Author: On Common Ground News

The Library Board of Trustees of the Conyers-Rockdale Library System has appointed Brenda Poku as the system’s new Library Director. Poku began serving on July 9.  A veteran with more than 25 years in the library industry, Poku formerly managed nine of 16 libraries in Chatham and Liberty counties. Poku’s experience and leadership includes the following:  • 2018 Migration of Integrated Library Systems (ILS) from SIRSI to PINES  • 2017 University of Georgia, PINNACLE graduate. Certificate of Leadership Development (Carl Vinson Institute of Government).  • 2016 Top 10 Georgia Libraries (Carnegie Library) Recognition. Honorable mention (Bull Street) Library.  • 2015…

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division picked up 2,348 tons of items during the free bulky item collection in June.  As part of the Operation Spring Clean Sweep 2018 initiative, the Sanitation Division serviced 5,785 homes during the five-week residential collection project.  DeKalb residents disposed of large items including furniture, mattresses and appliances, which were placed curbside for collection. Last year, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond launched the Operation Clean Sweep multi-departmental initiative focused on litter collection, illegal dumping, and removing debris, trash and debris from streets, neighborhoods, sidewalks, roadway drains and county rights of way. In two years, the free…

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…