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East Atlanta Community Association Newsletter
Weekly Update
November 3, 2008
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In this issue:
New This Week
EACA Looking for New Leaders
First Friday
Volunteers in Patrol
September Crime Reports
East Atlanta Security Patrol
School News
EAV Farmers Market
East Atlanta Meetings and Deadlines
Local Events
Local News
 
New This Week
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The biggest news this week is that tomorrow (Tuesday) is Election Day.  With early voting, this election promises to be the biggest one ever!  EACA encourages you to get out and VOTE!
 
Thanks also go out to the organizers of EAV-O-Ween, especially EACA member Rick Gagnon, who took over the reigns this year from Caryn Liss.  A very successful event in the past, the great tradition was continued.  Young or old (or somewhere in between), there were numerous activities for all.  Anyone who passed through the Village last Friday saw how packed it was, with costumed trick-or-treaters of all sizes.  A special thanks goes out to Bond Community Federal Credit Union and Executive Off-Duty Security Consultants for their sponsorship of the event.  Special kudos also go out to the Village businesses who did a fantastic job getting EAV into the "spirit"... 
 
The East Atlanta Security Patrol is looking for additional volunteers for the coming year.  Several people have already expressed interest, and we will be getting together this month to discuss ways to implement many of the suggestions that have been coming from the community and even from the Patrol officers!  If you wish to participate, just drop a note with your contact information to [email protected].

EACA looking for new leaders in 2009
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EACA is actively seeking new leadership for next year.  Current President Myron Polster and Vice-President Heath Turner are not eligible to return in those positions in 2009, and Sarah Palin will be in Washington or back in Alaska, so we need some new blood at the top.  This is a great chance to improve your neighborhood in areas such as Public Safety, Code Enforcement, Land Use and Zoning, Education and Transportation to name just a few.  Elections will be held at the December 9th EACA meeting for all four officer positions, including Secretary and Treasurer.

To learn more, contact one of the nominating committee members, either Henry Bryant at 404-377-6148 or Dennis Madsen at 404-577-8656.  You may also speak with one of our officers at tomorrow night's EACA meeting.
 
 First Friday Celebration in the EAV
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The East Atlanta Village has recently started a new promotion called First Friday.  The idea is for participating businesses to offer various specials and enticements to secure new customers and to encourage repeat business.  Participating businesses are attempting to remain open at least an hour later, and to offer discounts, giveaways, sale items and even music and entertainment to make for a more festive atmosphere.  Look for the special logo imprinted balloon bouquet in front of your favorite EAV business!  The next First Friday will be held on November 7th.  Please speak with your favorite local merchants, bars and restaurants and ask them to participate.  And be sure to support those that do participate so that we can maintain and increase the mix of businesses in the EAV.
 
If you or your business would like to participate in the monthly First Friday celebration, speak with Wendy Johnson at Champagne Taste Boutique.  You can also contact her at 404-681-4456 or [email protected].
 
Volunteers in Patrol
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The DeKalb County Police is currently taking applications for the new Volunteers In Patrol (V.I.P.) program.  This is a non-confrontational neighborhood patrol program that the DeKalb County Police is kicking off as part of the Department's Interactive Community Policing strategy.  The new program is designed to:
  • deter crime
  • improve the quality of life
  • provide a safer environment for neighborhoods
  • impact crime by having citizens patrol their own neighborhoods
  • Allow volunteers to report suspicious or criminal activity to Interactive Community Policing (ICP) or 911 (if an emergency)

To learn more, read the flyer, and if you wish to participate, fill out the application. 

We are excited and hope that you and your community will be as excited and eager to partner with us to ensure that all of DeKalb is a safe place to live, work and play.

Phyllis M. Allen
Public Education Specialist - East Precinct
Interactive Community Policing (ICP) Unit
Phone:  770.482.0328
Fax:     770.482.0323
 
September Crime Reports 
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We have posted the September crime report and year-to-date statistics for East Atlanta.  Click on the associated links to access the following:
 
As you read many of the detailed crime reports, you may notice that many of the victims of residential burglaries are out of town when the crimes occur.  APD offers directed patrols for any resident who will be out of town, and all that is required is faxing a form to Zone 6.  Please be sure to take advantage of this service, as your beat officers will make use of these forms as they patrol the neighborhood.
 
If you have any questions, or would like to get involved with the EACA Public Safety Committee, contact Public Safety Chair Ed Gilgor at [email protected].
 
East Atlanta Security Patrol
 

The East Atlanta Security Patrol is an effort to provide additional police patrols for both residential and commercial properties here in East Atlanta.  Currently the Security Patrol is providing about 30 hours per week of coverage, mostly on days and times where we're experiencing the highest dates of residential burglaries.  Coverage is focused on our member households, with extra emphasis for residents who are out of town.  Time spent near any given member household is also adjusted based on current crime patterns.  Additional foot patrols are provided in the East Atlanta Village, with the number of hours dependent on the contributions of member businesses.
 
