VERGE Newsletter June 2022

East Point Police Partner with Tri-Cities High School Drama Students to Produce Crime Prevention Skits

In an effort to curtail crime in the City of East Point, Police Chief Shawn Buchanan has established a partnership with the Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Magnet Program to bring awareness to youth violence. During the month of May, students in the VPA Magnet Program directed, produced and reenacted real life incidents that have occurred in the City of East Point. Each crime prevention skit ends with an important message from Chief Buchanan who highlights the consequences of various acts such as stealing cars, playing with guns, road rage incidents and more.

“It’s imperative that we as a police community assist the public in the education of gun safety,” said East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan. “I have seen throughout my career many bad decisions as it relates to firearm safety. As the Chief of Police, I feel that it is very important that we teach the youth the importance of good decision making and de-escalation techniques. I truly hope and pray that these real life re-enactments reach and teach our young adults how to make better decisions.”

The public can view a new skit on the following platforms:

East Point Police Department

· Facebook & Instagram: @EastPointPoliceDepartment

City of East Point

· Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @cityofeastpoint

· YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/EastPointTV

View WSB-TV News Segment

East Point Police & Tri-Cities High School PSA #1

East Point Police & Tri-Cities High School Public Service Announcement #1

Ballethnic Dance Company to Perform at the Kennedy Center

East Point's Ballethnic Dance Company is one of several black-identifying ballet dance companies from across the country to participate in a weeklong celebration highlighting and recognizing the contributions of Black voices in ballet. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Reframing the Narrative with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballethnic Dance Company, and Collage Dance Collective on June 14-19, 2022 in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website, Kennedy Center box office or by calling 202-467-4600. To view the performance schedule, click on the press release below.

View Press Release

Municipal Option Sales Tax Referendum Passes

Small Business Grant Program Application Period June 1-24, 2022

View Flyer

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Makers Market ATL Announces 2022 Partnership with East Point Exchange and The City of East Point to Host Monthly Artist Markets

On May 21, Makers Market ATL invited the community to shop for handmade goods with local Atlanta makers at its opening event at East Point Exchange, located at 1513 E. Cleveland Avenue adjacent to downtown East Point. The market featured a variety of vendors including vintage, handmade children's clothing, art, gourmet teas, jewelry and live entertainment from Ralo, an East Point resident and well-known local DJ.

In a recent partnership with The City of East Point and East Point Exchange, Makers Market ATL will host free, family friendly monthly artist markets through 2022 to create a space for vendors to showcase their goods to the Atlanta Tri-Cities community.

“We’re extremely excited about Makers Market ATL coming to the East Point Exchange in downtown East Point. Makers Market ATL will provide huge opportunities for East Point’s artists, crafters and creators to market and sell their products, and for those reasons it’ll have a positive impact on East Point’s economy,” said Maceo Rogers, Director of Department of Economic Development.

For many vendors, taking goods to market can be stressful and expensive, but the Makers Market ATL is focused on welcoming all levels of makers. In the partnership with East Point Exchange, Makers Market ATL has been given the space to create an affordable event for vendors interested in participating.

“Kairos Development Corporation and East Point Exchange are fully committed to supporting the arts community in East Point and positively affecting their lives by providing a space for Makers Market ATL to grow and flourish,” Jack Williams, Director at Kairos Development Corporation.

The makers market will close out the year with a holiday market in December. To apply as a vendor at an upcoming event or to get involved as a partner, email Liz Peña at [email protected].

Instagram: www.instagram.com/makersmarketatl

Facebook: www.facebook.com/makersmarketatl

Vendor Info: https://linktr.ee/Makersmarketatl

Market 166 Launches Mini Market June 1, 2022

Market 166 Grocery & Kitchen Cooperative will launch its first retail pop-up, “Mini Market 166” on Wednesday, June 1. at the East Point Farmers Market from 4-7 PM. Market 166’s offerings, sourced entirely from local farmers and businesses, will include: coffee, rice, baking mixes, snack foods, and other cooking essentials that complement food produced in Georgia during this season.

The Mini Market is an important stepping stone towards Market 166’s ultimate goal of opening a full-service brick and mortar grocery store. The Mini Market will allow Market 166 to build early relationships with local producers and vendors, experiment with different products, and fill the local need for fresher food access now.

Market 166 Grocery & Kitchen is a grocery co-op in its fourth year of organizing to bring a community-owned grocery store to the southwest metro area. Neighbors are pulling their resources together to change their community into a food destination, where local farmers and products will be prioritized. The cooperative business model allows for profits to stay in the community and for local residents to create and control their own food system, bolstering food independence. Visit us at www.market166.com.

Renovations Complete at Colonial Unity Park

Colonial Unity Park is officially open! The renovations are complete and the park is now ADA accessible. Crews repaired the bridge, installed a seat wall around the playground, addressed erosion control issues and updated landscaping. Come out and enjoy one of our beautiful parks in the City of East Point, located at 1400 Hawthorne Way.

East Point Business Owners Attend Monthly Downtown Business Meeting

On May 4, East Point's Economic Development Department in partnership with East Point Police hosted the Monthly Downtown Business Meeting at Kupcakerie during Small Business Week. This was an opportunity for business owners to learn about upcoming programs and events that might be beneficial to their business, network with each other and hear the latest public safety information. The meetings will be held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Kupcakerie, located at 2781 Main Street at 10:00 a.m. Admission is Free with a business card.

