Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA. – In observance of Christmas Day on Monday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day on Monday, Jan. 2, sanitation service for residential customers will be based on a revised holiday schedule as follows: Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2 – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day observed. No collection service. Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection days are Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, will be serviced on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 3. Wednesday, Dec. 28, and Wednesday, Jan. 4 – Residential customers whose regularly…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer a Winter Break Camp, Dec. 19 – 23, Dec. 27- 30 and Jan. 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the camp is $10 per day for children ages 5-12. Each participant must provide his or her own breakfast, lunch and snack. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks and click the “Register Online” button. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta, GA 30316 Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale, GA 30079 Lucious Sanders Recreation…

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics Specialist STONECREST, GA–Arabia Mountain High School’s girls’ basketball coach Jerry Jackson picked up career win 300 on Saturday with the Lady Rams’ 65-23 victory over Clarke Central. Jackson is in his sixth season (2018-2023) at Arabia Mountain where he has won 109-24. His team is currently 9-1 overall on the season following the win over Clarke Central. His teams at Arabia Mountain are perennial playoff contenders with five consecutive playoff appearances, including advancing to the Sweet 16 three times and the Elite 8 round once. The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) veteran coach also…

Congressman honors staff member Joshua Smith diagnosed with chordoma this year WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced today that he introduced a resolution to raise awareness of a rare form of cancer called chordoma after a member of his staff was diagnosed with the rare condition earlier this year. [Watch the Congressman’s floor speech HERE] Classified as a rare cancer of the spine and skull, chordoma is diagnosed in just 1,000 people worldwide every year, 300 of whom are in the United States. “Earlier this year, a member of my staff, Joshua Smith, was diagnosed with chordoma,” said Rep.…

DECATUR, GA–The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Larry Johnson and the How Big Is Your Dream Foundation, Inc. collaborate to present “A Winter Teen Bash ” on Friday, Dec. 16,  6:30 p.m. at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur GA.  Youths ages 12 to 18 are encouraged to attend thie free event in celebration of completing the first semester of this school year and to participate in a charitable instrument drive. The event will consist of food, dancing, networking and feature live performances by twin sister duo and…

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will hold the first virtual public meeting Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.  The community is invited to participate and offer guidance for future county park improvements  via Microsoft Teams. Click here to join the meeting and use Meeting ID: 247 600 374 156  and passcode: JoYaBJ.  To join the meeting by QR Code, please scan below using a smartphone device. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.  

STONECREST, GA–The City of Stonecrest hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new playground at Salem Park on Friday, Dec. 9. Attendees cheered as Mayor Jazzmin Cobble cut the ribbon with the support of City Council, staff, community leaders and Salem Middle School students. Salem Park, 5290 Salem Road, is a popular neighborhood destination for families and residents. The improvements were funded by Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds at approximately $250,000. City officials plan to renovate the entire park in three phases. The playground’s installation marks the completion of the first phase. The new playground includes equipment to…

DECATUR, GA —Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) hosted his third annual Unsung Heroes Awards at Ours Studios in Dectur. Johnson honored 25 leaders from DeKalb, Rockdale, Gwinnett and Newton counties who go above and beyond their job descriptions to give back to their communities and assist the constituents of Georgia’s Fourth District. The Unsung Heroes program was developed by Congressman Johnson and his District Outreach Director Eric Hubbard to recognize people in the community making a difference in the lives of constituents and to give them a small token of his appreciation. “Together, we can continue to strive for greatness each…

STONECREST, GA — On Dec. 9, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) honored four small businesses in each of the counties he represents for their contributions to the community and positive impact on the lives of his constituents.  Holding his inaugural Fourth Congressional District 2022 Small Business Pinnacle Awards, Congressman Johnson held a brief ceremony for his awardees at Ours Studios in South DeKalb. The awardees:  H.O.M.E. (Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure) non-profit organization in Rockdale County. H.O.M.E., Inc. was founded to help single mothers who are working and/or attending school survive the ‘tough times’ and persevere towards an ‘appointed time’ for success in…