Author: On Common Ground News

Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia), along with Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, will host a recognition ceremony for Vietnam War Veterans on Nov. 5, 4 p.m., at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, 3800 Big Miller Grove Way, Lithonia. Anderson and Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Service, Mike Roby, will present a State Certificate of Honor and Defense Department’s Commemorative Lapel Pin to veterans. “I am thankful for the hard work of Big Miller Grove Baptist, the Office of Veterans Service and all of the volunteers who are dedicating their time to help us thank our Vietnam War veterans,” said Anderson.…

By Ruth A. Wilson | Clerk of Superior Court The Annual Rockdale County Middle School Oratorical Competition is set for Saturday Oct. 28, 8:30 a.m., at Conyers Middle School. The district-wide contest is sponsored each year by Lexicon Technologies, Snapping Shoals EMC, Evans Tool and Die, The Rotary Club of Conyers and the Rockdale Clerk of Courts. The first, second and third place winners receive cash prizes, which they are encouraged to use for college savings. Students, parents and the public are invited to attend and see what it takes to win. All of the contestants are winners…

Rockdale County Public Schools teachers were awarded grants from the Snapping Shoals EMC for creative and innovative classroom projects that enriched the learning experience for students. Snapping Shoals Vice President of Engineering Services Todd Mooney presented $15,000 in grants to the teachers and their principals at a breakfast celebration on Oct. 11. The teachers were chosen out of more than 40 applicants. The 2017 RCPS winners are: “Cooking with 2nd Grade English Learners” (J.H. House Elementary) Orissa DePass, Stella Walton “Aerospace Engineering Drone Flight Laboratory” (Conyers Middle School) Stephen Williams “Brainybots” (Peek’s Chapel Elementary) Joy Russell “Models, Models, Models” (Heritage…

  Capt. Barrington Irving, the youngest person and the first African-American pilot to fly solo around the world, is partnering with Fourth Congressional District Rep. Hank Johnson and his Full STEAM Ahead Initiative. Johnson’s initiative was created to inspire youths in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Through the partnership with Capt. Irving and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Johnson hopes to inspire students to explore the field of aviation and related careers. On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Irving will present his inspirational message through the “Mitsubishi Dream & Soar: Youth in Aviation” to more than 500…

On Saturday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m., DeKalb County’s Miller Grove High School Marching Wolverines will host the Third Annual Battle of the Bands’ Gym Jamboree, which will be held at the school, 2645 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia. Participating high schools in this year’s event include Jonesboro HS, Salem HS, Forrest Park HS, Redan HS, McNair HS, Clarkston HS and Creekside HS. Admission is $10 for advance tickets or $12 at the door. Children under age 6 are admitted free. Parents and supporters are also urged to mark their calendars for Miller Grove’s Homecoming game against Columbia High. The game will…

Meet a Muslim, transgender woman, a blind person and a man who spent 27 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. All are speakers in a new “living books” program presented by the DeKalb County Public Library in partnership with Emory University’s IDEAS program. The Human Library Project kicks off on Monday, Oct. 23, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur. The free program is offered to all ages. The Human Library is a place where people are…

The Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host a “Community Impact” event on Saturday, Oct. 15 to bring awareness to childhood hunger. Free food will be provided to needy DeKalb County families from the Ronald E. McNair Pearls Closet Food Pantry. Lambda Epsilon Omega will also giveaway more than 300 backpacks filled with power snacks and supplies. The event will be held at McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road, SE, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. In addition to the free food and backpacks, the event will feature a budgeting seminar and workshops on hunger. “Good…

Today is the last day to register to vote and update your voter registration information. In order to participate in the Nov. 7 municipal elections and HOST and SPLOST referendums, you must register by today. You can register online and find out what elections will be held in your city or county. Visit registertovote.sos.ga.gov.

The Avondale Elementary School Education Foundation (AESEF) held its inaugural fundraiser – the AES Runs the World 5K – on Sept. 30 with 1992 Olympic gold medalist Kevin Young and local police officers leading the way as runners and walkers wound through Avondale Estates. Young, a hurdler and friend of PTA co-president Lynn Hampton, encouraged everyone to have fun. Neighbors came out to wave and show support. Race winners were Alex Compton of Big Peach Running Co. and 12-year-old Taleah Casurra. The 5K raised money to enhance academic programs at Avondale Elementary, which provides students with a global education through…

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by guilty plea in the murder case against a man charged in the fatal attack of a pregnant woman. During what was scheduled to be a motions hearing on Oct. 5, Terique Dwayne Hall, 25, instead entered a guilty plea to murder, rape and weapons offenses in connection with the strangulation death of 20-year-old Ashley Mays, of Lithonia, and sexual assault crimes against two other women. Mays’ body was discovered in a hotel room by cleaning staff at the Quality Inn and Suites on Snapfinger Park Drive in Lithonia on…