Eggs invade Brookdale Park

An Easter egg hunt will be held at East Point's Brookdale Park on Saturday, April 2.

The annual spring event is hosted by Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.

The “hunts” begins at 11 a.m. at the neighborhood park, on Sylvan Road between Glendale and Pegg Roads for all elementary school children and younger.

There will be a hunt for Babies and Toddlers, one for Pre-K to 2nd grade and one for 3rd to 5th graders. You will need to bring your own basket. A picnic-style lunch will be provided after the eggs have been uncovered.

Also supporting the activities are the Cleveland Avenue Chick-Fil-A, the Jefferson Park Neighbors Association and the City of East Point.

Photo credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eraphernalia_vintage/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

College Park bakery reopens

The store closed down late last week to deal with vandalism.  Stop by and spend some money to show your support.

 Our Place Bakery Cafe

3387 Main Street 404-767-3181 

www.ourplacecollegepark.com

The Grapevine hits the streets

The latest Grapevine appeared at our mailboxes over the weekend. 

The newsletter had stories about keeping your home safe, an fun project to get people together to play games and news about city council. 

If you haven't read it, take some time to see what your neighbors are up to.

(The JP Hub couldn't find an online version of the newsletter. If someone has a PDF version, or knows where it can be found, please pass it in this direction.)

Show some love to MARTA

It's not too late to take public transit.

Transit advocates and pols on Friday, March 26th, want people to show how vital the system is to the community.

A funding crunch has much of the system on the chopping block, including bus route 193 that runs up Jefferson Avenue.

Learn more at
http://www.ridemartaday.com/

From Harvard Yard to East Point's urban farm

Creative Loafing profiled the man behind the urban farm on Washington Road. 

That'd be K. Rashid Nuri.

Here's what was said:

Boston-born and Harvard-educated K. Rashid Nuri’s love of agriculture has taken him around the world. The 62-year-old urban farmer — and former Clinton appointee to the U.S. Agriculture Department — operates Truly Living Well Natural Urban Farms, a network of organic metro Atlanta farms that offers fresh food and teaches how crops can enrich lives and build communities.
What made you dedicate your life to farming?
I’m a child of the 1960s. Back then, we were talking about nation building. In order to build a nation, you’ve got to be able to feed, clothe, and shelter your people. So I decided that I wanted to learn everything about food, from the seed to the table.
What caused people to lose their connection with the land and food?
We are an urban society. That’s taking us away from our soil. Atlanta’s a cleaner city by virtue of open space and trees, but it’s also one of the most toxic. The best way to mitigate this toxicity and reduce our carbon footprint is to grow our own food. This is because the food isn’t traveling. It cuts out that energy expense by more than half.

Read more:

http://tinyurl.com/ycoz95m

Truly Living Well Urban Farm's Website: http://trulylivingwell.com/index.html

Classes at the farm start April 3.  If interested, call 404.520.8331

Census 2010

From Jefferson Park Neighbors Association: 

Village Keepers, a local community organization, and they are offering assistance to anyone in filling out their 2010 Census form.

 

Village Keepers address is 3020 Bayard St, East Point (this is in the East Washington neighborhood) and the assistance is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be there through April 19.   As far as I know, no appointment is necessary.

 

They will have some Bilingual staff (primarily Spanish) but can also help with a variety of other languages.

 

Please pass this information along.  All information gathered will be confidential, they are simply trying to help everyone in our neighborhoods to fill out the Census forms.

 

If you have questions, please feel free to call Village Keepers at 404.761.1500

Real Estate Report

Dogs visit the vet in College Park

Every third Saturday, College Park's Urban Pet Supply hosts a low-cost animal vaccination clinic.  

Here's what it looked like on Saturday, March 20th.  

Spring has sprung

Shooting at East Point MARTA stop--UPDATE

UPDATE:

MARTA police say they are certain that 20-year-old Broderick Smith, of Atlanta, was the trigger man in a fatal Wednesday night shooting at the East Point train station.

Smith was arrested at about 5 p.m. Thursday at his mother's apartment in the Westlake area of Fulton County. Anthony Beavers, 19, was killed following what has been reported as a robbery attempt.

