Author: On Common Ground News

Gwinnett County Government’s Purchasing Division will host the 11th Annual Supplier Symposium on Tuesday, April 11, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. The event is free. The symposium is designed to give potential vendors an opportunity to network with County agencies, understand County purchasing processes and learn about current and upcoming projects. Prospective vendors can meet and talk with numerous buyers and contracting officers from the Purchasing Division as well as representatives from various County departments and other agencies, including cities, neighboring counties and the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce. Participants…

Joyce Broadwater is the newly-elected president of the Community C.A.R.E.S. Foundation (CCF), Inc., which is dedicated to providing college scholarships and enrichment programs to high school and middle school students in Newton and Rockdale counties. Broadwater comes with a wealth of experience, having served on other nonprofit boards and as a board advisor. Broadwater has a background in financial services and is a small business owner. The 2017 CCF board officers are: Alfreda Williams, 1st vice president; Bresha Shaw Franklin, 2nd vice president; Sharmange Goff, treasurer; Gale Burgess, assistant treasurer; Lynn Daniels Koffi, secretary; and Kim Bridwell, assistant secretary. The…

DeKalb County State Court announced the appointment of Richard I. Berkowitz to marshal of the DeKalb County State Court, effective April 1, following the retirement of Marshal R. S. Mann, who served DeKalb County law enforcement for 34 years. As marshal, Berkowitz will be responsible for leading the Marshal’s Office as it carries out its State and Magistrate Court law enforcement duties. Berkowitz has dedicated more than 24 years to serving and protecting the citizens of Georgia and DeKalb County through his work in law enforcement. Berkowitz began his law enforcement career in 1994 with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.…

Over $4,000 was raised from this year’s Love Run 5K benefit hosted by DeKalb District Attorney Sherry Boston. The D.A. presented the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) to End Domestic Violence a check for $4,188.15. WRC Executive Director Jean Douglas accepted the donation on behalf of the organization. Nearly 350 people participated in the second annual event to help end domestic violence. The 5K kicked off from the Decatur Square with runners and walkers following a certified course through the historic downtown and surrounding scenic neighborhoods. “We are excited about partnering with the public in a fun and healthy way to…

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. State of Georgia celebrated Dr. Dorothy Irene Heights 105th birthday by distributing items for the tornado victims in Albany, Georgia. Donations for the April 1 “Warming Hearts and Homes” initiative included dishes, diapers, baby wipes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, school supplies, shoes, clothing, feminine products, and linen.  The initiative was a collaboration for sections for NCNW and spearheaded by Columbus Section President, Kimberly Scott and National Vice Chair of NCNW, Lois Keith. Participating sections included the DeKalb Section, (Attorney Saundra Davis Forest, President);  Columbus Section (Kimberly Scott, President); Rockdale/Newton County Section (Rhonda Taylor, President);…

Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Alpha Chapter, concluded its Saturday Tutorial program at DeKalb County’s Toney Elementary School with a fun day for students. The Omegas grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for students and gave out goodies at the closing event on March 25. Students had a chance to play games and enjoy other activities. Teachers and bus drivers were given a stipend for their participation. The primary purpose for the Omegas is to assist tutoring students to prepare for the Common Core Test given at the end of each year. The state standardize test measure English language arts and…

If you’re visiting Atlanta this spring or summer and health and wellness are a priority while you’re traveling, check into the downtown Westin at Peachtree Plaza. You can get a good workout and drift into slumber land on some of the best mattresses and pillows ever. This hotel is not only great for travelers but also for Atlantans who are looking for a staycation or even a one-day getaway. The hotel, whose chain, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, was recently acquired by Marriott Hotels, is now offering “Run Westin” on Tuesdays and Thursdays and “Bike Westin” on Wednesdays generally at 6:30…

MARTA Police say the department has seen a 27 percent decline in crime, attributing the drop to several safety initiatives and its “Ride With Respect” program. MARTA officials gave an overview of those initiatives at a March 29 roundtable with media representatives. MARTA Police Chief Wanda Dunham said the “Part 1 crimes,” the tier that includes murders, rapes and assaults, were lower than the department has seen in the past five years, despite four homicides this fiscal year. Dunham said suspects had been arrested in all four of the homicides. A big part of the success in lowering crime, Dunham…

Jason Lary was sworn into office as the new mayor of Stonecrest on March 27 in a private ceremony at the Stonecrest Library. The ceremony was held immediately after the DeKalb Board of Elections certified the results of the elections that same evening. Judge Ronald Ramsey performed the swearing-in ceremony for Lary as well as the two who were elected to the Stonecrest City Council on March 21: Jimmy Clanton, the winner of the District 1 race, and Jazzmin Cobble, who was elected to represent District 3. Lary said plans are under way for a public swearing-in ceremony…

By Valerie J. Morgan The Atlanta community is mourning the loss of Ollisteen “Steen” Miles, a former state senator and well-respected journalist. She died on March 29 at the age of 70. She courageously fought cancer, sharing her journey through a Facebook support group, “Cancer, You Picked the Wrong Chick.” Miles was a former reporter for WXIA-TV and The Champion newspaper. Miles worked as chief media relations officer for MARTA in 2001, and in 2003, she hosted the talk show, “Faith in the City Forum,” bringing together leaders of diverse faiths to discuss public policy and current events. Miles, a…