Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb County has taken another step to improve countywide emergency ambulance service by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Dunwoody mayor. “The lives and safety of our citizens are our number one priority,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “Mayor Denis Shortal and I have worked cooperatively to ensure the highest level of countywide emergency ambulance service.” “My main objective is to get Dunwoody citizens to the hospital on time and to make sure they receive an enhanced level of Emergency Medical Services. I have worked closely with DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to come up…

The Toney Valley Civic Association in South DeKalb is offering rides to residents who need transportation to the Toney Elementary School polling precinct, 2701 Oakland Terrace, Decatur on election day.  Those who need a ride on Nov. 6 may call 404-573-1238 before Election Day schedule  pick-up.  Riders will be provided a sample ballot as well as a “Know Your Candidates” card, provided courtesy of The People’s Agenda.  The volunteer drivers will be available from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Election Day to respond to calls for rides to the poll. In addition to the organized free rides, the…

The Legacy Program of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc. is partnering with Atlanta Gas Light Company to present a free community STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics event. High school students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to attend the event, which will be held on Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. There will be a panel discussion with the community, students and  STEM professionals from Atlanta Gas Light Company promoting the importance of careers in STEM and encouraging academic excellence.

The DeKalb County Human Services Department and DeKalb County Public Library will host a caregiver workshop entitled “You Are Not Alone: Support and Resources for Care Partners” on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6 to – 7:30 p.m. at the Avis G. Williams Library, 1282 McConnell Drive in Decatur. The workshop is open to 45 attendees. Dinner will be provided. The Dementia Spotlight Foundation is a supporter for the event. The month of November is nationally recognized as Family Caregivers Month. The session will feature DeKalb resident and author, Nancy Kriseman, a  licensed clinical social worker, as the presenter and she will…

DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry will host the 8thAnnual Adoption Day in DeKalb on Friday, Nov. 16,as part of National Adoption Month. A celebration lunch for the families will be served before the ceremony finalizing their adoptions will take place in the Judicial Tower of the DeKalb County Courthouse in Courtrooms 5C and 5D beginning at 1 p.m. November is recognized as National Adoption Month. The purpose of National Adoption Month is to focus attention on children in the Child Welfare system that are in foster care and freed, waiting to be adopted. National Adoption Day is…

The Vietnam Certificate of Honor ceremony, scheduled for  Nov. 3 at the Rockdale County High School Auditorium, 1174 Bulldog Circle, Conyers, has been postponed to the Spring of 2019. For more information on the ceremonies, contact the Georgia Department of Veterans Services Commemoration Office at certificates@vs.state.ga.us or 404-656-5933.

The World of Coca-Cola grants complimentary admission to all military members (active duty, reserves and retirees) year-round, but to show gratitude on Veterans Day to the men and women who serve the U.S., the attraction is extending a special offer to their loved ones as well. From Nov. 1-11, members of the Armed Forces may purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family to join them in visiting the attraction in downtown Atlanta. Tickets may be purchased with a valid Armed Forces ID card at the attraction’s ticketing windows. Veterans Day Parade The 37th Annual Georgia…

The Georgia Board of Human Services has approved a rule change providing for the development and posting of signs indicating a medical facility or other authorized location is a designated “safe place” for a mother to leave her unwanted newborn. The rule takes effect Nov. 1. The signage is related to Georgia’s Safe Place for Newborns law, which allows a mother to leave her newborn (within 30 days of birth) at a medical facility, fire station or police station in the state. The law specifying the requirements for creating and placing the signage was signed by Gov. Nathan Deal as…

The City of Atlanta and Atlanta Housing have announced a new partnership to develop 550 permanent housing units to help the city’s chronically homeless population.  The HUD-funded initiative, HomeFirst, is a collaboration that also involves Invest Atlanta, the United Way Regional Commission on Homelessness, and Partners for HOME, a public–private entity commissioned by the City to proactively manage the continuum of care for Atlanta’s homeless population. “The fight to end homelessness cannot be won by any one organization or entity. We are committed to building sustainable public-private partnerships that can impact the lives of Atlantans across all sectors” said Mayor…

When people hear the word Sheriff, who do you think they immediately visualize?  The Sheriff of Nottingham from the days of Robin Hood?  Sheriff Pat Garrett, who served in Lincoln County, who killed Billy the Kid?  The fictional Sheriff Andy Griffith of Mayberry, the model of community policing before the term was invented?  As a citizen of Rockdale County, you should know what a Sheriff is, what makes the Office of the Sheriff unique in law enforcement, why it should be called the Sheriff’s Office and not a Sheriff’s Department, and why it is important to preserve its direct accountability…