Halloween in Jefferson Park

Press the play button to hear spooky music.

After the candy is gone, try other activities.

Wondering what to do after the rush of trick or treaters?
Try this out.

All Hollows Eve

Song of the Witches

by William Shakespeare

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and caldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt and toe of frog,

Wool of bat and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg and howlet's wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn and caldron bubble.

Cool it with a baboon's blood,

Then the charm is firm and good.

NOTES: Macbeth: IV.i 10-19; 35-38

Source: The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (1983)

Let the great Halloween debate begin

Fall litter colors the street

Picture of East Point

The U.S. Census Bureau took a magnifying glass to communities with less than 60,000 people when it released the American Community Survey demographic estimates for 2006-2008.

The headcount helps determine how to distribute federal dollars for programs.

East Point comes in with 37,465 residents.

Here are some other bits of information (Numbers may not equal 100 because of  margins of error):

• Households
  
• In 2006-2008 there were 13,000 households.
  
• The average household size was 2.9 people.
• Families made up 59 percent of the households.
• The median age is 34.2 years.
  

•  Race:
• White: 6,573 or 18 percent
  
• Black or African American: 25,810 or 69 percent

• Education:
  
• High school graduation or higher: 80 percent
• Bachelors degree or higher: 22 percent

•  Housing
• Median house value: $153,400
• The median monthly mortgage: $1,339
• The median monthly rent was: $833
  
• The community has some 12,600 occupied homes, about 50 percent owner-occupied.
• About 6 percent of homes do not have telephone service.

• Economic
• The median household income was $43,523
  
• The average commute time was 33 minutes. And 58 percent drove to work alone, 20 percent carpooled, 15 percent took public transportation and 4 percent worked from home.
  
• For workers older than 16, the leading industries were in educational services, and health care and social assistance.
• More than 84 percent of residents worked in the private sector, 12 percent in the public sector and 3 percent were self employed.

Any surprises here for you?

Charter school to open in 2010, so support it now

If cooking doesn't appeal to you tonight, come meet neighbors and learn about this initiative:

Chick-fil-A Spirit Night

Please join The Main Street Academy this Tuesday, 10/27/09, from 5-9pm at Chick-fil-A on Cleveland Avenue for our monthly Spirit Night.  Tell the cashier you are with TMSA and a portion of your total bill will be donated to the school.

As a pre-Halloween kick-off, let the kids dress up for some extra fun!  Costumes are optional.  Chick-fil-A will have games set up in the parking lot for a festive night,  weather permitting.

Come out and meet your friends & neighbors who also support TMSA.  Several Founding Committee and School Board members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

Downpour brings whitecaps to Brookdale Park

Help bring Sunny home

A beloved dog got out of its backyard Sunday. If you spot it, let the owners know:

We lost our dog. Her name is Sunny. She is a black poodle shitzu mix- small and very sweet. She literally jumps up in the air when it is time to eat. Sunday morning we let her out the back door and she did not come back. We discovered that the back gate had been left open. She was wearing a collar but was not wearing her tags.

If you have seen her, please call Chip Jurskis at 404-271-5261.

Tri Cities Bulldogs lost a close one Friday, ending a two-game winning streak.

At the end of four quarters, the scoreboard showed Bulldogs 20 - Douglas County Tigers 21. 

The loss puts the Bulldogs m at 3 - 5 for the season.  The final game of the regular season is Friday.

Photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vox_efx/ / CC BY 2.0

Where Is It? Contest --- A winner!

WINNER! For the first time, the Jefferson Park Hub can announce a winner for the Where Is It? contest.

 

Carson correctly identified it as:

It's one of the bulldog tiger paws at the bus pick up zone at Tricities HS.

The JP Hub won't quibble over how a bulldog can have 'tiger paws.' Congrats! You will get an appropriate reward soon. 



View Where is it? Contest in a larger map

Arts in the Neighborhood

Two musical performances are taking place this week in Jefferson Park.

On Wednesday, the talented students in the performing arts magnet program are putting on the Annual Autumn Choral Concert. Four choirs will perform at the Tri-Cities High School Fine Arts Theatre.

Come back for Thursday's South Fulton County Chorus Jamboree.