For more, go here.
---

Teacher recalls MARTA shooting victim as ‘brilliant'

By Marcus K. Garner and Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A Jonesboro High School graduate who one teacher described as "brilliant" was shot and killed at the East Point MARTA station late Wednesday night, officials said.

Train service was interrupted and a "bus bridge" was used to transport passengers between rail stations, MARTA spokesman Lyle Harris said.

Train service resumed early Thursday morning, WSB Radio's Richard Sangster, who was at the scene, told the AJC.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office identified the victim as Anthony Beavers, 19.

Beavers was a 2008 graduate of Jonesboro High School, where he was on the school's chess team.

... 

The shooting occurred at about 10:40 p.m. near an elevator at the south end of the station.

Early Thursday morning, MARTA police investigators were still trying to find the shooter and determine a possible motive, Assistant Police Chief Joseph Dorsey said.

Beavers was on the southbound side of the center train platform when two shots were fired, said a witness who called the AJC. That side of the platform was cordoned off with crime scene tape when an AJC reporter arrived.

Riders hit the ground to avoid gunfire, witnesses said.

Immediately after the shooting, police prevented riders from entering or leaving the station and questioned a man believed to be a witness. Riders were allowed to leave the station at about 11:30 p.m.

Around 1 a.m., four MARTA police patrol cars sped away from the station going south on Main Street, before stopping roughly a mile away and returning minutes later.

Read more here. 

Poll: Have a NCAA bracket done yet?

Low cost animal shots

A note from Urban Pet Supply store in College Park: 

Low Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic is Saturday, the 20th from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dr. Edwards administers pet vaccines from $45-$60.
It's a great cost savings and great way to get folks who normally couldn't vaccinate their pets. Please tell your neighbors. Call with questions. 404-766-1138

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Many people will have gotten a letter in the mailbox with this logo:

It is important. If you think throwing it away will save you time now, you won't once the census workers come knocking on your door. Fill out the streamlined 10-question survey and mail it back.

In 2010, the Jefferson Park neighborhood had a 68 percent participation rate in the Census, below the national and state average of 72 and 69 percent, respectively.  (Look for yourself here.)  It appears all of the city was below the national average.   

The once-a-decade head count of residents determines how much money a community like East Point gets from Uncle Sam. What's that mean? The improved Brookdale Park, on Sylvan Road, was paid for in part by federal money. That's important stuff to improve our community and the census is a factor in much money the community gets for its needs.

A feature on the map to be unveiled soon will show how well the community is participating in real time and to compare it with others.

Eats: Thai Heaven

Thai Heaven is a new restaurant just across the city line on nearby Virginia Avenue.

Open for two months, Thai Heaven was more like Thai hell, cracked one of my friends. That kind of tells you where this review is going. 

Located above the Landmark Diner, at 1155 Virginia Ave., Atlanta, the parking lot is large and easy to find a parking spot. The restaurant had comfortable seating to watch the planes take off from Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. The large patio would be a nice place to sit during the warmer months. Large bamboo sticks held up by sand is the most obvious decorative touch. The restaurant includes a sushi bar.

 

The waitress took our drinks quickly, along with our appetizer orders. She wrote them down, but then she started to ask questions and we repeated ourselves to make sure everyone got what they wanted: curry rolls; chicken satay, on left, with peanut sauce; and a Delta sushi roll, named for the nearby airline HQ. 

And that's when the visit took a turn. We waited a long time for the drinks and the food.  That's when the crack about Thai Hell was uttered. Eventually, the Thai iced tea was refreshing, the sweet coconut milk and tea combo. Beer drinkers with us were pleased to see Blue Moon, but they had to ask for the pint glass with the slice of orange. 

The menu had a variety of Thai food. The foursome ordered yellow curry ($10.95); pad thai ($10.95)i; basil stir fry ($10.95) and the most original dish, pineapple fried rice ($13.95).

The pineapple fried rice, photo on the left, was a mixture of shrimp, cashews, chicken, rice, bits of pineapple. And it was served in a pineapple shell. It was well liked and not overly sweet.

