Thursday, April 28, 2016

The Dunwoody Community is in mourning for Halle Scott, 19, who was killed in a car wreck.

Halle Scott, 19, “was someone we looked up to” - AJC


When Halle Scott was a girl, this had been her church, with its tiny chapel radiant whenever light streamed through the amber windows arching high.

It was like that Thursday, the little brick chapel of Dunwoody United Methodist Church glowing inside, every pew filled with mourners. Outside, the rest of the world went on with its lunchtime business, many oblivious to the grief contained in this little room. There was an uneasy silence inside, broken every now and then with the rip of tissues being pulled from small boxes to muffle sobs and dry tears.

There was no order of service for this memorial to Scott. The 19-year-old perished along with three fellow UGA students after their car crashed Wednesday night. A fifth friend is fighting for her life at Athens Regional Medical Center.

The events of the past 24 hours was too much to bear for former classmates and teachers from Dunwoody High School, who gathered to mourn Scott.

One by one, kids in shorts and track shoes and adults with graying hair choked out prayers. They asked what people always ask whenever a teenager has to lay a peer to rest and a parent has to bury a child: Why?

“Dear Lord, life isn’t fair and it makes me mad, but I thank you for allowing me to be mad,” said one of her former Dunwoody classmates. “I’d ask that you’d welcome them into your kingdom, but we’d ask you to help those of us who are left behind to heal.”

“We ask for the Scott family the peace that surpasses understanding descends on this family,” said a teacher.

“We feel like we’ve been stolen from,” said another.

They prayed for Halle’s family, her mother, father and older brother, who friends said was also a student at UGA.

And when they were done praying but not grieving, they huddled in aisles and in the lobby to remember Scott.

Long before she became a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, she was a Dunwoody High Wildcat, captain of the football cheerleading squad her senior year.

“She was welcoming when we were freshmen,” said Emily Christensen, 17. “When you’re a JV cheerleader you get a big sister and you go on this scavenger hunt to find out who your big sister is. And I saw her standing there with a big sign with my name. I was so happy. Everybody looked up to her.”

At summer cheerleading camp, she was the only one who could ever seem to get the youngest kids to pay attention and practice, said Jenna Hogan, 17. She did it not by bossing them around but by making up little songs and dances for them to do. She didn’t like to see people sitting things out, her friends said. She wanted people to be included.

Scott had been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Dunwoody High since the 9th grade and every Friday morning could be counted on to read announcements at the group’s meeting. Steve Fortenberry, was one of her teachers and led the group. Faith played a large role in her life. But as much as she wanted to see people look past their differences and get along, she also had a quiet competitiveness, always looking to best herself. “She wanted to win,” Fortenberry said.

“She was comfortable in her own skin and at that age, you know, kids are hung up in what others think,” he said. “She wasn’t. She was confident and she had such a strong family that instilled that in her.”

Scott was the flier for her cheerleading squad, the one they tossed into the air during intricate routines. Her longtime coach Gayle Hard remembered Scott as the one who led by example and made it a point to get along with the many different groups.

That Scott seemed poised and confident in who she was is what made her a model for some of the younger girls, Hard said.

“This was a remarkable child,” she said.

Pernoshal Park / Trail Extention Grand Opening - Free Movie & Community Bike Ride



“Park at Pernoshal”
Friday, April 29, 2016
4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Park at Pernoshal Court 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody, GA

Goal: Bring attention to and activate the new Park at Pernoshal Court
Objective: A celebration to open the park with a family-friendly community event drawing residents and visitors to the city’s newest Park, creating an opportunity for the city’s community partners to promote their organizations to the community.

