From the October-November 2007 newsletter

The Shepherd Park Citizens Association embarked on a new pilot project this year - welcoming new neighbors into Shepherd Park with a Welcome Gift Basket. Former SPCA President Baruti Jahi, SPCA Board Member Angela Martin, and Shepherd Park neighbor and real estate agent Bonnie Randolph devised this program in 2006 and basket delivery began in Spring 2007. The gift baskets contain the SPCA newsletter and calendar of SPCA activities, Shepherd Park History DVD, Shepherd Park sweatshirt coupon, Shepherd Elementary School information, the Gateway Georgia Avenue Business Directory and promotional items including a coffee mug, magnets, discount coupons, gift certificates, scented candles, sparkling cider and more.

Thanks to the following neighborhood businesses for their generous contributions to the baskets: American Security & Communications, Cork 'N' Bottle, Ledo Pizza and Pasta, Manoukian Brothers Oriental Rugs, Postal Connections, Pure Bliss Day Spa, Speedy Tax & Accounting Services, and Wireless Toyz. And a special thanks to Marc Loud, Executive Director of Gateway Georgia Revitalization Avenue Corp. for his valuable assistance.

Neighborhood businesses that would like to contribute to the SPCA Welcome Gift Baskets, contact Bonnie Randolph (829 7774, [email protected]).

Last month Bonnie Randolph and SPCA President Beth Allaben delivered a gift basket to Kathleen Perry on Hemlock Street. Kathleen moved here from Portland, Oregon and said she was attracted to our area because of the strong sense of community in Shepherd Park. SPCA has delivered seven gift baskets to date and will deliver more as our new neighbors move into their new homes.