Author: On Common Ground News

The Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC) and Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce will present the economic development breakfast series 2016. Registration is under way now for the first meeting, which will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Rockdale Medical Center East Tower, 1412 Milstead Ave., Conyers. Marty Jones of the CREDC will present the local economic overview. A work force panel and Q&A will also be conducted. Limited seating. Registration ($10 and includes breakfast) is available online at www.conyers-rockdale.com (Chamber Events). For more information, call 678-509-0133.

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division will host its biannual household hazardous waste recycling event Saturday, Oct. 15, 8 a.m. – noon, at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station, 3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur. Participation is free and only open to DeKalb residents. Proper identification to prove DeKalb residency may be requested. Participants will have an opportunity to properly dispose of dangerous household chemicals that are no longer in use. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flammables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, artist supplies, paint and paint-related products will be accepted. Items such as agricultural waste, ammunition,…

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) announced the creation of a Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training Program—an effort that helps address both an increasingly aging population suffering with heart disease and the nation’s shortage of minority cardiologists. “The presence of a cardiology fellowship training program strengthens our internal medicine program by attracting the best and the brightest minds to the medical school as students, residents, and faculty,” said Dr. Rajesh Sachdeva, the inaugural program director. “The program will enhance our research enterprise across multiple fields as well.” Dr. Sachdeva is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and fellow of the Society for Coronary Angiography…

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May honored Fire Chief Darnell Fullum on Sept. 27 for completion of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program. The four-year course provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. The courses and accompanying research examine how to exercise leadership when dealing with difficult or unique problems within communities. Fullum said the training will go a long way in helping with overall risk reduction. “This program gave me even more helpful tools to improve the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department,” said Fullum. “Things like working…

Danielle Perry, a Tucker resident and fellow members of the Tennessee State University (TSU) Marching Band, had a chance to meet President Barack Obama on Sept. 23. President Obama greeted the university’s band on the South Portico of the White House following a reception for the opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. The TSU band performed on the South Lawn for arriving guests, said Danielle’s parents, Pastor Daniel R. Perry and his wife, First Lady Teresa L. Perry. Danielle is a junior at TSU majoring in education…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College recently welcomed  WSB-TV veteran news anchor Monica Kaufman Pearson, who addressed students, faculty and staff from the college’s Design and Media Production Technology Program. During her presentation, Pearson briefly discussed the role of citizen journalists, job prospects in broadcast news and ethics in journalism.  Recounting how, in her spirit of always giving back to the community, she continues to take time from her demanding schedule to read to elementary students within the Atlanta Public School system. Imparting words of wisdom, Pearson told them to “…Remember, there are more than two sides to every story.  You must…

Alumni of Columbia High School recently hosted an assembly for the Destined to Soar initiative founded by Dr. Viniece Jennings, an environmental professional who formerly interned at the White House for the Obama Administration. This is the third annual program held by the Destined to Soar Initiative. Jennings launched the program as a way to mentor and encourage students at his alma mater to achieve their goals. “The educational system plays a key role in the change we want to see in our communities,” said Jennings. “This initiative aims to improve alumni engagement and educational empowerment at the high school…

DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May has issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the county’s Utility Customer Operations Center. May said he is taking steps in an abundance of caution because of the numerous complaints the county has received concerning the accuracy of water bills. “I have always said that one incorrect water bill is too many, and we have a number of issues that could factor into many errors on bills,” said Interim CEO Lee May.  “We must ensure that the process is accurate, and…

The DeKalb County School Board joined the growing list of school districts opposing Gov. Nathan Deal’s proposed plan to allow the state to take over “chronically failing schools” in Georgia. In a meeting held Monday, Sept. 19, the DeKalb school board voted against the governor’s plan and issued a statement urging citizens to reject Deal’s plan. “After careful consideration, the DeKalb County Board of Education urges voters to vote NO on proposed Constitutional Amendment #1, the Opportunity School District amendment,” the School Board’s statement says. “Local control of education is a bedrock American principle. We strongly believe citizens whose taxes…

Nearly 100 children and adults with disabilities from around the Atlanta area and their families spent a recent Saturday afternoon riding ponies, climbing in a fire truck, playing miniature golf, singing to karaoke, playing games and more while eating snow cones, candy, and popcorn. The third annual Carnival for Children with Disabilities, sponsored by the youth ages 12-18 from the Conyers Georgia Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was held on Sept. 17 at the church building located at 1275 Flat Shoals Road, Conyers. They were assisted by members of the Heritage High School National Honor…