EastPointNeighbors

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noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:56:00 +0000

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noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:14:00 +0000

EAST POINT EXAMINED

http://eastpointexamined.blogspot.com/

East Point moving forward on finances

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:24:00 +0000

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

3:13 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2010
East Point's mayor won’t veto another move by the City Council to borrow money to keep the city running this year.

But after getting an overview of city finances from an outside auditor Saturday morning, Earnestine Pittman said she would prefer the city borrow only enough to pay $6 million in bond payments due next month.

Beyond that, the city should make whatever cuts are needed to operate only on the money it collects.

“If we borrow any amount, we have to know how we are positioned to pay for it at the end of the year and also meet our obligations during the year,” Pittman said. “We are going to get that figured out and live within our means.”

East Point spent the past two years trying to get closer to doing just that after years of running in the red.

City reports showed it ended the fiscal year midpoint on Dec. 31 with a carefully crafted $933,000 surplus. But tax collections fell more than $2 million short, wiping out that extra money.

And with the bond payments due in February, City Manager Crandall O. Jones warned last week that there wasn’t enough cash on hand to pay that bill and other city expenses.

The City Council approved pursuing an $8 million note last week. That tax-anticipation note would keep the city in the black and be paid back by Dec. 31 with 2010 tax revenues.

Pittman vetoed the move, though, saying it was unclear the city would have enough money in December to pay all its debts.

That forecast remained foggy Saturday.

Auditor Michael Forsythe said several outstanding issues -- including how much the city should pay yearly for post-employment benefits such as health insurance for retirees and how the city calculates overhead charges to its utility services -- have kept his office from creating a financial snapshot of the year that ended June 30.

Forsythe will have those figures in a draft audit Jan. 25. But he said he was pleased with what he had been able to review in city accounts so far.

“It’s looking very positive,” Forsythe said. “We are seeing improvement.”

Armed with that encouragement, the City Council is slated to take up the issue again during a special meeting Monday night.

East Point finances again under threat

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:05:00 +0000

East Point finances again under threat

By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

4:24 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Minutes after a swearing-in ceremony filled with promises of cooperation and unity, East Point’s City Council and mayor were at loggerheads Monday night that may shatter the city’s frail financial stability.

At issue is $8 million that staff recommends the city borrow to run operations for the coming year – and to pay a $6 million capital bond next month.

The council voted 5-2 to authorize staff to begin shopping for the best rates for the borrowing. Council members Myron Cook and Marcel Reed dissented, with Councilman Steve Bennett absent.

Mayor Earnestine Pittman warned the council just before that vote that she would veto the move, saying the city did not have enough information to warrant action Monday.

For instance, she said, staffers could not pinpoint exactly how much the city should borrow, prompting the authorization for the tax anticipation note, or TAN, to be for up to $8 million, though less if needed.

“We will issue a TAN when we know how much we have to issue it for,” Pittman said. “This is too important an issue to rush into without all of the information.”

Pittman is holding a community breakfast on Saturday with the city’s auditors, hoping to get additional data.

But her veto means the council cannot consider letting staff compare rates until its next meeting in two weeks.

Unless the council can approve the actual borrowing within a week after that, City Manager Crandall O. Jones said East Point could miss its $6 million payment due in February. Doing so wouldn't hurt the city's credit rating -- it doesn't have one -- but it could torpedo hopes to finally earn a solid rating from credit agencies.

“We need to get the TAN in January,” Jones said. “Otherwise, we run the risk of defaulting by not having enough cash on hand.”

The threat of tipping back into the red comes just two weeks after Jones and outgoing Mayor Joe Macon touted ending 2009 with a surplus.

The City Council transferred $4 million from a utility trust fund to do so, still expecting $12 million to come in by Dec. 31 from property taxes.

But Jones said Monday after the council meeting that the tax collections fell short by $2 million. That erases the $933,000 surplus and creates yet another hole for a city that has struggled with finances for years.

No staffers presented those figures to the council on Monday. But the majority of the board still supported letting staff pursue borrowing, without knowing details.

“There is a slight possibility we may not need that much, but we need to pursue pricing and terms,” said Councilman Lance Rhodes.

Because few council members will be able to attend Saturday’s meeting, the council unanimously agreed to have a meeting on Jan. 25 with the auditors.

The session is now planned to be a nonvoting meeting, though Pittman said she would work to make sure the council had enough information to act by the month’s end.

“We will get it done,” she said.