Performances are in the Tri-Cities High School Fine Arts Theatre, 2575 Harris St., East Point. 

Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. 

The Annual Autumn Choral Concert by the Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program


Featuring Tri-Cities High School's

• Advanced Mixed Chorus
• Women's Chorus
• Women's Chamber Ensemble

with performances by Tri-Stars


Fee: $3 for students; $5 adults

For questions and ticket reservations, contact the magnet office at (404) 669-8010.

Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m.

South Fulton County Chorus Jamboree

With choirs from:

• Paul D. West Middle School
• Renaissance Middle School
• Creekside High School
• Langston Hughes High School
• Tri-Cities High School

Admission is free and open to the public!

Photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/selva/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

What a face - UPDATE

  

More than a dozen people reached out to help this puppy. So there is happy news about cute-as-a-button Maya:

She was adopted by a friend of  Lucky's Mom who actually lives in Vinings and came down to meet her.

Lucky's Mom (our neighbor we know by her dog's name) sent her friend the original email and she fell in love. We think Maya will have a magical life riding shotgun and sleeping in the bed with her new mom.

Thanks to the 14 people who contacted us about adopting her.

Please remember to spay or neuter your dog so that there are less little puppies like Maya facing abuse and neglect. Also please be aware that it is now illegal in Fulton county to tie out or chain up your dog.  

best,

nadj

Where Is It?

Test your knowledge of the neighborhood. Tell us what this is and where. Good luck. 

 

City election: video & voter guide to help you make your choice

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson.

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. 

Ward B candidate K. Eric Morrow. Read his answers here.
Mayor Joe Macon. Read his answers here.

Earnestine D. Pittman was the second mayoral candidate to reply to questions asked by The Jefferson Park Hub. Unfortunately, she declined to answer.

She wrote:

Thank you for the information and the invitation to participate however, I must decline at this time.

 

The two mayoral candidates that did not reply were:

• Threet Brown
• Delana Morrissette

The Ward B incumbent, Pat Langford, also did not reply.

 

To provide more information about the candidates, the AJC and the League of Women Voters of Georgia produced a voter guide. Read the positions of the candidates.

Watch a video of the mayoral candidates at a fall forum.


And to watch them live, there is a chance next week:

The Cherry Blossom Neighborhood Association of East Point, Ga, is hosting a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 pm, at St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church, 2670 Hogan Rd. at the corner of Dodson Drive and Hogan Road. Please email any questions you may have for the candidates to bonnieaskew@bellsouth.net. no later than Oct. 23, Friday.

This morning's sky

This morning's sky, around 7:30, at the corner of Batavia Street and Jefferson Avenue.

Poll: Will you vote?

Q&A with East Point mayor

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson.

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. Today's Q&A is with Mayor Joe Macon. His answers are unedited.

Incumbents: what is your most significant accomplishment as an elected official?

I successfully lobbied for $7.5 million in federal funds for the City, even during a tough economy with a Republican controlled congress. I also successfully lobbied to bring distribution centers for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Clorox as well as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement regional headquarters to East Point.

What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it?

More parks and green space are desperately needed in the city as a whole. We have made some improvements however; we need significantly more green space to improve the walkability and livability in the city. I will seek more federal and states funds to acquire more land to be used as park and trail space and we need a community center centrally located for all the residents to enjoy.

 What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?

The redevelopment of our downtown is the most important issue facing East Point. I have implemented the East Point Corridors TAD (Tax Allocation District) to spur downtown redevelopment. We are currently exploring the idea of a New City Hall Complex to phase the downtown development and make the project more attractive. I added a map of our TAD for citizen information. The TAD is highlighted in bright lime green. As indicated on the map our TAD covers most of our Downtown area.

http://epdocs.webs.com/EastPoint_CorridorsTAD%20(2).pdf

Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?

Less infighting is a goal however it is up to each councilmember to control themselves and concentrate on the needs of the people and less on personal agendas.

Better communication with the residents. I believe we as a council have room to improve on our communication to the public. The council has achieved much over the last 4 years but we have done a poor job at communicating those accomplishments. A quarterly newsletter to the residents is in development.

