Sunday, November 28, 2021

Meandering random items from Dunwoody, Georgia that crosses Councilman John Heneghan's desk

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. 

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. 


Holiday Lights are BACK at Brook Run Park starting Wednesday December 1st!  This year's theme: Hollywood Holidays where you can enjoy sets from Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story at Brook Run Park. Join us Wednesday, December 1 for the lighting ceremony from 5-8pm, complete with hot cocoa and character appearances. Lights turn on at 6pm!

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.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Dunwoody City Council agenda for Monday November 29th.

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 29, 2021
6:00 PM – DUNWOODY CITY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338
 
Observe & listen via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88915265429

Agenda - City Site Agenda

Invocation

PUBLIC COMMENT - in person only now that COVID-19 special operation rules are not in place.  Come make your public comment at City Hall.

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.

Resolution Appointing a Member to Serve on the Dunwoody Audit Committee

Resolution Appointment Members to Serve on the Dunwoody Art Commission

Resolution Appointing a Member to Serve on the Urban Redevelopment Agency

Resolution Authorizing a Performance Increase for the City Clerk

Resolution Authorizing Sixth Amendment to the City Manager's Employment Contract

Resolution of Commitment to Provide Local Matching Funds on Transportation Projects Receiving Federal Funding Through the Regional Transportation Improvement Program

SECOND READ: Ordinance to Increase Insurance Company Fees Based on Population Estimates

Contract Approval for the Brook Run Park Lighting Project with Georgia Power

Authorization to Enter into Electrical Vehicle Post Installation and Operations Contracts

Approval of a Contract with Blount Construction for Spalding Rd Stormwater Improvements

Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Opioid Settlement National Class Action Lawsuit

Contract Approval for VOIP Hosted Phone Solution

Friday, November 19, 2021

Light up Dunwoody Community Event - Sunday Nov 21st - 5 pm

When: November 21, 2021 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Cheek Spruill Farmhouse 5455 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA

Cost:  Free 
 
Live Reindeer & Sleigh for Photos
Crafts & Refreshments
Carolers
Performance by Dan & Company
Santa's Special Arrival
Lights go on the Tree, Menorah & House.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

Dunwoody Senior Baseball is hosting the Atlanta Elite Showcase on Saturday, November 20th for high school baseball players to showcase their talent to college coaches.

 

Dunwoody Senior Baseball is hosting the Atlanta Elite Showcase on Saturday, November 20th for high school baseball players to showcase their talent to college coaches and get verified metrics for bat speed, fielder arm velocity, 60 yard dash, pitching velocity and pop time for catchers. Participants will also get small group instruction from experienced college baseball coaches.

  • Who: High School Baseball Players in Classes of '22, '23, '24 and '25
  • When: Saturday, November 20th (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
  • Where: Brook Run Park Baseball Fields
  • Cost: Three options for players to choose from.
    • $150 (Pitcher Only)
    • $175 (Hitting & Defense)
    • $200 (Hitting, Defense & Pitching)

Register at https://atlantaeliteshowcase.com.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

City of Dunwoody hosts Elton John Tribute Band - Truck or Treat on Friday November 12th 7 pm at Brook Run Amphitheater.


https://youtu.be/bBFvBz02kk8


https://youtu.be/44ThmtThCrI

Join us on Friday, November 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brook Run Park Amphitheater for candy, food trucks and music with Elton Live, The Ultimate Tribute. Costumes are welcome since we didn't get to see them before Halloween. As there are crowds expected, I'm told food trucks will be starting at 6, get there early as this entertainer has quite a following!  Highly Recommend!

This is the rescheduled date for Truck or Treat due to rain on the original date in October.


Saturday, November 6, 2021

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday November 8th. Athletic Association Price Increases, Census numbers up, Winters Chapel Path Construction, Police Vehicles, more code enforcement

DUNWOODY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
November 8, 2021
6:00 PM – DUNWOODY CITY HALL
4800 ASHFORD DUNWOODY ROAD
DUNWOODY, GA 30338
 
Observe & listen via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85992523318

Agenda - City Site Agenda

Invocation

PUBLIC COMMENT - in person only now that COVID-19 special operation rules are not in place.  Come make your public comment at City Hall.

