Weighty Wednesday
Dec. 11 — As we emerge from the deluge, here’s round three of our Dunwoody newsletter.
This week, we will highlight a public hearing at Monday’s City Council about the possible rezoning of a struggling shopping center, tell you how you can help the city’s stream ecosystem stay healthy, provide more information on upcoming lighting celebrations and places you can drive by for a little holiday cheer (I was wrong about the city lights already being fully “on”), and finally, alert you to a “paw-some” activity for your Skye-obsessed toddler.
😋 If anyone wants to know how I am managing to meet or exceed my holiday weight-gain goals, here are three phrases that have proved to be successful – “I’ll have the tenderloin,” “No salad for me, thanks,” and “both desserts, please.”
Have a great day,
Cathy
NS to C-1 hurdle crossed
🛍️ At Monday’s City Council meeting, a public hearing regarding Mount Vernon Shopping Center took an about-face from a July community meeting, where nobody had anything good to say about a zoning change that would allow a greater variety of uses in an empty 30,000-square foot space that used to be a grocery store, and another grocery store, and another grocery store.
The property’s zoning would change from Neighborhood Shopping to Commercial, which would allow for some uses like pickleball courts, event facilities, and even small schools.
At Monday’s meeting, there were several speakers who endorsed, not only the possibility of an “eater-tainment” business, but also supported the establishment of multi-use trails around the center.
Missing from the mix were several regular speakers who have historically claimed the existence of sidewalks, bike lanes, family fun, parks, and people who are out and about after 10 p.m. will ruin Dunwoody.
🐈 The panel also talked dogs, hotels, cats, facility agreements and rabbits at the meeting.
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.
Adopt a stream in Dunwoody
💧 Dunwoody Public Works is launching an Adopt-A-Stream program that will have volunteers as a significant component.
A statement from the city said volunteers will select a site to adopt along a local creek or stream and regularly monitor the water quality.
“The goal is to keep our waterways clean and healthy by checking for anything out of the norm,” Javier Sayago, Dunwoody’s Stormwater Capital Projects Manager, said. “We look forward to building a team of volunteers for this simple but serious work.”
➡️ Read about how you can participate here.
The future’s so bright
🔔 There are more lightings in the city than previously reported, so get ready to be dazzled.
Dunwoody Baptist Church only needs about 12 minutes of your time, as the church’s bell tower will light up at the church, 1445 Mt. Vernon Road.
According to intel I got while inappropriately talking shop at a wedding, the program runs on a 12-minute loop starting at either 5:30 or 6:00 pm. and will continue until Dec. 26. I’m confused about the schedule, so click here and see if you can figure it out.
More straightforward is the Fourth Annual Ravinia Lights show, which will be held Thursday starting at 6 p.m. hotel, located at the corner of Hammond Drive and Ashford Dunwoody Road. You need to bring a gift, which will allow you to enjoy a plethora of activities including Santa, the Grinch, snow, face-painting, and the possibly the greatest Christmas animal of all time – a llama.
Quick story: When our children were small, we used to drive around Dunwoody to “look at the lights, people.” And that’s really all that was said – except every once and awhile, my neighbor would break into an embarrassing song he had composed about one of the kids in the car. “Grace has got a panty on her head” became an instant classic.
🎁 Anyhoo, back to Ravina. You can find a list of suggested gifts for every age group here. P.S. During the event, hotel parking is free.
No job is too big, no pup is too small
🐾 CAMP, located in the Ashford Lane Shopping Center, is putting on a Paw Patrol immersive experience starting Dec. 13, wherein “Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Chase, and the rest of Ryder’s pups defend Adventure Bay.”
While the CAMP press release didn’t mention my favorite character, Zuma, a water rescue pup who often says “dude,” I’m sure he’ll be in the mix.
🎟️ Tickets, which start at $25, are now on sale here.
And finally …
☕ Summit Coffee is opening its newest location this weekend in the Shops of Dunwoody, completing the quad squad of available coffee experiences in the downtown Dunwoody area.
Summit, which has other Atlanta locations in Roswell and Emory Village, joins across-the-street neighbors Starbucks and Valor Coffee and down the street, Dunkin’ Donuts.
🏦 Dunwoody has at least 10 banks within rock-throwing distance, so I think there’s room for coffee.
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