Draft Agenda (timing/activities being finalized):
11:00 a.m. – Set up (some set up 4/28 if necessary)

4:00 p.m. – Welcome
-          Introduce Mayor (Bob Mullen)

4:15 p.m. – Mayor Denis Shortal
-          Welcome
-          Park at Pernoshal Court – Background & Key Features

4:20 p.m. Mayor & Council
-          Ribbon cutting and Photo op

4:30 p.m./5:00 p.m. –Various Activities begin and continue till dusk (tentative list below)
-          Food Trucks open (tables and chairs around pavilion)
-          Booths for city partners, local nonprofits/organizations, event sponsors
-          Lawn games: Bean Bag games, hula-a-hoops, etc.
-          Shoot around on basketball courts

5:00 p.m. – Bike-Walk Dunwoody - Bike loop ride for all ages along trail, loop Brook Run trail, back to Park at Pernoshal; Instructions for ride, Not a race

5:00 p.m.Chiefs Futbol Club - Soccer games and fun for kids

5:00 p.m. – Pickleball Tutorial - demonstration of the game from JCCA players

Periodic Announcements & Activities

8:30/Dusk: Movie on large field – Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur (PG)
9:30 p.m. ish – End of Event/End of Movie

Atlanta Colts Football & Cheerleading early registration ends Saturday - save money today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WoC-tbLbiw

The video above is from my oldest sons first seasons of football with the Atlanta Colts and I know that even after almost ten years many of these boys are still enjoying the sport at Dunwoody, St. Pius X, Wesleyan and Woodward Academy.   I highly recommend the program and my 10 year old will be playing in the 5th grade league.  Maybe I will see you out there but the $50 discount for early registration ends this Saturday. Register before May 1 to save!

Register now and join the best youth football and cheer family in Metro Atlanta. The Atlanta Colt Youth Association has a team for every age and experience level. We offer flag football, Intra-league Cheer/Football and D1 Travel Football and Cheerleading.

Come Run With The Colts!

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Dunwoody Park at the Dunwoody Nature Center is the best playground in Atlanta for sensitive skin and young ones.


What seems like many years ago, my wife & I had our favorite children's playground in a beautiful shaded park in Norcross.  Unfortunately that park is no longer as shaded as it once was and my boys rarely hang out in playgrounds therefore I wanted to show and tell our community about Dunwoody's beautiful hidden play areas among the trees.  Please stop by the Dunwoody Nature Center to set a spell, enjoy the creek, the shade and the children's laughter.

5343 Roberts Drive  Dunwoody, GA 30338 and walk to the back of the park.








Saturday, April 23, 2016

Dunwoody's National Charity League brings mothers & daughters together for local community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.

https://dunwoody.nationalcharityleague.org/


Yesterday I stopped by the Dunwoody Nature Center to check on the paint recycling and discovered a great local organization of women making our community a better place.  These ladies were have fun and bonding over their community service.  Please check them out. 

About

National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) is a national non-profit organization comprised of mother and daughter members in Chapters across the United States. NCL, Inc. was established in Los Angeles, California, in 1925 and incorporated in 1958.

Mission

To foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.

Vision

Through the mother-daughter relationship, National Charity League, Inc. will develop strong women leaders serving and impacting communities today and for generations to come.

Core Values

  • Honoring the mother-daughter bond by together learning, growing and modeling responsibility and graciousness
  • Empowering women with the skills and confidence to lead
  • Nurturing through mentorship
  • Inspiring a legacy of social awareness and compassion
  • Providing depth of support in local communities
  • Integrity and excellence in everything we do

Our Chapter History

The Dunwoody Chapter is the 116th Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) and is one of eight chapters in the state of Georgia. Our chapter was formed 2004 by a group of service-minded women who saw needs in our community and sought to fill them. Finding tremendous interest in the community from mothers and daughters who were familiar with other area chapters, these women  worked to create a chapter in Dunwoody. We received our charter in 2006. Over the past 15 years we have grown to include 228 active members, including 10 sustaining members.

State Rep. Tom Taylor of Dunwoody apologizes to voters for DUI arrest & he still has my support.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/georgia/representative-charged-with-dui-vows-to-get-help-remain-in-office/230876055

The Dunwoody community was shocked when our State Representative Tom Taylor of Dunwoody was arrested last week and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Rabun County.  Tylor, 54, a Dunwoody Republican who worked diligently to create & serve the City of Dunwoody, had a blood-alcohol content of .225, nearly three times the legal limit of .08.

These salacious details made national news just weeks before the election and for some, this mistake is enough for Dunwoody residents to vote for the other guy no matter what.  I understand that perspective but let's also realize that Tom has a problem that he will work to correct and maybe this community should compare Tom's voting record against what the alternative candidate will bring to our community.

