Author: On Common Ground News

Rockdale County invites the public to the installation ceremony of 11 of its new and re-elected public officials on Thursday, Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. in the Rockdale County Auditorium, 903 Main St., Conyers. The evening will honor four elected officials in new roles: Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Post 1 County Commissioner, Probate Court Judge and Tax Commissioner. Six re-elected officials will be honored: Superior Court Judge, State Court Judge, Magistrate Court Judge, Clerk of Courts, Sheriff and Coroner, and a newly appointed Juvenile Court Judge. Judge David Irwin, Chief Superior Court Judge, will administer the oaths of office.…

ATLANTA   Underground says farewell as host site of annual Atlanta Peach Drop   Ring in the New Year with the 2017 Peach Drop this New Year’s Eve on Saturday, Dec. 31, at Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama Street, Atlanta. Atlanta has been ringing in the New Year with the Peach Drop since its conception in 1989. This year, locals and visitors will gather at Underground Atlanta for the site’s last year hosting as thousands gather to watch the 800-pound peach descend from a 138-foot tower of lights. The 2017 Peach Drop promises family fun entertainment, food, street performers, and…

Rockdale County Commissioner Doreen Williams led a symposium on Dec. 20 to discuss ways to better deliver mental health services to Rockdale residents who need them. The issue is one that many who attended the symposium said they have witnessed firsthand as relatives or case managers and through their work in the community. “This is a critical issue, especially during this time of year when we’re celebrating the holidays. These individuals are experiencing feelings of sadness, irritability and anxiety and often don’t know where to turn,” said Williams. The symposium, which brought together a cross-section of 22 leaders including the…

LAWRENCEVILLE—The Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center was filled with tears and cheers. As the names were called, dozens of little children beamed as they came forward, happy to get not one but several gifts. The kids gave big hugs to Dr. Gayle S. Daniels, founder of Words of Comfort Ministries, Inc. (WOC), as she presented the gifts, some of them bicycles and packages too big for them to carry during the Dec. 17 pre-Christmas event. Daniels said she and her army of volunteers were able to be a blessing to the children because of an outpouring of support from donors…

Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2017 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, February 13, this seven-week program offers motivated individuals the essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been…

ATLANTA   Atlanta Pet Expo hosts free Winter Wonderland for pets and families The Atlanta Pet Expo welcomes families and their furry friends to enjoy a pet-friendly Winter Wonderland on Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, Dec. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Four-legged friends will receive spa treatments from local groomers, sample delicious treats, and try on the latest in furry fashions. Pet caretakers will enjoy interacting with top trainers and learning pet care tips from animal welfare organizations. There also will be agility demonstration, pet talent and costume shows, and a pet/owner look-alike…

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis returned to work on Dec. 14, welcomed by elected officials, constituents, friends and staff who gathered for a press conference that morning to hear from him firsthand. “I’m savoring the moment, enjoying the day and can’t wait to be among the constituents,” said Ellis, who was accompanied by his wife, Philippa, outside the Manuel Maloof Auditorium in downtown Decatur. “We’re going to be sure the trains run on time, be prepared for any emergency and ensure a smooth transition.” Ellis, who was suspended in 2013 after being indicted on corruption charges, thanked his many supporters…

The special election for the new city of Stonecrest in east DeKalb County is taking shape. The qualifying period for candidates seeking to run for mayor and the five-member Stonecrest City Council will be held Jan. 9-11, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Candidates must qualify at the DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur. The qualifying fee for mayor is $600 and for City Council member is $450. The mayor will be elected at large, while the council seats will be decided by voters who live within each of the five districts. The last…

Gov. Nathan Deal has named the Governor’s Commission on Stonecrest, a five-member body consisting of a chairman and four others to oversee the establishment of the new city. The commission will prepare for the new city by facilitating the provision of community services and facilities, the collection of taxes and fees, and the negotiation of intergovernmental agreements. The commission will remain in place until elections for the City Council are held in March. The members of the Governor’s Commission on City of Stonecrest are as follows: Joel Thibodeaux, Chair Thibodeaux is the director of audits and compliance with the…