Author: On Common Ground News

The MARTA Police Department is cracking down on fare evaders. Police said they made 538 arrests during a recent six-week effort in which plainclothes officers closely monitored fare gates across MARTA’s 38 rail stations. In addition to the arrests, the effort led to hundreds of suspensions from the MARTA system. Officials say evaders run the gamut—from young people to older patrons—trying to take advantage of the system. The fare losses, officials said, are making an impact on MARTA’s bottom line. “Our fare evasion task force has worked around the clock to focus our attention to those seeking to avoid…

Pastor Micheal Benton of Fairfield Baptist Church in Lithonia sported an all white outfit as the church’s parade kicked off its annual Homecoming and Family and Friends’ Day weekend on Aug. 5. The celebration honored Pastor Benton, who is retiring after serving as Fairfield’s pastor for 40 years, and his wife, First Lady Y’Vonne Benton. The parade included about 100 people who marched or drove, many of them carrying banners that paid tribute to the couple. After the parade, the fun day, which included free food, was held at the church’s campus at 6133 Redan Road. A variety of vendors…

I recently had the opportunity to attend opening night for the new hit play Blackberry Daze. Directed by award-winning writer/director Thomas W. Jones II, the play is a musical adaptation of the novel Blackberry Days of Summer by Ruth P. Watson. The stage play made its debut last September at the MetroStage in Alexandria, Virginia and will run in Atlanta until August 27. Set post World War I in small town Virginia, the audience can feel the sweltering heat of the summer the moment the town gambler, Herman Camm (TC Carson), walks onto the stage. Sly, charming and good-looking, Herman…

ESMV Model and Talent Agency in Conyers and local playwright Angela Venable are seeking volunteer extras for the comedy stage play, “Be Careful What You Pray For.”  The community production is not offering any pay for extras but instead is providing the opportunity for aspiring actors or actresses to have some fun, fellowship while learning the ropes of a creative production. The play is about three sisters praying to meet their version of Mr. Right but not knowing what Mr. Right really looks like. The play will be staged on Sept. 17, 6…

By Nate Hill Many people think of a massage as a great way to relax. That’s true, but it’s not the only reason to get one. Massages also have a number of health benefits and these benefits are what led Mary Stallings to open Rejuvenation Massage & Body Work in Conyers. Stallings wanted to assist patients suffering from pain that could be treated with massage therapy. She initially began serving clients in the Snellville area where she mastered her craft for three years before starting her own practice in February 2016. “My journey began in Virginia with an interest in…

The Stonecrest City Council confirmed the appointment of the new city’s first municipal judges on Monday (Aug. 7), naming Attorney Jonathan Weintraub as chief judge and Attorney Michael Sheridan as judge pro tem. Weintraub, a former county attorney with DeKalb County government, is a veteran attorney with 38 years of experience in local, government and municipal law. He has degrees from Syracuse University, Georgia State University and a Juris Doctorate from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. Sheridan, a Howard University graduate, has practiced law for 11 years. He is a partner in the law firm…

The MARTA Police Department is cracking down on fare evaders. Police said they made 538 arrests during a recent six-week effort in which plainclothes officers closely monitored fare gates across MARTA’s 38 rail stations. In addition to the arrests, the effort led to hundreds of suspensions from the MARTA system. “Our fare evasion task force has worked around the clock to focus our attention to those seeking to avoid paying fare at our stations,” said MPD Chief Wanda Dunham. “We have watched riders piggyback behind a person when the fare gates open and some even attempt to go over…

Help your children discover the great outdoors. Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is hosting Junior Ranger Day on Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain  State Park Nature Center, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. Kids will participate in hands-on activities where they’ll explore landscapes filled with amazing plants and creatures; learn about nature and history; and work together to protect parks. ctivities are geared toward children ages 8-12, although the entire family is welcome to attend. All Junior Rangers will earn a badge, special prizes and precious memories. Friends from AWARE, Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Flat Rock Archives,…

Pastor Steven N. Dial, Sr. of Rainbow Park Baptist Church in Decatur and seven members of his congregation are in East Africa on a mission trip, July 31-Aug. 8. The church members took new school clothes, supplies and donations to help children in Uganda prepare for school and to help their families. Pastor Dial said in a cell phone text message that the first days of the trip to benefit Good Shepherd’s Touch Ministries, Inc., Rainbow Park’s missions partner, have been life-changing for him personally. Dial said he was glad the church didn’t just send money but instead traveled to…

The historic Crawfordville Baptist Church, 2300 Lake Rockaway Road, Conyers celebrated its Family Friends Day Weekend July 29-30. Children enjoyed pony rides, face painting and other activities, while adults fellowshipped and made sure the young ones enjoyed themselves. The Saturday family fun day included a Southern barbecue lunch with all grilled burgers, hotdogs, ribs, baked beans, cole slaw and homemade ice creamed churned in the church’s kitchen. Crawfordville Baptist Church was founded 135 years ago. Pastor Andrew Doyle became pastor of the church in January 2016. Before coming to Crawfordville, he served on the ministerial staff and as minister of…