Author: On Common Ground News

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer A group of people packed a morning chess camp and breakfast hungry for knowledge at the International House of Pancakes in Stone Mountain on Dec. 23. The pre-holiday workshop gave parents and children an introduction to chess fundamentals and the opportunity to meet and learn from internationally-known chess champion Orrin C. Hudson, founder of the nonprofit mentoring organization, Be Someone. More than 30 adults and children huddled around Hudson’s giant chess board to learn strategies and techniques to win on the chess board and in life. Hudson, who has been teaching chess for…

The Redan Soul Line Dancers in DeKalb County helped spread some holiday cheer by pitching in to buy Christmas presents for a single mother with eight children. The dancers were able to assist the family through an organization called Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure (H.O.M.E.). “We enjoy coming together dancing, but we love helping the community and others. It is truly a blessing to be a blessing and to share the true meaning of Christmas,” the organization said in a statement. The group has held dancing events to also help raise funds for people with dementia, DeKalb County Senior Olympics and…

State Rep. Vernon Jones, District 91, remembers how tough life can be as a farmer and he’s motivated to spread goodwill, especially toward kids, this time of year. “My parents were farmers. Sometimes, we didn’t get anything for Christmas, if the crops didn’t do well,” Jones said. “Everybody else would have new bikes and we would have to ride theirs. We would have to have Christmas at another time.” This year, Jones received donations of about 40 bikes that he provided to DeKalb County’s Child Advocacy Center, which sponsors a program called “Hope for the Holidays” to…

Stonecrest District 4 Councilman George Turner and District 3 Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble honored dozens of the city’s devoted volunteers at a joint Town Hall meeting, wrapping up 2019 activities for their districts. The Dec. 19 awards program was held at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Miles E. Fowler Way, Stonecrest. “We just wanted to celebrate them for their commitment as volunteers. Their dedication and service means a lot to the city and this was just our way of saying thank you to those who were appointed to various committees that represent District 4 and District 3,” said Turner.…

Mayor Jason Lary (left) and Al Franklin (far right) pose with Tony Terry for a snapshot. R&B recording artist Tony Terry swooned guests with his hit song, “When I’m With You,” as he kicked off the Dec. 20 holiday celebration hosted by the City of Stonecrest at the AEI Startup Factory. Mayor Jason Lary presented Terry keys with to the City at the benefit event, which included buffet food bars, live entertainment and dancing. Terry, who lives in the metro Atlanta area, said he was thrilled to be honored and receives keys to the city. Proceeds supported Stonecrest Fest, Inc. to assist…

The Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families is soliciting applications for the annual John K. Morgan Community Service Scholarship and the F. William Hughey Community Service Award. Applications must be received no later than Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The John K. Morgan Scholarship will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding community service in Rockdale County and plans to continue that level of commitment while pursuing post-secondary education. There is no age limitation for applicants. The scholarship will be awarded to assist with college related expenses for students enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. Past recipients…

In observance of Christmas Day on Wednesday, Dec. 25, sanitation service for residential customers will be based on the following collection schedule:  Monday, Dec. 23– Normal collection day. Tuesday, Dec. 24 –Normal collection day.  Wednesday, Dec. 25 –Christmas Day observed; no collection service. Thursday, Dec. 26 – Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, Dec. 25, will be serviced on Thursday, Dec. 26. Friday, Dec. 27– Residential customers whose regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, Dec. 26, will be serviced on Friday, Dec. 27. The Sanitation Division’s administrative office, North Transfer Station and Seminole Road Landfill will…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs will offer a Winter Break Day Camp, Dec. 23 – 31 and Jan. 2 – 3, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Camp will be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. The cost of the camp is $10 per day for children ages 5-12. Each participant must provide his or her own breakfast, lunch and snack. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parksand click the “Register Online” button. Residents can also register in person at any of the locations listed below: Exchange Recreation…

Melody M. Maddox was sworn in as DeKalb County’s 50thSheriff, the first woman to hold the office, on Dec. 16 at St. Philip A.M.E. Church in Decatur. Three African-American women administered the oaths: Judge Penny Brown Reynolds administered the Loyalty Oath; DeKalb County Superior Couit Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson administered the Oath of Office and DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson administered the Constitutional Oath. The Rev. William D. Whatley, senior pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, welcomed guests, family and friends to the ceremony. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, 6thEpiscopal District A.M.E. Church, performed the invocation.…