As new residents move into our fair town they notice little mementos and dedications made to people of our past whom they may never have heard about, but was probably someone who contributed something worth celebrating and remembering. This weekend I saw the new huge floral mural that adorns the vacant wall in front (side) of the small office strip on Nandina (think Moondog Growlers / Ernie's Barber Shop and former home of the Dunwoody Crier) that was created in the memory of Joyce Amacher, a community activist and a Dunwoody historic preservationist who had a passion for flowers while being a master floral designer. The large mural (above is just a tiny snip-it) is fitting for Joyce and is a beautiful tribute to one of the ladies who gave us Lemonade Days, so please go check out the mural and read about Joyce for yourself.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as my family stayed local with all our boys home. I enjoyed the Light Up Event hosted by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association where Santa arrived via a fire truck and DHS Principal Tom Bass whipped the crowd up into a frenzy.
Advent begins today. Hanukkah begins today. I love the years when this happens. Let's spread light and goodness all over the place. Blessed Advent & Hanukkah to all my friends who celebrate the season by bringing light to the darkness.
In case you are not aware, there is a public menorah lighting on Tuesday in the Village at the Bar(n).
State Representative Mike Wilensky shared some history of Hanukkah on his Facebook page that is worth reading and another wonderful piece worth reading on Jewish / Christian culture with a historical perspective of anti-Semitism and what is being done locally at Marist High School to fight such bigotry can be found in the Dunwoody Reporter by Carol Niemi.
Hey Boy Mom's, did your kid play baseball through his High School years? Do you have a bin in the basement of old equipment, gloves, helmets and catcher gear that you would like to get rid of? Please donate that High School sized baseball equipment in support of an Eagle Scout Project assisting a needy high school in Kentucky. Click here for details and first drop off is Saturday December 4th.
School Safety - If you have ever traveled though the Dunwoody North Neighborhood during afternoon release time towards Peachtree Middle School; you've probably witnessed numerous vehicles parked on Kings Point Drive and Ellisbury. Well after numerous complaints of drivers, parents and walkers alike, the Dunwoody Police Department agrees that a safety issue exists and has recommended to Dunwoody Public Works that afternoon no parking signs be erected. Coming soon?
The Dunwoody Girls Softball players have requested equity in sports facilities and in the last drawings it looked like we were moving in the right direction. Next week we will see the updated drawings to see if those amenities were scoped with the proper dimensions for want is needed, will be proposed as appropriate for both the community at large as well as the local neighborhood.
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| One proposal (may have changed?) |
Dunwoody’s Parks and Recreation team will hold an Open House at Dunwoody City Hall on Monday, Dec. 6, to share new draft plans for future parks on Roberts Drive (former Austin school site) and Vermack Road. Residents are invited to pop in anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. to review two updated concept plans and share feedback.
Tis the season to be generous for those in need. Dunwoody Parks & Recreation and the Dunwoody-Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. will be collecting food for Malachi’s Storehouse and the Community Assistance Center. The Dunwoody Police Department is collecting new unwrapped toys until December 10th for their Christmas for Kids program and will then distribute the toys and boxed meals to Dunwoody families in need. Cash donations for CFK are also welcome, see here for more Christmas for Kids details.
Are you a Dunwoody High School Family who would like to make a positive impact within the school? A couple of weeks ago the Dunwoody DHS Dads built a few picnic tables to add to the outdoor dining experience and this month the DHS families are collecting financial funds to do three specific tasks:
- Family Holiday Gifts
& Support
– With the help and recommendations of coaches, counselors, and staff we have the privilege to
support multiple families at DHS this time of year in need. We
present each family with a surprise financial gift by the first or second
week of December. (Last year I was privileged to be able to assist with the in person financial distributions and I can tell you this effort was life changing for the families involved!)
- Custodian Appreciation Gifts – It takes a full team to keep DHS running and clean, and each year give each custodian staff member a gift card of appreciation also at the first of the December.
- Waffle House Staff Breakfast – Some time after Thanksgiving Break, we provide and serve breakfast to all the school staff in the Gym Lobby. It’s a great way to meet the wonderful team at DHS, and also feed the students that stroll in really early!
Would you consider contributing by 11/30/21, no matter the size, and help in making 2021 the best year ever for our Dunwoody families and staff? You can contribute two ways: (1) Venmo – “@DHS-DADS” (2) PayPal – dunwoodyhighdads@gmail.com.
Redistricting looks to be completed except for maybe the Governors Signature with the big change locally being that Dunwoody is now completely in the fourth Congressional District instead of the sixth whereby we may be represented by Hank Johnson instead of Lucy McBath. In the Georgia House of Representatives, the Perimeter Mall Area and a few neighborhoods were split away from the 80th District (Rep Mike Wilinski) and into the 52nd District currently held by Shea Roberts. In the Georgia State Senate Map there was no major change for us as the 40th Senate District currently held by Sally Harrell is completely covering Dunwoody.
GDOT Update on Top End I-285 Projects (Tim Matthews, GDOT)
City Manager's Report (Eric Linton) Very Interesting read - policing is hard work & note license plate reader activity.
Tomorrow, I am briefed on the Dunwoody Nature Center Master Plan Update and City Council will discuss at 4:30 at a special meeting of the Facilities Authority - Zoom Link
I'm not a runner (bad knees from an old ballet injury) but I see that a lot of people are interested in the Jingle Bell Run happening at Brook Run Park on Saturday December 11th to fund raise for conquering Arthritis. Info here.
Have you been to Stage Door lately, it's time for me to go and it may be something you want to put on your calendar too. Like restaurants, our Arts Community needs our support if we want them to be successful. A Christmas Carol - It’s Christmas Eve 1850, and the melancholy Scrooge finds himself alone at home when he sees before him the ghost of Jacob Marley, his long-time friend and business partner who died seven years earlier. Marley warns Scrooge that he will repent, even in death, for all the suffering he has caused others, and he has only one chance to escape his fate.
It’s that time of year between Thanksgiving & Christmas where I kick
my own ass to lose a few lbs via reasonable calorie intake, regular CycleBar visits, a three day Press Blend Squeeze juice cleanse halfway through & DietBet to be accountable to myself.
If you ever want to look up City of Dunwoody ordinances, they are easily found on Municode.
On a Saturday morning last week, I drove by City Hall and had the biggest smile on my face as I saw a very pregnant & glowing young lady, a scared looking first time Dad and a very confident Dunwoody Police Officer installing a child safety seat into a vehicle that will soon have a regular third passenger. Isn't it awesome that we provide that personal service!
I live on a heavily wooded lot and over the break I did something I really didn't want to do and that was to remove a fallen tree, several dying trees and several oaks that were heavily leaning towards my power lines & mailbox. I received four quotes but the best was from Griffin Tree Services who I had used in the past & trusted. Very professional from all aspects including dealing with Georgia Power to drop the lines, fast efficient work done safely and a yard clean up that puts my normal clean up crew (me & boys) to shame. I highly recommend Griffin Tree Services, 404-234-4810.
Now I need to replant with some fall color in mind.