As per the Crier... "Taylor came to local attention through his work with Citizens for Dunwoody, serving as vice president and then president. He was a leader in the three-year fight for cityhood, taking a prominent role in successfully lobbying the General Assembly to allow a referendum.

That and his work as chairman of the Police Task Force, helping to establish the Dunwoody police department, led to his election to the first City Council. In 2010, when Dan Weber decided on short notice not to seek re-election to the state senate and state Rep. Fran Millar decided to move up, Taylor ran for the state house and was elected.

In the state house, representing Dunwoody and pieces of Chambee and Doraville, Taylor is best known locally for championing a bill to create an independent school system for Dunwoody. Less publicized was his work on legislation to force DeKalb County to sell its parks in Dunwoody to the city for $100 an acre and convey $7 million in bond funds for Brook Run Park to the city.  In 2011 he was chosen Rookie Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.  Despite his short tenure in the house, Taylor was chosen as chairman of the MARTA Oversight Committee and is on several key committees such as economic development and tourism, governmental affairs and regulatory industries."

Bill Torpy the straight talking columnist in the AJC (whom I admire and who reminds me of Chicago's Mike Royko) wrote a spot on the perspective of Tom's arrest just prior to reelection where he outlines the options for the Dunwoody community.  My favorite quote is "There are a lot of preeners, egotists and even loons in the state legislature. Taylor isn’t one of them."  "Tom Owens, is a well-known, self-appointed, in-your-face, conspiracy-minded, immigrant-fearing fringe candidate. To put it mildly.  The prospect of Rep. Tom Owens (R-Dunwoody) heading to the Legislature has GOP and Dunwoody politicos guzzling Maalox by the pint."

Mr. Torpy is spot on, as a Dunwoody politico (I prefer the term public servant) I know Candidate Tom Owen as I have been in numerous meetings (1, 2, 3) with him and I detest the thought of him representing our community!  Character goes a long way for me and your history of arrests and interactions with law enforcement usually shows an aspect of ones character.  This is Tom Taylor's first offense and he is taking full responsibilities for his actions.   Now let's compare that against candidate Tom Owen whereby he was charged for spitting on a businesses door because of his intolerance against immigrants and whereby he thought they were funding terrorism.  There are numerous stories on candidate Owen within the links on this blog post where there are numerous restraining orders filed against him because of his threats of violence against various people, and his intolerance for differences. 

As a fellow Dunwoody City Councilman, Tom Taylor and I have had a long friendship based on mutual respect but when we talked earlier this week I informed him that he needs to regain that level of respect from not only myself but from the entire community and this needs to be done by kicking this habit in order to clear any demons that he may be facing.

Once that is done, I believe Tom Taylor should be reelected to the Georgia Legislature in order to represent us and push the needs of our community within the State Legislature. If you disagree with my assessment, I respect that decision but I would like you to be fully informed as to the other choice for State Representative as it is my opinion that Tom Owen is not a viable candidate to work with others in the state legislature to push for positive change in our community.

In case you are not fully aware of the story of Tom Taylor or the history of Candidate Tom Owen, here are a few links.

AJC - Georgia Rep. Tom Taylor charged with DUI in Rabun County Thurs Apr 14
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/rep-tom-taylor-charged-with-dui-in-rabun-county/nq5b4/

The Crier - Taylor apologizes to voters for DUI arrest
http://www.thecrier.net/news/article_992d09e8-05d2-11e6-a3f3-4bf989e3c2cf.html

AJC - Rep. Tom Taylor said DUI arrest was his wake-up call Thurs Apr 21

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/rep-tom-taylor-said-dui-arrest-was-his-wake-up-cal/nq8nP/

Atlanta Area Lawmaker with DUI – His Opponent says He’s a Drunk
http://www.thebryancrabtreeshow.com/atlanta-area-lawmaker-with-dui-his-opponent-says-hes-a-drunk/

Ga. State Rep. Tom Taylor Of Dunwoody Charged With DUI  - Full Report
http://news.wabe.org/post/ga-state-rep-tom-taylor-dunwoody-charged-dui

AJC - Bill Torpy at Large: Kids, a .45 and a high-speed DUI
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local/kids-guns-and-dui-at-72-mph-a-nasty-knot-for-rep-t/nq6s3/

Peach Pundit - Tom Owens, A Man Amok from Oct 2014
http://www.peachpundit.com/2014/10/06/tom-owens-man-amok/

Doraville Police Report - Tom Owen for spitting on a business.

