Beth McKibben
Senior
Sammie Purcell
Dyana Bagby Cathy Cobbs
Editorial
DECATUR
A RECIPE FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT
EDITOR'S NOTE
EDITOR'S NOTE
COLLIN KELLEY
We don’t usually toot our own horn here at Rough Draft, but I’m making an exception in this case. On July 23, our daily newsletter won the 2024 Publisher Newsletter Award for “Best Local & Community Newsletter.”
The award is not only a testament to the hard work our team has put into creating the Rough Draft newsletter but also to our readers and subscribers – more than 50,000 of you! – who faithfully read it every morning.
Two of our other newsletters – Sketchbook curated by Isadora Pennington and Side Dish curated by Beth McKibben – also made the 2024 shortlist in their categories at the awards.
Along with my duties editing the print issues of Atlanta Intown and the Reporters, I co-edit the daily newsletter with my indispensable associate editor, Sammie Purcell. Newsletter copy editor Julie E. Bloemeke makes sure we haven’t misspelled anyone’s name or included a broken
link to a news story.
Putting together a daily newsletter is more than just a cut-and-paste job. While you’re reading the newsletter that arrives in your inbox at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, we’re already planning the next day’s content. While we’ve already selected feature stories, the news cycle usually means updates through the evening and just before we hit send.
During Atlanta’s recent water crisis, I was up at 5 a.m. making updates and even writing new stories to keep the newsletter as timely and relevant as possible.
I’m approaching my 40th anniversary as a print journalist and I’ve been at the helm of Atlanta Intown since 2002. I still marvel every day that I’ve been able to sustain a career in journalism for this long. I think part of my staying power has been the ability to adapt.
When our publisher Keith Pepper bought us during the pandemic, I was uncertain just how many of you would want to get another email in your inbox. As I watched the subscriber count tick up and got notes and comments about how Rough Draft is your main source of local news each day, I became a believer.
Knowing that you’re sitting down with your cup of coffee and spending a few minutes to catch up on all things ATL is what keeps me motivated. If you haven’t subscribed to Rough Draft or one of our other titles, visit roughdraftatlanta. com/newsletters.
Seeking
students
Here’s the information we need:
■ Nominator (name, relationship to nominee and contact information)
■ Nominee (Name, age, grade, school, parent or guardian names, contact information)
■ Characteristics and service: Please provide a paragraph describing why this nominee deserves recognition. Include service projects, goals, and areas of interest.
■ A high resolution photograph (1MB in size or more) of the student in any setting.
Residents quiz GDOT about top end express lanes
By Bob Pepalis
The Georgia Department of Transportation held its second public hearing of the week on the I-285 Top End Express Lanes project at Sandy Springs’ Studio Theatre on July 18.
Dunwoody hosted a public hearing on July 16, where city leaders and residents expressed concern and weariness over another long-term construction project.
The project would add two new, barrierseparated express lanes in both directions of I-285 and Ga. 400. It would run along I-285 from the western and eastern connections with I-20 and would include lanes north on Ga. 400 to the North Springs MARTA station. A separate project would extend the express lanes north on Ga. 400 to McFarland
Road. Some sections will be at-grade and others will be elevated, GDOT spokesperson Natalie Dale said.
The goal is to create an interconnected system of express lanes in one of the most congested corridors in the state, if not the southeast, Dale said.
Building more lanes alone doesn’t reduce congestion, she said. The lanes must be managed dynamically, using market-based pricing that reflects traffic congestion in real-time.
Elevated structures will be used for lanes because the growing populations in cities like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Smyrna make it financially unwise to buy right of way.
Dale said GDOT is working with MARTA and the State Roadway & Tollway
Authority to have a mandatory transit component in bid requirements. Transit buses would use the express lanes at no charge.
Michelle Thompson, the president of the Atwater subdivision HOA, said she’s already been impacted by the lack of a sound barrier wall. She said with no barrier wall in place, a drunk driver left the road and struck her in 2020. She sustained a brain injury and has hearing issues.
GDOT had told them a wall was planned in the first phase of construction. The wall would have been constructed along Allen Road Park, which directly borders I-285. But Thompson said the state agency changed its mind because it said too few people or home values were affected. In this project, GDOT said a wall can’t be built.
The Georgetown Recreation Club in Dunwoody is getting a sound barrier wall erected between it and the highway, Thompson said.
Matt Campbell, a member of the MARTA Army, a grassroots organization dedicated to improving the transit ridership experience, said the group didn’t like the express lanes plan because they don’t think transit is fully represented in it.
He said that the effort to reach Spanish-speaking residents was too limited considering how many Hispanic people live along the top end, especially in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. No open house was held in Spanish, neglecting many people living in apartments along the corridor.
The neighborhood has suffered from noise day and night caused by road construction that started in 2020, Thompson said.
“Our property values are going to undeniably be diminished. So, we believe that there are engineering steps that they can take to make sure that a wall can protect our community,” Thompson said.
The project will be delivered through a public-private partnership model, where the private sector partner(s) will design, construct, finance, operate, and maintain the express lanes in exchange for future toll revenue from the express lanes.
A private firm collecting tolls was another problem Campbell had with the project.
More information can be found online at i285topendexpresslanes-gdot.hub.arcgis.com.
Chick-fil-A reopens in new building, offers expanded drive-thru on Roswell Road
By Bob Pepalis
The Chick-fil-A at 5925 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs reopened July 25 in a brand new building.
The old building was demolished seven months ago to make way for the new one. The restaurant has operated in the community for 31 years with owneroperator Lawson Bailey as the independent franchisee for Chickfil-A Sandy Springs.
The restaurant is open for dine-in, drive-thru, carry-out, and delivery from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. It features an expanded footprint with a dual-lane drive-thru.
Bailey remains responsible for all day-to-day business activities, including employing approximately 100 full- and part-time employees. Forty new team members will begin working at the restaurant following the reopening.
Bailey, a Georgia native, has served for over three decades as the local owneroperator of the Sandy Springs location and at Perimeter at Hammond. He got his first job with Chick-fil-A, where he earned a Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures
and also
wife, Michelle.
“Alongside my wife Michelle, who will onboard new team members, we are excited to reopen our doors and continue serving the Sandy Springs community,” Bailey said, according to the release.
“We look forward to welcoming back familiar faces and meeting new ones while providing the genuine hospitality and delicious food they know and love.”
Bailey’s restaurant participates in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, and nonprofits in need.
Scholarship
met his
Courtesy Chick-fil-A
Once again, our community was able to celebrate our Independence Day tradition and the 2024 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade was a huge success. Thank you to everybody who attended and to our wonderful sponsors who made this year’s event possible.
Presented by Bronze Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors
City of Atlanta offering rebate on purchase of electric bikes
By Collin Kelley
The Atlanta Regional Commission, Propel ATL and the City of Atlanta have partnered to develop an innovative program to reduce traffic and increase electric bike use throughout the region.
City of Atlanta residents 18 years or older may apply for a rebate on a purchase of standard or cargo e-bike sold at local bicycle shops.
The Atlanta e-bike rebates range from $500 to $2,000, based on the applicant’s income and the type of e-bike requested. City officials said there may be additional rebates offered, depending on available funding.
“This is an outstanding program to encourage people to get out of their cars and discover the fun and convenience of an e-bike,” said Eric Hunger, owner of ElectroBike Georgia. “The first round of rebates has been distributed, so we are welcoming customers eager to see what all the e-bike buzz is about. We expect additional rounds of rebates to follow.”
“I hope other communities will see what Atlanta is doing and launch e-bike
rebate programs of their own,” said Bruce Riggs, CEO of California-based Monday Motorbikes. “Atlanta is ideally positioned for a program of this kind since the Beltline provides a scenic, car-free means of moving through the city, and more and more bicycle lanes are being added to roads. Monday Motorbikes offers a variety of e-bikes at ElectroBike Georgia, from affordable commuter bikes, folding bikes, and fully electric mountain bikes to manage trails from the Atlanta Beltline to Jekyll Island. With the rebates, it’s never been a better time to incorporate e-bike travel into your recreational life or daily commute.”
“Atlanta is known for its heat, hills and traffic,” said Hunger, whose shop on Sampson Street at the BeltLine offers more than 20 e-bike models. “We can’t do much about the hot weather, but an e-bike is a great solution to vehicle congestion and traversing our many hills.”
The next e-bike rebate application window opens in late August. Visit atlantaregional.org and search for e-bike rebate.
City funding affordable housing initiative for first responders
By Collin Kelley
The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution in July authorizing $250,000 for the Community Safety Housing Program (CSHP), an affordable housing initiative for first responders.
