Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host its third Annual Easter Egg and Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza on April 3, noon to 2 p.m., at Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. Begin forwarded message:

Six Asian women are among eight people who were killed in shootings that took place at three massage parlors in the metro Atlanta area on Tuesday (March 16 , according to authorities. Robert Aaron Long, 21, of Woodstock, has been identified as the suspect in all three shootings, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Long was captured tonight (March 16) in Crisp County, about 150 miles south of Atlanta, and taken into custody without incident, the AJC reported. The shooting at Young’s Asian Massage Parlor in Cherokee County left two Asian women, a white woman and a white…

By Debra Tyler-Horton AARP Georgia State Director March is celebrated as so many wonderful things. It’s Women’s History Month, and we recognize the founder of AARP, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who had a dream to help “seniors” live life on their own terms and age in place. To read more about Dr. Andrus’s remarkable life, please check here: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/history/champions-of-aging-photos/ethel-percy-andrus-aarp-founder.html AARP also uses March to help people discuss finances.  The AARP Money Map is an online tool that helps you manage unexpected medical, car, or home expenses. Money Map provides tips on negotiating your costs to suggesting different payment…

TUCKER, GA— Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau will host a free in-person Family Reunion Planning Workshop on Saturday, March 20.  The event will be held at the Marriott Atlanta Northeast/Emory Area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop, which will be presented by reunion specialist Penny Moore, will offer tips and expert advice, such as setting a budget to selecting a hotel or venue that fits your family’s needs.  Attendees also will have the opportunity to learn about complimentary Discover DeKalb services, local attractions and family activities. DeKalb County is Georgia’s third-largest county and the most-culturally diverse…

DECATUR, GA—The DeKalb Human Services Department will host a virtual workshop for parents and other stakeholders on March 24, 5:30 p.m., to discuss the potential impact of trauma and stress on students. This workshop, entitled “RISE UP,” will be held in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and will feature theater, experiential learning, and arts integration techniques to engage participants. The workshop’s intent is to give parents and those who work with students the tools needed to navigate the difficult situations that students face with distance learning and the lack of social interaction due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. …

DECATUR, GA–Crime Stoppers has increased its standard reward from $2,000 to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person who brutally attacked and robbed a 65-year-old woman last week, DeKalb County Police said. At approximately 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, a 65-year-old woman was attacked after arriving at her Bowling Green Way home from behind by an unknown male.The victim was able to escape to a neighbor’s home for help, where police were called, police said in a news release. Meanwhile, the suspect fled with the victim’s purse, keys and cellphone. The victim was transported to…

CONYERS, GA–Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 15-19, 2021 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The weeklong observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. Superintendent Terry Oatts  commended the board’s hard work. “We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all members of our Board of Education. This award-winning board has earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s Exemplary Board designation for each eligible year, a total of five times, and has…

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this week, we are recognizing DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox as Torchbearer. Sheriff Maddox is the first woman to be elected to the Sheriff’s Office in DeKalb County. Sheriff Maddox’s impressive career in Law Enforcement spans more than 20 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Morris Brown College. She also holds an MSA degree in General Administration from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in African-American Ministries from the Newburgh Theological Seminary. Sheriff Maddox has served as a member of DeKalb County Police and the City of Atlanta…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Program will offer a virtual Survivors of Homicide Victims Support Group for people who have lost a loved one to a homicide or vehicular homicide. “The sudden or unexpected loss of a loved one can have a tremendous effect on those who knew the victim,” said victim advocate and group co-facilitator Heather Brooks. “The goal of the group is to offer a safe and supportive environment for survivors to meet others who have experienced a similar loss while on their healing journey.” First launched in April 2020, the program…