Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb has named a new executive director. Sharon Steele has taken leadership of the organization. Steele most recently served as director of development for DeKalb County’s senior services provider, Senior Connections. Steel’s resume also includes stints in construction, mortgage origination and interior design, all experiences that officials say will help Steele guide the 30-year-old organization and raise awareness about Habitat for Humanity-DeKalb. “DeKalb has had Habitat for Humanity since 1988, yet I have found so many people are unaware of our existence,” said Steele. “My first priority as executive director is to re-establish our brand…

The streets of Olde Town Conyers will come alive for a two-day Re-Imagine Commercial Street festival. Commercial Street will close to through-traffic on Friday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. and will re-open to pedestrian traffic starting at 6 p.m. through Saturday evening, Sept. 15.  Enjoy music, games and dining at local restaurants. For more information, call 770-602-2606.

The next regular meeting of the Rockdale County Board of Elections will be held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 4 p.m., at the Rockdale County Board of Elections Office, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C, Conyers. The agenda will include a discussion on weekend voting for the Nov. 6 General Elections. There will be an opportunity for the public to make comments during the meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.  

DeKalb County elections officials will share information about the November General Election at the Cultural Exchange Breakfast, hosted by Stonecrest City Councilman Rob Turner and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki B. Turner.  The breakfast will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 to 11 a.m., at Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.  Updates concerning the city of Stonecrest, DeKalb County School Board and other community issues will be provided.   The community is invited to enjoy a free breakfast and get important updates. For more information, email:  thedekalbexchange@gmail.com.

The Southeast DeKalb Concerned Citizens Coalition (SEDCCC) will host a Meet and Greet political forum to hear how elected and county officials plan to address the community’s concerns and share their vision for a better DeKalb. The forum will be held on Wednesday, Sept., 19, 6 p.m., Hairston Crossing Library meeting room, 4911 Redan Road, Stone Mountain. The public is encouraged to attend.    Important Dates: Nov. 6: Election Day Oct. 9: Last Day to register to vote Oct. 15: Early voting begins 

DeKalb County School District (DCSD) Superintendent R. Stephen Green invites the community, staff and stakeholders to the first “On The Scene with Dr. Green” event of the 2018-2019 school year on Thursday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Marbut Elementary Traditional Theme School, 5776 Marbut Road, Lithonia. Green will give a brief statement about the state of DCSD before answering questions from the audience. “On The Scene with Dr. Green” is an opportunity to learn more about your schools and to have your concerns addressed. Throughout the 2018-2019 school year, Green will visit seven…

  By Sheriff Eric Levitt “Walk it like I talk it” is not only the famous hook for a song by the Migos, but also a catchy phrase we are using at the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office to meet people in the community, answer questions and get exercise at the same time. My office plans to provide educational information to the citizens by emphasizing proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, we will use community policing to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safety…

The Cedar Grove Saints bounced back from a season opening loss to Stephenson to snap the defending Trail to the Title champions Tucker Tigers’ regular season win streak at 31 games with a 16-8 middle school football victory at Godfrey Stadium on Saturday. Cedar Grove’s Barry Jackson was named Born to Compete’s Player of the Week (8th Grade Division) after scoring two touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 rushing) and making a big fourth down stop out of his linebacker spot on defense to secure the Saints’ big win. Naeshawn Parsons helped set up Jackson’s touchdowns with key runs in…

The DeKalb County Democrats is hosting the grand opening of the Democrats Coordinated Campaign Headquarters in Decatur on this Friday, Sept. 7, for the Grand Opening of the Coordinated Campaign Office in Decatur. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 4185 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Decatur. Refreshments will be provided by Senator Steve Henson, Representatives Michele Henson, Billy Mitchell, Howard Mosby and Pamela Stephenson, and Chair of the DDP, Barbara Campbell.

The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization is hosting a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) training, which will be facilitated by Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition of the People’s Agenda. The training will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 6:30 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4552 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Butler will cover the following voter education strategies: Absentee ballots – (managing voter suppression issues) How to get Your Neighbors, Church Members and Relatives to Vote Early Can a convicted felon vote? Voting the ballot from “top” to “bottom” The meeting is…