Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted cold weather, DeKalb County will open five warming centers for residents this weekend on Feb. 17 and 18, starting at 8 p.m. to use at the following locations: Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta North DeKalb Senior Center, 3393 Malone Drive, Chamblee Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd., Atlanta Anyone staying in the warming centers must follow the county’s COVID-19 protocols that include wearing a mask, social distancing and undergoing a temperature check. For more…

STONE MOUNTAIN–White Oak Hills Baptist Church recently celebrated Haroldeen McMullen for 25 years of faithful service in the church ’s Music Ministry. The church held the celebration for McMullen —”A Day of Roses”—on Feb. 10, just ahead of Valentine’s Day.  McMullen received a proclamation and plaque from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office, a letter of congratulations from the City of Stone Mountain, along with other awards and surprises from the White Oak Hills Baptist Church congregation. White Oak Hills Baptist is under the leadership of the Rev. Jeffery Easley, Senior Pastor, and Stuart Brown, Associate Pastor. White Oak Hills is located at 5171 Redan Road, Stone Mountain.

ATLANTA – State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) recently introduced House Bill 1195, legislation that would allow workforce-ready graduates to be eligible for an income tax credit in the amount of $4,000. “This much-needed tax credit not only rewards hard work and dedication of Georgia’s students but also ensures that our state remains at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness,” said Rep. Kendrick. “HB 1195 sets the stage to incentivize workforce development and bolster economic growth. By supporting our workforce-ready graduates, we’re building a stronger, more prosperous Georgia for generations to come.” HB 1195 would require the Department of Labor to establish…

LITHONIA, GA– New Bethel AME Church, in partnership with Community Organized Relief Effort, will host a vaccine clinic Sunday, Feb. 25 , 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location of the vaccine clinic is the New Bethel AME Church, 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia.    Vaccines are provided free of charge to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.   Under the leadership of Pastor William E. Thomas, Jr., New Bethel AME has committed to ensuring members of the community at large are afforded the opportunity of securing the COVID-19 vaccine and ensuring that New Bethel is an ongoing partner with the surrounding community.   …

ATLANTA—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Congressman Hank Johnson are excited to announce that applications are now open for the CBCF 2024 Scholarships and Summer Internship programs. If you’re a student, you’re invited to apply. And if you’re a supporter of nurturing future leaders, you’re invited to spread the word to your networks. Additionally, Congressman Johnson’s office will receive $22,000 to award to deserving students in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. Since 1988, the CBCF has upheld their commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black leaders through academic financial support and professional development opportunities. The CBCF scholarship programs provide vital resources…

DECATUR, GA – In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 19, sanitation service for residential customers will run one day late as follows: Monday, Feb. 19 – Presidents Day observed. No sanitation service. Tuesday, Feb. 20 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Monday, Feb. 19, will be serviced on Tuesday, Feb. 20.  Wednesday, Feb. 21 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, Feb. 20, will be serviced on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Thursday, Feb. 22 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Feb. 21, will be serviced on Thursday, Feb. 22.…

CONYERS, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools Fiscal Year 2025(FY25)  budget suggestion forms and Budget Preparation Calendar for the FY25 are available at www.rockdaleschools.org   The forms and information also are available at on all Rockdale County Public Schools website homepages under District Announcements. These documents and more can also be found by visiting the Financial Services page at www.rockdaleschools.org/departments/financial_services.  The deadline for submitting the FY25 Budget Suggestion Forms is Friday, Feb. 23.  For questions regarding the FY25 Budget Suggestion Forms, contact Tammy Stowers at tstowers@rockdale.k12.ga.us

ATLANTA – MARTA, in partnership with Community Farmers Markets (CFM), will kick off the 2024 MARTA Market Food Pantry on Valentine’s Day The markets will begin on Wednesday, Feb.14, at H.E. Holmes Station; Thursday, Feb.15, at College Park and Kensington stations; and Friday, Feb.16, at Doraville and Five Points stations. The food pantry events initially will be held Feb. 14 through April 26, 2 to 4 p.m., to distribute fresh produce, canned and dry goods and frozen food items hosted by CFM and partner organizations Urban Recipe, Second Helpings, and InTown Cares. Market visitors also will be invited to participate…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office will present an update on property tax exemptions on Feb. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway (lower level). An ADA-compliant entrance is available. Homeowners are invited to attend the meeting. This update will educate homeowners on the various tax exemptions and how to apply; possibly saving homeowners money on their 2024 property taxes. Prior to attending, homeowners may want to access or print their current property tax bill  to review what exemptions they currently have. The information can be found on the Tax Commissioner’s website: DeKalbTax.org. Applications…