Author: On Common Ground News

The Stonecrest City Council approved hiring Megan Phares-Reid as the new City Clerk during its March 25 council meeting. Phares-Reid is leaving the city of Porterdale, where she served for 11 years as City Clerk.  During her tenure, Phares-Reid also served as municipal Court Clerk and Elections Superintendent for the City of Porterdale, which is in Newton County. Reid will replace acting City Clerk Leah Rodriguez, who will return to her duties as a receptionist. Rodriguez had formerly served as City Clerk with the City of Lithonia.      

The Gregory B. Levett, Sr. Family Foundation will host the “Forever Young Senior Citizens Prom” on Saturday, April 27, 7 to 10 p.m., at South Gwinnett High School, 2288 Main St. E., Snellville. This year’s event will create a special opportunity to celebrate  seasoned elders throughout the community. The night will be filled with dinner, dancing and live entertainment. Larry Tinsley, V103 Sunday Morning Radio Host, will serve as master of ceremonies. The event attracts hundreds of seniors and the foundation anticipates hosting more than 500 seniors for this year’s event. Gregory and Betty Levett, Sr., owners and…

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond signed an executive order to create a DeKalb Charter Review Commission on March 27 at the Georgia Capitol. The document was also signed by DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader, presiding officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners; State Rep. Karla Drenner, who chairs the DeKalb House delegation; and Sen. Emanuel Jones, who chairs the DeKalb Senate delegation. CEO Thurmond pictured with DeKalb County Commission, House and Senate leaders “Today is a historic day for DeKalb County,” said Thurmond. “The signing of the executive order is evidence that DeKalb is ready to work with…

State Rep. Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) recently introduced House Resolution 680, which would create the House Study Committee on School Nutrition Program Funding. “It is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure that we have a healthy, nutritious and effective nutrition program in place for Georgia students in order to foster positive educational environments,” said Rep. Carter. “To do this, I believe we need to review the current funding sources that are in place for our school nutrition program.” The House Study Committee on School Nutrition Program Funding would study state and federal funding of school nutrition programs before the recession of…

DeKalb County Commissioner Kathie Gannon’s “Yes We Can” food drive collected enough food and online donations to create 10,000 meals. The donations will help the Atlanta Community Food Bank help the 19 percent of DeKalb’s population that is “food insecure.” These are households who on an occasional or regular basis do not know where their next meal will come from. The “Yes We Can” food drive is the 10th annual drive sponsored by Gannon, in partnership with DeKlab District Attorney Sherry Boston, Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling, Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson, Javoyne Hicks, clerk of State…

Pictured left to right: STS Vice President of Operations Suzanne Moon, Rebecca Hill, and Bill Hardman, past president and CEO of Southeast Tourism Society.   Georgia International Horse Park Assistant Director Rebecca Hillhas completed the three-year program of the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and earned certification as a Travel Marketing Professional (TMP). Hill has been an employee of the Georgia International Horse Park, owned and operated by the city of Conyers, for 16 years. She was named assistant director of the facility in 2018. Hill was among 62 STS Marketing College graduates who were announced at the STS Connections…

The DeKalb History Center will present “Hops at the History Center: Atlanta Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Hub of the South” featuring authors and beer enthusiasts Ron Smith and Mary Boyle.. The event, which includes beer sampling and a book signing, will be held on April 17, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur.  The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Smith has studied artisanal beer for over two decades, sampled local brews from across the U.S. and Europe and runs the Beer Guru Atlanta Blog. Co-host of several beer…

Rockdale County Government and the Rockdale County Public School Systems are partnering to host a community bonfire for high school juniors and seniors in Rockdale County. The bonfire will be held Friday, April 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at the field at 1400 Parker Road. County officials and community leaders will be on site to share in the festivities as well as provide information on the importance of civic engagement. Representatives from the Rockdale County Fire-Rescue and the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will share opportunities in public safety with the youths.  Students of all ages are welcome, but those who…

Students at DeKalb County School District (DCSD) will not have to miss a school lunch during Spring Break 2019 thanks to School Nutrition Services. On April 1 and April 2, DCSD will offer daily hot lunch service, on-the-go breakfast and snacks, and other services to all DCSD children who can attend at Indian Creek Elementary and Snapfinger Elementary beginning at 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Additional resources will also be available at certain locations on specific dates. Menu items on April 1 will include BBQ chicken, squash casserole, sweet potatoes, and assorted beverages. On April 2, students can enjoy…

Constitutional Corner   By Rockdale Slow Down Driving through our School Zones! School zones are put in place to ensure the safety of children in and around schools. While class is in session, drivers are responsible for maintaining safety and awareness on the streets surrounding schools. All children should be able to walk or bike to and from class without fear of being hit by passing vehicles. As drivers, we must not be careless around school zones. We must respect every school zone speed limit and understand the traffic laws for these locations. We must follow them…