The amount supplements a separate $250,000 that was previously appropriated in the 2025 budget.
CSHP offers rental assistance to fire, corrections, and police personnel. Participants must live inside city limits and complete off-duty community service hours. In exchange, they receive up to $850 in monthly rental assistance.
The program was funded in its first year as a pilot using $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The city’s $500,000 allocation ensures that the program can continue in the absence of additional federal funding.
District 2 Councilmember Amir Farokhi authored the legislation in addition to working with the administration and nonprofit partners to design the program. He says that CSHP is a policy victory on multiple fronts and a trendsetter.
“This is a win for affordable housing, community policing, and public safety,” Farokhi said in a press release. “It’s a rare day when you can check so many
boxes at once. It’s a national model for attracting and retaining public safety personnel. It’s nice for our city to be at the vanguard here.”
The Atlanta Police Foundation administers the initiative. According to its Chief Operating Officer Greg McNiff, the organization has been thrilled with the level of engagement with CSHP in its first year.
“We are ecstatic about the overwhelming response and involvement we’ve seen since the program’s launch,” said McNiff. “In our first year alone, we provided housing assistance to 50 fire, corrections, and police personnel. And the demand is so high that we have a waiting list that continues to grow.”
Farokhi says that everyone has been surprised by the immediacy of the program’s positive effects.
“I was optimistic that a housing program like this would make public safety careers more attractive, but I don’t think any of us expected to see such rapid results,” said Farokhi. “For instance, we’ve seen a year over year increase in police recruitment and retention of 15 percent since we launched. And I believe we’ll see similarly positive trend lines among the corrections and fire communities as well.”
Courtesy Monday Motorbikes
Atlanta region adds 62,700 residents in past year
By Collin Kelley
The 11-county Atlanta region added 62,700 residents between April 2023 and April 2024, bringing the total population to 5.2 million, according to 2024 population estimates presented to the Atlanta Regional Commission in July.
The population figures are unofficial until formally voted on by the ARC Board in August.
The 11-county region’s growth slowed a bit compared to 2022-23, when the region added 66,730 people. This reflects a slowdown in housing permit activity and a slight moderation in jobs growth. High housing prices also have acted as a brake on population growth.
The fastest rate of growth in the past year occurred in the City of Atlanta (2.1%), which added 10,800 people, followed by Cherokee County (1.9%), which added 5,400 people, and Henry County (1.8%), which added 4,750.
“People from around the country are choosing metro Atlanta because of our great quality of life and our dynamic, diverse economy,” said ARC Board Chair and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Of course, our continued growth is not guaranteed. We must continue to invest
in our region’s infrastructure to ensure a successful future.”
The region’s growth is being driven by the economy, the report says. Metro Atlanta’s job employment base has increased 6.4% since the pandemic began in early 2020. That’s the seventh highest in the nation among selected peer metro areas, trailing Austin, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, Houston, and Miami.
Each of metro Atlanta’s 11 counties saw population increases in the past year. Fulton County, including the City of Atlanta, added 17,400 residents, the largest numeric increase in the region, followed by Gwinnett (14,900), Cobb (6,700) and Cherokee (5,400). Gwinnett County’s population topped 1 million for the first time and now totals 1,012,112.
Douglas County showed a sizable
year-over-year increase, growing a rate of 1.6%, compared to 0.9% in 2022-23. Douglas added 2,400 residents in the past year and now has a population of 153,000.
In 2023, 28,595 residential building permits were issued in the 11-county region, a decrease of 21%, or nearly 7,500 permits, compared to 2022. Current building permit activity remains lower than pre-Great Recession permit levels and fell below the 1980-2023 average
annual level of 33,430.
The City of Atlanta once again led the region in number of building permits issued, with 7,621 – 85% of which were for multifamily housing units. Gwinnett had the second-most permits issued at 5,423, followed by Cobb at 2,956 and DeKalb at 2,276.
More information can be found at atlantaregional.org.
Courtesy Atlanta Regional Commission
BROOKHAVEN
Controversy over roundabout raises questions about tree removal
By Logan C. Ritchie
Controversy has resurfaced over the installation of a roundabout at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Windsor Parkway in Brookhaven.
At a public meeting in November 2023, criticism from residents and local leaders included bike and pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and cost.
Rev. Monica Mainwaring of St. Martins in the Field Episcopal Church frequently bikes across Atlanta. She prefers a three-way stop intersection at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Windsor Parkway.
“Please, do not move ahead with the project,” Mainwaring said in November.
This time around, the issue is tree removal. St. Martin’s Episcopal claims
that after two public comment meetings and months of review, the city has been “disingenuous” about “the extent of deforestation” the project will cause.
“The 650 students at St. Martin’s school who will be directly impacted and the 1,200 members of St. Martin’s Church will not be happy about all the tree loss,” Mainwaring told Brookhaven City Council on July 24.
During a meeting in which both parties walked the property, St. Martin’s had asked Brookhaven to mark every tree that would be removed.
“We did not learn until June that actually meant almost all of [the trees] on the north side and the south side of Windsor Parkway,” Mainwaring said. “Having asked previously, it feels a little disingenuous that we’ve moved the project forward without notifying the community.”
Mainwaring invited city council members to “stand with me on Lanier Drive at Ashford Dunwoody Road, imagine all the trees gone, and tell me that it’s still a good idea.”
“Given what you are asking of the church property – which is to purchase pieces of our properties [so] that you can take all the trees away, all the sound buffer, all the beauty of the birds that call that home – we would be remiss not to state again, ‘There are better alternatives,’” Mainwaring said.
St. Martins submitted a letter to city staff, Brookhaven Capital Projects Manager Matt Risher, and District 1 City Councilmember Michael Diaz on July 18, stating pedestrian and bicycle safety “suggest a traffic signal is a better alternative” than a roundabout.
The letter found fault in the plan’s traffic flow, the plan to remove a significant number of mature trees on both sides of Windsor Parkway, and the subsequent erosion and drainage.
“At this time the final landscape plans have not been approved by GDOT; however, we will continue to work with the school, church and residents to approve a plan that addresses the needs of the community,” said Brookhaven Communications Director Burke Brennan.
GDOT Project Manager Lily Slaughter told Rough Draft that the roundabout is a “Brookhaven sponsored project.”
The project is part of the Brookhaven Comprehensive Transportation Plan adopted by the City Council in September 2014. It is estimated to cost $4.2 million.
Courtesy Google Maps
New North Druid Hills Road bridge opens
By Logan C. Ritchie
The new North Druid Hills Road bridge over North Fork Peachtree Creek reopened on July 24 after a three month construction period.
The new bridge structure is wider and better equipped for increasing traffic levels in the area. It is also safer for pedestrians with wider sidewalks and ADA compliant ramps at crosswalks, according to Georgia Department of Transportation.
GDOT said in a press release that a 90-day roadway closure was implemented between Buford Highway and West Druid Hills Drive to expedite the demolition and reconstruction of the old bridge, originally built in 1962.
“Overall, traffic moved around the
work zone without major disruptions and the anticipated open to traffic date meets the 90-day contract period,” the release stated. “Georgia DOT appreciates the patience of motorists and coordination with community partners who allowed the department to build the new bridge structure quickly and safely.”
The new bridge is part of a larger project along North Druid Hills, which includes realigning Executive Park Drive and an entrance to the new Children’s Healthcare hospital.
Construction of an additional bridge over I-85, building out a displaced left turn lane, and constructing a braided ramp from the I-85 northbound off-ramp to the access road are on the way.
Courtesy City of Brookhaven
DUNWOODY
City to host ‘Edge City 2.0’ seminars to discuss future of Perimeter
By Cathy Cobbs
A group of Dunwoody government entities and affiliated organizations will hold a series of seminars called Edge City 2.0 on the future of the city’s Perimeter area.
An announcement by city officials, the Dunwoody Development Authority, Discover Dunwoody, Perimeter Chamber, and Perimeter Community Improvement District said that the four-part series will “delve into critical aspects of growth and development, including economic vibrancy, housing options, transportation enhancements, green space initiatives, and community activities.”
“We are thrilled to launch this seminar series, which represents a concerted effort to envision and plan for the future of the Perimeter area,” Michael Starling, Dunwoody Director of Economic Development said. “By collaborating across the community, we will strengthen the Edge City 2.0 roadmap for strategic growth.”
for Perimeter Center that reflects current conditions and 20-year build out.
Identify transportation investments that provide for safe movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and transit in, through and around the Perimeter area.
Develop case studies of comparable edge cities that provide real-world examples of what the district could look like under chosen growth scenario.