Like the pineapple fried rice, all the other dishes were tasty, with a nice aroma. The curry started sweet with the first bite and ended with a slight spicy flavor. The basil dish was rated with three spicy peppers and it delivered. The pad thai didn't have the peanut flavor that makes Thai food special. 

Basil fried rice

The price matched the amount of food served. In fact, the pad thai and the yellow curry was enough to save half and take home for a later meal. 

Overall, the consensus was that the meal was good and priced right. The service would be the only hurdle that would deter a return trip.   

'Share the stories of communities in Atlanta' (And East Point.)

A popular  public radio program is opening up the recording studio for people to tell their stories. 

On Thursday, March 18, people in the Big Peach can make their way to Public Broadcasting Atlanta - WABE 90.1 on your FM radio dial - to talk and be recorded. 

Here's StoryCorps mission statement:

StoryCorps’ mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share and preserve their stories. Listen to stories at www.storycorps.org.

The effort is to "record, preserve, and share the stories of communities in Atlanta," said a press release. A suggested donation of $25.

For more information, go here.  Call to reserve a slot: 1-800-850-4406 

Here's what you can expect:

Step 1: Make a reservation
It’s easy to record an interview with someone important in your life. First, think of a person whose stories you would like to hear, or someone who might like to ask about yours, like a grandparent, sibling, or friend.

Step 2: Prepare for your session
Read what to expect and visit our great questions page.

Step 3: Tell your story, pass it on
Bring your friend or loved one to the StoryCorps recording facility. Our trained staff will explain the process, make you feel comfortable, and sit with you during your 40-minute session. At the end of your session, you’ll receive a free broadcast-quality CD to share with to family and friends, and a second copy will be archived at the Library of Congress.

Fun on Two Wheels in East Point

At East Point's velodrome, the tires are pumped. 

The annual Bicycle Little League program is starts its season this week.  Two expert coaches will be on hand to to teach the novices to ride on the banked bike track. The real reason is to encourage the kids to have fun.

Young rider can use the facility every Monday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., from now until the end of October. The activity is open to all youngsters, aged 8-16. 

The program is free. Bicycles and helmets are provided, if needed. The only requirement for each child is a parent-signed waiver. 


View Larger Map

Jefferson Park Neighbors Assocation March meeting

Come to listen and contribute to what is happening in and around the neighborhood at the monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 16.

Special information this meeting will come from East Point firefighters on the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Meeting Agenda:

• Open Meeting
• New / Old Business
• Crime Update (EPPD)
• Grapevine update
• Special Speaker: East Point Fire Department: Presentation on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Open Floor Speakers
• Close

The meeting is held at the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church. The entry door is in the rear next to the Winburn Drive parking lot. 

In other JPNA news, the first "Grapevine" of 2010 is hot off the presses. 

The newsletter put out by volunteer writers and contributors is ready to be delivered. And that's where you come in.  Email JPNA president Dustin Miles to let him know you are willing to help and where you prefer to deliver. 

PS: The JP Hub is looking for citizen journalists to attend Tuesday's meeting and report on it. Be in touch if you are interested.

Opportunities at the city of Atlanta job fair

The region's unemployment level has hit double digit numbers. So, a job fair is welcome news for people looking for work.

Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, which is a branch of the city of Atlanta, is hosting a job fair tomorrow, starting at 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.

There are a variety of positions available, from landscaping to security guards and program managers to retail sales.  

For more information:

Atlanta Workforce Development Agency 818 Pollard Blvd, SW Atlanta, GA 30315 404-658-9675

To be eligible, a high school diploma or GED is required. Applicants will have to pass background and drug test. And additional qualifications will discussed at site. Bring resume for employers and dress in interview appropriate clothing.

Weekend doings around East Point

Don't let the weather get you down.

Put in some elbow grease at the city's hidden treasure and shop for treasure:

Dick Lane Velodrome

The forecast says rain, but we are going to brave the weather and give it a whirl for the last workday before the season will begin. So if you aren't afraid of a little water, we'd love you assistance in getting a few final jobs finished up before the season gets going. Be sure to bring rain coats etc. so you'll be protected if it does happen to rain a little.
Oh, and one particular job that may require some special tools is scraping some old sponsors logo's off the boards, so if you have a scraper that might be suitable for that, please bring it with you. We do have a few scrapers, but maybe not as many as we could have people!

