Author: On Common Ground News

The Decatur-DeKalb Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. is hosting a Membership Information Session on Friday, Aug. 18, 7 to 9 p.m., at the DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale, 2801 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia.   During the Information Session, interested candidates will have an opportunity to learn more about the Decatur-DeKalb chapter.  The National Coalition of 100 Black Women is a non-profit volunteer organization whose members address common issues in their communities, families and personal lives, promoting gender and racial equity.  Please send any questions to: membershipinfo-ncbw@gmail.com.  RSVP via the following link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ncbw-100-decatur-dekalb-open-house-membership-tickets-36791913604

Stonecrest Councilwoman Diane Adoma, District 5, will host a Town Hal meeting on July 17, 6 p.m., at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road. Sara Toering, who serves as general counsel to the Center for Community Progress, will present “Land Banks 101” and Sheri Bortiz, director of Property Tax for the DeKalb Tax Commissioner’s Office, will present “Property Tax 101.”  Alejandro Ferrell, manager of Code Enforcement in the city of Stonecrest, will present “Code Enforcement 101.”  

Stonecrest City Councilman Rob and his wife, DeKalb School Board member Vicki Turner will host the DeKalb Cultural Exchange community breakfast on Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m., at The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church (House of Hope), 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur.  The Cultural Exchange is partnering with the DeKalb County School District to host a mini career fair at the breakfast. The district is still in need of over 350 teachers.   “We are excited to partner with the District and to utilize our platform to inform stakeholders about employment opportunities.  The Districts/Regions that are being targeted are: 4;…

Health TRUST Rockdale, the grant-making division of the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County (HARC), will accept applications Aug. 1-7 for its final grant cycle of 2018. Nonprofit or government agencies working to improve the physical and mental health of Rockdale residents are encouraged to consider applying. Applications must be submitted prior to July 31. Agencies interested in applying should contact HARC Executive Director Julie Mills at 770-922-1441 or jmills@healthtrustrockdale.org.  For the grant program guidelines and deadlines, visit www.healthtrustrockdale.org. Participation in a pre-proposal conference/orientation session is mandatory for all new applicants. Previous grantees also should register for a…

By Viola Davis Suspect you’re overpaying property taxes? Avoid overpaying property taxes by appealing your property tax assessment before the deadline on July 16. To avoid overpaying your property taxes, you need to first make sure you do not miss the deadline to appeal your assessment which is fast approaching.  Homeowners and Property Owners recently received assessment noticesfrom the County tax assessors. With today’s rapidly changing market, you are likely overpaying on property taxes.  This can be corrected by appealing the property tax assessment.  The process is free (Board of Equalization) and can save you hundreds or even thousands of…

DeKalb County Government’s Purchasing & Contracting Department will present “How to Do Business with DeKalb County” Clinic on July 13, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Department of Watershed Management Conference Room A, 4572 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Vendors and Local Small Business Enterprises (LSBEs) are invited to learn about: Navigating isupplier DeKalb links Certification module Compliance module To RSVP, go to: howtodobusinesswithdekalbjul.eventbrite.com or call 404-371-7051.

Families who are new to the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) can now access the district’s online registration system. The online registration, launched July 9, is for new students only. Parents of returning students should contact their student’s school for information. They will have the school supply lists. The first day of school for DeKalb students is Aug. 6. Parents or guardians can visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/registrationand navigate through a series of prompts to enter the vital information needed to ensure accurate school assignments and support services for their student. The new student online registration process takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Through online…

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating two men who robbed the Starship adult entertainment store at gunpoint. The robbery took place on June 24 around 11:30 p.m. at 1682 GA Highway 138.  Two masked men carrying black semi-automatic guns robbed the Starship. Both suspects were armed with black semi-automatic firearms. The first suspect was wearing an Ohio State Buckeyes hoodie with gray pants, red gloves, and black and red shoes. The second suspect was wearing a black hoodie with a red circle logo, black sweatpants and Timberland style boots. Both of their faces…

Due to a tremendous response, the DeKalb County State Court Traffic Division is extending the deadline to register for its citation amnesty program. This program waives contempt fees for failure to appear in court for individuals facing penalties due to delinquent traffic tickets. The registration period for this program has been extended to July 20, 2018. “The goal of our citation amnesty program is to provide individuals with open or delinquent citations an opportunity to efficiently resolve their matters and restore their driving record,” said Presiding Judge Shondeana Morris. The program is available to any individual with citations issued from January…

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has announced that Aliya Bhatia will serve as the City of Atlanta’s first-ever Chief Education Officer. In the Cabinet-level position , Bhatia will work in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools and community leaders to improve access to quality education and vocational training for students and communities. “Quality education can transform lives.  Aliya Bhatia’s experience, passion and commitment to creating high-quality, accessible educational opportunities will allow her to effectively partner with APS and other education and industry leaders from throughout the community as we work to improve access to education and training for all of…