A newsy week
🍷 A vacation from your vacation
Wednesday, Sept. 30 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. I just had a whirlwind weekend with some of my best long-time friends, whom I’ve known since our days as cub reporters in Nashville.
While we made tracks around Atlanta (The Art of Banksy, newly opened Sargent in the Old Fourth Ward, and several cocktail stops in between), the gals got a tour of the Dunwoody area. We enjoyed eating at {S}table and Wa’haka, hiking at the Dunwoody Nature Center, taking in a sound bath in Sandy Springs, and strolling through Brook Run Park, where we stumbled upon a very lively dachshund party (scroll down for more on this). While my heart was sad at their departure, my liver was pretty grateful.
Let’s move on to some news items before we get to what’s in store this week.
🏃🏽♂️ Austin Elementary’s Dunwoody Dash is coming up on Oct. 24. It’s a Peachtree Road Race qualifier and a bunch of fun for students, parents, and community members.
Fun fact: Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, a group of three amateur PTA moms, including myself, organized the first Dunwoody Dash to raise money for a treehouse at the Dunwoody Nature Center. We had no idea what we were doing – which is sort of the mantra for my life, past and present.
💦 Efforts to improve the watershed system throughout DeKalb County continue Mon., Oct. 5, as the Sumac Drive Water Main Replacement Project begins. In the TMI department, the DeKalb Watershed Management crews will replace 4,200 linear feet of aging 6-inch water main with new 8-inch ductile iron pipe – plus they will install approximately 1,500 linear feet of 1.5-inch copper loop. And people say Dunwoody isn’t fun.
🌊 Dunwoody Parks and Rec will host its last Groovin’ on the Green at Brook Run Amphitheater on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. October’s performance is headlined by Slippery When Wet – A Tribute to Bon Jovi.
🦇 Naturalist Amy Gadd on Oct. 2 will lead a guided evening hike through Dunwoody Nature Center to explore the world of bats. After dark, participants will learn about these “often-misunderstood” creatures of the night, including how they use echolocation, their role in the local ecosystem, and where to spot them along Wildcat Creek. Bats and I have a history, so there is an understanding that we should remain distant acquaintances.
⏾ Let’s go,
Cathy
🚆 Think working in Perimeter means sitting in traffic? Doug Nagy gets there from Midtown with a 20-minute MARTA ride. Follow along in this Heart of Perimeter video to see what a stress-free commute can look like. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Dunwoody’s 2027 budget reflects an 18% decrease
💰The City of Dunwoody has released its proposed 2027 budget, a $64.4 million plan that reflects an 18.2% decrease from the previous year’s amended budget.
“The city remains in a strong financial position as it heads into FY2027, with a focus on staying adaptable for the future,” Mayor Lynn Deutsch and City Manager Eric Linton wrote in their budget letter. “However, some major revenue sources are showing slow revenue growth while inflationary pressure continues to push expenditure categories higher.”
The proposed budget will include two required public hearings before final adoption later this fall, on Nov. 16 and Nov. 30 at Dunwoody City Hall.
⚖️ Read more about next year’s budget here.
The Ultimate Fall Getaway Guide to Lake Oconee
SPONSORED BY VISIT LAKE OCONEE
🍁 The first cool morning of fall changes everything at Lake Oconee. Steam rises off the water, the golf courses are at their best, evenings end around a fire with s’mores, and the trees surrounding the lake slowly turn shades of amber and crimson.
If you’re looking for an easy fall escape from Atlanta, there’s no better time to visit.
🍂 Whether you’re looking to unwind, reconnect, or explore, Lake Oconee is Georgia’s hidden gem for fall getaways. Find your reason to linger longer with this Ultimate Fall Getaway Guide.
Judi Carlson for the win!
❤️ On Sept. 28, National Good Neighbor Day, Neighbors Bank announced Dunwoody’s Judi Carlson as the winner of the inaugural Neighbor of the Year contest, a nationwide search to find and celebrate the everyday people who make their communities better.
Carlson, longtime director of Malachi’s Storehouse, who stepped down earlier this year, was selected by public vote from among 10 finalists across the nation and will receive a $20,000 grand prize, according to a release from the organization.
IMO, this could be an ideal time to hit Judi up for a loan, or, even better, to help you move some large furniture.
🚚 Read about Carlson and the award here.
🚆 Think working in Perimeter means sitting in traffic? Doug Nagy gets there from Midtown with a 20-minute MARTA ride. Follow along in this Heart of Perimeter video to see what a stress-free commute can look like. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Let the forgiveness begin
⚖️ Dunwoody Municipal Court will offer two months of amnesty from contempt fees, outstanding warrants, and warrant fees in October and November.
The program will give individuals an opportunity to return to court, resolve outstanding violations, and reduce the risk of arrest.
NOTE: This effort is for people who commit minor offenses. If your picture is on a Crime Stoppers flyer, amnesty probably isn’t in the cards for you.
🙏🏼 Here is more information about the program.
What’s it Worth?
SPONSORED BY ATLANTA FINE HOMES SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
🏠 Set on 3.8± private acres, this 8,300-square-foot Spanish-style estate features a heated pool and spa, tennis and bocce ball courts, a cabana, and an expansive lawn. Inside, highlights include a wine cellar, fitness room, Pilates studio, and guest suite.
❓ Guess the price below!
Picture this: The critter beat never ends
🎃 Of course, with my deep interest in animal encounters, I had to take a moment to meet some of the dogs at the Howl-O-Weenie celebration on Saturday, which benefited the Dream Dachshund Rescue.
🐕 The wire terrier/dachshund mix pictured above was recently adopted from LifeLine Animal Project a few weeks ago and has quickly mastered the art of staring directly into your soul.