To that end, the series will feature presentations and panel discussions on trends seen around the country, and discuss how they could be applied to the Perimeter area.
Session One: Emerging Suburban Development Patterns - Thursday, Aug. 22, 8:30 to 10 a.m. Featuring renowned Georgia Tech Urbanist Ellen Dunham Jones, this session will explore the latest trends and innovations in suburban development and compare the Perimeter Market to similar districts across the country.
National Night Out August 15 August 10
The The Edge City 2.0 study completed in 2023, will serve as the strategic blueprint for the series titled “Edge City 2.0: Shaping Tomorrow’s Perimeter,”the release said.
Session Two: Evolving Suburban Housing Options - Thursday, Nov. 7, 8:30 to 10 a.m. This session will examine the evolving landscape of suburban housing and address the wide-ranging needs and preferences of residents.
According to the city’s website, community engagement meetings were held throughout 2022, along with extensive interviews with community partners and other research. A final report released in January 2023. Consulting firm Pond & Company spearheaded the effort.
The 275-page report revealed, among other amenities, that the public wants parks and recreation facilities, gathering spots, trails and public art in the Perimeter area. Participants also expressed a desire for more owner-occupied single-family housing.
The following project goals were identified after gathering input by the community and the members of the Edge 2.0 committee, which consisted of citizens, government officials and key members of the Perimeter business community:
Build a community-supported vision
Session Three: Energizing the Future of Retail - Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, 8:30 to 10 a.m. This session will focus on strategies to energize retail spaces and discuss innovative retail concepts, placemaking initiatives, and community engagement strategies to create vibrant retail destinations. Registration is not yet open for this event.
Session Four: Emerging Office Market - Thursday, May 1, 2025, 8:30 to 10 a.m. This session will examine the emerging trends and opportunities in the office market. From flexible work spaces to technology-driven office environments, attendees will study ways to attract and retain businesses in the Perimeter area. Registration is not yet open for this event. Tickets for Perimeter Chamber members are $30 per person and $40 for non-members.
Visit perimeterchamber.com to register for the Edge City 2.0 sessions.
Courtesy Dunwoody Development Authority
Oakwood Forest School opens at Dunwoody Nature Center
By Cathy Cobbs
A new nature-based school will open this fall at the Dunwoody Nature Center, a 22-acre park and education center located off Roberts Drive.
The DNC’s announcement released July 15 said the Oakwood Forest School emphasizes “outdoor learning and exploration, encouraging children to connect with nature through play and discovery.”
“The seasons are our lesson plans and the natural environment is our teacher,” Holly Loscavio, Dunwoody Nature Center’s Program
Director, said. “By taking away the four walls of a traditional classroom setting, students are able to be more independent, and given the opportunity to thrive. Kids go home every day dirty, tired, and happy, and we think that’s a beautiful thing.”
The first class, which will be limited to a dozen 4-year-old children, will run from September to May. The children will attend Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., according to the release. Tuition is $500 per month per child.
Teachers Mattie Howey and Rachel Dodd will be running the kindergarten. According to the DNC website, Howey grew up in Cherokee County and studied early childhood education at Georgia Highlands College. She has previously taught forest Kindergarten programs and has worked as an outdoor educator at
DNC.
Dodd, a 2015 Covenant College graduate who received her master’s degree in 2018 from UT-Chattanooga, has been an environmental educator for 10 years in camps, forest schools, traditional elementary schools, and nature centers.
“Forest kindergartens started over 150 years ago in Germany, based on the philosophy that every child should spend the majority of their school time outside playing in nature and learning about the world around them,” the website said.
“Today, there are thousands of naturebased educational programs around the world that have evolved from this basic forest kindergarten idea.”
For more information and to enroll, visit Oakwood Forest School or contact Dunwoody Nature Center at holly@ dunwoodynature.org.
Courtesy Dunwoody Nature Center
Nonprofit Ahimsa House helps people and pets escape violence
By Cathy Cobbs
Ahimsa House, a Tuckerbased nonprofit dedicated to addressing the link between family violence and animal abuse, is finding the need for its services expanding substantially.
Executive Director Myra Rasnick said the organization’s mission for the last 20 years has been to provide safe harbor throughout the state of Georgia for people and their pets who are escaping violence. So far, more than 2,100 people have reached safety and about 4,000 animals have been placed in emergency housing.
housed for up to 60 days, although that isn’t a hard deadline.
Its website contains poignant stories of crisis and pet/owner unification.
AUGUST MEETINGS & EVENTS
Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at Tucker City Hall, 1975 Lakeside Pkwy, Ste 350B, Tucker, GA 30084
• AUGUST 2, 7 P.M.
First Friday Concert Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band - On the Border Church St. Greenspace 4316 Church Street
• AUGUST 5, 6:30 P.M Downtown Development Authority
• AUGUST 6, 6:30 P.M Zoning Board of Appeals
• AUGUST 6, 6 P.M
Meetup on Main: Business Networking
• AUGUST 12, 7 P.M. City Council Meeting
• AUGUST 15, 1:30-4 P.M.
Small Business Resources Expo
Tucker City Hall Annex 4228 Ist Avenue
• AUGUST 15, 7 P.M. Planning Commission
• AUGUST 15, 7 P.M. Movie on the Green Trolls Band Together
Church St. Greenspace 4316 Church Street
In addition to placement services, Ahimsa House (which means “nonviolence” in Sanskrit) offers veterinary care, pet-related safety planning, pet deposits for rental housing, pet food and supplies, emergency hotel stays and ride-share transportation.
The best part of the job, Rasnick said, is reuniting a pet with its owner. She recalled one particular event while she was working as a program manager that brought her to tears.
“We were reuniting a golden retriever with a woman and her three-year-old son and the dog was so happy, running up to the car,” Rasnick said. “The woman was crying, and the son was too. The dog jumped up in the car and licked the tears off the boy’s face.”
Rasnick said the reunification of the dog and its owners that day solidified her belief in the importance of the humananimal connection.
“People who are in crisis will call us because they are more worried about their pets than they do themselves,” she said. “Being able to help them is a feelgood job.”
Today, Ahimsa House and its seven full-time staffers rely on a network of veterinarians, boarding facilities, foster homes, and other partners and volunteers to serve all of Georgia’s 159 counties.
“Frances” (not her real name), who was beaten by her boyfriend with a baseball bat after he came home drunk, suffered multiple life-threatening injuries.
“Frances crawled through the woods and across barbed wire to get to the street. When she saw a car coming, our client stood in the middle of the street until the car came to a stop inches from her broken body,” the story continued. “She made it to the hospital and survived her attack despite sustaining permanent injuries and her heart stopping multiple times that night.”
Ahimsa House foster cared for Frances’ pets while she healed and got established in a safe location. Even though she had to move far away to escape her abuser, Ahimsa reunited her with the pets.
The organization has received a growing number of requests for services each year and the limited number of volunteer foster homes and funding for animal care has forced it to curtail the clients they can serve. Today, that number totals about 40 humans and their pets, which can number up to eight per client.
Ahimsa House’s Direct Services Program is funded in part by the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the LuluMa Foundation, Second Life Atlanta, the Atlanta Humane Society, as well as private donations.
Tucker City Hall Annex 4228 Ist Avenue
• AUGUST 26, 7 P.M.
In 2023, the non-profit set a record for assisting 198 people and 365 pets (including its first pig), taking 3,875 crisis calls, performing 633 animal transports, paying 96 pet deposits, and covering expenses for 520 veterinarian visits, according to statistics provided by Ahimsa House staff.
Rasnick said, although there are many needs, the greatest one is for “true” foster homes. Most of the pets are boarded at veterinarians’ offices or boarding facilities. Only 13% of the pets under Ahimsa’s care are housed at personal homes.
City Council Meeting
Rasnick said the care of a single pet averages about $400. They can be
To learn more about the organization and its needs, visit ahimsahouse.org.
Courtesy Ahimsa House
By Cathy Cobbs
City staff updated the Tucker City Council at its July 22 meeting regarding the status of three dozen road safety improvement projects that were identified in the North/South Connectivity Study.
The council also awarded a $5.4 million contract to Hasbun Construction LLC to build a downtown greenspace called Tucker Town Green on a two-acre plat of land on the former Cofer storage lot on Railroad Avenue.
City moves forward on road improvements, park contract YOUR PLACE FOR:
Tucker City Engineer Ken Hildebrandt said of the 36 projects identified in the study, 24 have either entered the design phase or have been completed. However, one project under discussion, road widening at Cooledge Road, will not be part of the road improvement plan.
“We discussed widening Cooledge to four lanes, but the public didn’t like that, and we heard them loud and clear,”
additional funding sources and opportunities.