MARTOC Chairman Arrested for DUI
https://www.georgiapol.com/2016/04/14/martoc-chairman-arrested-for-dui/

AJC - And you thought DeKalb politics couldn’t get any crazier? http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/and-you-thought-dekalb-politics-couldnt-get-any-cr/nhfzZ/#8bad1097.3715759.735516

Tom Owen addresses the DHA Political Forum - watch the question & answer at 29:55
http://dunwoodynorth.blogspot.com/2014/10/dunwoody-forum-for-dekalb-commissioner.html

Friday, April 22, 2016

Paint Recycling in Dunwoody, Saturday from 10 to 4 @DunwoodyNature Center


Paint Recycling
Date: April 23, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thinking about doing some spring cleaning? Now’s the time to gather all of those old cans of paint lying around the house to bring in for recycling (yes, the old paint is recycled and used again!) during the Nature Center’s Earth Day Paint Recycling Event on Saturday, April 23rd from 10:00 until 4:00. Brought to you by the City of Dunwoody, for a fee of $1 per gallon (cash only), residents can drop off any unwanted paints and promote healthier air and water quality in the process. 

 

Location:   Dunwoody Nature Center - 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Latex paints often end up in the landfill. Chemicals leached from this paint can have deleterious effects on soil, air and water. Innovative paint disposal operations, such as our partners at Atlanta Paint Disposal, have provided an alternative; in addition to separating, bulking and filtering the paint to produce a reusable paint product, Atlanta Paint Disposal donates large quantities of paint to community beautification projects. Their largest quarterly donation goes to the Graffiti Task Force of Atlanta. The Earth Day paint recycling event is part of a larger effort by the Nature Center and the City of Dunwoody to encourage environmentally-friendly behavior among residents.

Dunwoody News: Parks & Rec Master Plan Survey, *NEW Park Opening 4/29*, Activities & more!

Parks Public Survey

Today (4/22) is the last day to complete the Dunwoody Parks & Recreation Master Plan Survey

The Parks & Recreation Master Plan Survey is open to all Dunwoody residents. Please visit www.dunwoodysurvey.org/open to complete the online survey. The survey will close tonight (4/22) at midnight. 
Community involvement and public input will be a critical component of the master planning update process. Answer the survey and help create a better Dunwoody! 
For additional information on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update or the survey, please visit dunwoodyga.gov/2016ParksMasterPlan or email parks@dunwoodyga.gov


Earth Day EventsDunwoody Earth Day Celebrations Take Place on Saturday, April 23rd

In honor of Earth Day, the City of Dunwoody and the Dunwoody Nature Center are hosting 'Stream Clean-up' and 'Paint Recycling' events Saturday, April 23rd. 
Stream Clean-up: Lend a hand! Volunteers will help to clean-up portions of Nancy Creek behind the *New* Park at Pernoshal Court April 23, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. To volunteer please contact Rebecca Keefer at rebecca.keefer@dunwoodyga.gov. The group will meet at the Park at Pernoshal Court (4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody.) Work clothes, boots, bug spray and sunscreen recommended. Gloves, tools and trash bags will be provided.
Paint Recycling: Recycle your old paint at the Dunwoody Nature Center on April 23, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For a fee of $1 per gallon, residents can drop off any unwanted paint at the Nature Center (5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody) to help promote healthier air and water quality. If you have any questions call the Dunwoody Nature Center at 770.394.3322. In the past more than 8,000 gallons of paint have been recycled through this event – help us set another record this year!!!
Check the city's event calendar and Dunwoody Nature Center website for updates and inclement weather notifications. 


