VERGE Newsletter October 2021

Election Day Information

The East Point General Election is Tuesday, November 2, 2021. Early voting will take place at the East Point Library, located at 2757 Main Street, on the following dates and times:

· October 12-15: 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

· October 18- 29: 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

· October 16 & October 23: 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

· October 17 & October 24: 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

The nearest absentee ballot drop box will be located at the Wolf Creek Library (3100 Enon Road). The last day to request an absentee ballot is Friday, October 22, 2021. For more information, visit fultonelections.com or call 404-612-7020.

Here are the election day precinct locations in East Point on Tuesday, November 2, 2021:

· East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church: 2651 N Church Street

· HJC Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility: 2885 Church Street

· Jefferson Park Recreation Center: 1431 Norman Berry Drive

· Impact United Methodist Church: 2323 Sylvan Road

· St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church: 2670 Hogan Rd

· Asa Hilliard Elementary School: 3353 Mount Olive Road

· Brookview Elementary School: 3250 Hammarskjold Drive

· Camp Creek Middle School: 4345 Welcome All Terrace

· Woodland Middle School: 2745 Stone Road

Click the button below for more information on the Municipal Election and to view a list of qualified candidates.

Visit our website

2021 TSPLOST Referendum Information

During the November 2, 2021 election voters across Fulton County will be asked to decide if they want to continue funding local transportation projects through collection of a $0.0075 sales tax known as TSPLOST or Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. If approved by voters, the TSPLOST would be effective April 2022 to March 2027.

TSPLOST proceeds would be distributed to Fulton County and its cities (excluding Atlanta) based on resident population. Based on current projections, it is estimated that the 2021 TSPLOST would generate $31 Million to fund transportation improvements in East Point. County-wide, it is estimated that the 2021 TSPLOST would generate $545 Million to be invested in transportation projects. Click the button below to see what specific transportation improvement projects the TSPLOST would fund if approved by voters.

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Applications Accepted for Environmental Workforce Development Job Training Classes

Applications are now being accepted for East Point residents to participate in our Environmental Workforce Development Job Training Classes in partnership with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 (Southeast Region). East Point residents ages 17-24 have until December 1st to submit their application. Classes will start January 3 - April 4, 2022. This is a paid 12-week training program to acquire new skills and certifications that will lead to job opportunities in the environmental sector.

To apply, visit https://www.eastpointcity.org/environmental-workforce/

For questions, email epworkforce@eastpointcity.org

Apply

Win Prizes During Georgia Cities Week

October 3-9, 2021

View Document

Construction of Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Complete on Semmes Street

Semmes Street is now safer for bicyclists and pedestrians in East Point! Crews finished bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Semmes Street from Washington Road to Norman Berry Drive. The City was awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and to improve the aesthetic value of Semmes Street. Crews resurfaced the existing roadway pavement, provided monolithic curb and gutter for improved drainage, widened the sidewalk, added 4ft bike lanes, crosswalks, ADA ramps and improved the appearance of the right-of-way. Check out the video below with Jeremy Goodwin, Transportation Engineer for the City of East Point, for more details on the project!

Semmes Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Video

Registration Open for Microsoft Datacenter Community Development Skill Forward

Registration is underway for a FREE cloud certification course hosted by Microsoft for people interested in IT sector careers. The training course dates are October 14, October 28 and December 1 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. To register, visit https://aka.ms/skill_forward

City of East Point Commemorates 20th Anniversary

of 9/11 Attacks

On September 11, the City of East Point commemorated the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The City honored those who lost their lives in the attacks by lowering flags to half-staff and surrounded the government center with American flags and lights in red, white and blue. Additionally, the Police and Fire Departments held a moment of silence at 8:45 a.m. in remembrance of when the north tower of the World Trade Center was hit.

Flags lowered at half-staff at East Point City Hall.

American flags surrounding the government center.

Say Yes! COVID Test Program Offers Free, Rapid, Self-Administered Tests to Fulton Residents in Target Zip Codes to Reduce COVID-19 Spread

The Fulton County Board of Health is inviting residents in target zip codes to join the Say Yes! COVID Test At-Home Testing Challenge, which provides households with access to free, rapid COVID-19 test kits that they can self-administer. Say Yes! COVID Test encourages residents to use the tests twice a week, regardless of symptoms, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community healthy.