The council also approved a $5.4 million contract for the construction of Tucker Town Green, which is expected to be complete by the summer of 2025. The award includes the base amount of $4.9 million with five additional projects – shade sails, bench swings, a climbing mound, a mogul area, and a second entrance in the northwest corner of the park, which increases the contract to $5.4 million.
Hildebrandt said. “We deleted that part.” What came out of the discussions was a desire to have safety improvements, sidewalks, and the installation of projects that would ease congestion on existing roadways, he said.
Hildebrandt highlighted the status of several projects on Montreal, Cooledge, Idlewild, Brockett and Fellowship Roads that include lane re-striping, signage replacement, bus stop relocation, intersection re-design, and sidewalk installation.
Hildebrandt said future projects will involve “low-hanging fruit,” meaning work that can easily be accomplished. These include roundabout projects on Idlewild Road, right-of-way acquisition work with the Georgia Department of Transportation on Cooledge and Brockett intersections, and finding
The total bid is well under the $6.5 million budgeted for the project and has been funded in fiscal year 2025.
“That is outstandingly good news, and this project is super exciting for Tucker,”
Mayor Frank Auman said.
In other business, Auman announced a partnership between the city and Rough Draft Atlanta to include, among other initiatives, the inclusion of the city’s magazine “In Tucker” in print editions of the Tucker Reporter.
“We’re excited that the magazine is going to be in the hands of more people both in Tucker and beyond,” Auman said. “Instead of 500 people, it’s going to be available to 5,000.”
The council also:
■ Heard an update on the city’s parks and recreation master plan;
■ Discussed economic initiatives about offering financial incentives to attract selected industries to Tucker;
■ Heard that interim financials for 2024 showed revenue in line with expectations.
Friends
Fun Family
A home to rest your head, a park where you can play, a trail to stroll, a community that welcomes you. Johns Creek is more than roads, buildings, and businesses. This is a city where you put down roots, where lifelong friends are made, where you
can watch your family grow.
Recognized nationally by Travel+Leisure as the Best U.S. Suburb to live in, Johns Creek has something for everyone and we invite you to make it your own.
Learn more about all the amazing things Johns Creek has to offer.
A rendering of Tucker Town Green. (Courtesy City of Tucker)
Tucker Mayor Frank Auman
SPORTS High School Football Preview
Score Atlanta, founded in 2004 as a weekly sports paper, is now one of the state's largest producers of television and digital broadcasts of Georgia high school sports and has a multitude of promotional print projects for partners such as the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, the Georgia High School Association, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Score Atlanta has the most-used app for Georgia high school sports scores and operates events such as the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic, the Great Atlanta Bash, the Drive for the GHSA State Title, the Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame, and the Georgia Elite Classic. Score Atlanta will also be introducing its very own High School Football & Flag Awards, with an award ceremony that will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 at the new Teamsters Local 728 event hall, featuring the naming of the very first Mr. and Miss Georgia for football and flag. Additionally, a new studio within the Score Atlanta offices has been built, and starting in August will air daily high school sports shows starting at 11 a.m. In partnership with Rough Draft, these team previews were authored by Seth Ellerbee, Craig Sager II, Najeh Wilkins, Hayden Gilbert, and Max Wolborsky.
Chamblee Bulldogs
Head Coach: Bob Swank
Coach Record: 39-63
2023 Record: 4-7
2023 Region: 4-5A
2023 Region Record: 2-3
2024 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name: North DeKalb Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Pace Academy (Riverview Sports Complex)
8/23 vs. Tucker (ND)
8/30 vs. Southwest DeKalb (ND)
9/13 @ Decatur
9/20 vs. Woodward Academy (ND)
9/27 @ Shiloh
10/3 vs. Lakeside-DeKalb (ND)
10/18 vs. Tri-Cities (ND)
10/25 vs. Dunwoody (ND)
11/1 vs. Arabia Mountain (GO)
Cross
Head Coach Bob Swank led Chamblee to its best postseason finish since 2007 in 2022 and achieved the program’s first consecutive playoff berths since 2007-09 this past season with a 4-7 campaign. Now, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to reach a third-straight postseason and match their longest playoff streak. Chamblee has been eliminated in the playoffs by the eventual state champ in each of its last two appearances. After falling to Ware County in the second round in 2022, Chamblee had to travel to No. 1 ranked Coffee last year and was served a 56-0 loss. Senior Ashton Bolston stepped up last year and finished with 10 touchdown passes for 1,339 yards and paced the offense with a team-high 437 rushing yards. At receiver, Chamblee will have to replace the production of Triston Sizemore, who led the team with 52 receptions and seven scores. Junior Brock Ryan and senior slot receiver Joey David have emerged as primary targets this offseason and shined during 7-on-7 competition. Defensively, Chamblee will look to improve off the 31.4 ppg surrendered last season and will have a fresh wave of playmakers to lead the group this season. The winning culture Swank has returned to Chamblee was made evident earlier this offseason with the hiring of Georgia High School Football Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Raven Jamal Lewis to be the program’s Director of College Recruiting.
Keys Indians
Head Coach: Eric Quarles
Coach Record: 0-10
2023 Record: 0-10
2023 Region Record: NA
2023 Region: 4-5A
2024 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name: Adams Stadium, Avondale Stadium, Halford Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/23 vs. Landmark Christian (A)
8/30 @ Rock Springs
9/6 @ Pinecrest Academy
9/13 vs. Mt. Bethel Christian (A)
9/20 vs. Riverside Prep
9/26 vs. Flint River Academy (AV)
10/3 vs. Creekside Christian (A)
10/11 vs. Lanier Christian
10/18 vs. Stone Mountain (HS)
10/25 vs. Skipstone Academy
A=Adams Stadium, AV= Avondale Stadium, HS
= Halford Stadium
The Cross Keys Indians enter their second season under head coach Eric Quarles, who was promoted to head coach after Jimmy Williams stepped down following the 2022 season to head across town to Clarkston. Quarles joined MLK’s Joel Kight, Stone Mountain’s Greg Carter, Towers’ Henry Garrett, and Southwest DeKalb’s Marion Bell as new head coaches within DeKalb County last year. The Indians had continuity returning at several spots last year, including linebacker. After stepping up as a freshman and tallying 47 tackles in 2022, Jonathan Garcia returned to his role last year and racked up a team-leading 55 solo tackles and 65 total. Garcia will be back to lead the defense, but there will be several new pieces on that side of the ball. Last year’s team graduated defensive end Jonathan Rodriqez, linebacker David Franco, defensive lineman Brian Bibiano, and defensive back Alberto Correa. Class of 2025 defensive back Ke’Anndre Tucker will be back after posting 24 tackles last season and leading last year’s squad with eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Fellow seniors Alan Gomez and Brandon Castro also add experience to the secondary. The defense saw a decrease in forced interceptions last year, dropping from eight in 2022 to just two last season and the team surrendered 34.5 ppg. Offensively, Cross Keys finished 2023 with 102.8 rushing yards per game and connected on just 28.3 passing yards per game. On special teams, Allan Gonzalez returns for his senior season and will handle kickoffs, extra points, and field goals.
Dunwoody Wildcats
Head Coach: Mike Nash
Coach Record: 30-59
2023 Record: 8-3
2023 Region Record: 3-2
2023 Region: 4-6A
2024 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name: North DeKalb
2024 Schedule:
8/15 @ South Paulding (At West Forsyth/Corky Kell)
8/23 @ Pope
9/6 @ Lumpkin County
9/13 vs. Tri-Cities (ND)
9/20 @ Lakeside-Dekalb (A)
9/27 vs. Decatur (ND)
10/4 vs. Arabia Mountain (ND)
10/11 @ Woodward Academy
10/25 vs. Chamblee (ND)
11/1 @ Shiloh
Dunwoody head coach Mike Nash enters his 10th year at the helm. Last year, he led the Wildcats to their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Wildcats’ 8-3 record last year was the most wins since the team’s 12-1 run to the quarterfinals in 2008. In 2023 the team also got off to a 5-0 start for the first time since that perfect regular season. The biggest void to fill this year will come at linebacker where Dunwoody will replace First-Team All-State selection and Centre-signee Luke Cole. Last year, Cole led all of DeKalb County with his six forced fumbles, 36 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Dunwoody’s top five tacklers last year were seniors, so Coach Nash will put trust in Harrison Martin, Noble Butler, Julian Madison and Class of 2026 contributors Rhett Hesperich and David Remegailo to maintain the defensive prowess. Offensively, it is a stark contrast as the Wildcats will be returning the bulk of last year’s starters. In the backfield, Malachi Cranshaw and Caden Celestine will lead the backfield as juniors, and all of Dunwoody’s carries last year were made by underclassmen. Cranshaw ultimately led with 811 yards and seven touchdowns, while Celestine added 328 yards and five scores. Quarterback Matt Pearch stepped up as a junior last season and completed 151 of 254 attempts for 1,684 yards, 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions. At receiver, Danny Boden (661-4 TDs) and Porter Allison (499-8 TDs) are back for their senior seasons after combining for 1,160 yards and 12 touchdown receptions. Dunwoody will open its season in a televised matchup against South Paulding High School in the 34th Annual Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic at West Forsyth High School on Aug. 15.
