Author: On Common Ground News

(Left to Right) Stonecrest Library’s first branch manager Theresa Totten, Louise E. Alexander, Vice President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library, Jennifer Moore, President of The Friends of Stonecrest Library and Stonecrest Branch Manager Michael Strong. Photo provided by The Friends of Stonecrest Library. By Mackenzie N. Morgan Staff Writer A host of supporters and patrons showed up to welcome Stonecrest Library’s newest branch manager, Michael Strong, on Jan. 6 at a meet-and-greet reception held at the library. “It was truly an overwhelmingly awesome experience being welcomed into the Stonecrest family. I am looking forward to getting to know…

Pictured left to right are Charles West,of CW Network Studios; actor Lou Gossett, Jr.; Mayor Jason Lary; and actor John Amos.   Photos provided by Adrion Bell/City of Stonecrest. Actors John Amos and Louis Gossett, Jr. were among the guest attendees at Stonecrest’s Development Authority meeting at City Hall on Jan. 9.  The actors were present to endorse the efforts of Charles West, of CW Network Studios, who is considering Stonecrest as the location site for a $50 million state-of-the-art animation facility. West as joined on the agenda by Brian Livesay, founder of Soanes Consulting, which helped launch Atlanta…

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is accepting enrollment for its School Choice programs for the 2020-2021 school year Open enrollment, which began on Jan. 7, ends on Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. Families who live in the DeKalb school district can apply for DCSD’s many diverse programs, such as the dual immersion language programs and distinguished magnet programs. The School Choice Programs are available at the elementary, middle, or high school level. Students currently enrolled in DeKalb County schools will need their student ID number and a parent’s email address. New, private- or home-schooled students need a…

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is accepting applications for new and returning licensed childcare providers of Georgia’s Pre-K program for the 2020-2021 school year. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m. Georgia’s Pre-K Program is an educational program for age-eligible children in Georgia funded by the Georgia Lottery for education. To be eligible to apply for the Pre-K grant, an applicant must be a licensed childcare program, local school system or a Head Start program. Programs are offered in a variety of settings: public schools; for profit and nonprofit child care learning centers; military…

By Candice Guthrie Nastasha Johnson, a Rockdale County middle school teacher, hopes to help parents, mentors, teachers and others better understand the issues and challenges that teen girls face as they approach puberty and young adulthood. Johnson has published a book entitled “Who am I? The Teenage Girl,” which is centered on the lives of three fictitious teen girls. “Although the characters are fictitious, they are dealing with real-life issues,” said Johnson, a minister, mentor and mother of three. “The book sheds light so that people who deal with children may be more aware, more compassionate.” Johnson said the…

It is with great honor and excitement that Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and Leslie E. Royal announce the impending nuptials of their daughter Antasha Jenise Royal to Julius Ibiyi Wilson, son of Mrs. Mary Iyam Wilson and the late Mr. Ubi Ogban Wilson. The wedding will take place in early spring at beautiful Georgia Palms & Gardens in Powder Springs, Georgia. How they met: First comes car trouble, then comes marriage… They met when Julius worked on Antasha’s car. Anyone who knows her knows that she does not take care of cars. (lol) He asked for her number. He was cute and…

Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary will be the guest speaker on Sunday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m., at First St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, where Dr. Marvin Crawford is pastor. Lary, an ordained deacon, said the title of his sermon will be “David and Goliath: Faith Can Take Giants. “ Lary said that it was his faith that helped him to battle health challenges, including cancer, while serving as mayor and going on to win re-election in November. He was sworn into a second term in office on Jan. 7.  

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is reopening Samson Health & Fitness Center with a special ribbon cutting on Jan. 12 following the worship service, expected to end around noon. “This investment represents our ongoing commitment to the community and serves as a critical community asset for all to enjoy. Our ribbon cutting serves as an important step forward in solidifying New Birth as a local leader in health and wellness efforts,” said Dr. Jamal Bryant, New Birth’s senior pastor. The state-of-the-art fitness facility features 80,000 feet of workspaces featuring four full basketball courts, speed and agility areas, weight room, cardio…

 Left to right: Rockdale County Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and Conyers City Council members Connie Alsobrook and Valyncia Smith Photos and video by Glenn L. Morgan  Video      https://youtu.be/HliEEIKSHwE CONYERS, GA–The swearing-in ceremony for the firstAfrican-American women to join the Conyers City Council drew a packed crowd tonight (Jan. 8) at the Cherokee Run Golf Club in Conyers. Connie Alsobrook and Valyncia Smith were sworn in by Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten, the first African American to hold the Rockdale County’s  Magistrate judge’s seat. Alsobrook and Smith are the first African-American women  in the city’s 165-year history to take seats…

Police Chief Gene Wilson  Conyers Police Department is again offering active shooter/threats preparedness training to citizens interested in learning how to best react to such an incident. The goal of the training is to educate the public on where to go and what to do in the event of an active shooter or other threat. “In today’s climate we realize the importance of training not only our officers, but educating our citizens as well,”  said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “We have had great participation in similar programs last three years and are pleased to offer it once again.” The…