Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office is collecting food items to support the Atlanta Community Food Bank this holiday season. Customers visiting any DeKalb tax office location Nov. 3 — Dec. 5 may participate in the food drive by donating canned or non-perishable food items during office hours. “Each year, the DeKalb Tax Commissioner’s Office hosts a holiday food drive to collect food for the Atlanta Community Food Bank and local pantries in DeKalb County. This year, particularly, these donations are greatly needed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown impacting families in Georgia,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson.…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Omicron Zeta Chapter’s Youth Affiliates recently turned their compassion into action by supporting breast cancer patients and warriors during this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed in October.   The chapter’s Pearlettes, ages 4-9, and the Amicettes, ages 10-13, came together to assemble a beautifully-arranged gift basket filled with crocheted hats for patients receiving chemotherapy treatment at Georgia Cancer Specialists-Gwinnett. The handmade hats were donated by Linda Johnson, who wanted to bring warmth and comfort to those affected by cancer.     The young advocates also packed  healthy snacks including a…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA–In light of the recent reduction in SNAP benefits and  other pending federal government shutdowns on Nov. 1, Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is teaming up with community partners to collect canned goods and distribute them to those in need. Many schools already operate food pantries and are working to ensure that families know what resources are available. Families experiencing food insecurity due to the government shutdown or changes to SNAP benefits can apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals for their children. Applications are easy to fill out and typically processed within a few days. GCPS counselors and social workers are…

ATLANTA – State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) will host Female Entrepreneurship Day on Friday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at the South Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta. “As a legislator, businesswoman and advocate for women in leadership, I’m honored to host this important milestone at our state Capitol,” said Carter. “Women-owned businesses are the heart of our communities. They represent innovation, resilience and the courage to create change. When we celebrate female entrepreneurs, we not only recognize their achievements, but we also affirm their essential role in shaping Georgia’s economic future.” During the event, Media Girls Network…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County invites the community to honor and celebrate the nation’s veterans at the Rockdale County Veterans Parade on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. The annual parade will begin at Rockdale County High School, travel along Pine Log Road, and conclude at Conyers First Methodist Church in Olde Town Conyers. The family-friendly event welcomes residents of all ages to come together in showing appreciation for the brave men and women who have served this country. Veterans are especially encouraged to participate in this special tribute, whether marching in the parade or attending as honored guests. “This…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA— The former mayor of the City of Stonecrest has been indicted on state charges related to his attempt to register to vote and qualify to run for city council while still under federal supervision for a felony conviction.  On Tuesday, Oct. 28, a DeKalb County Grand Jury indicted Jason Wallace Lary, Sr., 63, of Stonecrest, on charges of: ·       False Registration; Unlawful Disclosure of Voter Registration Information ·       False Swearing (two counts) ·       Making False Statements in Connection with Filing Notice of Candidacy or Qualifying as a Candidate Following Lary’s indictment, the DA’s Office secured a Grand Jury warrant for…

DECATUR, GA – Today, Congressman Johnson sadly announced the sudden, unexpected but peaceful passing away of Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson’s lifelong best friend and his own close friend and District Director Kathy (Gayle) Holt Register.  Kathy Register, 70, served as District Director from the day Congressman Johnson was first sworn in to Congress on Jan. 3, 2007. Kathy oversaw an award-winning constituent services operation that has been largely responsible for Rep. Johnson’s reelection to Congress. “When I first took office in 2007, I promised Georgians that I would take care of home first,” said Congressman Johnson. “Kathy Register made sure that promise was kept.…

ATLANTA—State Rep. Doreen Carter, who represents Georgia House District 93, is urging residents to stay informed and participate in the upcoming Nov. 4 elections.  In her Oct. 26 online newsletter, Carter highlighted the importance of the elections for some residents who live in unincorporated DeKalb County who will decide whether they want to be annexed into the City of Lithonia.   Carter also expressed her concern over the lack of transparency regarding the Conyers City Council’s proposed changes to the city’s governing structure. Carter recently called for a pause on the council moving forward to change the city’s charter, saying…

ATLANTA—As uncertainty looms over federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal benefits beginning Nov. 1, the city of Atlanta is stepping up to assist those in need. Mayor Andre Dickens on Thursday, Oct. 30, announced the launch of ATL Cares(Community Action & Relief for Emergency Support), a city initiative to help families facing food insecurity and financial hardship. The mayor was joined by Atlanta City Councilmembers Michael Julian Bond, Andrea Boone, and Keisha Sean Waites Overstreet, and leaders from Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr and Atlanta Public Schools. “No resident should go hungry or wonder how…

STONECREST, GA– As the federal government shutdown continues and millions of Americans brace for the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits beginning Nov. 1, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is expanding its community food distribution initiative to help local families in need. On Saturday, Nov. 1, beginning at 9 a.m., New Birth and its 501(c)3 nonprofit outreach ministry, The King’s Table (TKT), will provide food to more than 2,000 families on the church’s campus located at 6400 Woodrow Road in Stonecrest. The distribution will serve local residents, furloughed government employees, families directly affected by the halt in federal…