East Point Partners with JenCare Senior Medical Center to Host Free Community Shred Day

On May 7, East Point residents did some Spring cleaning by participating in the free community shred day hosted by the City of East Point and JenCare Senior Medical Center. This event was initiated and organized by Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire.

Line of cars in the JenCare Senior Medical Center parking lot for the shredding event

A Shred-it employee dumping documents into a trash bin

Councilwoman Sharon Shropshire with JenCare Senior Medical Center employees

East Point Hosts Meet & Greet for Students in EPA Workforce Development Program

On May 11, the City of East Point hosted a Meet and Greet for students participating in the Environmental Workforce Development Job Training Program through the City's partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham, professors and partners in the program spoke to students about opportunities in the environmental industry and what they'll be learning throughout their 12-week training program. The following are students in the program:

Fatemia Benson
Andrea Dozier
Joshua King
Angelica Hargrove
Tenee Jackson
Andreana Jackson
Summer Goodie
Keyanna Beamon
Daiquiri Colton
Terry Nolton
Lyric Dace
London Wagner
Ashton Manning
John Allen

Students will complete a 12-week training program and receive workforce development training from a curriculum comprised of field training and the following 3 courses: Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) Fundamentals, and GSWCC Advanced Fundamentals, along with a professional development certification from Clayton State University.

Shan Roberson

East Point Project Manager

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham

James Patterson, Professor

East Point Water & Sewer Employees Participate in Street Saw Training

On May 11, East Point employees in the Water & Sewer Department held a training session for their latest equipment known as a street saw. This equipment will assist them with water and sewer line repairs on the street and sidewalks. The street saw accurately cuts the area in need of repair. Once crews are finished with the repair, they are able to replace the concrete and/or asphalt with a more uniformed and stable surface.

Photo Courtesy of Chester Gudewicz

Volunteers Beautify Downtown East Point on White Way and

Main Street

On May 14, volunteers worked with Erin Rodgers, East Point's Economic Development Specialist, to beautify Downtown East Point on White Way and Main Street. As a continuation of the Better Block initiative, volunteers continued to work on transforming the rectangular planter boxes into self-watering planters. They filled the planters with a variety of hardy, heat tolerant plants, including herbs/edibles. They also installed solar powered string lights on the existing parklet and cleaned up the existing planters downtown.

Photos Courtesy of Erin Rodgers

Community Needs Assessment Survey Underway for East Point Residents

The City of East Point is in the process of completing a Community Needs Assessment with the goal of identifying gaps in accessing services in the South Fulton area. This assessment will help guide leadership of the City of East Point and Service Providers in identifying ways to narrow barriers blocking access to services in the area. The survey will take approximately 9 minutes.

Complete Survey

Survey in Spanish

April 2022 People's Champ

Officers Luther White and Randy Middlebrooks

Officer Luther White

Officer Randy Middlebrooks

On April 20, 2022, Officers Luther White and Randy Middlebrooks responded to a “Mentally Ill Person” call. Upon arrival these officers encountered the complainant who advised that his college age son suffers from a variety of mental disorders. The complainant informed officers that his son was not taking his medications, in addition to having a history of erratic behavior. The complainant went on to explain to the officers that his son was wondering aimlessly around the neighborhood talking to himself the night before. They wanted to get him some help, but he refused to be taken to the hospital for medical assistance. The complainant also expressed concern for his son’s safety due to nationally publicized, negative police interactions with individuals experiencing episodes of mental illness.

Responding officers located the individual and were able to start a conversation. The officers introduced themselves and assured him that they were not there to hurt him. After the brief, yet pleasant conversation, the individual agreed to be transported for assistance under the agreement that one of the officers accompanied him. Officer White transported the individual to Grady Memorial Hospital and he voluntarily requested assistance from medical professionals.

Officers Luther White and Randy Middlebrooks projected professionalism, and maintained their composure while dealing with the ill individual.

The East Point Police Department’s Day Watch is proud to recognize Officers Luther White, and Randy Middlebrooks as the April 2022 “PEOPLE’S CHAMP” for their professionalism, compassion and dedication.

Elite Wellness Solutions Opens in East Point

There's a new wellness center in East Point! On May 21, a ribbon cutting was held for Elite Wellness Solutions. Shalonda Pettis, Founder & CEO of Elite Wellness Solutions, was accompanied by Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon along with family and friends for the opening of her new office located at 3401 Norman Berry Drive, STE 111. Elite Wellness Solutions provides a comprehensive approach to wellness by offering expert guidance, affordable solutions, and real results. They provide custom solutions for weight loss, sports recovery and performance, chronic disease management, non-pharmalogical pain management, and stress management. For more information, visit their website https://www.elitewellnesssolutions.org/

Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon attends the grand opening with Shalonda Pettis, Founder & CEO of Elite Wellness Solutions

Elite Wellness Solutions

Wednesday Wind Down In The Point Returns with

Stellar R&B Male Lineup

On May 25, East Point's popular summer concert series returned with a stellar R&B male lineup featuring Lyfe Jennings, Jacquees and Bobby V. in the Downtown Commons. Other performances were given by The Soul Cartel Band and Natasha and the BadAzz Band. The event was hosted by V-103's The Big Tigger Morning Show. Stay tuned for the announcement of future artists!

Photos Courtesy of DeSitaa Lipscomb