East Atlanta Community Association
Newsletter
November 1, 2010 
In This Issue
EACA Public Safety
Back to the Garden
Neighbor in Need is Taking Off
What's Happening at Martha Brown
Georgia Power Proposed Rate Increase
Career Fair
Heating Assistance for East Atlanta Seniors
East Atlanta's Community Center
Improvements in Brownwood Park
East Atlanta Village Famers Market
Recycle EAV
Burgess-Peterson Academy Elementary Needs Your Input
EACA Public Safety Crime Reports
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
 Greetings!

EACA  Logo
Hello,


Don't forget that tomorrow, November 2, is Election Day.  Locate your polling location at the Georgia Secretary of State's 
website.


Enjoy this week's newsletter!
EACA Public Safety
EACA's Public Safety Committee is looking for a neighbor with some technology skills!  For a few years, an EACA volunteer helped our community crime reporter map out monthly activity within Beat 610 (East Atlanta).  That volunteer has since moved from the neighborhood.  If you think this 1-2 hour, monthly commitment is something you'd be willing to tackle, please contact [email protected].
Back to the Garden
The Burgess-Peterson Academy gardeners would like to get in just a bit more work at the garden before winter weather sets in.  On Sunday, November 7, from 12:30 until 4 p.m., volunteers will erect a fence around the new cold frame. Depending on the turnout, we may also put in a raised bed in front of the existing fence and plant some replacement fruit trees.

We have six fence post holes to dig and two post-hole diggers. If anybody has access to a soil auger or some other mechanical post-hole digger, we'd love to borrow it.


Please contact Michelle Rice at
for more information.
 Neighbor in Need is Taking Off
EACA's Neighbor in Need program is providing services and taking names!

In July, an elderly couple - 37-year residents of East Atlanta - were interviewed, and after inspection, a leaking roof, faulty electrical and failing HVAC systems were detected. 
In August, Coolray fixed the HVAC for $350 and at no cost to the homeowners. Neighbor in Need has solicited bids for the roof and electrical repairs, which will be complete by the end of the year.


Neighbor in Need has received a $5,000 matching grant. If we raise $5,000, we'll actually have $10,000 to help more of our neighbors. You may donate to Neighbor in Need on EACA's website on this page; all donations are tax deductible.
What's Happening at Martha Brown
Soup and Shop: For the female residents at Branan Towers Soup and Shop is Wednesday November 3rd.  Please consider making a donation for these residents, or donate your time by helping sort donated items on November 2nd, at the Church. 

Pet Blessing: Saturday, November 6th is our Pet Blessing at 11:00am in Brownwood Park.  Bring your friends and neighbors...oh yeah...and your pets!!

Neighbor in Need: On Sunday, November 7th Neighbor in Need will be Martha Brown's featured guest.  If you have been wondering what this great cause is all about come hear a little about this organization while at the same time visiting Martha Brown.  All monies collected this Sunday will not only be donated to Neighbor in Need, but will be matched by Martha Brown. 

Beginnings Class:  Interested in learning more about the mission and ministry of Martha Brown?  The next class for new and inquiring neighbors will be Sunday, November 14th, 9:45-10:45am. 

Common Grounds: For those looking for an alternative form of worship, please join us Friday November 19th at our next Common Grounds worship/coffeehouse at 7:00pm. 

Community Pot Luck Dinners:  On the first and third Wednesday of each month, please join us for a time of fun and fellowship at 6:30 in the fellowship hall.  All are welcome. 

Please email Pastor Heather if interested in any of the above. 

