Here’s the Dunwoody scoop
Nov. 27 — Hi – Cathy Cobbs here – I lead Rough Draft’s coverage of Dunwoody, and for those I haven’t met, here’s a little history about me:
I have reported about Dunwoody on and off for the past 15 years. After raising kids here, I left for a bit (okay, nine years), and when it was time to move on to the next adventure, I returned to the place where I had so many great memories, ready to make more. And Dunwoody has not disappointed.
Of the thousands of stories I have covered over the years, most of my favorites come from within the 13 square miles of this city.
I have had a front-row seat to some of Dunwoody’s most important news events – like the evolution of a sleepy outpost to an Atlanta suburb into the city of Dunwoody, the sudden closure of businesses that have had significant consequences for its patrons and employees (here and here), drug overdose deaths that cut short bright lives, and so many more.
I also write what I call the “right-up-my alley” stories – several of which have, weirdly, involved a rogue goat, as well as law-abiding goats.
We still publish the premier print product for Dunwoody, but as news consumption habits have changed, Rough Draft Atlanta has become digital-first, providing more content than ever via our website and newsletters like this one.
But what hasn’t changed is our devotion to hyperlocal coverage. This new newsletter, “Cathy Cobbs on Dunwoody,” will be published every Wednesday at noon.
It will contain a wrap-up of Dunwoody’s important, people- and business-focused, and off-beat stories that make this city what it is — a work in progress as it evolves into a viable, dynamic force in metro Atlanta.
We want you to join this journey, and we need your help. Send story ideas and feedback to me via email. I hope you enjoy this first of many Wednesday editions of our Rough Draft Dunwoody newsletter.
Thanks for your support – and onto this week’s wrap-up!
Cathy
They are selling the dogs, they are selling the cats!
At Monday’s Dunwoody City Council meeting, the panel discussed on first reading a text amendment that would prohibit sales of domestic animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits in unauthorized areas (think unlicensed breeding facilities, on the side of the road, or out of a car).
Similar legislation has been passed in other jurisdictions like Roswell, fueling the fear that these vendors will move to Dunwoody, where there aren’t any restrictions in place.
Read about the meeting here and other Dunwoody City Council deliberations.
A guide to holiday traditions at Lake Oconee
SPONSORED BY VISIT LAKE OCONEE
As the holiday season approaches, Lake Oconee transforms into a magical winter wonderland filled with festive traditions, cozy experiences, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re seeking Christmas nostalgia at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee; shopping for unique gifts at local boutiques; or indulging in seasonal dining, Lake Oconee offers the perfect holiday retreat. From community events and tree lightings to lakeside s’mores and cozy cups of hot chocolate, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Find your reason to linger longer this holiday season at Lake Oconee.
Suddenly everyone has an opinion
The Dunwoody community has been discussing way-finding signage since shortly after its incorporation more than 15 years ago. There have been community meetings, various concepts introduced and discussed during city council meetings, and many opportunities for citizens to tell government officials about how they want people to know they have arrived to their city. You can read about the history of the program here.
Fast forward to last weekend when one of the larger signs was erected at the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody Road near the I-285 exit. Suddenly social media was buzzing with opinions about the location, the construction materials, the chosen font and the $1 million price tag for the program.
To be fair, the Georgetown sign does make quite a statement in an area basically known as a pretty good place to gas up your tank, get your car washed and eat a McMuffin. And the sign installation isn’t complete – there will be lots of landscaping that will soften the emphatic statement that you are now in Dunwoody.
For people who want to get a jump on complaining even more, here’s the final signage package and a map that shows the 14 other areas where the signs will be installed.
Read more about it and see the already-installed signs here.
Big changes for the Dunwoody Nature Center
I’ve always been a fan of this little 22-acre hidden gem on Roberts Drive in Dunwoody that has so many components to it – health, education and entertainment. There are trails, playgrounds, streams, bee hives, and a beautiful treehouse pavilion (available for rent at a reasonable price).
Back in the day, I was part of an effort at Austin’s Elementary’s first-ever Dunwoody Dash 5k to raise funds for large treehouse overlooking the wetlands. Every time I walk by there, I’m proud to see it still around, and to observe continued improvements at the park.
DNC is embarking on a large-scale $1.72 million restoration and building project that will see, among other features, the construction of a new boardwalk.
Read all about it here.
Getting into the spirit (if you must)
People think I’m a Grinch because I don’t want to hear Christmas music being played the day after Halloween. I also don’t really want to hear Mariah Carey sing “that song” any time before Thanksgiving (or actually, any time before the end of my life).
However, I guess it’s now time to think about the holidays, and with that enthusiastic, life-affirming declaration, here’s a few events around the area to help you get in the holiday spirit.
1. On Dec. 1 from 4-8 p.m., the Dunwoody Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate its annual Holiday Lights celebration at Brook Run Park for the fifth year.
Fact – with more than 100,000 lights and and a different theme every year, this is an event worth attending even for this grinch. The Arctic Safari theme this year will feature a safari-style vehicle and train, a Mega Tree, illuminated faux igloo geo-domes, Arctic animal ice shapes, and a penguin glow area.
Dunwoody’s Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Council members will flip the switch on the lights at 6 p.m.
2. Spruill Center’s Holiday Fair, 4681 Ashford Dunwoody Road, is also worth a trip (or two) for unique holiday gifts, with more than 90 artists’ works for sale at very reasonable prices.
Plus, on Dec. 7, the Spruill Gallery Garden will host an afternoon winter story and craft experience from 2-4 p.m. This free event provides an opportunity for family-friendly entertainment while parents shop the holiday fair.
Visit the gallery’s website to see some of the unique offerings at this year’s fair.
3. Here’s something for people who want to experience the holiday in a condensed format – Stage Door Theatre’s production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!).”
It’s described as such: “Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told – plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung.”
Stage Door Theatre is a community treasure with a level of talent that meets or exceeds some Broadway plays I’ve seen, and there’s not a bad seat in the place. The play runs from Dec. 7 to Dec. 22.
Tickets are on sale here.
And one final thought . . .
Keep these suggestions in mind as you tiptoe through the many possible landmines at your Thanksgiving get-together.