Westminster Wildcats
Head Coach: Gerry Romberg
Coach Record: 234-140
2023 Record: 8-4
2023 Region Record: 4-1
2023 Region: 6-4A
2024 Region: 6-4A
Stadium Name: Alfred E. Thompson Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Lovett
8/23 vs. Pace Academy
8/30 @ Calhoun
9/06 vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
9/13 vs. Gilmer
9/20 vs. Benedictine
10/4 @ Cambridge
10/11 vs. Kell
10/18 @ Blessed Trinity
11/1 vs. Centennial
Coming in September
Westminster will again be led to the field by legendary coach Gerry Romberg who is entering his 33rd season as the head coach of the Wildcats. He is 234-140 overall and has one state championship (2015) along with seven region titles. The Wildcats return quarterback Michael Buhay who had a 63 percent completion percentage last season while averaging 112 yards per game, passing for nine touchdowns and rushing for 10. Tight end Brand Morgan had five touchdowns in six games last season before a torn ACL left him sidelined. He’s back and being looked at by Power 4 programs. The team lost its leading rushers — Fain Barton and Wade Penn — to graduation but returned Will Barton, Jonah Franco, Jack DeButts and Locke Patton to fill the spot. The biggest area for replacements is the receivers stall where five of the top six producers graduated, making way for Houston Gragnani, Mason Theis and Chase Marable. The offensive line will be anchored by Johnny Jackson who was First Team All-Region last season. The team lost its top-five tacklers but return proven contributors in DeButts (46 tackles, one interception), Braedon Willis (38 tackles, four sacks), and Theis (34 tackles, one interception, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble and recovery). Gragnani, a rising senior, had 33 tackles, one interception and two pass breakups. The Wildcats will have some holes to fill, but with returning experience, look for Westminster to make a quality postseason run after last year’s second round exit.
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Lakeside Vikings
Head Coach: Morris Starr
Coach Record: 39-91
2023 Record: 5-5
2023 Region Record: 0-0
2023 Region: 4-6A
2024 Region: 4-5A
Stadium Name: Adams Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Berkmar
8/23 @ St. Pius X
8/30 vs. Macon County
9/12 @ Arabia Mountain
9/20 vs. Dunwoody
9/26 vs. Tri-Cities
10/3 @ Chamblee
10/18 @ Decatur
10/25 vs. Shiloh
11/01 vs. Woodward Academy
Lakeside has finished .500 or better in the last two seasons, with Head Coach Morris Starr guiding the program in the right direction. Despite not playing in a region last year, the Vikings finished the season strong, winning two of their last three games. During that stretch, the offense scored 29 points per game including scoring 30 points twice. Offensively, they will be led by senior quarterback Kyle Davis, who in the final three games of last season ended up with a five-to-one interception ratio and a quarterback rating of 105 during that span. Davis is also a dual threat and rushed for 422 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. He had his best game on the ground against Johnson-Gainesville where he rushed for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively they will return their leading tackler Grady Ellerman who finished last season with 79 tackles. Another player to watch will be Makhi Williams-Lee who had a phenomenal junior season. He was second on the team with 77 tackles and also registered 10 sacks. His best game of the season came against Clarkston where he finished with four sacks. The backend will also be a place to watch for the Vikings, starting with safety Spencer Wise. Wise finished with 50 tackles and three interceptions (led the team) last season. This year Lakeside will compete in Region 4-5A which will include Arabia Mountain, Chamblee, Decatur, Dunwoody, Shiloh, TriCities, and Woodward Academy. It certainly won’t be easy for the Vikings as five of those seven teams made the postseason, including state-champion runner-up Woodward Academy.
Holy Innocents’
Head Coach: Nick Perrotta
Coach Record: 0-0
2023 Record: 8-3
2023 Region Record: 3-2
2023 Region: 6-4A
2024 Region: 5-2A
Stadium Name: Riverwood Stadium/Baker Field
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. North Springs (Riverwood)
8/23 vs. Blessed Trinity
8/30 vs. Morrow
9/6 @ Allatoona
9/20 @ Therrell (Lakewood Stadium)
9/27 vs. Lovett
10/4 @ Hapeville Charter (Banneker)
10/11 vs. Carver-Atlanta (Riverwood)
10/25 vs. Washington (Riverwood)
11/1 @ Kipp Academy (Lakewood)
Golden Bears
Anew regime begins for Holy Innocents’ after former head coach Todd Winter accepted the Banks County job this past spring. In his time with the Bears, Winter had five winning seasons in the seven years he spent with the program. The Bears also lost both of their All-State players in Jacobi Murray (Stanford) and Zach Jackson (Duke). Holy Innocents’ appointed Nick Perrotta to be its new head coach after filling the role of assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the previous four years with Holy Innocents’. During that time, his defense was consistently top-10 in Class AAAA and only surrendered 13.8 points per game, and he was also named Coordinator of the Year by Parker Resources. Heading into the 2024 season, a key player on offense will be senior running back Jamie Savula, who rushed for 276 yards and three touchdowns as a junior and was named Second-Team All-Region. Holy Innocents’ will be led at the quarterback position by freshman Ryan Woods who won the job this offseason. The Bears will also have a player breaking into football for the first time in Khalid Worthy, who is a 6-foot-7 basketball standout. He is already garnering college interest before taking a snap from Marshall and UNC Charlotte. Defensively, a player to watch is linebacker Colin McGinty. He made Second-Team All-Region last year and will be a key defensive player for the Bears. This year Holy Innocents’ will compete in Region 5-2A which will include Carver-Atlanta, Hapeville, KIPP, Lovett, Therrell and Washington.
North Atlanta Warriors
Head Coach: Jamie Aull
Coach Record: 47-46
2023 Record: 9-2
2023 Region Record: 4-1
2023 Region: Region 4-6A
2024 Region: Region 6-6A
Stadium Name:
Eddie S. Henderson Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/14: @ Kell
8/23: vs Paulding County
8/30: vs Wheeler
9/13: vs Forsyth County
9/20: @ South Forsyth
9/27: @ Alpharetta
10/3: vs Lambert
10/11: @ North Forsyth
10/25: vs West Forsyth
11/1: vs Denmark
Coming off a successful 9-2 season, the North Atlanta Warriors will look to build off a tough first-round exit a year ago. North Atlanta head coach Jamie Aull enters his fifth season as the head coach of the Warriors, improving his win total in every season. After being a win away, a season ago, Aull and the Warriors are on the hunt for the first double-digit win season in program history this year. The nine wins last season were the most in a single season in school history, breaking the record set in 2022 at eight wins. Last season, the Warriors’ offense scored 423 points while their defense only let up 155 points, both major improvements from the years prior. With a 4-1 record within its region, North Atlanta finished second in the region to Marist who finished region play undefeated. The Warriors offense scored more than 30 points in all but one game last season and scored more than 40 on six different occasions including a 58-point outing against Johns Creek in their season opener. On the opposite side of the ball, the Warriors’ defense held their opponents to under 10 points in five games including two shutouts on the season. Key returners for the Warriors include rising senior defensive lineman, 4-star Rutgers-commit Chase Linton, and rising senior quarterback Ian Reynolds. Both Linton and Reynolds will be huge pieces for North Atlanta as they look to build off their successful season last year.
Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans
Head Coach: Tim Hardy
Coach Record: 131-49
2023 Record: 9-2
2023 Region Record: 5-1
2023 Region: 6-5A
2024 Region: 6-3A
Stadium Name:
Spartan Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Newnan
8/23 @ Decatur
9/6 @ Westminster
9/13 @ Lumpkin County
9/20 vs. Johnson-Gainesville
9/27 vs. Dawson County
10/11 @ North Hall
10/18 @ White County
10/25 vs. Pickens
11/1 @ Chestatee
Last season, Head Coach Tim Hardy led Greater Atlanta Christian to its best record since 2020’s 12-win campaign. Hardy has made the playoffs in all 12 seasons he has coached and has won seven region championships with the Spartans, all of which were captured between 2014 and 2020. The Spartans started the 2023 season 7-0 and played for a region championship against Kell. They graduated some of their most productive players, including quarterback Jack Staton (Houston Christian), Xavier Daisy (UAB) and Gianlucca Tiberia (AJC All-State Honorable Mention). Offensively, they return senior standout Gabe Daniels, who had a productive 2023 season. He finished with 31 catches for 531 yards and five touchdowns and was selected First-Team All-Region. At quarterback, they will replace Stanton with Denzel Watkins who will be a junior and showed his accuracy and mobility when he played in the Brent Key/Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic 7-on-7 Tournament in June. Watkins played cornerback last season for the Spartans and had a productive season finishing with 37 tackles and three interceptions, leading the team. Defensively, the Spartans will be led by Reid Voyles who had a stellar sophomore campaign. Voyles has a nose for the football and finished with 110 tackles, nine tackles for loss and five sacks. In the final four games of the season, he had 10-plus tackles in each game, finishing with 47 in that span. In 2024, Greater Atlanta Christian will compete in Region 6-3A that includes Chestatee, Dawson County, JohnsonGainesville, Lumpkin County, North Hall, Pickens and White County. The Spartans will look to win their first region championship since 2020 and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Holy Spirit Prep Cougars
Head Coach: Mark Stafford
Coach Record: 16-20
2023 Record: 9-2
2023 Region Record: 3-0
2023 Region: GIAA
8-Man Region 1
2024 Region:
GIAA 8-Man Region 1
Stadium Name: N/A
2024 Schedule:
8/23 @ Horizon
8/30 vs. Covenant
9/6 vs. St. Mary’s
9/13 vs. Westminster Christian
9/20 @ Westminster Augusta
9/27 @ Monsignor Donovan
10/4 vs. Harvester Christian
10/18 @ St. Mary’s
10/25 vs. John Hancock
The Holy Spirit Prep Cougars play in the GIAA and spent last year playing in the GIAA 8-Man Region 1. The team went undefeated in their region and locked up a top-three seed in the playoffs. The Cougars defeated John Hancock Academy 37-12 in the first round of the playoffs and made it to the semifinals before losing to Windsor Academy. The Cougars had their most wins in 2023 since 2011-2012, when they won a state championship against Christian Heritage. Head coach Mark Stafford has improved the program each season he has been at the helm. Holy Spirit Prep went from winless in his first season to now one of the better programs in GIAA 8-Man. In 2024, there will be an expansion to the playoffs bracket as GIAA voted to add two more teams, making it a 10-team playoff, opposed from the previous eight-team playoff. Going into next season, Holy Spirit won’t have two of its All-State players from last season. Running back Jacob Meder and linebacker Will Messer both graduated after stellar senior campaigns. The Cougars will return their standout receiver Dylan Craig who is 6-foot-3, 195 pounds and is dynamic in the open field. Offensively, they also will return quarterback Ben Messer who had a productive season as a passer. In 2023, the Cougars’ offense averaged 44 points per game and crossed 70 points twice in back-to-back games against Monsignor Donovan and Notre Dame Academy. Holy Spirit Prep now looks to build on a record-setting season in 2023.
Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans (Courtesy GAC Athletics)
Lovett Lions
Head Coach: Mike Muschamp
Coach Record: 187-107
2023 Record: 6-6
2023 Region Record: 5-2
2024 Region: 5-2A
Stadium Name: Kilpatrick Stadium and Conley-Oakley Field
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Westminster
8/23 vs. Crisp County
8/29 @ Spencer
9/6 vs. Pace Academy
9/20 vs. KIPP
9/27 @ Holy Innocents’
10/4 vs. Therrell
10/18 vs. Hapeville Charter
10/25 vs. Carver-Atlanta
11/1 vs. Washington
After second-round exits in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Lovett is looking to utilize experience and new talent to further extend the season. Previously in Class 4A, Lovett will move down to Class 2A this upcoming season. Head coach Mike Muschamp is at the helm again for the Lions after taking over the head coaching job in 2005. He coached the Lions to the state championship game in his third season but lost to Buford that year. In 2013, Muschamp led the Lions to a 14-1 record and capped the season with a 14-7 victory over Lamar County in the state championship game. Last season, Lovett finished 6-6 and 5-2 in Region 5-4A, earning the No. 3 seed from the region. In the first round, Lovett beat Madison County 31-24 before losing to Central-Carroll 38-10 in the second round. Junior quarterback Jayden Adams is 6-foot-2, 155 pounds, and will lead the Lions again this season. Also returning are receivers Casani Barlett, Jackson Schmidt, and Maclean Ball. Despite moving down two classes, the region battle won’t be much easier with Lovett reclassed into Region 5-2A alongside Carver-Atlanta, Hapeville Charter, Holy Innocents’, KIPP Charter, Therrell, and Washington. But with either first or second-round exits in each season since 2014’s quarterfinals appearance, Lovett wants a deep run now that it’s in Class 2A.
Marist War Eagles
Head Coach: Alan Chadwick
Coach Record: 431-80
2023 Record: 12-2
2023 Region Record: 5-0
2023 Region: Region 4-6A
2024 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name:
Hughes Spalding Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Jefferson
8/30 @ Woodward Academy
9/13 vs. Northview
9/20 vs. Druid Hills
9/27 vs. Southwest DeKalb
10/4 vs. North Springs
10/11 @ St. Pius X
10/17 @ Clarkston (HS)
10/25 @ Lithonia (GO)
11/01 vs. Tucker
Since 1985 when Alan Chadwick took over the Marist football program, the War Eagles have had 28 double-digit win seasons, including a streak of seven years in a row beginning in 2017. It’s safe to say Chadwick and Marist were a match made in heaven all those years ago as the War Eagles are looking for their fourth state championship in program history and their fourth with Chadwick at the helm. Marist finished last season 12-2 and went undefeated 5-0 in region play, making it all the way to the semifinals before losing to Thomas County Central 13-7. The two losses for the War Eagles came in the first and last games of the season with a 12-game win streak sandwiched in between. The War Eagles lost production on both sides of the ball with tight end/defensive end Luke Harpring enrolling at Georgia Tech and Jackson Hughes graduating as well, leaving room for new players to step in this upcoming season. Marist retains GACA All-State quarterback Jack Euart who will look to take the War Eagles past the semifinals and to this year’s state championship. The War Eagles and their famous unconventional offense featuring the triple option allows for them to get their playmakers in open space. Getting in open space is easier when Marist has players such as returning lineman Nicholas Woodward clearing the way for them. The Class of 2025 offensive lineman stands at over 6-foot-4, 280-pounds, clearing the way in front of him for the Marist offense.
Mt. Vernon Mustangs
Head Coach: Terrence Edwards
Coach Record: 0-0 (1st year HC)
2023 Record: 8-4
2023 Region Record: 2-1
2023 Region:
Region 6-A Division 1
2024 Region: Region 5-A Division 1
Stadium Name: The Ron Hill Field
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Darlington
8/23 @ Whitefield Academy
8/30 vs. Brookstone
9/13 vs. B.E.S.T Academy
9/20 @ Mt. Pisgah Christian
9/27 vs. Fellowship Christian
10/4 @ Wesleyan
10/11 vs. St. Francis
10/25 @ King’s Ridge
11/1 TBD Region Crossover
Pace Academy Knights
Head Coach: Nick Bach
Coach Record: 33-22
2023 Record: 5-6
2023 Region Record: 4-3
2023 Region: 5-4A
2024 Region: 4-4A
Stadium Name: Walsh Field
2024 Schedule:
8/16 vs. Chamblee
8/23 @ Westminster
9/6 vs. Lovett
9/13 vs. Mays
9/20 @ M.L. King
9/27 @ Drew
10/4 vs. Creekside
10/10 vs. Midtown
10/25 vs. Forest Park
11/1 @ Jackson-Atlanta
AHfter having an 8-4 overall record and a 2-1 record within the region, former Mount Vernon head football coach Wayne Dabbs announced he was stepping down in December. This led the Mustangs in a new direction, hiring Terrence Edwards as the next head coach to lead the Mustang football program. Edwards has made a name for himself around the state as a player leading Washington County High School to three state championships, playing on both sides of the ball as a quarterback and defensive back. Edwards played his college ball from 1999-2002 at the University of Georgia where he switched positions to wide receiver. Edwards left his mark in Athens, holding UGA football records such as single-season receptions (204), career yardage (3,093, also an SEC record), and touchdown receptions during a career (30). Last season, Edwards served as the receivers coach at Milton where he helped the Eagles win the Class 7A State Championship. With a new coaching staff this fall, the Mustangs will attempt to build off their eight-win season last year where they made it to the second round of the playoffs. The Mustangs are returning GACA All-State running back selection Walker Warshaw, a familiar key piece in the Mustangs 2024 offense. Along with Warshaw, Bristan DeRocher is coming back for his senior season after leading the Mustangs’ receivers in total yards, going for over 800 yards a year ago.