Georgia Power Proposed Rate Increase

The Georgia Public Service Commission is currently taking public comment on the proposed rate increases by Georgia Power.  A series of public hearings has already begun.  At the first hearings in early October, many senior citizens testified about the negative financial impact of the proposed rate increases, which would increase Georgia Power's rate of return from 11% to 11.95% and would total $1.3 billion of additional revenue over three years.  Additional hearings are scheduled for November 8 and December 1.  Both hearings start at 9 am and will take place at the first floor hearing room of the Public Service Commission offices at 244 Washington Street, Atlanta, 30334

Those who disagree with this rate increase proposal are invited to testify at one of the hearings.  Those who are unable to testify in person are urged to write the members of the Public Service Commission at the address above or to email them.  Email addresses can be found at PSC's website at www.psc.state.ga.us. The PSC is composed of five members who are elected statewide by you, the voting public, and are responsible for ensuring that public utility rates and policies are fair to the public.  Each member's name, photo, address, and biography is on the PSC website.  The final decision on the rate increase will be made at the PSC's December 21 meeting at 10:00 a.m.  Any rate increase would become effective in January 2011.
 Career Fair

Career Fair 


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

12 Noon to 4 pm

 


Business Attire is Required

Bring Plenty of Resumes

 

Corporate Conference Rooms

 

 Presented by the Partnership for Community Action, Inc.

Careers & Employment Services Program

 

Heating Assistance for East Atlanta Seniors


Know a senior struggling to pay the heating bill?  The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a one-time benefit those who meet eligibility criteria.  The application process begins today and continues through November 30, 2010, for:


 


  •  Homebound households where all household members are homebound
  • Elderly households (age 65 and older where all household members are 65 and over) for regular and crisis situations
  • Elderly households (age 65 and over as above with the only other household members under age 18)
  • Any life threatening crisis situation regardless of age of household members (proof of medical situation from a medical service provider required)

The benefit amount ranges from $310 - $350 depending on one's yearly income, and benefits begin distribution in December, 2010.  Checks are issued to the suppliers of home heating energy or fuel, to offset heating costs for eligible households.  For detailed information on LIHEAP and other county-based discounts for DeKalb residents, see this flyer.


**Please let the low-income seniors in your life and on your street know about this important program!**

East Atlanta's Community Center

Did you know that East Atlanta has a community center available for the public's use?

All it takes is a phone call or email to Lisa Marie Welch, facilities manager for the Brownwood Recreation Center.  An East Atlanta resident for about a decade, Lisa Marie has previously worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Zoo Atlanta and The Children's School.  She's an artist by nature, and shares her work, including, paintings, pottery, jewelry, handbags and other arts and crafts in seasonal shows throughout the year.

In 2010, EACA and the East Atlanta Kids Club (EAKC) created the Brownwood Recreation Center Community Committee, a group of neighbors who guide the decision-making, programming and financial well-being of the Recreation Center, previously closed by the City of Atlanta. The group meets regularly, and if you have ideas or would like to help with the operation of the Recreation Center you may email Lisa.

If you or a group would like to have an event - or series of events - at the Recreation Center, check the calendar linked on EAKC's website; then contact Lisa Marie at [email protected] or 404-627-8050.

Improvements in Brownwood Park

As you stroll through Brownwood Park, you will see significant enhancements to its safety and beauty.

 

Over the past two weeks, Cascade Springs Forestry has cut and chipped significant quantities of the Park's most prolific exotic pest shrubs and trees: Chinese Privet, White Mulberry and Thorny Olive Elaeagnus.  Over the next six months, English Ivy, Chinese Liriope (Monkeygrass), Kudzu, Japanese Stiltgrass and Japanese Chaff Flower will be controlled with herbicides suitable for use in urban greenways.  The contractor, Terry Sutton, and his team have proven to be careful operators in urban park environments and are sensitive to community concerns.

 

The control of exotic pest plants is an initial phase in the implementation of the Park's Master Plan.  Management of the Park's vegetation will continue over the course of the coming year, though results are noticeable right now.  Funding for this project has been provided by Trees Atlanta, Park Pride and the East Atlanta Beer Festival.