Improve our public image. The city of East Point is great city we just suffer from an identity crisis. We need to enlist professional help in molding and enhancing the reputation and image of the city. These changes can’t just be cosmetic. We need to a wholesale change in the way we conduct business in certain departments and with certain procedures. This should be an ongoing process that constantly evaluates our performance and seeks way to improve on our service and image.

Environmental Sustainability is goal the city has to take seriously. I want to convert our entire diesel fleet to 100% biodiesel that the city will convert from waste cooking oil from both residential and commercial customers. Not only will this process reduce our fuel cost it will also reduce our carbon footprint and reduce pollution in our industrial corridor.

What is your favorite food to cook?

Sautéed asparagus with garlic and lemon zest, my wife loves it.

What pets live in your household?

Merrick the dog is our pet. She was a rescue dog and now she runs the house.

What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it?

Monsters v. Aliens. Not unless you have a group of kids and a ton of popcorn with you.

Crime report: Quick thinking neighbors help catch bad guys

After a rash of car break-ins recently, there have been no reported car break-ins in Jefferson Park in the past month, Capt. Charles Pritchard of the East Point Police Department told Tuesday’s Jefferson Park Neighbors Association meeting.

That comes after nearly 18 around July and August, he said.

He couldn’t explain why the sudden stop, but it may have been helped by his arrest of a man in late September.

Pritchard said the suspect, who was riding a bike, was leaving the neighborhood early one morning near Harris Street and he followed him. Right in front of the police officer, the man attempted to break into a car.

Pritchard arrested the man, who had “tools of crimes” with him, including a pruning shears and a multi-tool pocket knife.

Pritchard said one arrest doesn’t explain the sudden drop, but it may have helped. Other steps by the police, including increased patrols late at night, may also have discouraged the crime. He encouraged people to be vigilant in locking car doors.

In other crime news, Pritchard reported two break-ins that happened around the same time on Oct. 7th where police made a few arrests thanks to neighbors looking out for each other.

Here’s what happened: 

A woman spotted three men breaking into a neighbor’s home at 2728 Winburn Terrace. The woman went out to confront them and they ran away (Pritchard does not encourage confronting people. Call 9-1-1.) The woman then quickly called the authorities and two of the men were arrested. The third got away, but was identified.

Shortly afterwards, another resident spotted men coming out of a vacant home on Acadia Street. She called the police, but because officers were responding to the Winburn Terrace incident, officers were a few minutes delayed. The resident jumped in to a family car to follow the suspects until police officers could respond. Within a few moments, the police tracked down the cars with the suspects and the neighbor.

Pritchard commend the women for being good neighbors and notifying the police. Without that action, the criminals would likely not have been arrested, he said. 

However, he urged people that the best way to help police is to call the emergency number, not to confront thugs themselves.



View Crime report in a larger map

Q&A with East Point City Council candidate

On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson. 

With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.

Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. Today's Q&A is with Ward B council member hopeful K. Eric Morrow. His answers are unedited.

K. Eric Morrow is a first-time candidate for the East Point City Council.  He received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University and a Master's from the State University of New York at Stony Brook  and a law degree from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.  Mr. Morrow is an attorney at an Atlanta law firm. He served on the city's Ethics Review Task Force. He has lived in East Point for four years. His Web site is http://electericmorrow.blogspot.com

What qualifies you to sit on the council? 

My qualifications include a solid educational background, a career of public service and a desire to utilize my skills to participate in government and make a positive impact on my community. I first moved to East Point in 2005. I was attracted to the close proximity to Atlanta and the small-town feel of East Point. I received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University in 1984. Anticipating a career in public service and after receiving the prestigious Sloan Fellowship, in 1986 I received a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Public Policy Analysis and Management. I furthered my higher education in 1989 receiving a J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. I have been a member of the Georgia Bar since 1989 and the California Bar since 1997 with additional certifications from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. I began my career in public service by serving the State of Georgia as an Assistant Solicitor in Dekalb County and later as an Assistant District Attorney in Newton County. I also served the citizens of the City of Atlanta as an Associate City Attorney working in the Law Department. I am a certified Georgia mediator, trained and qualified to teach legal ethics continuing education courses to attorneys, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a member of the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association. Most recently, I was appointed by Mayor Macon to utilize my expertise in ethics training and appointed to the City of East Point Ethics Review Taskforce. I also served on the East Point Ethics Review Board which reviews all complaints of ethics violations against city officials.

