Author: On Common Ground News

Breast cancer patients, medical professionals, business leaders and lawmakers convened on Oct. 11 at the Loudermilk Center in Downtown Atlanta to discuss shaping legislation and resources to better support patients, especially African Americans, facing long-term cancer care. A recent report by the Avon Foundation for Women found that the disparity between breast cancer mortality rates for black and white women in Atlanta is greater than any other major U.S. city. “It’s a travesty that in the Atlanta area the mortality rate for African American women is 50 percent higher than their white counterparts and even more so the disparity for…

Gov. Nathan Deal has named Chris Carr, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, as Attorney General, filling a vacancy created by the departure of Attorney General Sam Olens. Carr will take office on Nov. 1, when Olens transitions into the role of president of Kennesaw State University. “Carr’s experience as an attorney, job creator and public servant make him the ideal candidate to fill the role of Georgia’s attorney general,” said Deal. “He is a leader with common sense, brilliant intellect and a wide range of experiences at the global, federal and state levels. That perspective will allow Chris to…

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston is bringing together citizens, law enforcement, advocacy groups, and survivors for her sixth annual resource fair and symposium on domestic violence: “Building Bridges, Making Connections, Coordinating a Community Response to Domestic Violence. “ The event, which includes a complimentary breakfast, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The program will feature Kimya Motley, an award-winning educator, philanthropist, and domestic violence survivor. In 2011, Motley and her then 10-year-old daughter were shot and…

This month, Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-04) is moving the district office from Hillandale Drive to Snapfinger Park Drive, about 1.2 miles away. The Hillandale Drive office will close Thursday, Oct. 27, and the new office at 5240 Snapfinger Park Drive, Suite 130 in Decatur, will open Monday, Oct. 31. The new office is off Panola Road near I-20 behind This Is It! restaurant. The Congressional office phone number will remain 770-987-2291.

DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at the Deer Creek Community subdivisions’ Clubhouse,, 690 Malvern Blvd., Stone Mountain. Join Sutton for updates on a new senior center coming to District 4 and other new developments in the community. Invite your neighbors and bring your questions. For more information, call Commissioner Sutton’s office at 404-371-4907.

 Angela Hayes, who served as president of the DeKalb County NAACP branch from 1993-1994, passed on Oct. 10. The homegoing celebration for Mrs. Hayes will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m., at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church, 923 Valley Brook Road, Decatur. Donald Trimble Mortuary in Decatur is handling the arrangements.

ATLANTA Streets of Atlanta come alive at annual “Streets Alive and Fall Harvest” On Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 – 6 p.m., Atlanta’s iconic Peachtree Street will close to vehicular traffic and transform into a pedestrian mecca filled with walkers, bikers, strollers, skateboarders and more for the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition’s annual Atlanta Streets Alive event. The event will be held from 17th Street NE to Woodruff Park. As part of the fun, Colony Square is livening up the plaza for the first Fall Harvest on the Square. Take a stroll down the street for an Oktoberfest inspired day on the…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs will host a series of free fall festivals Oct. 21 – 31 at various recreation centers throughout DeKalb County. This year’s festivals will include face painting, hikes, music, games, contests, hayrides, food and more. All members of the community are invited to attend, and children are encouraged to wear costumes. The 2016 fall festivals include:   Friday, Oct. 21 Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, 4 – 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 Browns Mill Recreation Center, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Midway Recreation Center, 7 – 10 p.m. H. Scott and Decatur Alumni Chapter of…

Toastmasters is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership skills: A Toastmasters’ Club is forming at the Stonecrest Library. The nonprofit club is dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership skills. The Stonecrest club will meet on the first and third Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, at 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The club is open to all adults over 18 and will help you: Become a better speaker and presenter Communicate with confidence Develop your leadership skills Listen and give effective feedback Learn these skills and more…

The DeKalb County Board of Health’s STD/HIV Prevention Program will host an STD/HIV Haunted Maze Health Fair that will feature free STD and HIV testing and other health screenings. The event also will offer food, vendor trick-or-treating, a photo booth, face painting, and an entertaining and educational STD/HIV haunted house. This event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 to 6 p.m., at the Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. For more information, call 404-270-2453.