DeKalb SanitationAs of April 18th changes have been made to DeKalb County garbage and recycling container requirements and collection procedures 

As apart of DeKalb County's Rolling Forward to One initiative, the county announced the implementation of Phase II of the sanitation service change, which ensures that every single-family residence received a garbage roll cart.
Effective April 18, 2016, the Sanitation Division implemented changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection procedures, which were approved by the DeKalb County Governing Authority. Only county-provided garbage and recycling containers are approved for use. Customers not in compliance will not be serviced until their next scheduled collection day. A notice will be issued advising of the use of an unapproved garbage or recycling container. Noncompliant customers will also be required to place their garbage or recyclable materials in county-approved containers for servicing. 
Inquiries regarding Phase II should please be directed to the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404.294.2900 or SanitationPhase2@dekalbcountyga.gov.  
For more detailed information, please visit dekalbcountyga.gov/sanitation


Brook Run Dog ParkBrook Run Dog Park celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Sunday, April 24th from 11am-1pm

Join the Brook Run Dog Park Association, Inc. (BRDPA), other dog lovers, local rescue groups and pet vendors in celebrating the dog park's 10th anniversary on Sunday, April 24th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Dunwoody's own Brook Run Dog Park located at 4770 North Peachtree Road.
The first 100 animals with reservations with receive FREE micro-chipping, a gift from the BRDPA. Please visit the news section of the website for more information on how to sign up your dog. 
For more information please visit www.brookrundogpark.com


Nature Center Plant SaleDunwoody Nature Center Spring Plant Sale: Ordering Deadline Wednesday, April 27th

The Nature Center is hosting its annual spring plant sale 'Contain Yourself.' The Nature Center's team of Master Gardeners are offering suggestions for beautiful flower combinations for containers. All of the profits from the annual spring plant sale benefit the programs and operations of the Nature Center. To order visit: www.dunwoodynature.org/Plant-Sale


Park Opening

Park at Pernoshal Court Opening: Friday, April 29th at 4pm 

Please join the City of Dunwoody in celebrating the opening of the *NEW* Park at Pernoshal Court located at 4575 North Shallowford Road, Dunwoody. Festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. and will include a ribbon cutting, food trucks, bike ride around the trail, games, and a FREE outdoor movie (Disney Pixar's The Good Dinosaur (PG)) in the meadow beginning at dusk. 
Check the city's event calendar page for more information. 


Monarchs and Margaritas logoMonarchs & Margaritas & Moonshine: Saturday, April 30th 6pm-9pm

Dunwoody Nature Center is hosting its premier spring event Monarchs & Margaritas (& Moonshine!) at Dunwoody Park on April 30th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to pick out a pair of favorite boots to wear to this Southern Chic party benefiting the Nature Center. The event will feature live music, catering and an evening full of fun! 
For more information and to purchase tickets www.dunwoodynature.org.


Peachtree Middle Garden

Grand Opening of Peachtree Charter Middle School's Butterfly Garden: Saturday, May 7th 10am-noon

Please join Peachtree Charter Middle School at their Botanical Garden (4664 North Peachtree Road Dunwoody) on Saturday, May 7th for the grand opening of their butterfly garden. Peachtree Charter Middle School, was awarded a grant from Monarchs Over Georgia and the Roslynn Carter Butterfly Trail to build a butterfly habitat in the school garden. The event takes place from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending RSVP to Anne_D_Bustamante@dekalbschoolsga.org

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Dunwoody's Lemonade Days schedule for Saurday is packed with live entertainment & childrens activities.



I've visited Dunwoody's Lemonade Days for years and the layout is always being modified or tweaked, but this year I think it is a winner.  The main music stage is now in the center of the park in the big open field vs hidden in a corner as in the past and the other great change to me is the dedicated small child ride area.  This protected children's area is a little off the beaten path but allows a dedicated area for just little people to be with their parents with no other crowds or teenagers walking through to get to the bigger amusement rides. 