What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it? 

The increasing crime rate is of great concern to our citizens. As a prosecutor for the State of Georgia, I have been on the front lines of helping victims bring criminal offenders to justice. I have worked hand-in-hand with police officers to deter crime, solve crimes and prosecute criminals. I understand the difficult job that our self-sacrificing police officers have on a daily basis. East Point citizens must work with our police department to systematically decrease crime in individual neighborhoods by reporting crimes and joining forces with neighbors to deter crime through neighborhood watch programs. Working with the City Manager to ensure that the citizens of East Point are adequately protected will be a priority focus of any budget proposal.

What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?

There is no easy, one solution answer to developing our downtown area. It is incumbent on Council Members to work with the City Manager to develop strong public policy, hire consultants to provide an economic development plan, develop strong personal relationships with developers and viable business owners and ensure that the businesses that we desire in the downtown are not deterred by an antiquated permitting system. My Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis and Management affords me a solid educational background to establish and implement effective policies for our city. The Master of Science program required courses in political, economic, quantitative and organizational analysis, with a practical focus on the solutions to complex public policy problems.

Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?

• I will work toward the goal of “beautification” and “gateways” to the city of East Point.  East Point must have gateways into the city if we expect to continue to lure new residents and business.  In addition, green space and park development is critical.
• I will work to ensure accountability of all city employees so that citizens receive acceptable levels of professionalism and work product. I will also ensure that our city employees in turn receive respect for their contributions to our city and will fight to guarantee high morale within all departments.
• We must change the demeanor and tone on council and work together for the critical goals of promoting East Point and expanding our tax base to ease the burdens on existing citizens. For this to happen, the mayor and council must work together, put Ward issues aside and act in unison to plant a seed that will grow across the entire city.
• Most importantly, I will work with the mayor, council and city employees to get East Point’s financial house in order.
  

What is your favorite food to cook?

Cajun Shrimp and Chicken Pasta

What pets live in your household?

None 

What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it? 

Julie/Julia was the last movie I saw and it was entertaining and informative.

Tour of Homes - UPDATE

The 2009 Tour of Homes is a wrap. Organizers, volunteers and the good people who let strangers parade through their living rooms celebrated the annual event with a party Saturday at the East Point Tower, 1612 W. Cleveland Ave - Second Floor Gallery. 

See photos here and here

The big news at the party was the tour brought in some $3,500 to help the Jefferson Park Neighbors Association do all its community-building efforts. 

The JPNA has its monthly meeting Tuesday, tomorrow, at the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.  Come learn what is happening.  The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

View Larger Map

Halloween decorations dress up the neighborhood

If you see more decorations missing from the collage, take a photo and email it.

Tri-Cities Bulldogs make it 2 wins in a row

The Bulldogs owned the 'Dog Pound' Friday, beating Alexander High School 23-0.

It is the second week in a row the football team has earned a win.  

Overall, the team is 3-4. In the region, they are 2-2, putting them in third place.

The team has two more scheduled games in the season. The final home game is Oct. 30 against a very good and undefeated Villa Rica team.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vox_efx/ / CC BY 2.0

Find those wool coats, as the mercury dips to freezing

Time to dig out those caps and gloves as temperatures deep into freezing this weekend. The National Weather Service reports it'll be the coldest since April. Some areas may see snow, but it isn't expected to stick around.

MUCH BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK.

Here's what the NWS says:

...FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND FROST POSSIBLE IN NORTH GEORGIA
SUNDAY AND MONDAY MORNING...

A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE WEATHER PATTERN WILL TAKE PLACE ACROSS
THE EASTERN U.S. DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS AS A DEEP UPPER TROUGH
DEVELOPS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION. THIS WILL RESULT IN MUCH
COLDER AIR SPREADING SOUTHWARD INTO THE SOUTHEAST U.S. TONIGHT
AND SATURDAY. MUCH BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURES WILL REMAIN IN PLACE
THROUGH EARLY NEXT WEEK.

