Author: On Common Ground News

L-R: Jim Kelly, whose family are long-time landowners in what is now the city of Stonecrest, Mayor Jason Lary, Tony Render, head of security Elder Vanessa Long and New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant perform the April 9 ribbon cutting ceremony. Elder Long laughs with relief after finally cutting the ribbon. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan      Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, community members and leaders of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Lithonia-Industrial Boulevard extension. Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of those attending the 9 a.m. event.…

City Attorney Winston Demark has released his legal opinion on the cell tower complaints issued by residents near its 3610 Evans Mill Road location.  Denmark reviewed the application, the minutes from the original zoning hearing, the Stonecrest files, and the permit that was recently issued for the construction of the cell tower. The tower’s conditional zoning, highlighted by many residents, is not problematic at all, according to Denmark.  Denmark said the zoning decision rendered more than 40 years ago, did not disclose the actual conditions that were approved.  It only says the conditions as stated by the applicant. “We don’t…

Eligible residents may apply for cooling assistance through the Division of Family and Children Service’s (DFCS) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning May 1. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that is designed to assist low-income, elderly and disabled Georgians with cooling costs through direct payments to home energy suppliers. Eligible households will receive between $350 to $400 toward their energy costs. To qualify, a family’s annual income must be less than or equal to 60 percent of the median income for a Georgia family. For a household of one, the income threshold is $22,839. The income threshold for…

L-R Dar’shun Kendrick, Karen Bennett, Tonya Anderson State Representatives Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia) and Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), along with State Senator Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia), will host a healthcare symposium on Saturday, May 18, 2019, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Stonecrest. The upcoming symposium will address healthcare issues regarding maternal and infant mortality rates in Georgia, mental health wellness opportunities and disparities among diabetes and breast cancer illnesses. “I believe it is crucial to have this conversation about healthcare, but it is particularly important to discuss maternal death rates in Georgia,” said Kendrick. “These rates…

Six Rockdale County Public Schools seniors and a local humanitarian were honored for their community service accomplishments in Rockdale County at the 9thannual John K. Morgan Scholarship Reception hosted by the Rockdale Coalition for Children and Families (RCCF) on March 21 at the Rockdale Career Academy. The recipient of the $4,000 John K. Morgan Scholarship was Faith Shamley, a senior at Heritage High School. Heritage High School senior Jazmyn Flakes was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Rockdale County and the remaining finalists were recipients of $500 scholarships. The 2019 F. William Hughey Community Service Award was…

DeKalb families living with dementia and their caregivers are invited to attend a forum on April 24, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The Human Services Department, in partnership with the Dementia Spotlight Foundation, is presenting the forum to gain firsthand knowledge about the community’s need for resources for people living with dementia. This event will conclude a series of dementia focus groups that have been held by the Human Services Department over the last two months in Decatur, North DeKalb and South DeKalb with a combined participation of 30 people.…

Join DeKalb County Commissioner , who represents the county’s super District 7, and the Stonecrest Citizens Coalition for a town hall meeting. The meeting will be held on April 25, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Stonecrest. Cochran-Johnson will discuss community issues and address residents’ questions and concerns. Representatives from DeKalb County’s Code Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, Watershed Management, Public Safety, MARTA, and Roads and Drainage also will attend the meeting.

Bring a sandwich, bring a friend, and enjoy some history. The DeKalb History Center announces the return of “High Noon History,” a walking tour highlighting the history of the downtown Decatur Square. Organizers say the 45-minute tour is perfect for anyone wanting to get a bit of history in during their lunch break. “High Noon History” tours will be held every Friday in May and will start at 12 p.m. The tour will begin on the south steps of the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. Reservations are not required.

DeKalb County Cooperative Extension will host “Herbalicious-Herb Garden” as part of the 2019 Gardening in Georgia Series.  The class will be held on April 25, 6:45 to 8:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County Cooperative Extension Auditorium, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. During this class, attendees will learn practical tips for selecting, growing, harvesting, using and sharing herbs. The cost is $10 per person. To register, call the DeKalb County Extension Office at 404-298-4080, or email yc42298@uga.edu.

DeKalb County Solicitor-General  will discuss her office’s work as advocates for victims during the DeKalb Cultural Exchange, hosted by DeKalb County School Board Member Vickie Turner and Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner. The monthly breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 20, 9 to 11 a.m., at the House of Hope in Decatur. Coleman-Stribling was selected as keynote speaker to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is nationally recognized during the week of April 7, but we have chosen to raise awareness about the rights of victims, as well as the services available to…