If you wish to join the Security Patrol, be certain that you live in the city of Atlanta, and within EACA borders.  The patrol does not currently extend to unincorporated Dekalb County since it is staffed by off-duty Atlanta police officers.

To learn more or to enroll, visit the East Atlanta Security Patrol website.   Residential burglaries have been trending down considerably in recent weeks, and that is the main focus of our patrol hours.  The next deadline for enrollment is November 30th.  
 
If you have additional questions, please direct them to [email protected], or call EACA President Myron Polster at 404-429-8815.
 
Burgess-Peterson Academy Volunteer Kick-Off (NEW DATE)
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Burgess-Peterson Academy needs your help!  We have lots of upcoming events and need the community's assistance to support our students.  We will be holding a volunteer kick-off on Thursday, November 6th from 5-6 p.m. where interested volunteers can come to the school and learn about all of the possible volunteer needs we have at East Atlanta's only elementary school.  This is a great opportunity for the community to participate in the transformation of Burgess-Peterson Academy into a high-performing elementary school.
 
If you desire to get involved right away, we have numerous opportunities coming up prior to the volunteer night.  For all of the details, click on http://eaca.net/Education/Burgess-Peterson_-_Upcoming_Events.doc.
 
Imagine Wesley International Academy - Golf Tournament
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1st ANNUAL IWIA
GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER 
 
When:  Saturday November 8, 2008 @ 9a.m. Shotgun Start
Where:  Alfred "Tub" Holmes Golf Course
2300 Wilson Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
404-753-6158

Cost: $75/player (includes breakfast and lunch)

Kids $40 each  (includes breakfast and lunch, and is limited to the first 18 children in grades 5 - 7)
(The kids will be playing in the tournament, one child per team, with the adult players)
 
OR, the kids can participate in:
 
Children's Putting Contest:  Starts at 11a.m., Cost is $5/child
Children's Driving Contest:  Starts at 12p.m., Cost is $5/child
(these contests are open to all children)
  
There will be prizes for the top teams and all the kids!
 
For additional information or questions please contact:
Imagine Wesley Golf Tournament Project Manager,
JOHN CASH at 678-787-8098 cell or [email protected]

Atlanta Charter Middle School (ACMS) News 
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Students and families from the Atlanta Charter Middle School (ACMS) as well as former students from the Anne E. West Elementary School gathered on Sunday, October 12th at 820 Essie Avenue in Ormewood Park-the current home of ACMS and formerly Anne E. West-to celebrate the ACMS's ownership of the historic building and to open the school to residents of southeast Atlanta.  The event-presided over by City Council member Carla Smith-featured remarks from Atlanta School Board Member Brenda Muhammad, former Anne E. West student Katherine Carter, ACMS Principal Matt Underwood, and ACMS Board Chair Gigi Conner.  Attendees then had the opportunity to explore the school.

On November 7th and 8th, a team of teachers, parents, and students from ACMS will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the annual Coalition of Essential Schools Fall Forum.  The Coalition of Essential Schools is a national network of schools to which ACMS belongs.  The organization promotes student-centered learning and democratic decision-making.  The November ACMS PTCA meeting will feature a presentation from the team that attends the Fall Forum, and anyone who is interested in finding out more about ACMS and the Coalition of Essential Schools is invited to attend.  The meeting begins at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 12th in the ACMS media center.

Another upcoming community event-the Fall Fling, a joint fundraiser between ACMS and the Neighborhood Charter School-features a night of great food, fun, and an auction filled with amazing items that benefits two deserving schools. This year's Fling will be held in Glenwood Park on Saturday, November 15th from 5:30 to 10:00 PM.  For more information (including how to purchase tickets), email [email protected].

If you would like to read more about the school, the weekly courier is available online.  Take a few minutes to find out whether the school might be right for your child, as you can learn all about their programs and the enrollment process.  East Atlanta is in the primary attendance zone for ACMS, so be sure to keep this neighborhood school on your radar!
 
EAV Farmers Market Every Thursday!
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The EAV Farmers Market started May 1st at its new location in the parking lot of Village Hardware and continues every Thursday through November 20th, from 4PM to Dusk.

 

In addition to fresh local produce there will be a regular selection of hormone-free beef and pork, artisan cheeses and breads.

 

Thanks to a grant from EACA and partnership with the State, the EAV Farmers Market will be able to accept EBT food stamps this year from the 4,400 recipients in the 30316 zip code.

 

There is also a great new article about the EAV Farmers Market.  Just go to page 9 once you click on the Farmers' Market Today link.
 

For more information about the market, you can also visit www.farmeav.com.

 
East Atlanta Meetings and Deadlines
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NPU-W Land Use & Zoning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 4 - 7:30 pm
Georgia Hill Center (250 Georgia Avenue)
For more information, contact NPU-W Chair Ed Gilgor at [email protected]
 
Burgess-Peterson Academy PTA Meeting
Tuesday, November 11 - 6:00 p.m.
Burgess-Peterson Academy (480 Clifton Street)
 
East Atlanta Community Association Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, November 11 - 7:00 p.m.
Branan Towers (1200 Glenwood Avenue)
For more information, contact EACA President Myron Polster at [email protected].  For a copy of the October meeting minutes, click here.
 