TEMPERATURES WILL DROP TO THEIR LOWEST LEVELS SINCE EARLY APRIL
DURING THE WEEKEND. CLOUD COVER AND WIND WILL LIKELY KEEP TEMPERATURES
ABOVE FREEZING SATURDAY NIGHT...BUT BY MONDAY MORNING CANADIAN
HIGH PRESSURE WILL SETTLE OVER THE AREA ALLOWING SKIES TO CLEAR
AND WINDS TO DIMINISH TO NEAR CALM. LOW TEMPERATURES NEAR 30
DEGREES ARE EXPECTED IN MOUNTAIN VALLEYS AND IN MANY RURAL AREAS
OF NORTH GEORGIA EARLY MONDAY. WIDESPREAD FROST CAN ALSO BE
EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY WITH WELL ABOVE NORMAL SOIL MOISTURE
CONDITIONS CURRENTLY IN PLACE.

IN ADDITION...A FEW SNOW SHOWERS OR FLURRIES MAY OCCUR IN THE
NORTH GEORGIA MOUNTAINS LATE SATURDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT AS THE
COLD AIR DEEPENS ACROSS THE REGION. NO ACCUMULATION OF SNOW IS
EXPECTED.

IT IS LIKELY THAT FREEZE WARNINGS AND FROST ADVISORIES WILL BE
ISSUED FOR PARTS OF NORTH GEORGIA DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND FROST CAN ALSO BE EXPECTED IN SHELTERED
AREAS OF NORTH GEORGIA TUESDAY MORNING AS WELL.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO OR COMMERCIAL RADIO AND
TELEVISION FOR THE LATEST WEATHER INFORMATION.

What a face

  

Nadj and Melissa sent out a message yesterday, looking for a new home for 12-pound Maya.

With all her shots and a clean bill of health, this miniature Doberman is ready to bring some one a bit of love.

Read below and contact them:

One of the renters on our street adopted this puppy and then realized they did not have the means to feed her or take care of her basic needs. We took her in after she was left out in the rainstorms without shelter or food for a week. The family will not take her back. This is our fourth rescue animal this year we have vetted and rehomed. Please take a look and see if you have room for a sweet little cuddler like Maya. She is about 12 lbs and will be small as an adult. We think she is about 4 months old. She has the coloring of a miniature Doberman and is mixed with something else small. She has been spayed, had all her shots ( including rabies) and been wormed and heart worm tested. She has also been micro-chipped. She is very sweet-tempered and gets along with dogs and people. We rescued a kitten about the same time and the two tend to play together and eat out of the same bowl. She likes to be under the covers and sleep next to you. She sleeps through the night and she is trained to use a dog door. If she is hungry, she will carry her empty dog bowl. She will eat anything including lima beans. She likes rawhide toys and hoofs and has not eaten anything she shouldn't like shoes or the remote, but if it smells like hamburgers (McDonald's bag) you will need to put it out of her reach. She is good on a leash and has a new blingified collar. She did very well at the new College Park Dog park last Saturday and had no problem returning when we called her name. She is a very good little dog. We would like her to go to a home with either another dog or a person who is home a lot. To have her vetted was $60 if you would like to adopt her and can provide a home within the neighborhood where we will see her happy, we would ask that you make a small donation to Pets Are Loving Support (pals atlanta) or one of the groups helping animals affected by flood instead of paying us.

For those of you with dogs that haven't been fixed yet, please note that Fulton County still does FREE spay and neutering for animals within the county--call the Fulton County Animal Shelter for more info...

thanks,
Nadj and Melissa
770 823-225 or 678-362 5430
nadj8@mac.com

Jefferson Terrace family deals with raw sewage

CBS Atlanta spotlighted a Jefferson Terrace home facing raw sewage in their bathtub and toilet. (See the video: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/21308586/)

It was a two-day story on Wednesday and Thursday highlighting what the report suggests was a slow response by the city.