Start of new era for East Point

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Earnestine Pittman to be sworn in as mayor
By April Hunt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

1:16 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2010
A new mayor and new direction for East Point begins Monday night 1/4 in East Point.

Candidate Earnestine Pittman was openly critical of the financial recovery plan touted by then-mayor Joe Macon and city Manager Crandall O. Jones.

As mayor, Pittman is expected to touch on her doubts about the success of that plan – which city officials last week showed would put the city in the black for 2009 – following a swearing-in ceremony tonight.

“I really do not have faith in the financial reports that are being given,” the 63-year-old former math teacher said. “I am waiting for the reports from outside auditors to get a real idea of what is going on.”

Jones was a hot topic during the election. Macon cast the tie-breaking vote to hire Jones permanently last June, after he served 22 months as interim manager.

Pittman voted against hiring Jones. Last week, she said she had no intention to push for Jones’ removal but said she expected voters would hold her, council and staff accountable for any financial missteps.

For instance, East Point released a report in November that showed residents owe the city more than $487,000 because of chronic underbilling for electric service.

The issue surfaced after residents complained for months about the utility’s budget billing process. Budget billing allows customers to pay a set amount for service every month, based on the previous year's consumption instead of actual use.

Still, Jones recommended the city try to collect from those who owe. Pittman believes the city has no choice but to write off the bulk of the debt. A decision on what happens next will be up to City Council.

“Our own policy says the city cannot go back more than three months on a billing error,” Pittman said. “The city has lost $400,000 and it is not the residents’ fault. This falls clearly at the feet of management and council.”

Such blunt criticism is a trademark of Pittman’s approach to politics. She was known to critique other council members from the dais before she stepped down last year to run for mayor. She also mailed out a newsletter, called the Pittman Report, with her take on the city’s latest ails.

There was no shortage of controversies. The city has run in the red for years, at its worst an $11 million deficit.

As the recovery plan was implemented during the last two years, the city cut back on jobs and services to save money, moves that drew angry rebukes from citizens.

Macon hinted at Pittman’s behavior, and that of supporters, in his last meeting as mayor.

“To attack staff or other council members to try to make a point, it shows weakness of character,” he said. “In order for us to really move forward as a city, that’s going to have to stop.”

Pittman, who was not in the room during Macon’s comments, shrugs off such comments.

The policy decisions will fall on council, though she said she will not hesitate to veto any measure she deems not in the best interest of the city.

By charter, she said, she will leave the day-to-day work to Jones and his staff. As mayor, she leads council meetings but can vote only in a tie. The charter also gives the mayor three days after council action to veto a measure.

Pittman said she is eager to work with both council and staff to work on her priorities: continue repairs to the city’s finances and to also begin a physical clean-up of roads and neighborhoods.

“There is nothing that I can personally grant or do that is binding,” Pittman said. “As mayor, I am a member of council, and I am going to work with anyone who is willing to work for the betterment of the city.”

7th Annual Jefferson Park Tour of Homes & Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:56:00 +0000

Saturday, Oct 10th-11th 11a - 5p
near Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church (1150 Jefferson Avenue), East Point, GA

7th Annual Jefferson Park Tour of Homes & Gardens will showcase of variety of architectural styles and design ideas. The tour will also include an artist market and food court. All proceeds will benefit the Jefferson Park Neighbors' Association and will support charitable and neighborhood beautification efforts.

Price: $12 in Advance, $15 tour days
Phone: (404) 583-1536
Age Suitability: Adult, but children are welcome!

This year's tour consists of ten stops: Tour Central, Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church, one beautiful garden, and seven extraordinary homes! The Artist Market is filled with passionately crafted items you are surely to love! Stop by the Raffle Booth to try your hand at winning a Delta flight experience, items for your home or garden, or gift certificates at local restaurants! Visit our food court to sample fantastic food prepared by our neighborhood's very own talented chefs and cooks! Come and join us; you won't regret it!!!!

