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East Atlanta Community Association Newsletter Weekly Update
November 17, 2008
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New This Week
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Of course it's almost time for the runoff election on December 2nd. See the article which provides information on early and absentee voting, which starts today and runs through November 26th.
Don't forget that next month is the annual EACA potluck dinner. It is held immediately following a brief EACA meeting, where we will elect new officers for 2009. Start thinking about a fun dish that you would like to share with your neighbors. We'll have more details next week.
One of the items discussed at last week's EACA meeting was the housing crisis and funds that will be available for Neighborhood Stabilization. The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership has some great information about this topic for both Atlanta and DeKalb County, as well as information on possible overpayment of property taxes and the recently passed homestead exemption changes. Read their home page for more details at http://www.andpi.org.
And please be sure to contact your city officials if you wish to weigh in on the latest financial crisis in the city of Atlanta. Visit www.atlantaga.gov if you wish to make your views and budget priorities known. There are links to City Council members and the letter that Mayor Franklin and two other mayors sent to the Treasury Secretary asking for financial assistance. |
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Runoff Election Information
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General Election Runoff, December 2, 2008
Early/Absentee Voting:
Dates: Monday, November 17th through Wednesday, November 26th
Hours: 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM daily
Location: 4380 Memorial Drive Location only
The poll will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 27th and 28th and Monday, December 1st.
To view a sample ballot, please click on https://dklbweb.dekalbga.org/voter/pdf/CountySample12022008.pdf. Much like in the general election, residents of unincorporated DeKalb and the city of Atlanta will see slight variations in the composition of this ballot. |
Discounted Gutter Cleaning
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Lee Comer, a resident of East Lake, is offering a Gutter Cleaning Special to East Atlanta residents. Here is the note she sent to EACA:
My company The Water Pump has been in business for ten years, and we have many references, and have full general liability and workman's compensation insurance coverage. We are a property maintenance company that offers pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and window washing. Twice a year we offer a special in East Lake and Oakhurst for $50 gutter cleaning -we would like to extend this offer to East Atlanta. The special is good for anyone who has their gutters cleaned on Nov. 20, 21, and 22. They will leave you an invoice if you are not home at the time they clean your gutters.
Lee Comer
The Water Pump
P.O. Box 744
Decatur, Ga 30031
(678) 613-1064
Please note that this is not an endorsement by EACA and there is no financial arrangement with this company and EACA, although we did speak with her on the phone and this seems like a good deal. Even if you aren't interested in this offer, we would like feedback on your interest in such offers in the future. For example, an alarm company is willing to offer free installation and a contribution to EACA if we promote their service. We would disclose such arrangements and carefully check references, but we'd like your input on such deals and advertising. This could potentially be extended to areas like auto service, window glass replacement, yard services, plumbers and other similar things where we might be able to negotiate a discount for EACA members. It also means we'd have a list of some reliable vendors and contractors who would be motivated to maintain this relationship. Just reply to this e-mail or drop a note to president@eaca.net with your thoughts. |
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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! |
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The Return Of East Atlanta Santa!
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East Atlanta Santa's back!
Save a trip to the mall and benefit a great local organization by bringing yourself, your children and your pets to Joe's Coffee (510 Flat Shoals Ave.) on Saturday, December 6, for pictures with Santa.
Reservations are available in 10-minute increments from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with Santa and the elves taking a break from 12:30 until 1:30. Walk-ins will be fit in as time allows. For $15, you'll get a CD burned on the spot with the best shots. All proceeds benefit East Atlanta Kids Club. Joe's also will be sponsoring a craft fair that day, so you can grab a coffee while you watch the Santa fun and shop around. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Michelle Rice at 4chisos@comcast.net. |
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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Zone 6 Holiday Safety Summit
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On Saturday November 22 at 10 a.m., Village Hardware will sponsor a Safety Summit at their store at 1231 Glenwood Avenue in the East Atlanta Village. The event is co-sponsored by Zone 6 of the Atlanta Police Department.
