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Wren's Nest: Meeting Point for Tour of Homes/ May Day Concert

By Paulette Richards

Like brightly colored ribbons wrapped around a maypole, West End weaves vivid strands of
culture, faith, and fellowship together in a diverse community. Thus, the 2008 May Day
festival and Tour of Homes celebrates the rich architectural legacy of West End's past
and the bright future unfolding with the construction of the Beltline Trial adjacent
to Rose Circle Park.

Yet, the revelry would not be possible without the West End Neighborhood Development
(WEND) association's long tradition of engagement with community affairs.  Since 1974,
WEND has advocated for the community, promoted the neighborhood through annual festivals,
and worked to preserve the integrity of the beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes
that graces our tree-lined streets.  Kicking off Friday, May 2nd with a jazz concert
under the stars on the grounds of the Wren's Nest, the Tour and May Day festival will
invite the greater Atlanta community to get to know our friendly neighbors and charming
historic homes.

A Manchild and His Skateboard

By Zachary Garrett

I am in the 7th grade at Atlanta Charter Middle School.  I am also a
skateboarder who lives in the West End.  West End needs a skate park.

NPU T, www.nputatlanta.org

By Robert Thompson

As previous articles have described, Creating Vibrant Communities, Inc (CVC), the non-profit that publishes this paper Our West End Newsletter (OWEN), is committed to enhancing life in the West End. We do this through “asset based community development,” a strategy which aims to identify and mobilize the positive attributes inherent in our many neighborhood institutions and assets: local government, businesses, nonprofits, voluntary associations and individuals.

In order to further enhance the neighborhood engagement that ultimately will form the basis for future projects, CVC is partnering with the NPU-T Community Food Project [see Nia’s column ] to develop a network of “urban farms” within the greater West End.  This initiative will provide opportunities for neighbors of all ages to engage with one another in a productive and fun activity. 

Criminals Beware!!!

By Brent Brewer

Bringing Light to Lucile

By Wanda Whiteside

There is not much to see, this time of year, on the corner of Lucille and Holderness Streets. But there is plenty to talk about. REDEEM Community Outreach, a visible and a viable non-profit organization that provides food, services, jobs, housing, clothing and other essential needs in the community, recently was  approved  by Park Pride to adopt the vacant lot on that corner and convert it into a park.

It didn’t take long for the word to spread that the vacant green space was to be transformed. Seniors, youth, gardeners, the homebound and other neighbors were drawn to contribute their time and energy. According to Sister DeBorah Williams, Program Director of REEDEM Community Outreach, “This was the hidden agenda behind the project; to get people involved.”

Grounds Coffeehouse is West End's Third Space- a place of comfort between home and work.

By Lain Shakespeare

The West End Merchants Coalition convened at the Grounds Coffeehouse on a chilly morning near the end of February.  Luckily for us, owners Carlos and Tamara Watson provided a warm space, comfortable seats, and fresh coffee.

The Merchants Coalition discussed the City of Atlanta's public art efforts nearby, neighborhood safety, and entrepreneur's week at Brown Middle School.  Eddie Granderson was our guest speaker who talked in detail about the planned public arts gateway just north of West End, near the intersection of Fair and Northside.

By Shaidah

You are extraordinary,

You are the exception to society believes, portrays an says about you.

You are are the best, you are the brightest, you are the gift.

You bring the noise, the joy and the light.

You are the cream of the crop.