Fulton County residents in the identified ZIP Codes can order testing kits online for home delivery. Test kits will also be available for pick up from the Fulton County Board of Health clinics and at partner locations.

The target zip codes are 30291, 30213, 30268, 30303, 30308, 30311, 30310, 30314, 30312, 30315, 30318, 30331, 30336, 30344, 30354, 30337, 30349, 30363. These zip codes were identified based on high rates of COVID-19, lower than average rates of vaccination, and concentration of essential workers.

Fulton County residents can log on to www.CovidTestFultonCounty.org to learn more about the program and to order test kits for doorstep delivery. Test kits will also be available for pickup locally at the following locations:

● Fulton County Board of Health, 10 Park Place, Atlanta, GA 30303

● Adamsville Regional Health Center, 3700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30331

● College Park Regional Health Center, 1920 John Wesley, College Park, GA 30337

Fulton County Vaccine Sites Offering Booster Shots

COVID-19 vaccination sites operated by the Fulton County Board of Health, Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency and other Fulton County partners are administering the COVID-19 booster shots, following the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to CDC guidelines, the following groups of people are eligible for a booster shot 6 months after receiving their initial Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine series:

People 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings (recommended)
People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions (recommended)
People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions (may receive based on their individual benefits and risks)
People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting (may receive)

Only the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorized as a booster dose. People who received other types of COVID-19 vaccine for their first or second doses are not eligible to receive a booster shot at this time.

To ensure compliance with these guidelines, appointments will be required for COVID-19 vaccines at Fulton County Board of Health COVID-19 vaccination sites. Click here to make an appointment.

5710 Stonewall Tell Road, College Park, GA 30349 (Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
141 Pryor Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 (Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
4700 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta GA 30305 (Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Fulton County and Local Sorority Assist with Vaccination Efforts in East Point

On September 8, Fulton County provided the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to the community at the East Point City Annex.

On September 17, The Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC. partnered with the City of East Point to provide a mobile COVID-19 vaccine unit outside of East Point City Hall. They offered the Moderna Vaccine and also food vouchers and snacks to the first 40 people to receive their vaccine.

Vax Up Fulton

Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit

Food Vendor at the Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit

Members of the Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC.

North Shore Medical Labs

Food Vendor at the Mobile COVID-19 Vaccination Unit

East Point Staff Members to Give Presentation on

"Re-Imagining Municipal Operations During COVID-19"

Frederick Gardiner, City Manager

Geneasa Elias, Special Projects Coordinator

Lolita Grant, Former Finance Director

Frederick Gardiner (East Point City Manager), Geneasa Elias (Special Projects Coordinator), and Lolita Grant (Former Finance Director) will be giving a virtual presentation at the 2021 ICMA Annual Conference on October 3rd-6th on their session topic "Re-Imagining Municipal Operations During COVID-19." They will discuss how East Point was able to continue full-service operations without employee layoffs during the pandemic. They will also discuss the City's strategic financial plan to reduce the economic impact of COVID on the City, how the City pivoted to a virtual and remote work platform, as well as some non-traditional services that the City offered.

Construction Underway at Colonial Unity Park

Renovations are underway at Colonial Unity Park located at 1400 Hawthorne Way. Once renovations are complete, the park will be ADA Accessible, a pavilion with additional seating will be installed, the bridge will be repaired and erosion issues will be fixed. Work is expected to be complete within 3-4 months.

East Point Insurance Agency Donates $10,000 to Support East Point Parks & Rec Program

On September 3, Acceptance Insurance, located on Main Street, donated $10,000 to sponsor East Point Parks & Recreation Youth Flag Football League.

The Healthy Point Collaborates with Effect Fitness For 90-Day Health Initiative Celebration

On September 25, East Point residents and visitors from metro-Atlanta participated in The Healthy Point: 90-Day Health Initiative celebration, championed by Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham at John D. Milner Park. This year, the celebration was in collaboration with Effect Fitness, a popular personal and athletic training fitness bootcamp organization located on Metropolitan Parkway. Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts joined in on the one hour workout and shopped with various vendors.