The event will feature:
Demonstrations on Assorted Locking Devices (Doors, Windows, etc.)
Lighting Gadgets
Plants (Security)
Christmas Tree Safety
Holiday Safety Tips (Online Shopping, Car Safety and more)
Identity Theft
Wireless Alarms
If you would like to RSVP for the event, please contact Sandra or Kelly at 404-627-5757. Refreshments will be served! |
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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. |
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EAV Farmers Market - Final Week!
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The EAV Farmers Market wraps up its first year in the parking lot of Village Hardware this Thursday, 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.
For more information about the market, you can also visit www.farmeav.com. |
Imagine Wesley International Academy - Curriculum Night
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On Thursday November 20, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, our Administrative and Curriculum Development Team will host a presentation in the school library for all current and prospective Primary School Parents (grades Kindergarten through 4th). The program will explore the essential aspects of the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum and provide parents with information about:
· IB Philosophy
· PYP Assessment
· IB Learner Profile
· PYP Curriculum connections with the Georgia Performance Standards
· PYP Curriculum Framework
· Six PYP Subjects
· Six PYP Transdisciplinary Themes
· PYP Implementation and Authorization
· Vision for Our IWIA Primary School
· Questions and Answers on the PYP Curriculum
We hope that everyone will join us for an informative and fun event. |
Atlanta Charter Middle School Board Considers New Policy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While the East Atlanta community is proud to be in the primary attendance zone for the Atlanta Charter Middle School, a new policy is being considered, and may come to a vote at this week's Board meeting. The proposed change is for students from the Neighborhood Charter School to receive enrollment priority before those in the primary attendance zone. Since East Atlanta is not in the primary attendance zone for NCS, this could reduce the number of openings available for East Atlanta families at ACMS in the future. For East Atlanta families with students already at NCS, this is probably good news. The capacity for NCS in the 5th grade is 60 students, which is not expected to increase. The current capacity at ACMS for 6th grade is 52 students, with a potential capacity of 80 students.
There are a number of reasons for this change to the school charter. The biggest factor is the similarity in educational philosophy between NCS and ACMS. Another is the desire to guarantee parents that their youngster from NCS will have a spot at ACMS, something that can't be promised today. Some parents are choosing to enroll their children at Imagine Wesley rather than NCS because of the guarantee that they can continue at the school from K-8.
If you wish to express support in favor or against this new policy, please pass your comments along to EACA President Myron Polster at president@eaca.net, or you are welcome to attend Thursday's board meeting. Public comment can be made at the start of the meeting (See Meetings and Deadlines for more information). |
East Atlanta Meetings and Deadlines ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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)
Imagine Wesley International Academy PTA Meeting
Tuesday, November 18 - 6:30 P.M.
Park Avenue Baptist Church
486 Park Avenue SE
LEAP Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - 7:00 p.m.
Burgess-Peterson Academy Media Center (480 Clifton Street)
Imagine Wesley International Academy Curriculum Night
Thursday, November 20 - 6:30 P.M.
1049 Custer Avenue in the School Library
Atlanta Charter Middle School Board Meeting
Thursday, November 20 - 7:00 p.m.
820 Essie Avenue
NPU-W Monthly MeetingWednesday, November 26 - 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
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.net
East Atlanta Community Association Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, December 9 - 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.
NPU-W Transportation Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 11 - 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.
If 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 20th - 4:00 p.m. until dusk
Village Hardware parking lot (1231 Glenwood Avenue)
Bound To Be Read Book Club
Thursday, November 20th - 7:00 p.m.
The book club discusses The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon--and yes, we actually talk about the book. This is a free discussion and everyone is welcome to join us. The December book club selection is Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. Book club selections are always 20% off. You may bring wine and snacks to feed the book club facilitator. Join the fun and meet new friends.
First Friday
Friday, 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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