Author: On Common Ground News

President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law today (March 30, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending.  Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, said: “Today, President Biden sent another strong message to America’s more than 30 million small business owners negatively impacted by the pandemic: help is here. By signing the PPP Extension Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act into law, the President is providing additional critical relief…

South DeKalb Y hit hard by dwindling membership, youth programs and partnerships DECATUR—Hoping to halt a possible closure of the South DeKalb Family YMCA, a group of community members and YMCA advisory board members are holding a public protest on Wednesday, March 31, 5 p.m., to keep the facility open. The rally will take place outside the South DeKalb YMCA at 2565 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. “The very idea of closing down a centralized, safe place where families, seniors and young people can congregate as we come out of this year-long pandemic is appalling and a disgrace to…

PRNewswire– Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. announces the North American release of “TWENTY PEARLS,” the official documentary film which chronicles the organization’s history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, “TWENTY PEARLS” journeys through 113 provocative years.    Only 40 years past the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled at Howard University where they organized and built a sisterhood in 1908.  The organization has now grown to more than 300,000 members internationally and has been pivotal in watershed moments that have impacted American history.  Through narration, interviews, and archival assets, viewers will see how Alpha Kappa Alpha impacted the…

  CONYERS—Excel Church will partner with members of the Conyers community on Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to host its “Hope Unleashed” community outreach. Some 200 people from the church and community will be holding signs with messages of hope on Highway 138 to encourage everyone who travels the busy highway ahead of Easter Sunday.   For 15+ years, Excel Church has hosted giveaways, family events and provided resources for residents in the metro metro-  Atlanta area.   “We embrace every opportunity possible to provide a positive, safe and fun environment for families throughout the year. This…

Conyers City Council meetings will now start at 6p.m. beginning with the next regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 7. At its March 17 meeting, the Conyers City Council approved an ordinance amending the Conyers Code of Ordinances to change the city council meeting time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. The city council meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Conyers City Hall, 901 O’Kelly Street, Conyers 30012. Meetings may be canceled due to a lack of agenda items, so citizens are encouraged to visit the event calendar at conyersga.com for the status of meetings. City council…

STONE MOUNTAIN– The DeKalb County School District is hosting a Spring Break Meal Distribution event on Saturday, April 3, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Administrative & Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd.  (on the International Center side). The district will distribute 2,100 seven-day frozen meal boxes, and fresh produce from the Atlanta Food Bank to families. Signage will be available to direct parents through the parking lot. Families must remain in their vehicles during the drive through, and School Nutrition Services staff will place the items in the trunk of the vehicles.

DECATUR—Due to the Good Friday holiday, the DeKalb County Board of Health’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites will operate on a modified scheduled on Friday and Saturday. Changes in operations are as follows:   Doraville MARTA Station Vaccination Site Stonecrest Vaccination Site (former Sam’s Club) Greater Piney Grove Testing Site (East Atlanta) Board of Health COVID-19 Call Center Fri., April 2 CLOSED 9:00 a.m. – Noon CLOSED 9:00 a.m. – Noon Sat., April 3 9:00 a.m. – Noon CLOSED CLOSED 9:00 a.m. – Noo Appointments and registration for COVID-19 testing are required and available online. To ensure testing resources are available…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will host its third Annual Easter Egg and Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza on April 3, from noon to 2 p.m., at Exchange Park, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur. The free event is for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Participants will receive an Easter bucket while supplies last and must be accompanied by an adult. The event will include a drive-by scavenger hunt, vendors, photos with the Easter Bunny and more. 

DECATUR, GA — On Monday, March 29, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) presented 11 women in Georgia’s Fourth District with “Trailblazer” awards in recognition of their pioneering roles in their careers and service to the greater community. “As we reach the end of Women’s History Month, I’m proud to recognize the contributions of the honorees who are all are pioneers in their fields,” said Johnson. “All of these outstanding citizens are trailblazers in their own way, leading us into a brighter and more inclusive future.” Johnson recognized: Rockdale County Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten Rockdale State and Superior…

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms will deliver the annual State of the City address on Wednesday, March 31, 8 a.m. Viewers can watch the Address via the city’s YouTube Channel, City of Atlanta Twitter, and Facebookaccounts or tune in to Channel 26 (Comcast).