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East Atlanta Community Association Newsletter Weekly Update
November 10, 2008
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New This Week
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Tomorrow night is our last regular EACA meeting of the year. Next month is an abbreviated meeting and election of 2009 EACA officers followed by our annual Potluck dinner.
Now is the time to throw your hat in the ring and represent your local community. In addition to being an EACA officer or committee chair next year, you can represent East Atlanta by being one of our eight representatives to NPU-W. Learn more at http://eaca.net/index/committees/npu-w.
An appeal has recently been sent to many in the community for financial assistance for the East Atlanta Kids Club. EACA presented them money from a grant earlier this year, but that's unfortunately a drop in the bucket compared to their needs. Read excerpts of the letter, and please consider supporting this valuable program in our community.
We have placed an article about the DeKalb County Neighborhood Stabilization Program in this week's newsletter in the Local News section. Right below that is a link to the entire application with information about how you can provide input to the updated plan. Why is this important to us? If you read the plan, you'll see that zip code 30316 is among the worst areas in the county for foreclosures. And I think everyone knows that empty and abandoned houses in our neighborhood have negative impacts on property values, crime, etc. Take a few minutes to scan the application and provide your feedback. The deadline for public input is November 14th. |
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East Atlanta Kids Club needs our help
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Market volatility and worrisome economic trends have created stress for many of us. Unfortunately, many people have it much harder than we ever will: those who were already disadvantaged prior to our economic downturn. Those who literally struggle each day just to make ends meet. Those families and children the East Atlanta Kids Club exists to serve. We hope you can help us to continue serving them now, when they need it most. We hope you can help us to keep Calvin and his friends smiling.
Unfortunately, due to reductions in donations and grants, Kids Club finds itself in a tough financial position. To be frank, we're struggling to keep the doors open.
As you know, what goes on at Kids Club is vital. Through our rich and varied activities, 1:1 mentoring experiences, and partnerships with organizations like Tri Kids, Inc. and Junior Achievement, our kids are becoming more committed to health and wellness, to staying in school, and to understanding the power that education and technology have in shaping their futures. They're learning trades, preparing for college, becoming triathletes, cyclists, artists, and community servants. They're preparing to be the workers, leaders, and entrepreneurs that will shape the future of Atlanta. For most of them, the Kids Club is much more than a place to "hang out;" it's a core part of their identity. Their self-esteem, confidence and tenacity are shaped there. Their friendships and role models are developed there. Kids Club forges personal growth as well as a sense of citizenship. The amazing staff and dedicated volunteers of the Kids Club have truly enriched the lives of hundreds of youth in Atlanta for the past 10 years - and in the process, they've enriched our community.
Never in my time with the organization did I think I would be sending a letter so dire. We need you to help us cover our operating costs, so we can continue to serve these kids. Through our "Keep Calvin Smiling" campaign (yes, Calvin is one of our kids), we're endeavoring to raise $50,000 in the next eight weeks. It's a big goal, but we're confident that, with your support, we can achieve it.
Times are tight, and we are all a bit uncomfortable. But for most of us, our futures are not truly on the line. Please consider your ability to give - and give generously - to help the youth of Atlanta thrive. Because business cycles and recessions shouldn't put opportunity, dreams and smiles at risk.
Be sure to watch the TNT Special, Dramatic Difference, just a minute long, that features Kids Club Executive Director Jill Sieder. And EACA encourages you to support this great local organization that makes such a dramatic difference in the lives of our youths right here in East Atlanta. Visit eastatlantakids.org and make a tax-deductible donation today! |
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 is 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. |
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October Crime Reports
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We have posted the October crime report, crime maps 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 publicsafety@eaca.net.
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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 securitypatrol@eaca.net, or call EACA President Myron Polster at 404-429-8815. |
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), click here.
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! |
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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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burgess-Peterson Academy PTA Meeting
Tuesday, November 11 - 6:00 p.m.
Burgess-Peterson Academy (480 Clifton Street)
East Atlanta Community Association Monthly MeetingTuesday, November 11 - 7:00 p.m. Branan Towers (1200 Glenwood Avenue) For more information, contact EACA President Myron Polster at president@eaca.net. For a copy of the October meeting minutes, click here.
Atlanta Charter Middle School PTCA Meeting
Wednesday, November 12 - 6:30 p.m.
820 Essie Avenue - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more about the school in the latest edition of the Courier
NPU-W Transportation Committee MeetingThursday, 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 inspired_by_design@hotmail.com.
Branan Bingo for Seniors
Tuesday, November 18 - 6:00 p.m.
Branan Towers (1200 Glenwood Avenue)
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 npuw.chair@comcast.net
LEAP Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Burgess-Peterson Academy Media Center (480 Clifton Street)
NPU-W Land Use & Zoning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 2 - 7:30 pm
Georgia Hill Center (250 Georgia Avenue) For more information, contact NPU-W Chair Ed Gilgor at npuw.chair@comcast.netIf you're interested in submitting an article to the EACA weekly newsletter, send it to newsletter@eaca.net 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 eaveditor@theporchpress.com |
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Local Events
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EAV Farmers Market
Thursday, November 13th - 4:00 p.m. until dusk
Village Hardware parking lot (1231 Glenwood Avenue)
Classic Wisdom Series
Free Seminar: The Law of Karma
Thursday, November 13th - 7:30 P.M.
Knowledge is Power! The Buddha said, "What we are comes from our thought of yesterday, and our present life builds our life of tomorrow." Learn the true knowledge of the law of cause and effect and start being the person you want to be. David Hirschorn from the New Acropolis Academy presents a free lecture on the Law of Karma.
Fall Fling 2008 Raffle and Auction
Saturday, November 15th 5:30 - 10:00
890 Bill Kennedy Way - Glenwood Park Retail Area
The Fall Fling supports both the Neighborhood Charter School and the Atlanta Charter Middle School. First FridayFriday, December 5th - All Day
East Atlanta Village
Mt. Nebo Christian Academy
- Mondays, Ballet Classes at Mt. Nebo Christian Academy, starting at 3:30 p.m.
- Thursdays, Karate Classes at Mt. Nebo Christian Academy, starting at 3:30 p.m.
And, also we are now accepting any/all applicants that are interested in registering for our Georgia Pre-K. Please do not hesitate to call or stop by Mt. Nebo Christian Academy Monday thru Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 6 p.m.
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Second Sundays at Kirkwood Station
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"Second Sundays" at Kirkwood Station is the latest open air market to be hosted by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. The Market will feature art, handcrafted items, organic foods as well as participate with the businesses currently located at Kirkwood Station. Approximately 24 merchant participants are expected. This monthly market will be held on the second Sunday of each month. Remaining dates for 2008:
Sunday, December 14, 2008 from noon - 5:00 p.m.
The Market will re-open in 2009 from March - December. For more info on the Artist Market visit www.affps.com |
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Local News
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Housing aid program raises hopes, concerns and questions
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