Author: On Common Ground News

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. is preparing to host its annual Casino Royale Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 265 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Casino Royale, the 100 Black Men of DeKalb’s largest fundraiser, supports its Leadership Academy by providing mentoring and leadership training to students in grades 6-12 who are enrolled in the program. Last year, the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc. served approximately 100 students through the academy. Casino Royale chairman, Naim Shaheed, M.D., said the organization is seeking sponsors to partner and support the worthwhile event.…

The DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department will host its annual open house on Thursday, May 30, from 4 – 7 p.m. DeKalb County Fire Rescue Station 4, located at 4540 Flakes Mill Road Ellenwood. Residents will be able to tour fire safety equipment including ladder trucks and the event will feature fire safety information and car seat safety checks.

DeKalb County government will join the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board of DeKalb County for its 18th annual Memorial Day Program on Friday, May 24, 11 a.m., at Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The theme for this year’s event is “A Veterans Memorial: Serving.” The keynote speaker will be State Sen. Tonya P. Anderson, secretary for the Senate Retirement Committee, a member of the Public Safety Committee, Special Judiciary Committee, and Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee. The program also will recognize two Eagle Service Award honorees.

Compiled by Sarita Mason + Mackenzie Morgan The 2019 Atlanta-DeKalb Caribbean Carnival Festival is just days away. Here’s everything you need to know to have a good time. (Q) What’s happening? (A)- The Atlanta-DeKalb Caribbean Carnival Festival is celebrating its 31st anniversary with a free community parade and festival. The event is hosted by the Atlanta Carnival Bandleaders Council and Atlanta Carnival Entertainment. (Q)- What’s the weather forecast? (A)- Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90s, with sunny skies. Water stations will be setup along the parade route as well as first responders and police. …

First 100 miles to be complete by September   DeKalb County contractors have finished resurfacing 35 miles of roads in DeKalb through funding provided by the county’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). More than 100 roads and streets have been paved, including Norman Road, Rockbridge Road, McLendon Road and Mountain Oaks Parkway. “SPLOST is allowing us to pave more than 300 miles of the bumpiest, most pothole-filled roads and streets in DeKalb and improve the quality of life for all who live, work and travel through the county,” said DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond. Citizens can follow the…

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the award of more than $240,000 in literacy grants to Georgia nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools. The funds are aimed at supporting adult, family and summer literacy programs within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center across the 44 states Dollar General serves. The grants awarded to Georgia organizations are expected to positively impact the lives of more than 16,000 Georgians. “In keeping with Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others, we are excited to provide grants to support literacy and education initiatives in the communities we proudly call home,” said Todd…

Pictured left to right: Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, Brandon Hayes and Cheri and Daniel Hayes. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary honored 11-year-old Brandon Hayes for his courageous journey as a liver transplant recipient. Hayes, a student at the Academy of Scholars, received the mayor’s inaugural “Stonecrest Champion Award” at the City Council meeting on May 13. A 5K run/walk was held on Mother’s Day in Brandon’s honor to raise awareness about organ donations and funds to help provide financial relief to Georgia families who have a family member in need of an organ…

Salem High School senior Emily Mahabir was named the winner of the 2019 Rotary Club of Rockdale County Four-Way Test Essay Contest and awarded a $500 scholarship at the May 15, 2019 meeting held at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital.  Mahabir, who will attend University of Georgia in the fall, wrote the top essay addressing the values of the Four Way Test, or the guiding principles that Rotary members recite at every meeting – “Of the things we think, say or do – is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it…

By Sarita Mason | OCG News Intern The City of Stonecrest has begun repaving 18 of its worst streets in the city’s first round of infrastructure repairs.  City officials and project managers for Blount Construction Company, Inc. held a ribbon- cutting ceremony on May 14 on Leverett Drive in the Amherst Forest community, where construction crews were out early that morning. Mayor Jason Lary said he was excited for the city to finally get rolling on the project. He said the project addresses improvements residents have been requesting for months, some of them citing dangerous potholes in communities and main…

The City of Conyers is expanding the areas where golf carts may be driven instead of regular vehicles. The motorized cart (golf cart) district, established in 2014 by the Conyers City Council, has now more than doubled in size in the hopes of spurring more interest among residents owning and operating golf carts to navigate city streets, officials said. The City Council began working on expanding the golf carts district after its annual January planning retreat, where several topics were discussed. The expansion of the district now extends south of the railroad tracks that divide the city. “In looking at…