A Haunted House

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Cameron Academy and CCP Events present

A Haunted House

Fridays and Saturdays

Oct 10 th - Oct 31st

8:00 PM - until Midnight

Adults $10.00 and Students $5.00

Where: Cameron Academy

1312 Knotts Ave

East Point, GA 30344

JP Community Yard Sale: Saturday, 09/26

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 21:17:00 +0000

JP Community Yard Sale: Saturday, 09/26

The Jefferson Park Community Yard Sale will take place rain or shine on September 26th from 8a.m to 3p.m. This year, we have 22 homes participating. If anyone needs a map, permit, or any other information prior to the sale please contact Randy Nash at randytnash@bellsouth.net or phone 404-202-2411. This is a great time to grab a friend and go find a treasure or two! Click below for a more detailed map.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115657963200942753667.000468c5fec55d7c034ac&ll=33.684139,-84.430618&spn=0.016819,0.026565&z=15

Destination East Point Fall Festival

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:48:00 +0000

Visitors, Friends & Citizens of East Point,
The East Point Main Street Association invites you to come join us on Saturday, October 3, 2009 in the heart of our City, Downtown East Point, while we celebrate our 4th Annual Destination East Point! The annual fall festival, always on the first Saturday in October, will be on Main Street, across from the East Point MARTA station. The festival is from 12 noon-7pm. There will be great music all day long, food, arts/ crafts, stilt walker, face painters, strolling musicians, dog show, festival favorites, inflatables, balloons and much, much more. Fun for all ages! We hope you can come by and be a part of this wonderful fall tradition in East Point.

Visit: http://www.downtowneastpoint.com/destinationeastpoint/ for more infomation!

Conley Hills Neighborhood Flag

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Conley Hills Neighborhood Flag, presented by the Conley Hills Social Club.2ply poly with 3 colors and top pole pocket. Size 18” x 24”Only $20 ea

Sign up for Conley Hills Social Club news and events at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conley_hills_social_club

We are now taking pre sale orders – you can email Joan@intownfocus.com to coordinate order and payment.

Delivery is expected by end of Sept. If you do not pre order, but would like a flag, we will announce sale locations.

Conley Hills boundaries are Semmes to the West; Washington to the South; DeLowe to the East; Headland to the NorthAnd, if you are not a Conley Hills resident, you can still order a flag. What a great way for area businesses to support the neighborhoods!

2009 Fourth of July Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:16:00 +0000

The East Point Main Street Association (EPMSA) is proudly presenting this year's Fourth of July event in East Point, "Salute to the Red, White & Blue". The event will include fun activities for the whole family from 4:00pm-10:00pm! There will be a vendor/artist market, kid's activity zone, stage entertainment, food, beverage and of course, a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the evening! Last year's event drew close to 10,000 people and we hope to, with your help, match or surpass that this year!

Vendor Market opens at 4pm: Food, Beverage, Crafts, etc.
Stage will have various entertainment acts from 4pm to 9:30pm
Fireworks will begin around 9:30
Kiss 104.1 Radio Station Broadcasting Live from the event
Children's Activities 4pm-8pmFace Painting, Balloons, FREE Inflatables for kids to play on in the ALL FREE Kid's Zone
Bring the whole family out and have a great time celebrating the 4th of July!

http://www.downtowneastpoint.com/fourthofjuly/

Frog Hollow Boot Camp

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Sign Up Now for Frog Hollow Boot Camp!
Get Fit with World Champion Carl Brown!
Register by June 7 and Get 2-for-1!

Want to get in shape before summer vacation arrives and train with a star athlete? Now’s your chance! We are offering a Frog Hollow Boot Camp—led by U.S. Track & Field Champion, Olympic contender, and Frog Hollow resident Carl Brown—to begin June 15.

How Boot Camp works:
Participants will sign up for a four-week camp (with the option of extending for additional weeks depending upon interest level).
The Boot Camp is open to men and women alike and anyone ages eight and older.
The program is suited to all ability levels.
Minimal, basic equipment will be required.
Carl can provide meal planning and nutritional guidance during the course of the camp, if you like.

Session Times:
Sessions will be held three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Morning Session 5:30 – 7:30 a.m., Evening Session 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.*, to accommodate work schedules and beat the heat.
* Evening Session requires a minimum of five participants. If the minimum is not reached the Session will be cancelled and your check returned.

Location:
Sumner Park parking lot, off Neely Avenue, near the picnic pavilion.

Cost:
An unbeatable $10 per person, per session.
With three sessions per week, this amounts to just $120 per four-week camp.
Sign up by June 7th and get a 2-for-1 special! Couples (including work-out buddies) can participate for the price of one!

Carl Brown, Your Personal Trainer
Carl won the 2003 USA Track and Field National Championship and was ranked 6th in the world by Track & Field News after finishing eighth at the 2003 World Championships.
His lifetime best throw of 66.66 meters was the winning throw at the 2003 USA National Championships.
Carl led the field in discus throw qualifying at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials but just missed making the Olympic team by finishing a heartbreaking fourth in the final.
Carl played football and basketball and competed in a number of sports throughout high school and college.
Carl was the first athlete to win back-to-back national titles in the discus in 1994 and 1995 at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Contact the Frog Hollow Neighborhood Association at 404.559.7474 or via email at lborders@mindspring.com for information on how to register.