680 the Fan will be hosting the G-Day televised Georgia Football Game on big screens, the Petting Zoo finally opens for the little ones, some brave souls (like Scott Bennett, Steve Fortenberry & Coach Mike Nash) will be in the dunk tank starting about 2 pm (I go in on Sunday @ 2:30), there will be shopping activities for Mom and everybody loves to see classic cars.   The Dunwoody High School Football team will out in force assisting with various items, working the dunk tank and selling Wildcat discount cards; so if a young man approaches you to buy a card, please think about supporting the Dunwoody Wildcats and the outstanding work of Coach Mike Nash.

Saturday's music line up looks to be incredible, packed with local talent with bands like Array, the Dunwoody Idol competition and then the headliners of Beauregard & John King.  I have posted a few videos down below so come out and join the fun.

John

Saturday - April 16, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Day 4 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Rides, Games & Concessions - Amusement Park Rides, Inflatables, Midway Games, Concessions and SO MUCH MORE!

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Petting Zoo - Let your kids see all kinds of animals at the Petting Zoo!

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Made In Dunwoody Country Store featuring local purveyors of beauty products, prepackaged food, art and jewelry. Also shop in the Flea Market Finds and a bookstore of local authors.

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Face Painting - Let your child enjoy the fun of face paint!

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Dunwoody Driving Club - Antique cars on display.

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Dunk Tank

2:00 PM - 10:00 PM - 680 The Fan Sports Radio G-Day Event, (4pm Televised University Of Georgia Football Game)

Band Schedule 12:15pm Maggie Sims
1:00pm Garrett Douglas
2:00pm Zenith
3:00pm Non Stop Blues Band
4:00pm Anne Marie Perry
5:00pm Cider Hearts
6:00pm Array
7:00pm Dunwoody Idol
8:00pm Beauregard
9:00pm John King


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkP-4cT9MKQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p63TL-7AOE




Thursday, April 14, 2016

City publishes Spring Dunwoody Digest newsletter

http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2016/Apr/Dunwoody_Digest_2016_Spring_Edition.pdf

Most Dunwoody mailboxes should be receiving this 12 page color document filled with great information but I wanted to point out one date change that happened this went to the publisher.  On page five there is a nice article regarding the planned official grand opening of the Park at Pernoshal Court but the date was changed from April 22nd to now April 29th.

Another point was that the City Council has already earmarked additional funds for street paving therefore we should be able to fulfill our original list that is published on page nine of the document as well as most of our supplemental list for 2016.

Kudos to Mr. Bob Mullen for putting this newsletter together.

Dunwoody Nature Center hosts Monarchs & Margaritas (and Moonshine!) on Sat April 30th


Dunwoody’s Best Party
Comes Home to 
Dunwoody’s Best Park
Saturday, April 30th
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.


Get ready for a whole new Monarchs & Margaritas (and Moonshine!) this year as we bring the party back to Dunwoody Park. After a 7 year absence, we're kicking things up a notch with an upscale casual PARTY in the heart of our meadow where you can enjoy the beauty of the spring season. Pick out a pair of your favorite boots and join us for an evening full of surprises that includes:
• Live music featuring Cicada Rhythm
• Valet parking
• Signature drinks featuring expert Moonshine mixologist Kevin Gardner
• Whole roasted pig and roasted corn in shuck from Low Country Catering
• Catering from Alon's featuring Southern starters desserts
• Tented party area courtesy of Peachtree Tents & Events

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Dunwoody Lemonade Days Festival is now in full swing - electronic coupon accepted.


I attended the Wednesday night opening and note a few positive changes.  The coupon above does not need to be printed, a flash of the coupon on your phone works too.  The music stage is front and center in the main lawn near the pavilion therefore music will be more prominent.  The rides are more spread out with dedicated areas (based on the ride) for teenagers / adults and separate areas for little kids.   Beer & wine are now added to the vendors list therefore I believe there will be a group of Peachtree Middle School parents who will be visiting this area in order to be close enough to dole out money to their children yet be far enough away to not bee seen.   If you want to get maximum rides in for the price of your wristband, I highly recommend attending Thursday as the lines get long over the weekend.

