Author: On Common Ground News

For years, Joyce Reid has worked tirelessly in the DeKalb County community, whether helping with projects at St. Paul A.M.E Church in Stone Mountain, where she’s been a member for eight years, or volunteering with the Democratic Party to get out the vote, or the NAACP with its education initiatives. Concerned about DeKalb County’s public schools, Reid recently completed training to volunteer to help children in low-performing schools to succeed. “I’m just what you call a helper. I don’t have a fancy title or anything like that. I just help out wherever I can,” said Reid, who says her volunteer…

Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) has improved its free mobile app to help reduce waiting in line and make services more accessible to parents, officials announced. The new features allow customers to upload documents, securely change direct deposit information and request closure of their cases. The app also provides information on how to reinstate their driver’s licenses and outreach programs for parents who are struggling to pay their court-ordered amounts. “These new features essentially put an agent at our customers’ fingertips, empowering them to manage their cases anytime, anywhere and not have to wait in line,” said Georgia…

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is accepting reservations from the public for its Thailand Odyssey set for late this summer. The trip, open to anyone who wants to go, will transport visitors to some of Thailand’s most popular places offering a glimpse into the culture, history and lives of its people. The nine-day adventure, Sept. 11-19, will provide an abundance of sightseeing, shopping and sampling of authentic Thai cuisine. Highlights of the trip include exploration of the country’s capital, Bangkok, and a visit to the nearby province, Kanchanaburi, known for its role during World War II. The group will visit…

  The city of Stonecrest is getting national attention again. Mayor Jason Lary made his debut appearance March 13 on CNBC’s “Closing Bell,” where he was one of three featured guests who was asked to rate city prospects that are seeking Amazon’s H2Q headquarters.  The cities are being scored based on tax incentives they’re offering, city fundamentals and wow factors. Lary said he has been invited to do a six-week stint on “Closing Bell” for a segment called “Dash for Amazon.” In addition to the March 13 appearance, where he rated pitches by Chicago and Miami, Lary was scheduled…

Rockdale County officials have scheduled three informational sessions and three guided tours for the public to learn more about the proposed courthouse referendum. The first informational session will be held March 20, 6 to 7 p.m., at Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers, just before the 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners meeting. The sessions will give members of the public the chance to view visual displays about the proposed referendum, ask questions and share concerns. The informational sessions are as follows: Tuesday, March 20, 6 to 7 p.m. – Hightower Trail Elementary, 2510 GA-138, Conyers Tuesday, April 17, 6 to…

LifeLine Animal project presents its DeKalb County Animal Services Pet of the Week, Major.  This esteemed gentleman is very handsome, loyal and intelligent.  Major is looking for a home where he can perfect his wonderful tail wagging technique and give love to every family member.  This 4-year-old guy has a subtle wire-haired coat and gets along with other dogs. Come meet this friendly and polite boy today at LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services shelter by dropping by 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, emailing adoptions@dekalbanimalservices.com or calling 404-294-2165.

  DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is seeking sites to participate in the Summer Food Service Program from June 4 to July 27. The Summer Food Service Program is a U.S. Department of Agriculture funded program that partners with agencies to ensure that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. To qualify as a site, 50 percent of children served must meet the income guidelines for free- and reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program. Children who are members of households that receive food stamp benefits or Aid for Dependent Children…

As a part of American Diabetes Alert Day, the DeKalb Board of Health will host a Diabetes Alert Day event on Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Richardson Health Center, 445 Winn Way in Decatur. The free event, which is open to the public, will feature diabetes education and screenings, a panel discussion with experts in the field, healthy cooking demonstrations and a showing of the docudrama, The Debilitator. The 30-minute film explores the impact and complications of diabetes through a variety of personalities and lifestyle choices. The film is designed to help the public understand the importance…

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) has launched an internship program at DeKalb Academy of Technology and Environment (DATE) Middle and Charter Schools Inc. The pilot program was created to educate students about the importance of science, engineering and math in local watershed management. DWM’s engineering staff designed the 10-week STEM curriculum. Lessons, experiments and on-site demonstrations will focus on daily watershed operations in the following areas: Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Elimination Program Water treatment processes Wastewater treatment processes Hydraulics Closed circuit TV using robotic equipment Water sampling and testing Water tower inspection using drones DeKalb Academy…

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs is hiring lifeguards for the 2018 swimming season. Applications are open through July. Pool lifeguard applicants must be 16 or older, have American Red Cross certification or certification from a nationally-recognized aquatics training program and successfully pass a criminal background check. To view available positions or complete an application, visit DeKalb County’s job search portal by visiting www.dekalbcountyga.gov, clicking on “How Do I?” and selecting “Apply for Jobs.” For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643.