Here's the transcript of the Thursday, Oct 16, news item:

EAST POINT, Ga. -- CBS Atlanta News learned that the city of East Point has hired a contractor to clean up the raw sewage, which is backing up inside a home on Jefferson Terrace.
"Those are deplorable conditions at least at this point," said Fulton County Environmental Specialist James Webb. Webb reassessed the sewage problem inside the home of Calvin and Marion Arnold on Wednesday and determined that the health risk has gotten worse.  There was more raw sewage in the bathtub and it continued to leak into the basement. "We poured the chlorine bleach into the bathtub as well as into the commode to make sure the household is being minimized from the amount of pathogens they're being exposed to," said Webb. CBS Atlanta has repeatedly asked the city of East Point to address the situation on camera, but they denied every request until we tracked down the mayor."I was just recently made aware of this situation. As soon as I found out about it I went ahead and called the city manager to make sure we get this taken care of," said East Point Mayor Joseph Macon. City officials told CBS Atlanta that they do plan to repair the sewer line break on Jefferson Terrace, but they wouldn't say when they will fix the problem. In the meantime, the Fulton County Environmental Health Department is working to help the Arnold family."We're going to make contact with East Point to work together to make sure we take care of these residents," said Webb.

 On Thursday, Council member Lance Rhodes sent out this press release:

Hi All

I wanted to provide you with the details of the following sewer issue and media coverage about Jefferson Terrace:

• Mr. Jones (City Manager) spoke with the owner of the property on Jefferson Terrace, and apprised her that we had sent our cleanup vendor on two occasions to clean her house.  She stated that because she didn't know who they were, she did not let them in;
• With her consent we have arranged for our vendor, Firestar, to return to her home at 6PM today to initiate the cleaning.  To make her comfortable, we have arranged for an EP police officer to be onsite when the vendor arrives and escort them into the property. Police will then depart. She indicated this would be fine with her. She is not presently experiencing any sewerage backup.
• We spoke with John Gormerly of the Fulton County Health Department regarding the situation.  There have been media (Channel 46) reports that the health department was preparing to take action against the City.  Mr. Gomerly advised that this had never been the case and they never indicated that to the media.  Per County procedure, they conducted an assessment of the situation and the result was that they do nothing, as it is an East Point matter that the City has under control. 
• Due to the collapse of the system, we have bypassed the sewer at this location and we are pumping to an alternate sewer location. The weather situation is delaying a permanent fix because of improper working conditions (saturation of the ground prevents trenching) Our contractor is poised to implement final repair as soon as the weather allows.  The County is satisfied that we are taking appropriate measures.
• There are no EPD concerns as East Point is taking the proper action.
• While the pump is causing a disturbance, there is no other adverse effect on the environment. 

This repair is a priority and will be completed as soon as it is safe to make the repair.

 Besides being an icky situation, the issue is the city's response and I am left with these questions:

• When the homeowner didn't let the vendors in the first time, did anyone call the women and explain? Did someone from the public utilities department check in on the woman and notice no work was being done?
• When the reporter went to City Hall, did any one from the city step up and take responsibility to explain the city's actions? It would have been a different story if they had. 
• Was the city aware of this situation before Wednesday? Was action taken to help the person before the TV camera appeared?
  

In the future, if you see sewage in your house, the City's online site suggests:

What should a customer do when a sewage backup occurs in the home/yard, etc.?

If you experience a sewage backup, you should contact our Service Request -Customer Service Center for assistance at (404) 270-7097.

Still need help?

We are here to help…………………Service Request - Customer Service Center at (404) 270-7097

Where is it? Contest

This feline is part of bench on the front lawn of a Brookdale Drive home.

The maps shows the locations for all the Where is it? Contest photos:


View Where is it? Contest in a larger map

Tour raffle winners and poll

Neighborhood leader Shelly Davis provided a list of the raffle winners:

Raffle # 1
JPNA Goodie basket ($68 value):  Alex Schneidinger

Raffle # 2

$25 Gift Certificate to Simon's: Randy Nash

$25 Gift Certificate to Giovanna's: Randy Nash

$25 Gift Certificate to Fina:  Evelyn Ireton

$25 Gift Certificate to Fina:  Evelyn Ireton

$25 Gift Certificate to Our Place Bakery:  Evelyn Ireton

$50 Gift Certificate to Metrotainment Restaurants:  Lester Heavner

$50 Gift Certificate to Metrotainment Restaurants:  Jane Waters

Raffle # 3

Stand alone flashlight from East Point Hardware:  Kristen Hanley

Camping Light from East Point Hardware: Brian Frey

Flashlight multi-pack from East Point Hardware:  Randy Hogg

JAM'n Designs planter: Joel Tucker

JAM'n Designs fountain:  Eric Morrow

Raffle # 4

Delta Flight Experience for 4 (valued at $1,000):  Andrew Nelson

Raffle # 5

ASO tickets for December 17th performance: Lane Frost

(Disclosure: yours truly took home #4.) 

