Author: On Common Ground News

Children from daycare centers across Rockdale County marched down Main Street in Olde Town Conyers today, April 28, to celebrate Literacy Week. The children were dressed as their favorite storybook characters: Dr. Seuss, Tinker Bell, and the Grouchy Lady Bug, just to name a few. Rockdale Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart Washington, the grand marshal, led the parade—riding in a convertible, waving at the crowd. Washington gave away her Dr. Seuss hat to one of the children. “Having a strong foundation in reading sets the stage for kids’ educational success in the future,” said Washington. “It was so exciting to see…

It was a dog’s day and the canines were dressed in their best on Thursday, April 24, at Courtesy Ford in Conyers. The car dealership at 1636 Dogwood Drive hosted a fashion contest for pooches as a way to raise money for animal shelters in Rockdale and Newton counties. Animal shelters also had dogs for adoption at the event. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News  

Kathie Gannon, DeKalb County’s Board of Commissioners’ presiding officer, honored some of her favorite efforts on Tuesday, April 25, during the board’s meeting. The former social worker and founder of Georgia’s Court Appointed Special Advocates(CASA) recognized DeKalb County CASA, DeKalb Child Advocacy Center and the Department of Family and Children Services to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention Month. The BOC recognized the efforts these partnerships make to support and advocate the best interests of abused and neglected children as they navigate the Juvenile Court and foster care systems. Older Americans Month kicks off in May and the Maloof  Auditorium, where the BOC meets, was filled with DeKalb County…

It was a big night for Heritage High School (HHS) and for the arts in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) at the 9th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Shuler Hensley Awards. The Patriot Players’ production of Les Misérables won the top award of the evening – Best Overall Production. Heritage senior Ramone Nelson also won Lead Actor for his role as Jean Valjean and performed “Bring Him Home” at the awards show. He will travel to New York City in June to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards. The Shuler…

Thursday, April 27 HHS Patriot Players 40th Anniversary Spring Musical ‘Phantom of the Opera’ 7:30 p.m. April 27-29 and May 5-7, 2017; matinee 2:30 p.m. April 30 and May 7; Heritage High School, 2400 Granade Rd., Conyers; Shuler Award-winning Patriot Players also host 40th Anniversary Alumni Reception April 29 at 2 p.m. and Alumni Picnic May 6 at 2 p.m.; show tickets $10 adults, $8 senior citizens, $5 students; patriotboxoffice@yahoo.com, 770-483-5428 x2712 Saturday, April 29 PCE Run-walk-bike-a-thon 5K 8 a.m., at Peek’s Chapel Elementary, 2800 Avalon Parkway, Conyers; all ages; cost $2 per person; Zumba Warmup with Mrs. Harper,…

ATLANTA— MARTA will open fresh produce kiosks at four rail stations, the agency announced. Commemorating its third season, the Fresh MARTA Market opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 2, 2:30 p.m. at the West End Station. The markets provide a convenient shopping alternative for fresh, affordable and locally grown produce. Representatives from MARTA and partnering organizations will be on hand for the annual kick-off celebration. “We realize that all communities don’t have adequate access to fresh and affordable produce,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker. “For us, the Fresh MARTA Market is an opportunity to help…

The city of Stonecrest’s newly-elected mayor, Jason Lary, and the five-member Stonecrest City Council will be sworn in together on May 1, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Mall at Stonecrest, officials have announced. DeKalb County Judge Ronald Ramsey will perform the inauguration, which will be a ceremonial event for all but one of the newly-elected leaders. Rob Turner, who went on a previously-scheduled vacation after he won the April 18 runoff, will take the oath of office and sign his paperwork for the first time. The others were sworn in during two private ceremonies that were held a few…

Everyone can make a positive impact on his or her community—even children. Jazlyn Spradlyn, 8, is a shining example of what young people can do to make a difference. The young Newton County resident is helping her community and the community at large by promoting literacy. Jazlyn and her 11-year-old twin brothers, Jaxson and Jayson, recently spent a Saturday handing out free bags of books at the Covington Library’s Book Festival under the supervision of their mom, Marteeta Spradling. “There is a great need for literacy in all of Georgia, but especially in Newton County, where there are many low-income…

Burlington Stores, a leading national off-price retailer, has announced that it will open a new 45,775-square-foot store this fall at Turner Hill Marketplace, 2940 Turner Hill Road, in the city of Stonecrest. The new store will be located in the former Best Buy space and will bring 50 to 100 new jobs to the community. Burlington Stores President and CEO Tom Kingsbury said the company is thrilled to provide jobs in the community and give local residents a valued shopping experience.   Burlington Facts Opening Fall 2017 45,775 square feet The store will feature ladies’ apparel, accessories, menswear, family footwear,…

Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program has been ranked #1 in the state by www.practicalnursing.org, a website dedicated to providing substantive information to prospective students who are considering a career in nursing. GPTC’s practical nursing program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) from 2012 through 2015, which was practical nursing org’s evaluation period. “I congratulate the students who passed the NCLEX-PN exam and the four full-time faculty members who shepherded them through the curriculum and testing,” said GPTC President Jabari Simama. “Their success is our success.” To…