Don’t miss this chance to train with the best at an unbeatable price—right here in East Point!

Jefferson Park Yard Sale

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Saturday, May 168:00AM to 3:00 PM

Jefferson Park, a 1,100 home neighborhood bordered by Sylvan Rd, Cleveland Avenue, and Main St, will have 19 homes participating in their neighborhood-wide yard sale. Items ranging from furniture and electronics to musical instruments and clothing will be available and ready to find new homes! Come on out and bring your best offers.

Maps will be available at all participating homes! Questions? Email jpnapresident@gmail.com!http://www.jeffersonpark.org

Map of participating Jefferson Park homes available at: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115657963200942753667.000468c5fec55d7c034ac&ll=33.683497,-84.429331&spn=0.021855,0.044117&z=15

Details on other participating neighborhoods at: http://www.eastpointyardsale.com

FROG HOLLOW YARD SALE

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Sun, 10 May 2009 20:41:00 +0000

Saturday, May 16 — 8 a.m. until ??
Multi-family sale includes brand name furniture, vintage collectibles & clothing, housewares, scrapbooking set, craft sets, video games, computer games & accessories, rugs, children’s clothing, men & women’s clothing, yard items, games, glassware and lots more!
See map at http://tinyurl.com/epsale for all locations.
Copies of the map will be available the day of the sale at all participating locations.

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 01:52:00 +0000

FULTON COUNTY VOTERS

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:56:00 +0000

DECEMBER 2, 2008 GENERAL ELECTION RUNOFF

EARLY & ADVANCED VOTING LOCATIONS & INFORMATION

EARLY VOTING begins Tuesday, November 18, 2008 through Friday, November 21, 2008: Voters may cast an absentee ballot in person on weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following locations only:

Fulton County Government Center (Downtown) 141 Pryor Street, Suite 4064(404) 612-7060North Service Center7741 Roswell Road, Room 209(404) 613-7675

South Service Center 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 105(404) 612-3050

ADVANCED VOTING begins Monday, November 24 through Wednesday, November 26 2008: Voters may cast their ballot in person during this week from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the same locations listed above. Fulton County is closed Thursday, November 27, 2008 and Friday, November 28, 2008 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

East Point Celebrates the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:53:00 +0000

The city of East Point along with the Main Street Association will host “ East Point Celebrates the Holidays” from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in Downtown East Point and at City Hall.

The event will include:
Live Entertainment and Holiday Caroling
Open House Merchant Walk
Santa’s Workshop
Festive Downtown Business Window Competition
Annual Tree Lighting
Message from the Mayor

More information can be found at http://www.downtowneastpoint.com/

Boot Camp "It's torture, but it works!"

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:38:00 +0000

The first Boot Camp participants from Ladies Only Total Fitness are smiling now because Boot Camp is over! They are leaner and meaner and going to look great over the holiday's.

I have now shed 27 pounds so if you want join in the fun you need to get over to Ladies Only Total Fitness of East Point. Call 404/766-4444

The Urban Nutcracker

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:27:00 +0000

November 21-23, 2008

Robert Ferst Center for The Arts
Located on the campus of Georgia Tech

349 Ferst Drive
Atlanta, GA

http://www.ferstcenter.org/

2008 Performance Dates: Opening Night-Friday (VIP Night)11/21 at 8pm, Saturday 11/22 at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday 11/23 at 2pm

LADIES ONLY TOTAL FITNESS

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

LADIES ONLY TOTAL FITNESS

"Real Women Real Results"

Two years ago Jana (pictured above second from the right) and Burt Clark took a gamble on East Point and won. They opened Ladies Only Total Fitness, now a popular workout spot for local ladies to learn about healthy eating, exercise and fitness. The club offers hourly classes, weights, cardio equipment, FREE personal training and childcare. The couple decided to locate in East Point to tap into an untapped market and now ladies like myself are extremely grateful. It is so nice to have a close, accessible place to work out in East Point.

This Saturday September 13th, the club will host it's members appreciation day from 9AM to 2PM. They are encouraging all to stop by and check out the club.

I have been a member now for approximately 4 months and I have shed 15 pounds, so I have thoroughly checked the place out.