NPU-W Transportation Committee Meeting
Thursday, November 13 - 7:00 p.m.
Martha Brown United Methodist Church (468 Moreland Avenue)
For more information, contact NPU-W Transportation Chair Russell Baggett at [email protected].
 
Branan Bingo for Seniors
Tuesday, November 18 - 6:00 p.m.
Branan Towers (1200 Glenwood Avenue)
For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Dennis Madsen ([email protected]) or Jeff McCord ([email protected]) 
 
Beltline 101 Session
Tuesday, November 18 - 6:00 p.m.
Zoo Atlanta - Ford Conference Room (800 Cherokee Avenue)  
 
NPU-W Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - 7:30 p.m.
Martha Brown United Methodist Church (468 Moreland Avenue)
For more information, contact NPU-W Chair Ed Gilgor at [email protected]
 
LEAP Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Burgess-Peterson Academy Media Center (480 Clifton Street)
To learn more, contact Education Chair Jennifer Mullins at [email protected]

If you're interested in submitting an article to the EACA weekly newsletter, send it to [email protected] by the end of the day on Friday. Include relevant dates, times, locations and contact information, as well as details of the event or announcement.
 
If you're interested in submitting an article to the Porch Press, the deadline is the 25th of each month, for inclusion the following month (the issue usually appears around the 15th). Proofreading/Paste up is always the first Monday (unless there is a holiday or crisis). You may submit your articles to [email protected]
 
Local Events
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EAV Farmers Market
Thursday, November 6th - 4:00 p.m. until dusk
Village Hardware parking lot (1231 Glenwood Avenue) 
 
Burgess-Peterson Volunteer Kick-Off
Thursday, November 6th - 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
480 Clifton Street
 
Bound to be Read Books - Writing Group
Thursday, November 6th - 7:00 p.m.
Our in-store writing group is open to writers of all types. We meet on the first Thursday of each month to read our work and to give and receive feedback.
It's easy to participate! Just bring five (5) copies of your poem, short story, essay, novel, screenplay, play, children's story, or other written work to share. We'll read and offer constructive comments on everyone's work.
For more information, contact us at (404) 522-0877 or [email protected].

FYI:  We're discussing The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon for November's book club discussion, and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami for December's book club discussion.  Book club selections are always 20% off.

First Friday
Friday, November 7th - All Day
East Atlanta Village
 
Cabbagetown's Annual Chomp & Stomp Chili & Bluegrass Festival
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Saturday, November 8th, 10 am-8 pm 
 
The event features a Chili Cook-off with over 1000 gallons of chili, and a contest between local restaurants as well as individuals. there will be two stages of music, a 5k Romp fun run, Artist's Market, Children's Activities & "Cabbage Games," Food Vendors, and a Dog Parade.  You can sign up for the 5k and learn more about the event at http://www.chompandstomp.com
 
Local News
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EABA Website and Discounts 
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For lists of local businesses, information on special events and happenings, and for all you need to know about each and every business in the EAV: hours, contact info, deals, specialties - check it out at the website for the East Atlanta Business Association.
 

And, as if you needed more incentive to become a member of EACA, now you can use your EACA membership card to get discounts and specials at participating East Atlanta businesses! If you aren't an EACA member, you can join at the monthly EACA meeting (next one is Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 pm, at Branan Towers) or send an email to [email protected]. Become a part of your community organization, and reap rewards for doing it!

 
Check out the EABA Website
 
EACA Membership
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Join EACA Today!
You can sign up for your 2008 EACA membership and order EACA Yard Signs on-line! You can pay electronically through your online banking site or via Paypal. Click HERE to pay for your 2008 membership or yard sign online.  You can also view the official list of EACA member discounts in case you need an additional incentive to become a member.
 
In order to vote at EACA meetings, you must be a paying member.  We will be voting on some important issues in 2008, so please renew your membership or join today.
 
Be a part of your community!
 
"How Do I Contact EACA?"
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One of our most frequently asked questions is how to contact an EACA officer or committee chair.  The answer is quite simple.  Visit our contact page and find the name of the person or committee that you wish to contact.  You may also travel directly to our contact page by clicking on the Contact link from anywhere on the EACA website.  If you aren't sure who the correct person or committee to contact is, feel free to direct your inquiry to the EACA president.

 

Once you arrive at the contact page, you can either fill in the online form, or you can click on a person's name if you'd rather send a message from your own e-mail program.  The advantage of sending a message from your own e-mail is that you can keep a record of what you sent, when you sent it and to whom it was directed. 

 

"What are some of the reasons I would contact EACA?"

  • You have a problem that you think we may be able to help resolve, such as an issue with safety on your street;
  • You have an idea on how to improve the neighborhood;
  • You would like to volunteer to help with an event like a cleanup of the Village;
  • You would like to join an EACA committee;
  • You have a topic you'd like to present at an EACA Meeting. 
The East Atlanta Community Association is here to serve you!
Contact Information
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email: [email protected]
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