As a bonus, the Georgia Piedmont Technical…

Rockdale Chairman Richard Oden was among the community leaders who honored veterans from Rockdale County at the Walk of Heroes. More than 300 people attended the Memorial Day program. The Megacamp youth performed the national anthem, led by Bryan Lezama, founder of the Conyers Arts Conservatory – Youth Encouragement of the Arts. ‬

For many, Memorial Day marks the kickoff of summer—a time for backyard barbecues and the NBA playoffs. But there is a more serious side to the national holiday: Memorial Day is the time when we pay homage to America’s soldiers for their sacrifice and protection to this country. The first observance to the nation’s soldiers, May 30, was established as Decoration Day after the end of the Civil War, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. The website says that in 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and set the last Monday of May. Here’s…