Author: On Common Ground News

Gwinnett County—Recruitment is underway for volunteers to participate in the annual Gwinnett Great Days of Service volunteer initiative.   From Friday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 23, thousands of individuals, corporations, churches, schools and civic organizations will join in a weekend of community service to address some of the county’s most critical needs.  Volunteers can choose service projects based on location, agency or activity. Opportunities range from stocking shelter pantries to building wheelchair ramps to cleaning up nature trails and streams. “There are so many different types of projects, so you can choose one that fits your skills and interests,” said…

DEKALB COUNTY– DeKalb County will open three warming centers for residents to use overnight. Night temperatures are expected to drop into the 30s across the state. Warming centers will be open in the following DeKalb County Fire Stations tonight, Oct. 18, beginning at 8 p.m.: ·      Fire Station 3, 100 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 ·      Fire Station 4, 4540 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294 ·      Fire Station 6, 2342 Flat Shoals Road, Atlanta, GA 30316

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond on Tuesday, Oct. 18, announced a proposed one-time, $1,500 retention bonus for non-sworn frontline employees. The $1,500 retention bonus will be provided to frontline employees in multiple departments, including, but not limited to Watershed Management, Sanitation, Library, Parks and Roads and Drainage. All other employees would receive a $1,000 retention bonus, according to the proposal. “DeKalb County’s 6,000 employees have provided high-quality, essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and financial crisis,” Thurmond said. Additionally, CEO Thurmond proposed a second round of DeKalb Employee Vaccinations incentives. Employees who provide documentation that they have received…

Rockdale County Supervisor Cynthia Willingham announced that Rockdale voters are casting ballots in record numbers for the Nov. 8 General Election. Rockdale recorded 1,844 ballots cast on Oct. 17, the first day of the early voting period. In 2016, Rockdale’s first day early voting turnout totaled 1,551, officials said.  “Congrats to Rockdale on having its highest ever first day turnout for early voting,” Willingham stated in the report released.  As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Day 2, more than 3,000 ballots had been counted, elections officials said. Early voting ends on Nov. 4. The General Election is scheduled Nov. 8.  Rockdale only has one early…

Stonecrest

Family, friends and community leaders gathered on Saturday, Oct. 15,  at the outdoor repast celebrating  the life of Jesse B. Hendrick, Viet Nam war veteran and husband of community activist Josie Dean Hendrick. Mr. Hendrick passed after a long illness that ended with a  stroke. He died in hospice care at home on  Oct. 10. He was  80 years old. The repast was festive with music, food and even a bounce house for the kids to enjoy.  Dozens  of people dropped in to fellowship and pay their respects to the family. The celebration resembled many that have been hosted by…

State Rep. Doreen Carter hosted a Metro Housing Resource Fair on Saturday(Oct. 15), providing  assistance to those who need mortgage and rental assistance, as well as help paying for utilities. The resource fair featured professionals in the housing industry and was held at Voices of Faith Ministries’ Rockdale Campus at 1290 Sigman Road in Conyers.   The half-day event was free to attend. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ocgnews.com

STONECREST, GA—Sometimes, patience pays off.  And for DeKalb County resident Priscilla Ward, patience paid off big on Saturday, Oct. 15.  Unbeknownst to Ward, she became the 1 millionth person New Birth Missionary Baptist Church has provided food since the church and its partners began giving away free food boxes to the local community since the global pandemic began two and a half years ago. Ward received $1,000 cash for being the 1 millionth person. The cash give away on Saturday was part of the celebration that the church held to mark the huge milestone in providing assistance to those in need.   “At…

Decatur, GA.—  Beginning on October 17 through November 4, registered voters in DeKalb County will head to the polls for advance voting, also called early voting. Here are 5 important reminders for those planning to vote early: During the advance voting period, registered voters can cast ballots at any DeKalb location. For a list of locations, click here. Drop boxes are available in DeKalb, but only at six select advance voting sites and are only accessible during operating hours. View the list here. If you are a voter with a physical disability or are 75 years of age and older,…