First Read & Public Hearing: Ordinance to Revise Insurance Companies Fee to increased population estimate  2020 Census figures, the population of the City of Dunwoody increased from 46,267 to 51,683

Approval of Facility Usage Agreements with the Athletic Association Partners - Dunwoody High Stix Club, Dunwoody Wildcats Soccer, Dunwoody Gridiron Club, Rush Union Soccer, Dunwoody Youth Athletic Association, DHS Boys Soccer Booster Club, Dunwoody Senior Baseball.   City List

Award of a Construction Contract for Phase I of the Winters Chapel Path

Award of Professional Services Contract - Livable Centers Initiative - Edge City

SECOND READ: Consideration of a Text Amendment to Amend Standards for Entertainment Districts

 Resolution to Declare City Police Vehicle to Reinhardt University and IT Equipment as Surplus

 Project Close Out for Capital, SPLOST and Hotel Motel Funds

Municipal Services Contract – Facilities Management Cancellation; Extension of Various Maintenance Contracts on a Month-to-Month Basis

Authorization to amend existing contracts for items approved in the FY2022 budget, including right of way maintenance, code enforcement, and parks operations.

Approval of 2022 Budget Purchase for Police Vehicles

Discussion of Projects for the Atlanta Regional Commission 2022 Transportation Improvement Plan Call for Projects

Friday, November 5, 2021

Dunwoody United Methodist Church Holiday Festival is a one-day, indoor event for the entire family. Saturday November 6th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

The 2021 Holiday Festival is Saturday, November 6!

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

1548 Mt. Vernon Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338

The Dunwoody United Methodist Church Holiday Festival is a one-day, indoor event that features a juried show of beautiful arts and crafts items by talented artisans, in addition to a wide variety of other venues. We offer Attic Treasures, Book Nook, Casseroles to Go, Children’s Activities, Gourmet Shop, Photos with Santa and more. Our 80+ talented participating artists have been carefully selected from a long list of applicants.

With our growing reputation as one of the best indoor holiday festivals in the area, we are fortunate enough to attract vendors from all over Georgia and even as far away as South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. There is so much to see this year. Booths are located in the Fellowship Hall and Gym. This is a great opportunity to shop for “one of a kind” handmade items.

Artist Market - Our 75+ talented participating artists have been carefully selected from a long list of applicants. With our growing reputation as one of the best indoor holiday festivals in the area, we are fortunate enough to attract vendors from all over Georgia and even as far away as South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. There is so much to see this year. Booths are located in the Fellowship Hall and the Gym. This is a great opportunity to shop for “one of a kind” handmade items.

Kids Zone - A place of fun for all kids!
The Kid’s Outdoor Play Zone is an interactive opportunity designed for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. We will have fun activities such as a Petting Zoo, inflatable Obstacle Course, inflatable Giant Slide, and various outdoor games set up on the soccer field! This is not a drop-off activity; parents should stay with their children. There is no charge for parents and children under 2.

Kids’ Craft Corner - Need some time to shop the Holiday Festival on your own?
Drop your children (ages 3-8*) off in the Kids’ Craft Corner, located in the Preschool, where they will enjoy playing games and crafting. Each child will create one keepsake holiday item that you can cherish for years to come. Don’t miss out!  *Children must be potty trained.  Kid’s Crafts will run in two sessions: 10:00am – 11:30 am, and 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.

Food Truck - This year, DUMC’s Holiday Festival will be joined by a food truck from Tom + Chee! The food truck will be at the church from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Attic Treasures & Book Nook - treasured antiques, home and holiday décor, housewares, quality books, etc.

The Gourmet Shop - offering homemade cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, candy, breads, rolls, jams, nuts, snack mixes, cheese straws, soup and dip mixes. Sweet or Savory.

Casseroles-To-Go - Five outstanding recipes prepared with love from Dunwoody's finest chefs.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Dunwoody City Council Election Results and my evening as a party animal. Lautenbacher, Price & Lambert are victorious.


Dunwoody City Council Election Night is a special evening for this political junkie as I typically try to visit the various result watch parties, congratulate all the candidates for putting their name forward and then mingle with their supporters. Tonight, was no different as someone by the end of the night was calling me a party animal even thought I only consumed half a beer and a sip of Champagne.  Looking at the photos, I look really happy and I swear I had nothing more going on except for my routine lack of sleep. 

About 8 pm, I started the evening at the Wild Wing Café where district two candidate Rob Price was holding his event. Having never met Rob previously I wanted to meet him and his lovely bride Jenny and wish them well. We had a great conversation, with his easy going demeanor, wit and charm, we laughed at something I can’t remember then his campaign manager said that she needed to take a photo.  Rob gathered up the small crowd where I was and asked if I wanted to be in the photo… there is only one answer to that question… I would be honored. 