ead coach Nick Bach looks to lead an immensely talented Pace Academy team to heights not seen in nearly a decade. The Knights have a handful of high-end recruits on the roster. At wide receiver, this includes senior Cooper Williams, who recently received his first offer from UMass. On the offensive line, senior offensive tackle Miles Glover recently committed to William and Mary. In addition to the two seniors, sophomore offensive tackle Tim Harvey has five Division I offers from schools such as Memphis and Temple, and sophomore edge rusher Justin Weeks already has three Power 4 offers from Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Pace Academy is currently on a 10-season playoff streak but will look to host and win its first playoff game since winning the Class 2A state championship in 2015. The team will be joining a new region that is very favorable for the Knights. They will kick off region play with one of the toughest tests of their season against perennial playoff team Mays. The Knights will then face M.L. King and Drew before facing the toughest test of region play, a game against 2023 5A runner-up Creekside. Pace will then face off against a Midtown team that is coming off two -straight .500 seasons. The Knights will then play a game against Forest Park and finish the season against perennial playoff team, Maynard Jackson, who has made the playoffs in eight of the last 10 years in a game that may have major playoff implications.
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Pace Academy Knights (Photo by Dave Quick)
Mount Vernon Mustangs (Photo by Noah Erwin)
Riverwood Raiders North Springs Spartans
Head Coach: Robert Braucht
Coach Record: 22-43
2023 Record: 2-8
2023 Region Record: 1-5
2023 Region: 6-5A
2024 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name:
Thermopylae Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Holy Innocents’
8/30 @ Woodstock
9/6 @ Druid Hills
9/13 vs. Southwest DeKalb
9/20 @ Clarkston
9/27 @ St. Pius X
10/4 @ Marist
10/11 @ Lithonia
10/18 vs. Tucker
11/1 vs. Northview
North Springs will look to build on the results seen in the first year of head coach Robert Braucht’s tenure. Braucht took over the program after being the defensive coordinator at Jones County. Before his time with the Greyhounds, he was the head coach at River Ridge for six seasons, accumulating a 20-35 record, making the playoffs in 2012, the first playoff appearance in school history. The Spartans had their best offensive season in years, scoring 20 points in five games, the most since the 2018 season. North Springs started freshman quarterback Ken’Dell Hunt in 2023, who threw for nearly 700 yards while also leading the team in rushing, accumulating over 400 yards. Wide receiver Jarquis Williams will give Hunt a dynamic passing target as he was the team’s second-leading receiver last season and was named to the All-Region 5-5A team. On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans return their leading tackler and Second-Team All-Region linebacker John Seawell, who totaled 47 tackles and six tackles for loss. The team will look to make a run at the playoffs for the first time since 2017. North Springs will kick off region play against three DeKalb County schools in Clarkston, Southwest DeKalb and Druid Hills. The Spartans will then face St. Pius X and Marist, who are on 18 and 30-year playoff streaks, respectively. They will close the season against three more DeKalbbased programs in Lithia Springs, Tucker, and Clarkston, in games that could decide the playoff race, before ending the regular season against Northview.
St. Pius X Golden Lions
Head Coach: Chad Garrison
Coach Record: 18-17
2023 Record: 3-8
2023 Region Record: 2-3
2024 Region: 4-6A
2024 Region: 5-AAAA
Stadium Name:
George B. Maloof Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Blessed Trinity
8/23 vs. Lakeside-DeKalb
9/6 @ Northview
9/13 vs. Druid Hills
9/19 @ Southwest DeKalb
9/23 vs. North Springs
10/3 @ Clarkston
10/11 vs. Marist
10/18 vs. Lithonia
10/25 @ Tucker
Heading into year four of the Chad Garrison era, St. Pius X looks to build off a down 2023 season as they aim to keep an 18year playoff streak alive in 2024. St. Pius X has been the poster child of stability throughout the 21st century, making the playoffs in 21 of 23 seasons. In that time span, the Golden Lions have won 28 playoff games and made two finals appearances. The team will be led by senior defensive back and Division I prospect Hudson Taylor, who recently committed to play college football for Clay Helton and the Georgia Southern Eagles. Along with him, offensive tackle Charlie Nelson (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) looks to lead the offensive line. Nelson is a massive prospect that will help St. Pius X run the ball in its run-heavy, flexbone-based offense. St. Pius X will kick the season off on the road against Blessed Trinity, and will then host LakesideDeKalb in their home opener. They will then head into region play with a trip to Northview. St. Pius will then have a four-game stretch where the Golden Lions will be expected to win against Druid Hills, Southwest DeKalb, North Springs and Clarkston. They will then play host to rival Marist, a game that could decide the region. The Golden Lions will then play host to Lithia Springs before ending the season against Tucker, a game that will most likely have playoff implications and could be the difference between a playoff game at home or hitting the road for round one.
Head Coach: Shawn Cahill
Coach Record: 20-23
2023 Record: 3-7
2023 Region Record: 1-4
2023 Region: 4-6A
2024 Region: 6-5A
Stadium Name: Bill Hoskyn Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Centennial
8/23 @ Chattahoochee
8/30 vs. South Forsyth
9/6 @ Sequoyah
9/13 vs. Creekview
9/20 vs. Sprayberry
10/4 @ River Ridge
10/10 vs. Lasiter
10/25 @ Woodstock
11/1 vs. Pope
Tucker Tigers
Head Coach: Wayne Jones Coach Record: 10-12
2023 Record: 6-5
2023 Region Record: 4-1
2023 Region: 4-5A
2024 Region: 5-4A
Stadium Name:
Adams Memorial Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Valdosta
8/23 @ Chamblee
9/6 @ Lithonia
9/12 vs. Clarkston
9/26 vs. Northview
10/4 vs. Druid Hills
10/11 vs. Southwest DeKalb
10/18 vs. North Springs
10/25 vs. St. Pius X 11/1 @ Marist
Head Coach Shawn Cahill and the Riverwood Raiders will look to build on the first year of his tenure and return to the form of years past. The Raiders missed the playoffs in 2023 for the first time in three years. The team will heavily rely on the receiving corps, which will be a major strength heading into 2024. They are returning three of the team’s top four receivers, including last year’s leading receiver, Zach Stair, who had 625 yards along with seven touchdowns. On the offensive line, 3-star offensive tackle Sean Poret will lead a unit set to grow off a solid 2023. Poret’s recruiting has exploded since the beginning of 2024, earning offers from the likes of Florida State, Boston College and Vanderbilt. On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders return their second-leading tackler in Graham Westrom, who had 61 tackles in 2023. Along with Westrom, Riverwood returns five other players who recorded double-digit tackles. The Raiders open the season with back-to-back road games against Centennial and Chamblee, and will have their home opener against South Forsyth on Aug. 30. The Raiders will then head into region play, and Region 6-AAAAA will be up for grabs with no clear favorite. Riverwood will start off region play with four-straight games with playoff implications, facing Sequoyah, Creekview, Sprayberry and River Ridge. These games will be imperative for the Raiders to make the playoffs. They will then face Lassiter, Woodstock and Pope in games that might be must-win matchups to close the season.
It will be somewhat of a reloading season for the Tigers in head coach Lonnie Jones’ third season leading the program. Jones took over in 2022 after a 2-9 season in James Thompson’s lone year as the Tucker head coach. In his first season, Jones led the Tigers to a 4-7 record and a first-round exit in the playoffs. Last season, Tucker improved to a winning record at 6-5 but left the playoffs in the first round following a 49-27 loss to Statesboro. The Tigers will have to replace the graduated Jamar Graham at the quarterback position. Graham was 91-of-181 passing for 1,503 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Rising sophomore Jace German will likely be the signal-caller for the Tigers and has been described as a smart player who can pass and run the ball and will be a dual threat to opposing defenses. At 6-foot, 167 pounds as a sophomore with three seasons of development left, German will be valuable for Tucker. The Tigers will also have to replace last season’s leading rusher Jordan McCoy who had 222 carries for 1,810 yards and 26 touchdowns, as well as the leading receivers Christian Whitmore and Rashard Mekell Martin who combined for 10 touchdown receptions. Sophomore Christian Copeland will be looked upon in the backfield and senior Elijah Grant French will anchor the receivers stall. Tucker will enjoy a four-hour ride to open the season on the road against Valdosta before facing Chamblee and Lithonia, also on the road. The Tigers’ home opener is against Clarkston on Sept. 12.
