Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr and the Georgia Department of Health are again warning Georgians that scammers have been trying to exploit the vaccine rollout by calling, texting or emailing consumers asking for payment for the promise of getting the vaccine, scheduling an appointment or getting on the waiting list. “Scam artists are attempting to take advantage of people’s sense of urgency about getting the vaccine,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “Remember that the vaccine is free, and hang up on any caller who asks you for money or personal information related to the vaccine.” The Attorney General’s…

DECATUR, GA—DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs and the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance encourage visitors to enjoy the springtime at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve and to park in additional designated areas.   When visiting the Davidson- Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, located 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, patrons are encouraged to “Leave No Trace” during trips to the nature preserve by treading lightly and staying on the bare granite.   The trails are an important part of the community and well-designed to create a family friendly environment for thousands of joggers, walkers, bikers, and skaters from all walks of…

DECATUR, GA — On Wednesday, April 7, 3p.m., Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is holding an American Rescue Plan (ARP) “Teach-In” event to highlight the life-saving resources contained in the new law.  The virtual event will help people understand how they can benefit from the various provisions of the bill by connecting constituents with resources under the plan. Johnson will bring together experts from federal, state and local agencies to speak with Fourth District residents about what the American Rescue plan means for them, their families and small businesses – and how the ARP has empowered these agencies to help…

PINE LAKE, GA— “Pandemic Porch Portraits,” a photo wall created by Cindy M. Brown, will open on April 11, at the tennis court beside the Western wetlands, Lakeshore Drive, in Pine Lake.  The public is invited to a socially distanced outdoor opening reception on Sunday, April 11, 4 to 6 p.m., and to view the exhibit when visiting Pine Lake Park this spring.   Admission is free.  Masks are required. Featuring portraits of Pine Lakers posing with their families, pets and creative projects, this outdoor installation documents how one community has survived and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The project, which began as photographer Brown’s way…

Photo cutline: Flat Rock Archives Johnny Waits teaches children about agriculture in Flat Rock, one of Georgia’s oldest Black communities, as part of a previous year’s Junior Ranger Day. Photo provided by AMNHA STONECREST, GA– Starting with Park Rx Day on Saturday, April 17, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (AMNHA) will participate in National Parks Week, eight days of celebration of different aspects of the National Park System in general and the AMNHA in particular. The week will culminate with a National Junior Ranger Day scavenger hunt on April 24, an outdoor exploration of the nature and history found throughout the National…

State Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) and State Senator Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia) will co-host a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 6 – 8 p.m. via Zoom. Advance registration is required. To register for the meeting, please click here. During the virtual meeting, Kendrick and Anderson will discuss COVID-19 vaccines, elections legislation, voting rights, criminal justice reform and the state’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The meeting will also feature several guest panelists, including Melissa Bishop, Pfizer, Inc., who will discuss the Pfizer vaccine. Additionally, Andre Fields, Fair Fight Action, will discuss election and voting legislation; Marisa Dodson, Southern Center for…

State Sen. Emanuel Jones calls for mayor’s resignation, federal investigation   Gov. Brian Kemp has signed SB 21, shifting power and authority to the five members of the city council, and reducing the powers of the mayor. The bill is effective immediately, said State Sen. Emanuel Jones, who sponsored the legislation. Kemp signed the bill on Thursday (April 1). Jones told On Common Ground News that he urged the governor to sign the bill immediately and he received an email today confirming the governor had signed it. Historically, bills that are approved by the Georgia House of Representatives become effective…

Saturday outreach events planned and Resurrection Sunday Service features special musical guest Pastor Charles Jenkins STONECREST–New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a series of community outreach activities beginning on Good Friday, April 2, and culminating with the ministry’s Resurrection Sunday drive-up service on April 4. All activities will take place on New Birth’s campus located at 6400 Woodrow Rd in Stonecrest. On Friday, April 2, New Birth is partnering with Elite Medical Associates to administer 1,800 free Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations onsite. The following day, The King’s Table food pantry will host its weekly free food distribution at The Family Life…

The City of Atlanta announced the opening of an emergency warming center in anticipation of frigid temperatures. The center will open Thursday, April 1, 11p.m. and will remain open through Friday, April 2, at 10 a.m. The warming center is located at the former Ramada Hotel, 450 Capitol Avenue S.E., Atlanta. Those in need of additional assistance can contact the City by dialing 311 (inside Atlanta City limits) or 404-546-0311.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) sent a letter to the Inspector General at the U.S. Department Health and Human Services(HHS) as part of their ongoing investigation into COVID-19-related deaths in nursing homes. The request to review COVID-19 data in Georgia nursing homes came from discrepancies as some 41 nursing homes in the state recorded zero COVID-19-related deaths among their residents, despite reporting over 900 infections. In addition, numerous Georgia nursing homes also reported conflicting figures to federal and state officials and appear to be under reporting deaths to the federal government.…