I’m honored to be photographed with Rob Price because he is one of six people out of a group of 50,000 residents who decided to put their name forward for an opportunity to serve their community, to sacrifice their time and talent to improve their community and literally be looked upon to lead this city for the next four years.  As a sitting city councilman, I can tell you that I am honored and quite blessed to be able to serve this community, but it is not always an easy task when citizens see you as the local throat to choke because they may not agree with a position taken.  After thorough vetting of facts, reading various opinions and papers, a city councilman needs to make tough choices, unpopular votes need to be cast, and at times I need to remind myself that I do not go to work for love, I need to do what is in the best interest of the future of the City of Dunwoody.  Service before self is a phrase that comes to mind and all six of the candidates in this cycle need to be honored for stepping forward.

My second stop of the evening was to La Hermanos where Jim Riticher was holding his election result event with his wife Carolyn and a table full of supporters. A few preliminary election day numbers were in with Rob Price ahead by a small margin, but the early voting wasn’t in, so Jim had his hopes up.  By this point of the evening, it was the third inning of the Braves game with a three-run lead and the next table was filled with Redfield ladies with a number of familiar pretty faces I hadn't seen in a years but I didn’t have time to chat.  I said my goodbyes to Jim, I congratulated him on his campaign, thanked him for his service and reminded him that the night was young; I nodded to the ladies at the next table as I departed to the next bar.

Tom Lambert was holding his event at Porters Brew & Que and by this time Tom was the declared early winner with a decisive victory over Brian Sims.  I snapped a photo of Tom’s wife Danielle holding up the precinct results where Tom won every precinct, so even with the missing advanced voting – Tom was coming back to council to serve another four years.  After mingling with the crowd of Tom’s supporters, talking shop with a member of the planning commission, and watching the Braves pull away; I was off to find the next election event. 

As I was about to walk out the door Tom’s opponent Brian Sims, reached out to discuss results and we communicated back and forth a few times with me answering his questions. I have known Brian for probably ten years, our children have gone to school together and from church I know him to be a kind and honorable man. About a week ago we met in a passing, in a parking lot, I greeted Brian and out of respect he called me “sir”. I laughed at him and said with a big smile, Brian, my name is John, please just call me John. He agreed and laughed back at me. In our final communication of the evening, I asked if he was gathered with supporters watching the results, so that I could stop by, but he admitted he wasn’t; instead he was a home watching the Braves recuperating from a long weekend that hadn’t gone as planned.  I congratulated Brian for entering the race and for doing what few others have done, offering to lead. We may see Brian again in the future and hopefully he will be putting forward an application to serve on one of the many City committees to gain more experience.

Catherine Lautenbacher, candidate for district one opposing Terry Nall was holding her event at the Dunwoody Nature Center North Woods Pavilion and as I knew the race was tight, I was interested in the outcome. Prior to election season, I didn’t know Catherine; we had never met but I knew she had the support of former City Councilwoman Pam Tallmadge who was forced to vacate her city council seat when she moved; therefore, if Pam thought highly of Catherine, then I’m sure I too would be impressed.  At the beginning of candidate qualification, back in July, I posted on my blog that I would be willing to personally sit down with anyone interested in running for City Council and answer any questions that they may have. Catherine Lautenbacher was the only candidate from this cycle who took me up on my offer and we talked at Crema for over two hours; I answered her questions, gave her insights but more importantly I received one on one time with a person who cares deeply about this city and who wants to lead it moving forward. 

I was a fan of Catherine's from the day we met therefore I had to go check to see how she was doing. As I walked through the darkened forest towards the lit glass structure, I heard cheers and celebration as I saw Catherine standing by the door speaking to a crowd. I couldn’t barge in; this was her moment as I watched from the shadows with the florescent glow coming through the panes. A minute later, a common friend of ours yelled John Heneghan’s here and I was waived in as Catherine was thanking her many supporters, friends, and family.  Catherine then turned, thanked me publicly for our early conversation and it warmed my heart to think that I may have had a small part in making this celebration a reality. I mingled, met Catherine’s family, I hugged Pam and chatted of 5 am workouts in her new life outside Dunwoody and the many connections she still has here.

The night was winding down, the election was over, but the Braves were still on and winning big.  As I had tentative plans to attempt to meet a few DHS Football Team Dad’s to watch the end of the game, I missed seeing Terry Nall at his event. Having served with Terry for eight years on the city council, I want to send a special thank you to Terry for his service to our community, for his willingness to serve, willingness to run for Mayor and then the willingness to try for Council once again. Kudos good sir and thank you.