East Point Political Forum with 20 days until election

Still weighing which candidates to vote for?

There are two opportunities this week to see the hopefuls, ask them questions and hear what they have to say:  

Tonight: 

THE CONCERNED CITIZENS AND CLERGY OF EAST POINT

In Partnership with

THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
AND
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY

SPONSORS THE

2009 COMMUNITY POLITICAL FORUM

Tuesday - OCTOBER 13, 2009

6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

PAUL D. WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
2376 HEADLAND DRIVE
EAST POINT, GA.   30344

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO MEET AND HEAR THE CANDIDATES FOR CITY COUNCIL OF EAST POINT.

 Saturday:

"Meet the Candidates"
(Table/Booth Event)
Saturday, October 17, 2009
noon to 2:00 p.m.
East Point Christian Church (fellowship hall & gym)
1706 Washington Road
East Point, Ga 30344
Free Hotdogs & Punch (Come Early!) 

photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/farlane/ / CC BY-NC 2.0

Visual art on the JP Hub

http://www.wordle.net/

Too wet to cook, try pizza

The Main Street Academy, the charter school slated to open in the fall in the Tri-Cities area, has it monthly fundraiser tonight. 

If you don't feel the love from your cookbooks, try Oz Pizza.

Oz Pizza Fundraiser Night

Please join The Main Street Academy tonight from 5-9pm at Oz Pizza. 
Tell the cashier you are with TMSA and a portion of your total bill will be donated back to the school.  Take out does not apply.

Come out and meet your friends & neighbors who also support TMSA.  Several Founding Committee and School Board members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

Thank you for your continued support of TMSA!

Oz Pizza
2805 Main Street
East Point, GA 30344
404.761.7006

New south Fulton County dog park opens

Sammy, of Batavia Street, and other  four-legged residents of the neighborhood have a new playground to romp in.

A five-acre dog park, called Canine Crossing, opened on the weekend. The park includes two fenced play areas: one for dogs less than 20 pounds and the other dogs heavier than 20 pounds. 
There are also concrete tunnels, fire hydrants and water fountains reserved for dogs. Amenities for people include two covered pavilions, a walking area, benches, and restrooms.

Canine Crossing is 10 miles from Jefferson Park, on the far side of College Park. 

Canine Crossing on the map:

View Untitled in a larger map



Press release:

Fulton County Announces the Grand Opening of the “Canine Crossing”
Fulton County Vice Chairman William “Bill” Edwards will host the grand opening of South Fulton County’s first dog park on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 10 a.m.  Dogs and dog owners in South Fulton will have a new place to play thanks to Canine Crossing Dog Park.

Canine Crossing covers more than five acres and features two fenced dog play areas; one for dogs less than 20 pounds and one for dogs more than 20 pounds. The park also offers concrete tunnels, fire hydrants and water fountains for all dogs. For people, amenities include two covered pavilions, a walking area, benches, and restrooms.

Vice-Chairman Edwards said of the dog park, “Canine Crossing provides a new recreational opportunity for the dog owners and residents of South Fulton County. The park was designed and built solely by Fulton County employees which shows the County’s commitment to the innovative use of resources in serving South Fulton residents.”

The address of Canine Crossing is 4951 Camp Drive.  It is located between the South Fulton Government Service Center (5600 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park) and the South Fulton Tennis Center (5645 Mason Road, College Park).  Parking is available at the South Fulton Government Service Center.

Canine Crossing is Fulton County Parks and Recreation’s first dog park and is a service of the South Fulton Special Services District. For more information on Fulton County Parks and Recreation facilities and programs, log onto www.fultonparks.org or call 770-306-3010.