This is my list of the top 5 reasons you should join Ladies Only Total Fitness (East Point) today!

1. The staff is friendly, welcoming and extremely encouraging.

2. The gym is always spotless!! I have never been a member of a gym big or small that was so clean.

3. The memberships fees are low and include free personal training.

4. There are always members around to encourage and support you. Some may be your neighbors or work in some of the local businesses around town.

5.The gym has all the equipment/classes you need to reach your goals. Women don't train like men and they have all sorts of resistance bands, weighted balls and hand weights. The classes are fun and include yoga, kickboxing, step, and boot-camp.

I hope to see you there soon!

Ladies Only Total Fitness
3128 Washington Road
East Point, Georgia
404/766-4444

Urban Parks Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:12:00 +0000

Saturday Semtpember 6th the East Point Parks Advisory Commission in collaboration with Newell Recycling and The Collaborative Firm partnered to provide park improvements at Sumner Park. Volunteers from the community joined Parks and Recreation staff to install trash receptacles and grills, restore pavilion and picnic table, plant trees, and clean general areas in the park.

Citizens interested in joining any of these efforts can register via email or phone call to Kimberly Green – kgreen@eastpointcity.org or 404.270.7041.

Meet Golf Legend Calvin Peete

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Meet golf legend, Calvin Peete, Friday, Sept. 5th at Pro Golf at Camp Creek. The event will be from 6-8 p.m. and also feature other special guests, Doug or Ryan Stewart of the "2 Live Stews" radio talk show and Jamal Munnerlyn of "Access Hollywood." They are hosts of the upcoming Trump Style Weekend Golf tournament in Florida. http://www.progolfatcampcreek.com/

Remember When?

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 +0000

17 months ago: Atlanta Falcons football quarterback Michael Vick samples a glass of wine during the grand opening of The Tasting Room, a new restaurant in which he is a partner, Wednesday, March 14, 2007, in East Point, Ga. Pic from http://www.daylife.com/

I heard on the news today that the dogs have been rehabilitated. What a relief and I am glad the dogs will get a new start.

Staycation Alert!!!

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0000

The 2nd Annual International Black DocuFest Opens in Atlanta with cutting-edge documentaries spanning as far East as Madagascar and highlights Atlanta-based photojournalists of African decent

Complimentary Admission is available on a first-come-first serve basis. Guests must RSVP online.

Thursday, September 18 - Saturday, September 20, The Society for the Promotion of Arts & Culture's (SPAC) will launch the 2nd Annual International Black DocuFest (IBDF) at the High Museum of Art’s Walter C. Hill Auditorium 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309. As the only documentary film festival of its kind, festival goers will partake in three-days of free documentary film screenings, moderated panel discussions, and its latest addition, the IBDF Photography exhibition. RSVP by logging onto http://www.internationalblackdocufest.com/.
This year’s films cover a large spectrum of subject matters affecting people of African descent worldwide; including the Atlanta Premiere of “This is My Africa” that celebrates the beauty of African culture; the World Premiere of “Under The River” that exposes child trafficking in impoverished areas of Ghana; the Atlanta Premiere of “In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies & the Birth of Black Cinema” showcasing a nearly-forgotten era in film history of African-American produced/directed ‘race movies’ featuring the works of filmmaking pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the Noble brothers, and Spencer Williams, Jr.; and the “The Bushman’s Secret” confronting the battles between displaced South African San Bushmen and Western pharmaceutical companies’ overconsumption of the flower Hoodia gordonii, the Bushman’s ancient healing plant.

The festival will also highlight Atlanta-based talent; including the Atlanta Premiere of “This Far By Faith: Barbados Centenarians” by award winning director and Atlanta native Cassandra Hollis, an Arts & Activism panel discussion that includes Stic-man of the internationally acclaimed rap duo Dead Prez, and the photojournalism by pop culture photographer Shannon McCollum who has documented the likes of OutKast, Lil John and countless other pop culture giants.

2008 PROGRAMMING CONTACT/SCHEDULE:
International Black DocuFest 1+ (678) 489.8069 http://www.internationalblackdocufest.com/.

The Uptown Bar & Grill

noreply@blogger.com (J.M.) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:49:00 +0000

The Uptown Bar and Grill had it's grand opening this past Saturday August 30th giving local sports fanatics a new hangout. Some features included in the new bar are 18 high definition TVs, a special game room with an Xbox 360 and a PlayStation 3, free wi-fi and computer access. The owners of the bar are picture above along with Mayor Macon.