Enjoy

2016 Food and Beverage Vendors:
  • Vino Venue
  • Moon Dog Growlers
  • Anheuser-Busch
  • Dunwooody Chick-fil-A
  • Mamma Duke's Wood Fired Pizza
  • Mad Italian
  • Bento Bus
  • Greek Tavern
  • Dogs on Wheels
  • Yogi Mogli
  • Wheely Grilly
  • Grandma D's Kettle Corn
  • Country Cabin Sweets
  • Chilly Willy
  • Georgia Popcorn
  • Cup or Cone
  • It's Gotta Be Lemonade
  • Sweet Mama's Freshly Squeezed Lemonade
  • CD's Concessions
  • Shrimp in a Basket
  • A& M Concessions
  • The Funnel Cake Guys
  • Banjo Coffee

Schedule of Events


Thursday - April 14, 2016
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM - Day 2 - Rides, Games & Concessions - Come out and enjoy Amusement Park Rides, Inflatable, Midway Games & Concessions at Brook Run Park!

Band Schedule 5:30pm Meltdown
6:15pm Tabarana
7:00pm Eric’s Band
8:00pm Ian’s Friends


Friday - April 15, 2016
4:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Day 3 - Rides, Games & Concessions - Come out and enjoy Amusement Park Rides, Inflatable, Midway Games & Concessions at Brook Run Park!

Band Schedule 5:30pm Katie Surprise
5:30pm WretchedWonders
6:15pm Charge the Falls
7:00pm New Era
7:45pm Woodsong
8:30pm Goodfires
9:30pm No Komment

Saturday - April 16, 2016
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Day 4 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Rides, Games & Concessions - Amusement Park Rides, Inflatables, Midway Games, Concessions and SO MUCH MORE!

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM - Petting Zoo - Let your kids see all kinds of animals at the Petting Zoo!

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Made In Dunwoody Country Store featuring local purveyors of beauty products, prepackaged food, art and jewelry. Also shop in the Flea Market Finds and a bookstore of local authors.

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Face Painting - Let your child enjoy the fun of face paint!

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Dunwoody Driving Club - Antique cars on display.

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Dunk Tank

2:00 PM - 10:00 PM - 680 The Fan Sports Radio G-Day Event, (4pm Televised University Of Georgia Football Game)

Band Schedule 12:15pm Maggie Sims
1:00pm Garrett Douglas
2:00pm Zenith
3:00pm Non Stop Blues Band
4:00pm Anne Marie Perry
5:00pm Cider Hearts
6:00pm Array
7:00pm Dunwoody Idol
8:00pm Beauregard
9:00pm John King

Sunday - April 17, 2016
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Day 5 - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Made In Dunwoody Country Store featuring local purveyors of beauty products, prepackaged food, art and jewelry. Also shop in the Flea Market Finds and a bookstore of local authors.

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Rides, Games & Concessions - Enjoy the last day of Amusement Park Rides, Inflatables, Games & Concessions!

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Face Painting - Let your child experience the fun of face paint!

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Petting Zoo - Final day for the Petting Zoo

It was 20 years ago today...


"Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked."


Kristin & I celebrated our 20th and one of my sisters looked at this photo and said, look how young we all look.  Her comment reminded me of the opening line from the commencement speech / song, Wear Sunscreen & thought I would share both the comment and the photo as it is spot on.  That being said, I think we all still look fabulous.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Dunwoody’s Daniel Gothard says goodbye to Ivy League scholarship and heads to UGA as a walk on.


11Alive - As recently as a few weeks ago, Dunwoody offensive lineman Daniel Gothard was headed to play for the University of Pennsylvania in the Ivy League. That was until the coaching staff at the University of Georgia saw his highlight tape.

Although Gothard has only been playing football for two years, the Georgia staff swooped in on the 6-foot-6, 300-pound lineman with an offer to play for the Bulldogs as preferred walk-on. On Sunday night, Gothard accepted.

"He made the decision last night," said Daniel's father, Andy Gothard, "He is very excited."
The Bulldogs will be getting a top wrestler and one of the smartest kids in the Class of 2016.
"He is going to be an engineering major," Gothard said. "He has a 3.9 GPA, and that is taking Advanced Placement courses. During his first year of playing high school football, during the season he took Advanced Placement Calculus and Advanced Placement Physics -- and received A's in both."
As for why such a big target flew under the radar, the elder Gothard explained.

