Racial Dot Map of East Point shows where we live

 An interactive map accounts for each person in the United States with one of 308,745,538 dots, where each person was counted in the 2010 Census. And each dot is colored to represent a person's race and ethnicity.  The Racial Dot Map was done by a demographic researcher at the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

The image above shows most of the Metro Atlanta area. It is plain to see the racial makeup of the community.

The map is interactive to show more detail, from seeing from coast to coast or zoom in to see the details at the block level. Below is a large part of East Point. (To enlarge the map, click on it, which gives you a thumbnail size and click again to blow it up.)

 

Interesting.

Anything surprise you about the map?

Jefferson Park neighborhood yard sale Saturday

It's the time of the year for the community yard sale.
Poke around your neighbors' stuff, meet and greet new people, have fun.

Make sure to stop by 2668 E Woodland Circle, dubbed YARD SALE HQ. You can get a map where you can search for treasure and grab a refreshment.

 

 


View Jefferson Park fall 2013 yard sale in a larger map

East Point's form of government

East Point voters in November will decide who sits on the city council.

The community is run in a city council-city manager form of government. In short, the council is to make policy and the professional city manager is to implement those decisions.

This Youtube video explains the whole situation. (Start at the 3:10 minute mark and go to about six minutes to understand that form for government. If you are feeling wonky, watch the whole thing. It was created in Michigan, so all the material may not be relevant to Georgia cities.)

http://youtu.be/kbZlrXW2BJg?t=3m10s

Election Season in East Point

It's election season in East Point.

City voters will decide who will represent them in four at-large city council seats and as mayor.

Here's the names of the qualified candidates and contact information.

Demolition begins for the future Cleveland Avenue Walmart store

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAdlalV1Ln8&feature=youtu.be

 

This graphic explains what's happening on Cleveland Avenue.

The 'next steps' bubble is out of date because the city board issued the permits.

To help you get your bearings, here's where the renovation is taking place:

View Proposed Cleveland Avenue Crossing in a larger map

Soccer in the TriCities.

REMINDER - IN PERSON REGISTRATION IS TOMORROW- Games start 9/14.

There will be an in person registration this Saturday 8/24 (tomorrow) from 1-3PM at 2806 N. Martin Street East Point, GA 30344 ( corner of Martin St and East Cleveland Ave (across from the Buggy and Wagon Works) ).

Or, register now at http://www.southmetrounited.com/



REMINDER - Free Skills Session Wednesday Nights
6:30 @ KIPP SFA (1286 E. Washington Ave, East Point)
Work with professional coaches to gain comfort with the ball and add to skills prior to the Fall Season. Ends with games to allow kids to use new skills in competitive environments. Please bring shin-guards, water, and a ball (if you have it).

Crime stats in East Point

Here's what reported crime looked like in East Point.

In July, authorities handled 507 major crimes. A year earlier, there were 488 during the same month.

Impact Church moves to East Point's Jefferson Park neighborhood.

Impact Church, a growing congregation that values spirituality along with community development, is moving from Atlanta's West End to the Jefferson Park neighborhood.

Representatives of the church told the Jefferson Park Neighbors Association its doors would open by the spring.

What is Impact Church?

Who We Are

Founded January 2007, Impact Church is a multicultural gathering of people who come together regularly with one common purpose--to share the love of Christ. Throughout our journey, we've impacted schools, community organizations, and the lives of countless individuals. We are committed to making a global impact by sticking to the basics and taking the "churchiness" out of church.

It's motto is "Doing church differently."

It attracts more than 1,100 people to its current worship space in the West End, according to the church.

The church is to renovate an existing property at the corner of Oakleigh Drive and Syvlan Road.  It was purchased in 2012 for $654,000, according to the Fulton County assessors.

There is a whole host of activities planned during the fall as the church gets to know the city. The church posted information about the new property online.

 

Learn about sustainability in East Point

Here's an upcoming event:

Sustainability & Emerging Market Summit

July 27 ~ 10AM-4PM

The City of East Point will hold it's first "Sustainability and Emerging Market Summit" on Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at East Point Jefferson Park Recreation Center.

The summit will provide citizens the opportunity to learn about sustainability - discovering ways to use natural and more cost effective resources without destroying the ecological balance of an area. This summit will cover home energy, urban gardening, affordable healthcare and more! There will also be giveaways of energy efficient light bulbs, and citizens will have an opportunity to sign up for free home energy audits.

Location: East Point Jefferson Park Recreation Center (1431 Norman Berry Drive, East Point, GA 30344)

Fundraising for the slain East Point police officer

More than $500 1,230 has been pledged as part of a fundraising effort by Jefferson Park resident Nathan Strange to help the family of the slain East Point police officer.

You can learn more from this email sent out by the Jefferson Park Neighbors Association:

One of the things I love about living here is the incredible sense of community. I've lived all over this country, from coast to coast, and have never experienced anything like this before. If you get sick, there will be ten people on your doorstep with lasagnas (or whatever). If you need a ride to the airport, or if you need to borrow a tool, a saw, or just an extra pair of hands all you've got to do is jump on Facebook and ask.

We also have an incredible police department. These men and women are some of the most professional, kind, and hard working people I've ever met, and considering that I work in public safety myself I feel well qualified to say that.

A couple days ago, one of our best officers was found dead in her home, the victim of a crime. The department is suffering greatly for this loss, and we are grieving with them.

I've created a fundraiser in memory of Cpl. Parker, and am working to raise money to accomplish three things: a floral wreath at her funeral from the citizens of East Point, a donation to a charity of the family's choice in her name, and a catered meal for the men and women on duty on the day of her funeral. They are going to have a long, difficult day and I think that will be a way to show our support that will touch them individually.

The fundraiser is through Pitchinbox.com, a website I've used before for successful fundraising, and I trust them. Their interface is VERY basic, but they also don't charge any fees. If you have any desire to donate, I would appreciate it. I must make the disclaimer that I am not a non-profit or any type of business, and I will do my best to allocate the donated funds in a fair and appropriate manner. All funds raised will go toward this effort, minus the fee that Paypal charges me to use them.None of this money will be for my personal use.

Here is the widget. link. Remember, although the gateway page appears extremely basic, it *IS* trustworthy.

http://petuniasprojects.blogspot.com/2013/07/fundraiser-in-memory-of-cpl-parker-east.html

Fatal house fire investigated

“@ajc: Man dies in East Point house fire. http://bit.ly/16moAuW”

East Point police officer found dead in her home

EAST POINT - Authorities are waiting for further information about the death of a standout and decorated city police officer.

From the AJC

East Point officer found dead in home; police awaiting autopsy....

"Crystal A. Parker, a corporal and six-year East Point Police Department employee, ... was voted the city’s 2012 Officer of the Year, was found dead inside her south Fulton County home over the weekend. A close friend requested a welfare check after not seeing or hearing from Parker for a few days."

Channel 2 had a few more details about a recent burglary at her home in south Fulton County.

A neighbor told Channel 2's Darryn Moore that the officer's home was broken into a couple of weeks ago. The last conversation we had, she stated they had broken into her home," neighbor Destiny Jones said. Police confirmed later that someone stole hundreds of dollars' worth of electronics and jewelry during the break-in.

Police have not released Parker's cause of death or if foul play is involved.

 

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

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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.
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