Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA — Online purchase scams are the riskiest scam type targeting military consumers, according to the 2022 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. Since July is Military Consumer Month, the Better Business Bureau(BBB) is sharing some tips on recognizing and avoiding those scams. According to the 2022 Online Scams Report, about 11% of online purchase scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker (between January 1, 2022, and June 20, 2022) came from the military community (active duty, spouses, and veterans). Active-duty military was more likely to report losing money to online scams, with 84.5% reporting a monetary loss; this increased from a…

DECATUR, GA—With travel overseas on the rise, Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s 4th District, is encouraging those planning trips abroad to get passports in hand ahead of booking a trip. “Passport applications are reaching an all-time high. I want to urge everyone to apply for their passports before booking an international trip. As of now, expedited processing takes seven-to-nine weeks and routine processing takes 10-13 weeks,” Johnson announced in a newsletter to constituents. International travel is indeed making a comeback as people mark off their “bucket list” trips. As fears over the pandemic have wane and restrictions have been…

GWINNETT COUNTY–Lenora Park is about to get some exciting additions. A community recreation center will be built, and the gymnasium will be renovated. The existing gym and building renovations will include new flooring, light­ing, goals, and more. The community recreation cen­ter addition will feature wide open entrance areas; a second floor walking track; offices; activity, storage, and community rooms; and more. The project also will include the addition of outdoor basketball courts, parking lot expansion, the conversion of the multipur­pose field to synthetic turf, and a new press box and maintenance compound. The community recreation center and gym…

ATLANTA–Gov. Brian Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) Board of Directors announced the approval of $17.3 million in Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) loans and grants that will help fund seven transportation infrastructure projects across the state. Since 2010, GTIB has awarded $200 million in grants and loans investing in projects with a combined project value exceeding $1 billion, demonstrating the impact of the state’s investment and outstanding partnerships with local governments and community improvement districts (CIDs) in Georgia over the past 13 years. The considerable and wide-ranging GTIB funding during Governor Kemp’s first term is a…

ATLANTA–The Georgia Lottery Corp. celebrated its 30th anniversary during a ceremony on June 28 at the Georgia State Capitol. Gov. Brian Kemp hosted the event in his ceremonial office, welcoming Georgia Lottery President and CEO Gretchen Corbin along with the Lottery’s education partners and special guests. “For 30 years, the Georgia Lottery has opened doors for students and their families through its funding of both HOPE and Pre-K programs,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Thanks to this transformational state asset, generations of Georgians have enjoyed both a jumpstart on their education and affordable higher education opportunities. The impact of lottery funds…

GWINNETT COUNTY—The Gwinnett County Probate Court and the Gwin­nett Pro Bono Project are teaming up to host another free Probate Clinic on Thursday, Aug. 10, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Pro Bono Clinic is held every first and third Thursday of the month. At the clinic, local attorneys will provide 15-minute consultations to address basic questions about uncontested matters in­volving wills, estates, administrations, guardian­ships, and conservatorships. Please note that this clinic does not help with creating wills or other legal matters. Reserva­tions are required and will become available 2 weeks before the event. Be sure to bring documents that may…

CONYERS, GA—Join the Conyers-Rockdale Library for “Rockdale Eats a Rainbow,” for another great summer of taste tests, cooking demonstrations, education and fun. The event will be held Wednesday July 12, 10:30 a.m., in the library’s park area. The library is located at 864 Green St. Supplies are limited for produce giveaways. For more information: 770-388-5040

Check out the July/August 2023 issue of The Jubilee Reader, a reading guide containing recent books by African-American writers, writers from the African diaspora and related topics. Below are some of the books on the list. For the complete list:https: //dekalblibrary.org/ 1 The Jubilee Reader Recent books by African American writers, writers from the African diaspora, and on related topics. Issue 6 – July/August 2023 FictionAda’s Room by Sharon Dodua Otoo The lives of four women named Ada – born 400 years apart, in different countries – are connected by a fertility bracelet that each encounters at a pivotal moment…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The Tucker Cruise-in meet-and-greet car show is held monthly on the second Saturday April through October. The event takes place 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Main Street in Tucker. Come out and see a wide variety of cars, including antiques, imports, hot rods, motorcycles, and more. The show concludes with an awards presentation around 2 p.m Free to attend.

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Enjoy jazz, food and wine vendors at Friday Wine Down on July 14, 6 to 9 p.m. at Costley Mill Park, 2599 Salem Church Road, Conyers. There is some seating available at the venue. Lawn chairs are welcome. Must be 21 or older and present valid ID. Presented by the Rockdale County Government, Rockdale County Parks and Recreation Department and Costley Mill Park.