The (mostly) good news edition
Nov. 26 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. It’s Thanksgiving week, so this newsletter, like most people’s belts, will be tight. First, some headlines.
💡 If you are a holiday lights fanatic, we have the perfect story for you. Stephanie Toone, who covers DeKalb and Tucker, has scouted out some of the best homes that go all-out for the holidays. Check it out here. Also, if you have a favorite home not listed, let us know.
🎄 Spruill Gallery just opened its Holiday Art Fair in the little house on Ashford Dunwoody Road, and I can personally vouch for it – a great display of unique art at affordable prices. More than 150 artists have their wares for sale. Here’s more information about the shop.
🗞️ And now onto the news. Thanks for reading,
Cathy
🎉 Grab your friends and head to Midtown Alliance’s Jingle Mingle Holiday Party on Dec. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free live music on the plaza at Peachtree and 15th Streets, churros, hot chocolate and a prize raffle for local experiences. RSVP here! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Missing man last seen at Brook Run
🚨 The Acworth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a man last seen in Dunwoody. Kenny Darnell Jackson, 21, was spotted on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Brook Run’s Skate Park on North Peachtree Road.
On the Acworth Police Instagram page, one person posted that he recently met Jackson at Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw, which also has a skate park.
“The next time he saw me, he spoke and remembered me,” the post read. “Such a kind, respectful young man. I’m 74. He was getting his skateboard out of his car, and I asked him if he could teach me. I told him that I’m old. He replied, saying you’re not too old. I’ll teach you.”
A GoFundMe page established to finance private investigators has collected more than $17,000.
🛹 Here’s my story with a description of the missing man.
DeKalb County to Host 3rd Annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards
SPONSORED BY DEKALB COUNTY OFFICE OF THE CEO
✨ DeKalb County is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Spirit of DeKalb Awards, an evening dedicated to celebrating outstanding leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the DeKalb community.
The gala will take place on December 13, 2025, at Perimeter Crowne Plaza Ravinia, bringing together distinguished guests, community partners, and supporters for a night of recognition and inspiration.
➞ Hosted by Ryan Cameron, award winning radio personality, comedian and philanthropist, and co-sponsored by DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, guests will enjoy a night to remember.
More light-ups please
🧑🏽🎄 The debut of Dunwoody Parks and Recreation’s Holiday Lights at Brook Run Park, now in its sixth year, is scheduled for Dec. 2 from 4-7 p.m. with a Cosmic Wonderland theme.
“Holiday Lights has become a Dunwoody tradition, inviting residents and visitors alike a chance to experience the magic of the season,” said Dunwoody Mayor Pro Tem Tom Lambert in a release from the city. “This year’s Cosmic Wonderland theme takes the experience to new heights. It’s one of the many reasons we proudly call Dunwoody your Holiday Headquarters.”
This year’s display features 100,000 lights that will shine nightly in the park until 10 p.m. through Dec. 31. The 2025 display includes eight enormous, illuminated planets, a life-sized UFO photo op, glow-in-the-dark seesaws, a touch-sensitive light-up play floor, and a meteor shower overhead.
👽 Nothing screams “Christmas” more than a UFO sighting, I always say. Here is more information about the event.
🎉 Grab your friends and head to Midtown Alliance’s Jingle Mingle Holiday Party on Dec. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy free live music on the plaza at Peachtree and 15th Streets, churros, hot chocolate and a prize raffle for local experiences. RSVP here! SPONSOR MESSAGE
I keep falling in and out of love with skating
⛸️ Ready to glide into the holiday season? High Street Skate has the ticket for you.
A brand-new ice rink brings “winter magic to the heart of the Perimeter Center community at High Street,” according to a release from the community. “Lace up and enjoy a festive skating experience—skate rentals are included with every ticket purchase.”
The rink operates weather permitting, so check High Street’s social channels for real-time updates. Timed ticketing and safety protocols will be implemented for convenience. The rink opened Nov. 23 and will run through Jan. 19, so there are plenty of opportunities for real and lasting injuries.
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