Work starts around 9 a.m. 

The Main Street Academy charter school:

Saturday, from 9 am-2 pm
Where: East Point Presbyterian Church
2810 Church Street (corner of Thompson)
East Point, GA 30344

Please join TMSA for our 1st Children's Consignment Sale!
30% of all proceeds will benefit TMSA.

Gently used items we will be selling include:
Boys & Girls "all season" clothing items from Infant to size 12, Shoes, Maternity clothing, Toys, Books, DVD's, Video games, Baby equipment, Indoor/Outdoor play equipment, Furniture and anything else kid related!

The Main Street Academy gets state OK, opens in the fall

There will be a new education option for Tri-City parents with school age youngsters

The state Board of Education Thursday, March 11, gave its approval to the charter school that will serve the East Point, Hapeville and College Park. 

Organizers announced:

State Approval

We are now official...today, The Main Street Academy charter petition has been approved by the State Department of Education!
With approximately 4 years in the making, countless hours of hard work and several obstacles along the way, The Main Street Academy will finally open its doors this Fall.  This is only the beginning of our journey together.  We need all of you (parents, community leaders and concerned citizens) to join in and help our school succeed. 
Thanks to all of you who have participated in our events and fundraisers, volunteered your time and shared your ideas.  All of these things have helped to get us where we are and are critical elements to ensuring a bright future for TMSA.
Pre-Enrolled families will be contacted soon with enrollment information and timing, and we will post the enrollment period on our website.  Please stay tuned.
Thank you for your continued support of TMSA!

See the Web site for more information: http://www.tricitiescharter.com

New gardeners in the Jefferson Park neighborhood makes plans for spring

Spring officially begins March 20 so it is timely that a new gardening club is getting ready for new plantings. 

Holly Roseberry, of East Woodland Circle, is organizing the effort.  She said several people have contacted her about getting it off the ground, while some 20 people have joined the group's Facebook page:  Jefferson Park, GA Gardening Club.  Find it at http://bit.ly/92nJrU

The group's members range from novices to a horticulturist. Roseberry said she has little experience herself. "Last year we had a couple of tomato plants in pots and also flowers lining the walkway. That inspired us to finally get serious this year and make some vegetable beds in the yard," she said in an email. 

It's Facebook description shows a variety of activities for the group, from growing vegetables and using raised vegetable garden beds to organic methods.

And many hands make light work, so the group has a goal to converge on each other's gardens and get some serious work done.

To get involved, contact Holly at hollyroseberry(at)gmail.com.

And this article from the Wall Street Journal may be of interest to folks with a green thumb: Attack of the Rotten Tomatoes.

Main Street has 'endless future possibilities'

The city's Main Street Association just issued its first newsletter publicizing some of the people and events happening in the city center. Now, its director Erin Rodgers talks about the nonprofit:

• What is the purpose of the East Point Main Street organization?

Erin Rodgers: The East Point Main Street Association (EPMSA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of nine board members who are residents or business owners. The board’s mission is to “To preserve and enhance the downtown area as the heart of East Point, communicating a sense of place, community pride and heritage, while providing for a successful business and residential environment.”

• What are the strengths of the city's downtown and how is the organization building on them? What does the organization envisions as success for downtown? 

ER: One of the strengths of the city’s downtown are the historic buildings we have and the amount of available land that allows for future expansion. Many city’s downtowns have a limited number of buildings or available space, however, our downtown boasts a large footprint and therefore, endless future possibilities. The ultimate success for downtown will be when it “fills out” to its full potential and becomes a thriving downtown district full of businesses, residents and visitors alike.

• What challenges do you face in promoting the downtown area? How can residents help overcome those challenges? 

ER: Currently, one of the biggest challenges for downtown East Point, like many cities, is the current economy. As I mentioned above, we have a tremendous supply of available buildings and land for new businesses/developments, we are located just 5 minutes from I-75/85, I-285 and the busiest international airport in the nation and we are only 9 miles from downtown Atlanta – we have so much going for us! However, new businesses and developers are being very cautious these days and they want to see figures/numbers that support bringing their business to East Point (density figures, income levels in the area neighborhoods, etc.- so be sure to fill out your 2010 census!!) and they want to see incentives to take that risk in this volatile market. As residents, you can encourage others to be patrons of our downtown area businesses, show a potential home buyer the area, show your support by attending events downtown. . .basically just get involved! The better our current businesses do, the more attractive downtown becomes to potential new businesses.

• What type of establishment does downtown East Point need at this point? 

ER: Well that is the purpose of the new neighborhood survey on the www.downtowneastpoint.com website- if you haven’t already, send one in today! A few of the most requested establishments are as follows: Grocery Store, Theatre/Performance Hall, Indoor Farmer’s Market and Coffee House.

• Can you tell us a little about the survey? What will it be used for?

ER: The survey will be used to prioritize what residents feel are the most important downtown issues that need to be addressed. Your opinion matters! Send one in today.

If you haven't already, take a few moments and fill out this four page survey to help guide the development of Main Street.  Email your responses or mail the completed survey to: 

East Point Main Street Association
Attn: Main Street/Downtown Development Manager
1526 East Forrest Ave., Suite 400
East Point, Georgia 30344

East Point Main Street Assocation Neighborhood Survey

Proposed blueprint for the future of Fort McPherson

The clock is ticking on Fort McPherson and what the future holds for the 488-acre military facility. 

A series of meetings start this week to work on a blueprint for its re-use once it closes in September 2011. The meetings are hosted by The City of Atlanta's Bureau of Planning.

There is little doubt the impending closure of the base, which opened in 1889, will have a ripple effect in East Point, especially restaurants and service industries.

An economic impact report published annually by the Fort McPherson Public Affairs Office in 2004 lists 1,329 active duty, 878 Army Reserve, and 2,064 civilians that work at Fort McPherson.  Including Army Retirees, family members, and retirees from other services – Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem affect over 136,000 people.  The total active duty payroll for Fort McPherson as of 2004 was $106.8 million. 

 To prepare for the future,  the planning bureau wants to hear from people about the proposed blueprint, which calls for residential housing, an R&D center, a historic district and other features. (Read the 2007 final reuse report here.)

The meetings will be held from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Atlanta Technical College, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, on:

• March 10: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 17: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 31: Academic Complex (Auditorium)
• March 24: Cleveland L. Dennard Center Main Ballroom

Parking: On the side in front of the Cleveland L. Dennard Conference Center. The Auditorium is in the Academic Complex Building, next to the Cleveland L. Dennard Conference Center.

The parking in front of the Academic Complex Building is reserved for student and
faculty parking- Please do not park in this area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jewelle Kennedy
Bureau of Planning
Dpcd-jkennedy@atlantaga.gov(404)330-6145

The East Point Main Street Assocation brings new life to downtown

Supporters of downtown East Point are promoting the new businesses and community activities around the city center. 

The East Point Main Street Association, a nonprofit focused on revitalizing the business district, issued its first newsletter this week. It features an event calendar, spotlights a business of the month and other information. 

The business month is Angel's Catering, at 2865 Main St., to provide food for events and business meetings. For more information: www.angelscatering.com. And by phone, 678-905-3122.

And for upcoming activities, check out the fundraiser for the Main Street Academy ‘s Children’s Consignment Sale. It happens at the East Point Presbyterian Church, 2810 Church St., on March 12 , 6 - 9 pm & March 13, 9 - 2 pm. For info call Mikey at 404-429-7951.
 
 Newsletter_03_01_2010

East Point urban farm offers how-to class--UPDATE

UPDATE:
If buying fresh food is at the top of your to-do list, here are other places to consider:

Morningside Farmers Market
1393 North Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30306
County: Dekalb

Contact: Howison Hollenberg
Phone / Fax: (404) 444-9902
E-Mail: morningsidemarket@mindspring.com
Website: http://www.morningsidemarket.com
Covered: No
WIC: Yes; WIC Cash Vouchers: No; SFMNP: No; SNAP: No
Open Year-Round: No

April-December Saturday, 8:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Atlanta State Farmers Market
16 Forest Parkway
Forest Park, GA 30927
County: Clayton

Contact: Mike Harris
Phone / Fax: (404) 675-1782
E-Mail: mharris@agr.state.ga.us
Website:
Covered: No
WIC: No; WIC Cash Vouchers: No; SFMNP: No; SNAP: No
Open Year-Round: Yes

--
As winter turns into spring, minds of garden enthusiasts turn to planting flowers and vegetables.

What you may not know is that beside the busy Washington Road on the way to Camp Creek Marketplace is Truly Living Well Urban Farm. On this small plot is a whole variety of fresh farm produce as a community supported agriculture project.

This season leader Rashid Nuri is willing to share his secrets on what makes a good farm in the middle of a city. At the beginning of April, a six week class gets underway. The schedule is: 

Urban Farming Training Class

I. Introduction and Overview of Urban Farming 3 April 2010
II. Garden Design 10 April 2010
III. Soil Preparation and Management 17 April 2010
IV. Reproducing Plants 24 April 2010
V. Crop Management I 1 May 2010
VI. Crop Management II 8 May 2010

The cost of the classes is $250 for the entire series. Individual classes may be attended at a cost of $50 each. You can pay for the classes by check or through PayPal. Send check to:

Truly Living Well
P.O.Box 90841
East Point GA 30364

Or by PayPal:
admin@trulylivingwell.com

Removal requested ()Restore requestedEdited  -  -

Placement on map is approximate

Get in touch with the farm at 3353 Washington Rd. if you have questions.
K. Rashid Nuri
phone: 404.520.8331
admin@trulylivingwell.com

New medical office being built in East Point

Medical facilities are a regular part of the neighborhood and the city, with South Fulton Medical Center just on the other side of Cleveland Avenue from the Jefferson Park neighborhood.

At the corner of Humphries Street and Norman Berry Drive, a new building is being erected.  A few weeks ago, it looked like this.

Construction equipment tore up the black top last week.  And an new medical office will go up in its place.

Sketches from the developers show what the site is to look like once the building is completed:

It is to be the new home of Southwest Atlanta Nephrology medical offices.

East Point's Municipal Court offers an Amnesty Program

If you have been lax on paying your parking and traffic tickets, this is for you:

 

East Point's Municipal Court will offer an Amnesty Program to those with unpaid parking and traffic tickets and Failure to Appear Warrants. 

The five-day program will begin Monday, March 22, 2010 and end March 26, 2010. The court will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 am to 4:45 pm on Friday during the amnesty period.

If you have an outstanding ticket, at the option of the judge, additional “failure to appear” fees MAY be waived upon FULL PAYMENTS of original fines. Those who have had their licenses previously suspended will get a release from the Court Department upon payment of fines.

If you have an active probation with the City of East Point and a warrant has been issued for your arrest you are encouraged to contact the Probation Department at 404-209-0682 or 404-559-6250 Extension 2 to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the amnesty period, the court will turn over responsibility for collection of all unpaid fines to a collection agency and warrants to the Police Department for service. To avoid any additional collection charges or unwanted arrest, individuals should make use of the amnesty program. The Court staff encourages those interested to come early and avoid possible long lines.

Real Estate Report

1359 Winburn Dr.

$158,000

October 2009

Information from Fulton County Board of Assessors

Shameless Self Promotion at The JP Hub

Welcome all.

The graph is the number of visits to The Jefferson Park Hub in February.Overall, 148 people learned about the Jefferson Park neighborhood and East Point by reading this blog.

There were 373 visit and 800 page views. Nearly 40 percent were first time visitors and close to 30 percent had visited nine times or more in the month. The JP Hub gets about a dozen visits a day.

The top reads for the site in February were:

About-me
In person Ezra Thompson-painter
Endangered Species Billboard On Sylvan

As always, The JP Hub welcomes story ideas and photos about events and people in the neighborhood and East Point.

Thanks for reading.