"Daniel wants to be a serious student so we were only looking at very high-tier academic institutions such as the Ivy League," Gothard said.

Georgia apparently fits the bill academically as well as athletically.

"We were told the reason Georgia made the offer was that, having only played for two years, and the fact that he placed fourth as a heavyweight in wrestling in the state this year, they looked at the trajectory of his growth in two years and they believe that the sky is the limit," Gothard said.

Daniel Gothard will be joined in the trenches by two other preferred walk-on offensive linemen in Allen Williams and Sean Fogarty. The Bulldogs staff has been busy trying to add serious size to the offensive line.

"Daniel is extremely excited about the opportunity to play for Georgia," Gothard said. "Go Dawgs!"

Hudl Highlights

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Mon April 11, 2016 - Proposed Winters Chapel Road Improvements


The City Council agenda for Monday is a short one (except for maybe Executive Session) with almost everything on the consent agenda for immediate approval and the only new item is our proposed plans for the Winters Chapel corridor shown above.

Monday, April 11, 2016
Dunwoody City Hall

41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Watch Live at 6:00 p.m.
6 pm Agenda

Georgia Cities Week.
Approval of Design Contract for Winters Chapel Multi-Use Path.
SECOND READ: Ordinance Dedicating City Property to the Georgia Department of Transportation.
SECOND READ: TA 16-041 - Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 16, Division 4 Stream Buffers.
Disposition of Property.
Bunky Way Stream Restoration Contract Amendment.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Spring Break, Pernoshal Park, New Trail Dunwoody Cycle, Food Truck Thursdays, DHA, Lemonade Days & Dunk Tank


I plan to spend some quality time with family & friends without stressing of everyday work concerns therefore I'm stepping away from computers for a short while and hope that your spring break will be as relaxing as mine. As far as City related news or business coming up, I have a few tidbits before I sign off.

If your plans include a staycation, please check out the new Pernoshal Park (off Shallowford) as it is already getting some great reviews (my teenage son & his friends love the basketball court, they give it a thumbs up). My favorite way to get to this new park is to walk the Brook Run Trail and at the back of the park is our new trail extension which crosses the creek and connects to the new park. Please give it a try and remember that we have a city policy to replant a new tree for every tree removed. I am very proud of our trail system and hope to keep extending it where possible.

Dunwoody Cycle Sunday this weekend. The ride begins at Village Burger, 1426 Dunwoody Village Pkwy, starting at 2:30 p.m. and lasts about two hours.

Food Truck Thursdays at Brook Run starts this week April 7th. Here is delicious lineup for opening night at Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays!!! You are not gonna want to miss this! Moondog Growlers will be there along with musical guest, Josh Jeffords Music!

The Bento Bus
Blaxican Food Truck
Cattywampus Grill
Flatbread Bistro
Fry Guy
MIX'd UP Burgers
Viet-Nomie's Gourmet Food Truck & Cafe
Yumbii
Chay J's New Orleans Candies, LLC
King of Pops
Vintage Frozen Custard

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association will be holding a special meeting on Sunday, April 10 at 7:30pm at Dunwoody City Hall to discuss the two high rise condo towers planned in Perimeter Center near the Marta line.

I have a Dunwoody City Council meeting on Monday April 11th and will post the agenda prior to the meeting.

Finally the Lemonade Days carnival starts on Wednesday April 13th and runs through the 17th. (If your kids want maximum rides per hour (or dollar), Wed & Thurs nights are prime time as the lines get a little long over the weekend.)


I am once again slated to be sitting in the dunk tank at Lemonade Days for about 30 minutes as are a few of the other suckers local politicians and men about town. The money raised will be going to the Dunwoody Preservation Trust to help repair the Donaldson Bannister House so hopefully there are a few people who would want to have the opportunity to "put us in our place".

To sweeten the deal, I am offering $50.00 to the first person who can hit the target and dunk me three consecutive times. I've done this several times with no one ever taking my money. Hey Dunwoody High School baseball players - up to the challenge?


$50 bucks says you throw like wild thing.