 

If you'd like more information on these non-native, invasive plants, visit the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council.  If you'd like more information on how you can get involved with EACA's Parks and Greenspace work, contact the Committee's Co-Chairs, Laird Ruth and Mary Yetter, at [email protected].
East Atlanta Village Famers Market

The East Atlanta Village Farmers Market is going strong through Thanksgiving.  In fact, they've added new vendors.  Come support your local farmers market every Thursday night from 4:30 to 7:30 at 1231 Glenwood Ave.

Recycle EAV
Recycle EAV is proud to inform the East Atlanta Community of our recently approved grant application from the EABF! This grant will fund one year of free recycling for the EAV businesses, as well provide a generous merchandising budget to help earn further funds for the program.  Thank you EABF for your amazing support!  We would also like to thank EACA, EABA, our many local businesses who sponsored the creation of Recycle EAV T-shirts, and all of the neighbors that have helped this program grow roots and thrive.  You are doing great things for the quality of your neighborhood and environment!
 
RecycleEAV is not going to rest for a minute on raising more money for the program.  In fact, this grant is merely encouraging our efforts to gain momentum and insure the longevity and eventual expansion of this program to other areas of the Village.  We are planning a month long benefit in January hosted by the Flatiron and sponsored by PBR.  This benefit will include an opening and closing event, raffles, Recycle EAV t-shirt giveaways, can crushing contests, and more!  Oh, and of course visits from our one and only Trash Troll, who you might have seen representing Recycle EAV in the Little 5 Points Halloween Parade recently.  Stay tuned for further details and to find how you help your neighborhood stay green!

For further informtion email Kate Crosby or visit Recycle EAV's Facebook page.
Burgess-Peterson Academy Elementary Needs Your Input.

Burgess-Peterson Academy is applying for a sizable grant to enlarge and diversify their after-school program offering.  What would you like to see included?  What do you feel would most benefit the children of this community.  Please feel out this survey to share your ideas.  Your input is important!
 East Atlanta Security Patrol
To learn more about the East Atlanta Security Patrol, view updated news and notes or to enroll, visit the EASP website. There is a 50% discount for longtime residents and those 65+. To qualify, you must have lived at the same address for 20 years or be over age 65. We also have a 20% discount for members of an APD-sanctioned Neighborhood Watch. Please contact us if you're interested in setting up a Neighborhood Watch on your street.
 
If you have additional questions, please direct them to [email protected], or call EACA Public Safety Chair Myron Polster at 404-954-1568.

 EACA Public Safety - Weekly Crime Repor
The weekly crime reports for weeks 40-43 are below:

A new feature, the significant arrests report for weeks 40-43 are below:

October Crime Report
October Trends
Upcoming Area Meetings
Atlanta City Council

Meetings: 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month (11.01), 1:00 pm

City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta


Neighborhood Planning Unit, NPU-W, Land Use and Zoning Committee

Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month (11.02), 7:00pm

Martha Brown United Methodist Church, 468 Moreland Ave SE

 

East Atlanta Business Association (EABA)

Meeting: 1st Wednesday of the month (11.03), 2pm

East Atlanta Library, 400 Flat Shoals Ave. SE

 

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners

Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month (11.09), 9:00 am

Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Dr, Decatur

 

East Atlanta Community Association, (EACA)

Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month (11.09), 7pm

Branan Towers, 1200 Glenwood Ave., SE

 

South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development, Inc. (SAND)
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of the month (11.11); 7:30pm
Beulah Heights University Student Center, 892 Berne Street


2010 EACA Membership

Join EACA today!  Annual dues are $10 per household per year.  As an EACA member, you can vote at EACA meetings on topics of interest within our community.  Email questions to [email protected].

You can sign up for your 2010 EACA membership and order EACA Yard Signs on-line!  Pay electronically through your online banking site or via Paypal
 HERE.

East Atlanta on Facebook & Twitter
If you're a Facebook member, be sure to become a fan of both the EACA Fan Page and the East Atlanta Village page, too!  Click on links below to take you directly to each.



Contact Information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://eaca.net