Here are the winners of The 2021 Healthy Point: 90-Day Health Initiative:

Dajiah Raven

Edy Boarders

Sylvia Breland

The winners will receive a Healthy Point Tote Bag, a Yeti, dinner with Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham and a $200 gift card. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to being a healthier you! #thehealthypoint2021

East Point Public Art Division Awarded $5000 Grant to Host Día De Los Muertos

The City of East Point would like to thank Fulton County Government for awarding our Public Art Division with a $5,000 grant to host Día De Los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead. We are excited to bring you a day of festivities highlighting traditional Mexican culture, face painting, traditional food and drinks, and a film screening of Disney’s ‘Coco.’ Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The event will be on Sunday, November 7, 2021 from 1:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at East Point City Hall. The movie screening will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon Hosts Cops & Kids Day

On September 11, Councilwoman Stephanie Gordon partnered with the East Point Police Department to host Cops & Kids Day at the Camp Creek Marketplace. There were giveaways, youth had the opportunity to register for East Point Parks & Rec programs, complimentary fruit infused bottled water provided by Hydrate the State (an initiative of the UGA Extension Office), an informational presentation from Stand For the Silent (an anti-bullying organization), and a special book signing with Chanda Austin, author of the popular children's book Qiana's Braids.

East Point Police Welcomes Newest Graduates

Congratulations to Officer Wise and Officer Hardy for graduating from the Police Academy and joining the East Point Police Department! The officers graduated from the academy on September 10 after completing 11 weeks of training from North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy. Welcome to the City of East Point!

(L to R) Officer Wise, Deputy Police Chief Popham, and Officer Hardy

East Point Police Officer Locates Hit & Run Driver

in MARTA Bus Incident

Kudos to Officer Crisp with the East Point Police Department for locating the hit & run driver who rear ended a MARTA bus.

On September 16, at 5:45 a.m. a MARTA bus was rear ended by a tractor trailer on Main Street resulting in 10 passengers and the bus driver being injured. The tractor trailer fled the scene with no real description. East Point Traffic Officer/ Hit & Run Investigator J. Crisp began an investigation and with the aid of Flock License Plate Readers he was able to identify the tractor trailer and the driver.

On September 17, the driver turned himself into Officer Crisp and was booked into the East Point Jail on numerous charges. Thank you Officer Crisp for keeping the streets of East Point safe!

Read the Latest Issues of THE CALL

The East Point Fire Department released the latest issues of their award winning newsletter, THE CALL, written and produced by Renita Shelton, Public Information Officer for the East Point Fire Department.

The 2nd Quarter issue features Maceo Rogers, Director of Economic Development, who reveals his talents as an artist and takes us back in time to when he first discovered his gifting. He also shares the health benefits of practicing Martial Arts.

The 3rd Quarter issue pays tribute to those who perished on 9/11 as well as a video presentation on the Tribute in Lights, which is a public art creation symbolic of the Twin Towers lit at dusk each year on September 11th. They also promote Fire Prevention Week, which is observed October 3rd- 9th.

Read the 3rd Quarter Issue

Read the 2nd Quarter Issue

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Visits East Point

September 17, 2021, is now known as Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. Day in the City of East Point! The NBA Hall of Famer and Business Mogul was in East Point to meet and speak with Tri-Cities High School officials and students for a private event hosted by Cigna and Tri-Cities High School. Johnson was also presented with a proclamation from the City and key to the City in honor, recognition and appreciation of the indelible impact he has had on the court, in the boardroom, in East Point and in diverse urban communities throughout the country.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson speaking to Tri-Cities High School students.

Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham presents Johnson with a proclamation and key from the City.

Earvin "Magic"Johnson, Jr Day in East Point

Atlanta Oncology Associates Reveal New Elekta Infinity Radiation Machine at East Point Location

On September 17, Atlanta Oncology Associates celebrated their new Elekta Infinity Machine at their East Point location at 1136 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 119. Cancer patients will no longer have to travel long distances to receive advanced radiation therapy. The new machine also offers more precise treatment and fewer side effects.