Author: On Common Ground News

David Manuel is preparing to host his third annual I AM a Father 5K event for fitness, family fun and fathers. The event, which will be held at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center in Decatur on Fathers’ Day weekend, June 17, focuses on health and wellness, youth development and mentoring, and family engagement. Manuel says the event has expanded and includes an inaugural event that will be held in his hometown of Birmingham, AL on June 3, at 8:30 a.m. The race starts at Kelly Ingram Park, winds through downtown and returns to the park. The festivities include live…

  DeKalb County’s pools opened Memorial Day weekend starting on Saturday, May 27. The official seasons runs May 27 through July 30. Select pools will remain open on weekends through Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4. Residents are encouraged to splash into summer by visiting a neighborhood pool. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs also offers various programs including swim lessons, water aerobics and more.  For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or contact (770) 414-2113. Pool locations and hours of operation   Browns Mill Aquatic Facility, 4929 Browns Mill Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.…

John Noel, a 20-year resident of Atlanta, small business owner, and former member of the Georgia Legislature, officially announced his campaign for Georgia Public Service Commission on Wednesday (May 31) in Decatur. Surrounded by dozens of supporters, Noel spoke about his experience in energy consulting and environmental protection. “I’m looking forward to a positive campaign dedicated to debating the many environmental, utility and leadership challenges our Public Service Commission faces,” Noel said. “As our next Public Service Commissioner, I will ensure that Georgia keeps up with the best energy practices and technology. I will make sure we invests wisely in clean and renewable energy,…

The third annual Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m., at Georgia Piedmont’s Conference Center in Clarkston. The Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards is a national gospel awards show that recognizes outstanding contributions and achievement in the Christian community.  Nominations are open for the public to nominate outstanding leaders, churches and organizations until June 30 by visiting www.kingdombuildersawards.com. The Kingdom Builders Gospel Awards is a multicultural, black-tie awards program that honors Christian men, women, youth and business owners who exemplify a standard of excellence in carrying out the works of…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War at his “Extending the Legacy” program on Friday, June 2, 1 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center in Lithonia. The commemoration’s primary objective, as penned by Congress, is to thank and honor the Vietnam veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the nation. The commemoration recognizes all who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 and their families. “We make no distinction between veterans who…

Rockdale County government, Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts (CRCA) and the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council Film Office are partnering to present a workshop on business and professional opportunities Georgia’s growing filming industry is providing. The workshop will be held on Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Black Box Theater at 910 Center St., Conyers. Registration for the free event starts at 10 a.m. and closes at 10:30 a.m. Seating is limited. Workshop facilitators will discuss the $50 million impact the state’s film industry has made in Rockdale and the economic impact the industry has…

State Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) has been selected to serve on the Compensation of Police and Sheriffs (COPS) Task Force by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. The task force will review compensation and benefits for law enforcement officers and consider ways to increase retention rates statewide. “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the men and women who risk their lives daily for the safety and protection of others,” said Anderson. “This task force is a step in the right direction to helping properly compensate our law enforcement while gaining insight from our local law enforcement…

STONECREST—The Rockland Road closure, between North Goddard Road and Klondike Road, has been extended. The road is currently closed to complete the replacement of a sewer force main and will remain closed until July 30. Road closure and detour signs are placed in the area to advise motorists of construction work and traffic restrictions. For more information, contact Mellonee Rheams, DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management senior construction inspector, at 404-771-7832.

The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is inviting parents to learn more about summer day camp programs during orientation night on Thursday, June 1, at 7 p.m. Summer camp programs are offered for youths ages 5-15 and information sessions will be held at all recreation centers, except Redan Recreation Center. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks or call 404-371-2711. Orientation night is being held at the following DeKalb Recreation Centers: ·      Browns Mill Recreation Center: 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 ·      Exchange Recreation Center: 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 ·      Gresham Recreation Center: 3113…

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston today announced the conviction in the retrial of Pamela Ballin, 56, who was accused of bludgeoning her husband, Derrick Ballin, Sr., 53. She was charged with murder, felony murder and aggravated assault in the nearly 8-year-old case. Mr. Ballin was attacked on Dec. 29, 2009 inside the Ballins’ Turnbridge Wells Road home in Lithonia and he later died in the hospital. Authorities say they believe Pamela Ballin was motivated by two life insurance policies totaling $1.2 million. Her husband owned a lawn service company on Stone Mountain-Lithonia Road in Lithonia. Authorities say Pamela Ballin staged…