Tour of Homes - Sunday

1297 Jefferson Ave.

A 1937 Tudor, this home was a gem on the tour.

Only the nicest homes, including this 1925 bungalow,
have a statue of a pig on the lawn.

Food court

Tour of Homes 2009

Tour of Homes 2009

1:15 p.m.

Andrew Fizell, of Bryan Avenue, watches over the burgers

at the food tent.
   

12:50 p.m

8:30 a.m.

Vendors with Girls with Cardboard Wings sets up their tent

on Batavia Street.

From left, Layla Cantlebary and Erin Prentiss

Where Is It? contest

Have you spotted this feline before? Tell us where.

Diary of the day, Tour of Homes

O.K., this weekend is the annual tour of homes. Our neighborhood will shine as we get to traipse through the beautiful homes we admire.

Here's the drill, "The JP Hub" wants to post photos about the event. Only pictures taken on Saturday, Oct. 10 in and around Jefferson Park. 

Think of it as a diary of the day. We want pictures of people at the food tent, ticket sellers, tour guides with smiles, snapshots of pretty homes and pretty people.

Please send your pictures to to jeffersonparkhub@gmail.com.  In the body of the e-mail, include the time and place of the photo was taken, as well as any details — photographer's name, for credit, ID of people in the photo, small details about the scene, etc.

We'll take all photos, from cell phones to point and shoot. Let's show off those camera skills!

Tickets are available at the very reasonable price. Buy them ahead of time.

The 2009 Jefferson Park Tour of Homes and Gardens will be held in October on the 10th and 11th! This year’s tour will feature 9 fabulous stops, an artist market, a food court, and raffle items! To purchase your tickets at a special internet advance purchase price of $12.00, click here!

World class music comes to Jefferson Park

 An Atlanta Symphony concert is being held here. Right here.

The symphony - see a promotional video of its summer concerts  - is performing on Saturday, October 17th, at the Tri-Cities High School as a fundraiser for its visual and performing arts magnet program.

 It gets better. Tickets can be had for free.  Read the press releases below and act. Don't delay.

FREE tickets to Atlanta Symphony Concert on October 17th 7:15PM at Tri-Cities High School Fine Arts Theater. 

 

Get your FREE tickets on October 10th between 10AM and 5PM at the Jefferson Park Recreation Center, two tickets per adult with proof of Fulton County residency. For event questions please call the Tri-Cities High School VPA Magnet Program (404) 669-8010. 

 

For ticket distribution questions please call the East Point Parks and Recreation Administration Offices (404) 270-7045. Or you may call event Chairperson Charlotte Cagle (770)780-1117.

Immediately following the free concert, a fundraising reception will be held in the Tri-Cities High School Black Box Theater for a $25 donation per person. Mingle with the conductor and ASO musicians, listen to the Tri-Cities High School Orchestra perform, light food and beverages included. All proceeds benefit the Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program.

Flood assistance, to give and to get

Frog Hollow neighborhood resident Carey Hardy is doing best what neighbors do, helping out. Carey is looking for assistance to help folks digging out from flood damage. 

An estimated 10,000 families throughout Metro Atlanta have lost household items  from flooding. Repairs are expected to cost more than $200 million around the region. A powerful video shows some of the damage and how people are coming together:

Hardy's work - Nuran, a interactive marketing agency, has teamed up to help the rebuilding at HopeATL. Hardy would like to collect items to assist families. 

There is no goal to meet, the company just wants to do its part and help people out, Hardy said.  He She would like to see donations made through Oct 10. 

From tools to help build homes to baby clothes, the Web site -  HopeATL - has a list of urgent needs. 

Hardy is willing to pick up donations at people's homes. If anyone has unsold yard sale items, the stuff may go to better use than taking up space in the attic.

Email him her at chardy33@gmail.com or on his her cell at 404.895.8241.

Meanwhile, there is government aid for individuals:

Individual Assistance can include temporary housing assistance for eligible applicants such as rental assistance and repair assistance. If you sustained damage during these storms and live in one of the designated counties, I encourage you to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 for individuals with speech or hearing disabilities. If you have Internet access, you may apply for disaster assistance online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov.