East Point residents want to save historic buildings

CBS Atlanta reports on the latest efforts to build a government center downtown. Some residents are concerned the few historical buildings in the city center are to be knocked down.

Here's the news report:

CBS Atlanta 46

Children's lending library opens on Bayard Street

.Simeon Smith and her kids have opened a "Little Free Library."

We have a handfull of books in it already and are getting more. It is a place for kids and young people in the neighborhood to exchange books with one another.  We want people to use it! If kids have old books that they would like to share, they simply place them in the box and if they see something they would like to read, they may simply take it home with them.

It's got its own Facebook page and email address: bayardlibrary@gmail.com

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East Point Farmers Market opens on May 18.

Another summer season kicks off ...

And food trucks will be making an appearance too.

RESULTS 4th Annual TriCities 10K Run and 5K RunWalk in College Park

UPDATE:  Find race results here.

But the top finishers

Women:

• 5K: Elizabeth Callaway, 21:35


• 10K: Carolyn Poole, 53:49

Men

• 5K Sam Mugavero, 20:16


• 10K Dennison Strickland, 40:46

---

Lace up your shoes to hit the street for Saturday's fundraiser for the public charter school, The Main Street Academy, College Park. You can find all the details for Saturday's family-friendly event here.

If you've registered, you can pick up your numbers and swag bag Friday

Avoid the lines on Race Day and PICK UP your RACE NUMBER this FRIDAY from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia 30354

Otherwise, on Saturday, it's $30 to walk up and register.  And here's what you can expect:

COURSE DESCRIPTION
1. The 10K USATF Certified Course loops through three Georgia cities College Park, East Point, and Hapeville
2. The 5K Course loops through Historic College Park
3. Both start and finish in Historic College Park with final lap on a fast surface track

The hub of activity is Badgett Stadium, at 3636 College Street, College Park, GA 30337

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Nicole Milliken turns to Kickstarter for her new children's book.

Some 69 people have already backed the Kickstart efforts of Jefferson Park resident Nicole Milliken - aka Birdy Jones - to produce her third children's picture book, Mr. Cool.

Mr. Cool teaches children to be self-confident and how to get the better of bullies in a surprising way.



You can learn more about Milliken and her goal on the Kickstarter website.

She appears to be on track to raise much more than her $3,000. Pledges of $10 or more starts to earn rewards, so check it out!

Hot Rods, South Metro Restaurants on the menu for the East Point Food Festival

EAST POINT - Downtown will hear the roar of classic muscle cars and a hot rods at the 2013 Taste of East Point and the South Metro Area.

• BBQ, Wings, & Wheels: The Taste of East Point and the South Metro Area


• Saturday, April 27th 2 PM – 9 PM


• West Cleveland Avenue, across from the MARTA station 2777 East Point Street, East Point, GA 30344.

Organizers teamed up with Grease Inc. Magazine/ Garage 71 Radio to put on this eye candy of cars, tricked out cars, hot rods, in addition to the food from area restaurants and eateries.  Oh. And there's music too. Check out Zydeco T.

The East Point Main Street Association is hosting the annual food festival scheduled for Saturday in downtown East Point (across from MARTA), along West Cleveland Avenue and East Point Street.

Another addition Food Truck Alley which will feature some of the vendors that will be participating in East Point’s new Food Truck Court.  It will be part of the East Point Farmer's Market, which starts in May.

In addition local brewery Strawn Brewing Company and Ace Beer Growlers offer local craft beer tastings.

Taste Tickets $1.00 each (initial minimum purchase of $5.00). Beer/Wine/Margaritas: $4.00.

March Crime in East Point

East Point - Authorities reported a total of 425 major crimes here in March.

That’s a 13 percent increase from March 2012.

Above is the March chart of the reported crimes.

And a comparison of 2012 monthly report to the current crime picture below.


 

Students at TriCities High School learn decision making for prom season

EAST POINT - From a car crash and court room to a funeral, authorities want to show students how one decision can cascade into a life-changing situation.

Police and emergency workers will be out in force Thursday, April 18, at TriCities High School to make a point as prom season gets underway.

Here's the news release

(East Point, GA) The City of East Point Police Department, in partnership with Tri-Cities High School, will be conducting the Annual Safe Prom Night Program on April 18, 2013 8:00am -12:00pm at Tri-Cities High School. The goal of the Safe Prom Night Program is to educate students on the dangers and potential consequences of driving a car after drinking or using illicit narcotics on prom night. This program will include students participating in a series of stations including:
- Mock Traffic Accident Scene
o Students will see a wrecked automobile and hear the story of a student who attended prom and consumed a controlled substance only to lose control of their vehicle on the way home.
- DUI vision goggles
o Students will be asked to take field sobriety tests while wearing goggles designed to emulate the altered physical responses typically experienced while under the influence of controlled substances.
- Simulated Court Session
o This section features Rashida Oliver, Chief Judge East Point Municipal Court and the Tri-Cities Drama Department explaining the legal ramifications that result from driving while under the influence. Students will observe a mock trial of a high school student who made the unfortunate decision to take a controlled substance on prom night and observe as the Judge delivers a verdict that will change their life forever.
- Mock Funeral
o The Tri-Cities Drama Club created a reenactment of a funeral intended to make students realize how making a poor decision can impact their lives and the lives of others.

This program will take place in front of Tri-Cities High School beginning at 8:00 AM ending promptly at noon.
###

Student at East Point's TriCities HS wins cooking award

Neighbor Newspapers has the story about a TriCities senior who is making a name for herself as chef.

Since she was 9 years old, Cynthia Bobadilla, a Tri-Cities High School senior, has been cooking up culinary creations.

“I was working with my parents in a restaurant,” she said. “I’m not sure why. I just saw them cooking, and as a child, you want to do what you see.”

Last month during a scholarship competition at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Bobadilla’s love for cooking was taken to another level, as she clinched the gold medal for the competition, rising to the top above 10 other participants.

What did she whip up?

Bobadilla, along with the other 10 finalists, prepared shrimp cocktail as the first course and a sautéed chicken breast with a garnish, rice pilaf and broccoli sauté.

Her special touch, which she thinks set her apart was the garnish for the chicken breast.

“Mine was like a cream of mushroom sauce,” she said. “The ingredients for the sauce were kinda limited.”

Read more about this up and coming chef at Neighbor Newspapers.

Photo: Neighbor Newspaper

Maps for Weekend Yard Sale in East Point

EAST POINT - Two maps to help people find the 50+ homes that are part of the East Point community yard sale on Saturday, April 13
Hours: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
No early arrivals, please. Print the maps to help you find the sales.

Jefferson Park neighborhood, East Point


View Jefferson Park spring 2013 yard sale in a larger map

And all of East Point


View East Point Yard Sales April 13, 2013 in a larger map

60 homes, five neighborhoods. That's one big yard sale.

One city. Five neighborhoods. 60 homes.

On Saturday, April 13, scores of East Point homes will have clothes, home decor and lots of stuff spread out for buyers.

The neighborhoods participating in the city-wide sale are Jefferson Park, Colonial Hills, Conley Hills, Frog Hollow, Semmes Park.

The event begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, and wraps up at 3 p.m.

No early birds.

Amnesty program begins this week for city court

EAST POINT - Nearly 70 people showed up last April to take advantage of the city's amensty program.

The city took in some $14,000 from people who wanted to clear up overdue fines, according to city officials.

East Point hopes people take advantage of this year's program again.

The six-day program starts today and wraps up on Monday, April 15, 2012. The municipal court will be open from 8 AM - 12  PM on Saturday, April 13, and 8 am - 6  pm Monday through Friday during the Amnesty period.

To avoid any additional collection charges or unwanted arrest, individuals should make use of the amnesty program, said city news release.

A person with  an outstanding ticket, the judge may waive additional “failure to appear” fines . Those who have had their licenses previously suspended may 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 to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the program, the court will turn over responsibility for collection of all unpaid fines to a collection agency and warrants to the Police Department for service.

For more information call 404.559.6250 or check web site.

 

It isn't hard to get East Point community news.

You can get an email whenever there's a new post on The Jefferson Park Hub. Sign up for the free service email service with the box to the right.

We are on Twitter at @jphub.

And of course, Facebook.

However you want to keep up with local events, do it.

Business Focus: Mocha Delites

The April edition of the downtown East Point newsletter profiled a coffee shop as the business of the month.

The owner, Sun Kwon, opened the business in Downtown East Point in 2003 and she is now celebrating her 10th year there!

Known by many as a popular local daytime hangout for business professionals, families and friends, Mocha Delites’ relaxed café atmosphere, nice outdoor patio and free Wi-Fi also attracts a diverse mix

of people from neighboring areas — a real “melting pot”.

She also likes the sense of community and historic charm paired with the continual revitalization of East Point, which she feels is truly the best of both worlds.

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Downtown East Point plan awarded

From Twitter:

Breaking News! WE just received our Notice of Award for East Point Government Center Redevelopment! Congrats to... fb.me/2itFGH0xH

— Duckett Design Group (@DDesignGroup) March 26, 2013

which means this project go the go ahead with East Point City Council:

Developer: East Point City Center Partners LLC

• Knock down city hall to create a great lawn. This opens up the arched front of the city auditorium.


• Build a new government center.


• Relocate the closed city library by razing a city fire station. This creates another green space.


• Close Linwood Avenue, between Church and East Point streets to create a city center.


• Estimated price tag: $17.7 million to $18.1 million

East Point City Center Partners LLC Downtown East Point Redevelopment by Andrew

Got a traffic ticket? City offering amnesty program

From the city of East Point: 

East Point Municipal Court Offers Amnesty Program For Unpaid Traffic Tickets and Warrants

(East Point, GA) The City of East Point Municipal Court will offer an Amnesty Program to those with unpaid parking and traffic tickets. The six-day program will begin Monday, April 8, 2013 through Saturday, April 13, 2013 and Monday, April 15, 2012. The court will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday the 13st of April and 8:00 am through 6:00 pm Monday through Friday during the Amnesty period.

If you have an outstanding ticket, at the option of the judge, additional “failure to appear” fines may be waived. Those who have had their licenses previously suspended may 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 to discuss your case during this amnesty period.

Following the Amnesty Program, 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.

For more information call 404.559.6250 or check our website at www.eastpointcity.org

 

Creative Loafing Looks at East Point and College Park

Creative Loafing published its neighborhood guide where East Point and College Park are treated as one neighborhood.

 Along with a map of community businesses and services, several residents voiced what they'd like for the community.

Concerns about schools, desire for community development

Here's a taste:

East Point residents have some charming and historic neighborhoods of their own, as well as a new generation of single professionals, working couples, and young families committed to bonding together by preserving their tree-lined streets, embracing diversity ...

And one view:

"I grew up in East Point in the '70s and '80s and moved back last year to historic College Park. I'd like to see the realization of downtown College Park and East Point, both Main Streets, continue to grow into thriving business districts."

— Paul Chapman Sidener, 43, chef

Do you think the points of view accurately reflect the community?

Hollywood in Jefferson Park

I received this great account from Jeannine Henderson of how "Prisoners," which was filmed on nearby Cleveland Avenue, ended up being filmed in her Jefferson Park basement:

(Jeannine wanted to revise her comments. Below is an new version.)

Welcoming Hollywood into My Basement

I got a call from a neighbor who heard that a locations crew was searching for a basement with

an exterior entry to shoot a scene for the movie PRISONERS which was filming in East Point.

I gave the Locations Manager a call and they came over to my home to scout it out. “Can we

paint?” they asked. “Sure”, I said. They snapped some photos, drew out a sketch of the basement

area, and told me they would be in touch.

The next morning, we went over the details at breakfast and within minutes they arrived at my

home and swooped in to clear out my belongings. Three hours later, my basement was empty of

my belongings and they had painted my “Fire Roasted Pepper” walls a calmer, soothing gray.

The space looked completely different! By early evening, the set decorators had been busily

working their magic since the afternoon and were adding the final touches on the set.

The next day shooting would commence. I decided in the wee hours of the morning that I would

treat the crew to Coca – Cola cupcakes. There I was in my kitchen at 12:30 AM baking up a

storm for all of the strangers that would soon be in my home.

‘Like Worker Ants’

That afternoon, I was told they were ahead of schedule and shooting would start three hours

earlier than planned. Within twenty minutes, a crew of fifty spread about like worker ants across

my lawn to set up shop. I was introduced to a few key people as my mind struggled to take all of

the day’s events in. I stood on my front lawn surrounded by strangers moving about setting up

shop. I invited a few folks in for cupcakes and soon, monitors were set up in the living room and

the kitchen had folks filtering in and out for sweet treats.

Wooing stars with cupcakes

Unit publicist and new friend David Linck and I were chatting in my kitchen over cupcakes

when Hugh Jackman arrived on set. David whisked me onto the porch before I could even

realize what was going on. “There he is,” David said. “Who, where?” I asked. “Hugh, right

in front of you, with his back to you,” David said. David led me out onto the porch and

introduced me to Hugh. Mr. Jackman shook my hand, thanked me for letting them film at

my house, and asked how I was doing. I offered him a Coca-Cola cupcake, which he happily

accepted. Unbeknownst to me, he had been Jonesing for sweets the day before, but had been

abstaining because he was set to start shooting Wolverine soon. I later saw his cupcake sans a

large bite perched atop his chair as he filmed, waiting for his return.

 

“SHHHH! Quiet on set!” someone yelled, as everyone settled into place to start shooting. I

tiptoed into my living room to watch the monitors that had been setup to show the filming

downstairs as my basement became the home of Terrance Howard and Viola Davis’ characters,

the Birch family (long time friends of Hugh Jackman and Maria Bello’s characters). Saunders,

the Assistant Director radioed a request to someone and he was quickly handed a sound monitor

which he then handed off to me. “For me?” I asked, excited to be included. He nodded. I quickly

inserted the ear piece into my ear and clipped the pack onto my jeans and began to listen. Mr.

Jackman and Ms. Bello discussed the scene with the director for a minute and then did a few

practice runs. They shot the scene a few times. Then, as quickly as they came, they began to pack

up.

I came across Ms. Bello on my front lawn. I introduced myself and invited her in for a cupcake.

She came inside with me and we spoke for a moment. She graciously posed for a photo with

me and invited me to the benefit she was hosting Saturday evening for We Advance, her

organization that works to empower women and children throughout Haiti.

The crew packed up and headed back to their base at the hospital for dinner. I was invited to

tag along and eat with the gang. Afterwards, an invite was extended to watch more filming at

another neighbor’s home.

Movie magic: snow in Atlanta in mid March

The next day I was welcomed back to take in more of the action as they filmed outdoor

scenes. I arrived to witness movie magic; snow was being created for the shoot! Workers were

everywhere icing over this and that and pooling puddles of icy snow and slush all over the front

lawn of the hospital. I stayed well into the evening and into the early morning until shooting

wrapped at about 7:20 AM. I drug myself back home in the pouring rain home as daylight began

to break through the dark, cloudy sky.

 

What an experience, I thought to myself, sad that it was over. Folks have been asking me “Did

you meet Hugh Jackman?” Yes, I did. He was very down to earth and charming. “Who else

did you meet?” Ms. Bello was at my home as well. She is gorgeous and personable. Having

Mr. Jackman and Ms. Bello film at my house was fantastic! “Did you get an Autograph?” No, I

don’t ask for autographs. “Did you get a photo of Hugh or with Hugh?” Yes and yes, but out of

respect for the actors and the studio, I will not post the photos with actors on social media - doing

so is frowned upon. “Who else is in the movie?” In addition to Hugh Jackman, the all-star cast

boasts Terrance Howard, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Melissa Leo, and Jake Gyllenhaal. “How did

they wind up filming at your house?” Timing and chance led to this amazing and unforgettable

experience, I didn’t do anything special or have any inside hookups, and it just worked itself out

to happen at my home.

 

To me, the highlight of it all was meeting the talented and interesting crew and learning about

what goes into making a movie. Hearing about how the various crew members got into the

business and what other projects they had worked on was fascinating. After filming wrapped

at my house, I was invited to watch more of the action. The next day, I sat in on filming at the

hospital (fun fact – I was born at South Fulton). Upon my arrival I was warmly greeted by name

by several crew members with smiles, handshakes, and even hugs. Receiving an invite to the set

after filming at my home had been completed, getting a great paint job, and getting to keep some

of the props used on set was the icing on the cake. It was an experience I will never forget in

which I also met some wonderful people.

Easter Weekend Events at Jefferson Ave Baptist Church

From the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church:

Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Saturday, March 30 beginning at 11 a.m. For children Elementary Grades and younger.
Bring your own basket and meet in the Fellowship Hall at the church at 10:45. Following the Easter Egg Hunt we offer all Easter Egg Hunters and parents a light lunch back in the Fellowship Hall.

Decorating the Community Cross

The Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church Flower Committee has set up a "greened" Cross on the front lawn and is asking anyone who would like to bring flowers, blooms, or other vegetation of color from your yard/garden/etc. to help us decorate the Community Cross. Members of the Flower Committee will be at the cross beginning at noon on Saturday, March 30.

Celebrating Easter at Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church. We invite you to worship with us this Easter weekend.
At 7 a.m., we will hold our annual Easter Sunrise Service on the front steps of the Sanctuary (facing Jefferson Avenue). Everyone is invited.
At 10:30 a.m., we will offer our Easter Sunday service, in the Sanctuary. All are welcome and a Nursery is provided.

Need more information, please call the church at 404.767.0582 or email us at jeffersonchurch@att.net.

East Point cars targeted by thieves

EAST POINT - Stolen cars are a problem in the city.

The February crime report from the East Point Police Department shows a spike in stolen cars, in addition to an increase in crimes involving guns.

Reports of serious crimes in the city in February totaled 402, that's is a 33 percent increase compared to February 2012.

Stolen Cars

Police handled 79 reports of stolen automobiles in February, with six trucks/buses reported being stolen.

That is a 58 percent increase from February 2012.

Robberies

More residents are being held up too, particularly by people with guns.

In February, police investigated 22 reports of robbery.  That is a increase of 36 percent from a year ago.

But people using guns while committing the crime jumped 61 percent, from 5 incidents to 13.

Here is the comparison: