Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb Medical officially became a part of the Emory Healthcare system on Sept. 1, 2018. Partnership celebrations for employees, local leaders and government officials were held on Sept. 14 at each of the three DeKalb Medical locations, along with unveilings of new hospital signs at each facility.  As part of the integration, DeKalb Medical’s hospital on North Decatur Road is now named Emory Decatur Hospital; DeKalb Medical Hillandale is now Emory Hillandale Hospital; and DeKalb Medical Long-Term Acute Care at Downtown Decatur is named Emory Long-Term Acute Care. To see the video of the unveiling: https://youtu.be/LeCr0T9jn4E

The Rockdale NAACP will host a candidates’ forum on Oct. 6, 11 a.m., at Antioch AME Church, 1790 Ebenezer Road S.W., Conyers. Candidates from both parties who are running for seats that include Rockdale have been invited to discuss their platforms. The races include:  • Congressman Hank Johnson (Democrat), and Republican challenger Joe Profit, who are running for the Fourth Congressional District.    • State Rep. Pam Stephenson (Democrat) and Republican challenger Takosha Swan, who are running for the District 90 seat.  • Rockdale Commissioner Doreen Williams (Democrat) and challenger Republican Larry Cox, who are running for the Rockdale Board…

MARTA will mark National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with activities at the Five Points Station.  Volunteers from local organizations will have paperwork for those interested in registering to vote. Please bring your state identification card, state-issued driver’s license or be prepared to give the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Community organizations also will partner with MARTA to host another drive on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at the Doraville Station.  The non-partisan events are designed to ease the voter registration process. Activities will not endorse any campaign…

Registration is now underway for the Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) Rivers Alive countywide cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The deadline to sign up is Monday, Oct. 8. KCRB encourages civic and neighborhood groups, businesses, Boy and Girl Scout troops, churches, youth groups, individuals, and families to participate. Check in, cleaning supply assignments and other activities will be headquartered at Pine Log Park Pavilion, 1500 Georgia Highway 138, Conyers. Cleanup supplies will be provided and volunteers will receive free lunch and a T-shirt for participation until noon while supplies last as a thank you. Created by the…

The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is inviting high school and college students to register for its “Student Talent Development Program: Shadow Day.”  The program, which will be held Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will provide an opportunity for students to explore careers in county government. The registration deadline is Sept. 29 Students will get a look at various county departments and have the opportunity to network and receive information concerning mentoring relationships. The free, daylong program includes lunch, snacks and the official Rockdale County Shadow Day T-shirt. To register, contact Teesha Carter at teesha.carter@rockdalecountyga.gov. More information…

The annual Mr. and Miss Arabia High School competition will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at Arabia Mountain High School, 6610 Browns Mill Road, Stonecrest.  Juniors and seniors who have at least a 3.0 GPA will compete in formal wear, talent and speaking for a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to participate in speaking engagements as ambassadors of Arabia Mountain High School.   A distinguished panel of elected officials, community leaders and celebrities will serve as judges for the event , which is sponsored by David’s Bridal and Men’s Warehouse. The event is open to the public. Tickets…

  The DeKalb County NAACP’s Education Committee, in partnership with the DeKalb County School District, is recruiting community volunteers to serve in the district’s public schools.  Volunteers are needed to assist teachers and staff members with various tasks. The goal is to enhance parent and community involvement in schools so that students achieve a high level of academic success.  Fingerprinting and background checks are required of all school volunteers.  A kick-off orientation for volunteers will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25. The featured national speaker Antoinette Tuff. Tuff is known for her heroic efforts in saving the lives of 870…

Be Someone Inc., the local organization that uses the game of chess to teach life lessons to young people, has announced a free training session open for families, Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. – noon. The session will be held at the Be Someone training facility, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. The organization’s founder and CEO, Orrin C. Hudson, says he decided to provide this offer for parents, especially single moms, who need expert guidance in protecting their children from the cycle of crime, violence and poverty that has found its way into many of our communities and homes.  “In two hours,…