Author: On Common Ground News

The Stonecrest City Council approved a resolution affirming support for the referendum on a one-cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) during a special call meeting on Sept. 21. The council’s unanimous vote positions the city to be in support of a county referendum that would be placed on the ballot on Nov. 7 The city has held a number of town hall meetings to educate the public about the SPLOST. The city plans to spend its share of the anticipated money that would be raised over a six-year period—$47,760,000—on the following projects: Resurfacing/street paving                                               $10 million Transportation…

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved the capitol project list recommended by CEO Michael Thurmond to be funded by a one-penny sales tax increase. County residents will decide on a referendum for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or SPLOST on Nov. 7. The commissioners voted 5-2 to pass the project list, with Commissioners Nancy Jester and Jeff Rader opposed. Nearly 60 percent of the $388 million expected to be generated over the next six years for the county will go toward transportation projects, with more than $151 million for road resurfacing. Funding will also go to…

There’s a world of activities near your backyard to help kids satisfy their curious nature while also becoming a Junior Ranger! Encourage them to discover the great outdoors in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area during Junior Ranger Day at on Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Panola Mountain State Park. Kids will participate in hands-on activities where they will explore alien-like landscapes filled with amazing plants and creatures, learn about nature and history, and work together to protect our parks. “Our Junior Ranger Program is a great way to inspire kids to discover the rich cultural…

In celebration of National Senior Center Month, Lou Walker Senior Center, 2536 Panola Road, Lithonia, is hosting a quilting showcase and art exhibition through Sept. 29. The quilting showcase features 50 quilts created by seniors in the center’s quilting class, and the photo and art exhibit, “Four Days in Cuba,” is presented by the center’s Photography Club.

DeKalb County’s Third Annual Fall Harvest Festival promises a whimsical twist this year. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at UGA Extension DeKalb County, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Sponsored by the “Fresh on DeK” DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market, the free festival will feature fruit smoothie demonstrations, health education and medical screenings and lots of fresh produce for sale. “It’s going to be a very festive event, so that everyone can get something from it,” said DeKalb County Extension Director and Mobile Farmers Market Manager Lynwood Blackmon. “The education is the most important aspect,…

Have you ever thought about eating your way through Chamblee in one afternoon? Impossible? Not at all with the 10th Annual Taste of Chamblee, which returns to downtown Chamblee on Oct. 7, 4 to 8 p.m. This year’s cuisines will range from Italian to Middle Eastern to Mexican and deep-fried Southern and also will celebrate the diverse restaurant community in Chamblee. In addition to the amazing food, a family-friendly kid zone will entertain tykes of all ages. This year’s Taste of Chamblee is hosted by the City of Chamblee. “This is a significant event in the City of Chamblee. It…

Written by Jeffery Taylor Without immediate Congressional leadership to extend critical funding by Sept. 30, community health centers like Oakhurst Medical Centers, Inc. face a 70 percent reduction in federal funds, which the Department of Health and Human Services has estimated would lead to the closing of 2,800 health center sites. Community health centers like Oakhurst play a unique and important role at the national, state and local level on providing quality primary health care at affordable cost. At Oakhurst Medical Centers, we are part of a nationwide network that started more than 50 years ago to provide quality…

Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner will host a Town Hall meet tonight from 6 to 8 p.m., at Big Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Stonecrest. Residents are invited to come hear updates about the new city and to learn more about SPLOST and how the referendum would impact the city.

Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain will host the “Oldies But Goodies” Gospel Concert with its Mass Choir performing tonight (Sept. 21), 7 p.m., at its 765 S. Hairston Road campus. The church is celebrating its 149th anniversary and several events are planned. Pastor Vandy Simmons extends a cordial welcome to the community to attend the free concert. Antioch will host its homecoming picnic on Saturday, noon until 4 p.m., at 4730 Elam Road, Stone Mountain. Bring your lawn chairs. The church will provide food and games. Pastor Simmons will speak at the 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. celebration worship services…

DeKalb County District Health Director Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford finishes giving V-103’s Ryan Cameron his flu shot during CBS Radio Atlanta’s Help Houston Diaper Drive at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall on Sept. 6. Tropical Storm Irma caused a temporary, inconvenient detour for those who planned to get their flu shot from the comforts of their vehicle on Sept. 15. Now that the lights are back on and the trees have been clear, health officials are giving residents the green light to drive through on Sept. 29 The DeKalb County Board of Health’s first-ever drive-thru flu shot clinic will…