Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department(DCFR) held a graduation on Aug. 14 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur for Fire Academy Class 112. DCFR presented Captain Fred Poole a plaque in honor of his son, Jackson Poole, who died tragically in a car crash earlier this year. Jackson was part of the 42 recruits in the graduating class. Graduates completed field orientation, which included approximately 40 weeks of fire and emergency medical training in addition to learning DeKalb County Government protocols.

OMG! Johnson Park is having a Splish Splash Emoji Party for kids on Friday, Sept. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. ,at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Pizza will be served after swimming. Admission for this event is $5 and is open to kids ages 5 to 12 with and without disabilities. Participants should bring a towel and change of clothes. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 4, 9 p.m.

Enjoy a family-fun evening with a movie in the park on Saturday, Aug. 31, 8 to 10 p.m., at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. A family feature film will play on a jumbo screen while your family relaxes in the park. Bring a blanket and/or chairs. Concessions will be available for purchase from the Friends of Panola chapter. The fee to park is $5 per vehicle.

Johnson Park is welcoming all military veterans and first responders to a free day of play in honor of the 2019 National Day of Service on Wednesday, Sept, 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnson Park Recreation Center, 1781 Ebenezer Road, Conyers. Veterans, active duty personnel and first respondersare invited to take a dip in the pool, play basketball or just explore the facility and its trails free of charge.

Get on the path to health and wellness by joining Ranger Doffice for a guided walk on Monday, Aug. 26, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Davidson -Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 787 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. Enjoy a fun and lively walk and meet new friends. Bring a water bottle.

Get your doggie dressed in their best swimsuit and snap a photo. Jack or Mimi might have a chance at winning a prize. Registration is underway for the DeKalb County Parks’ second annual Doggie Splash Paw-looza, set for Sept. 7. The event, which will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Midway Park Pool, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur, includes a swimsuit photo contest. Photos may be  submitted now until Sept. 5 via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag, #DeKalbPawlooza19. Prizes will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place winners. In addition to the swimsuit contest, this year’s event…

A Stone Mountain student’s Morehouse College debt is wiped out by billionaire, his older brother recovers from brain tumor  Front L-R: Brandis and Andrew Green pose with their parents, Andrew and Rachel Green, outside their home. Andrew, the Morehouse graduate, beams proudly. Right Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News: Mom Rachel Green poses with sons Andrew (left) and Brandis (right).  By Valerie J. Morgan Rachel Green knows the power of faith and power. The Stone Mountain resident says her family has witnessed two major blessings in the last six months and she gives all the glory to God. In May, Rachel…

Diocese of Atlanta to commemorate 400 years of African American History   ATLANTA –Bishop Robert C. Wright has asked Episcopal churches, schools and ministries of the Diocese of Atlanta to remember and honor the first enslaved Africans who landed in English North America in 1619 by tolling their bells on Sunday, Aug. 25. Wright, whose diocese includes 118 worshiping communities in middle and north Georgia, said he is joining faith leaders from around the United States calling for a commemoration and remembrance of the landing of the first enslaved Africans by ringing bells on Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.…

Kingdom Stand Up gospel concert this Saturday The Kingdom Stand Up Gospel Concert is taking place Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 to 10 p.m., at the Voices of Faith Rockdale Campus, 1290 Sigman Road NW, Conyers. The family-friendly gospel event will offer guests a diverse lineup of gospel artists ranging from Gospel R&B, Gospel Rap/Hip Hop, Gospel Reggae and Gospel Soul. Food will be available for purchase on site. The lineup includes Koryn Hawthorne, Jekalyn Carr, Papa San, Canton Jones, Bizzle, Kelontae Gavin, Mr. Gallimore, Princess Rouche, Tasan. The outdoor concert will also include vendors and food. Tickets can be…

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division, in partnership with the Tire Management Unit of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, will host two Tire Amnesty Day events on Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.The events provide an opportunity for residents to dispose of car and light-duty truck tires, and will be held simultaneouslyat the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office parking lot, 4380Memorial Drive, Decatur, and the Seminole Road Landfill, 4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood. DeKalb County residents also will have an opportunity to dispose of small tires from wheelbarrows, golf carts and bicycles. Event participants will be limited to 10 whole…