Wesleyan Wolves
Head Coach: Franklin Pridgen
Coach Record: 144-7
2023 Record: 9-4
2023 Region Record: 5-1
2023 Region: 7-3A
2024 Region: 5-A-Division I
Stadium Name:
Henderson Stadium
2024 Schedule:
8/16 @ Commerce
8/23 vs. North Hall
8/30 @ Elbert County
9/6 vs. B.E.S.T Academy
9/20 @ St. Francis
9/27 vs. Mount Pisgah
10/4 vs. Mt. Vernon
10/11 @ King’s Ridge
10/25 vs. Fellowship Christian
Wesleyan returns one of the best quarterbacks in the state, senior Ben Brown, and with a drop in classification the Wildcats could be formidable. Head coach Franklin Pridgen was the first and only coach to lead the Wesleyan program since its inception in 2006. He led the Wolves to the team’s lone state championship in 2008 in Class A. Pridgen also coached the team to the state championship game in 2019, but lost to ELCA. Since then, the Wolves have managed one semifinals appearance (2020) and a quarterfinal exit last season. Wesleyan played in Class 3A in 2023 finishing 9-4 overall and 5-1 in region play before a quarterfinal exit after a loss to Calvary Day 42-21. Brown was 216-of-365 passing for 3,324 yards and 42 touchdowns and rushed 136 times for 615 yards and six touchdowns, making the absolute most out of his 6-foot2, 190-pound frame. There will be new faces for Brown to target this season after the team graduated its four top receivers in Jamie Tremble (15 TD receptions), Baer Cole (6), Shepherd Jones (5) and Owen Hodges (4). The team returns experienced receivers in juniors Carter Hayes (3 TDs last season) and Maddox Gartland (2). Behind Brown, Gartland had 91 carries for 322 yards and two touchdowns last season and will be looked upon again this year to carry the ball.
Wesleyan Wolves (Photo by Abigail Ross)
Sandy Springs seniors show their competitive spirit at Olympic-inspired games
By Cathy Cobbs
World-class competition isn’t just reserved for athletes in Paris as one Sandy Springs independent living facility demonstrated.
On July 26, about 20 senior residents at Somerby Sandy Springs competed in Bridge Tx:Team Senior Summer Games, a five-activity competition fashioned in the spirit of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Organized by Tx Therapy, a privately held, therapist-led organization whose
staff work with Somerby residents, the competition saw teams participating in five events that highlighted aspects of strength, balance, cognition and handeye coordination, Rachel Hett, physical therapist team leader, said.
Groups participated in swimming pool “noodle” javelin throw, senior-friendly balance beam, free-throw basketball toss, soccer goal-kick competition and an Eiffel Tower cup stack featuring 10 blue, red and white cups.
“The whole point was to get people
to move in ways that they might not do normally and have fun in the process,” she said. “I was very impressed with the way some of the participants could chuck that noodle.”
The concept originated with the popular Bridge Tx:Team Senior Summer Games held in July 2021 in conjunction with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In an interview with Rough Draft, Hett said residents are still commenting on the fun that had at the Tokyo-inspired event, even three years later.
“It was definitely memorable then, and I think this one was too,” she said. “It was great to see people pushing themselves to try new things and get physically active.”
A plethora of studies have shown that poor nutrition and a lack of exercise speeds up the aging process in adults, and especially seniors.
The National Institute on Aging discussed several studies that show in adults older than 55, muscle mass was a better predictor of longevity than weight or body mass index.
“Although many studies focus on the effects of physical activity on weight and BMI, research has found that even if you’re not losing weight, exercise can still help you live longer and better,” the website said.
The nia.nih.gov website also offered
several tips on how to keep active, even with chronic and age-related issues.
The gold medal-winning team included Ed Doss, Ed Rosenblatt, Herb Silverman, and Ed Culpepper. (Photos courtesy Tx:Therapy)
Seniors at Somerby Sandy Springs demonstrate their prowess with the ‘javelin throw” at a competition inspired by the Paris Olympics
Residents try their balance beam skills at the July 26 event.
The Move: Three must-try restaurants for August
By Beth McKibben
Bangkok Thai
1492 Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont Heights bangkokthaiatl.com
Do you have a go-to restaurant in your neighborhood? For me, that’s Bangkok Thai at Ansley Mall. Serving the Midtown, Piedmont Heights, and Ansley Park neighborhoods since 1977, Bangkok Thai is within easy walking distance from my place in Midtown, and just down the street from the parking deck entrance to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It’s not only my goto for Thai takeout, but the restaurant features one of my favorite comfort foods during lunch: drunken noodles (pad kee mao).
At $12, the stir-fry sees a heaping pile of wide, chewy rice noodles sauteed and tossed with chicken, onions, bell peppers, egg, slightly al dente green beans for crunch, and fresh basil leaves. There’s a subtle heat to Bangkok Thai’s take on drunken noodles, too, with the spiciness building with each bite. It’s not a blast of in-your-face spice that overwhelms the palate, as with some versions of drunken noodles I’ve had at other Thai restaurants. Don’t get me wrong, I love spicy food, but there’s an art to balancing heat in a dish without sacrificing the overall flavor.
For two people, two coconut chicken
old trade routes infused the country’s Mesoamerican cuisine with flavors, ingredients, and dishes from Spain, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Breakfast is the main meal of the day in Honduras, typically a hearty dish comprised of eggs, beans, fried plantains, queso fresco, avocado, and tortillas for scooping. La Glorieta serves desayuno catracho (Honduran breakfast) as well as a popular street food often eaten at breakfast: baleadas.
A layer of refried beans coats a large, thick, lightly browned flour tortilla topped with proteins like steak, chicken, scrambled or fried eggs, and avocado. The tortilla is then topped with queso fresco and crema fresca and folded over like a giant taco. At breakfast, eggs are the main protein of choice.
My move at La Glorieta is the baleada loca res. It comes with scrambled eggs and a choice of chicken or steak. I’ve added both chicken and steak to my baleada on past visits.
soups, an order of basil spring rolls, and an order of drunken noodles cost around $35 at lunch. Add $5 more to the total at dinner.
La Glorieta Honduran
4010 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker
La Glorieta Honduran Restaurant has become one of my favorite spots to grab a quick lunch when I’m in Tucker. This small, counter-service restaurant on Lawrenceville Highway opened late last year in a former Subway. Honduras borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Guatemala to the west, El Salvador to the southwest, and Nicaragua to the southeast in Central America. Colonialism and centuries-
Meet the Panuozzo Napoletano. This is a take on the Campanian street food served on wood-fired focaccia found at Sunnyside Pizzeria in Sandy Springs worth seeking out during lunch.
Pizzeria Mascolo in Gragnano, Italy, south of Naples, first invented the pizza hybrid in the 1980s. Pizzaiolos shaped traditional Neapolitan pizza dough into a foot-long baguette and baked it in a wood-fired pizza oven for around 30 minutes. The bread was removed from the oven, sliced down the middle, stuffed with pizza toppings, and baked again to melt the cheese and crisp the crust. After baking, the panuozzo was sliced into pieces and wrapped in paper, creating pizza easily eaten on the go.
Sunnyside offers eight variations on the panuozzo during lunch, including the La Parma with San Manzano tomato sauce, prosciutto, and tangy parmigianoreggiano cheese and a roasted pepper version with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella drizzled
I highly recommend also ordering the pollo chuco con pechuga with fried chicken. Fried green plantains serve as the base for the dish. The crispy green plantains come topped with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, pink sauce, pickled vegetables, chismol (pico de gallo), and fried chicken.
Sunnyside Pizzeria
220 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs sunnysidepizzeria.com
Like barbecue, discussions on which Atlanta restaurants serve the best pizza will often end in a fierce debate. But what about pizza sandwiches?
with balsamic vinaigrette. I’m partial to spice, so the Diavola is my panuozzo move at Sunnyside.
Baked in a wood-fired pizza oven, the focaccia retains that signature springy crumb, but with a much crispier crust. It becomes the perfect vehicle for securely containing and soaking up wetter ingredients like tomatoes, roasted peppers, and pesto without getting soggy.
For the Diavola, a base of San Manzano tomato sauce sees spicy soppressata, savory capicola, sliced Calabrian chili peppers, and mozzarella layered on top. All panuozzos come with a choice of Caesar or sesame-ginger salad.
The drunken noodles at Bangkok Thai in Piedmont Heights. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
La Glorieta Honduran in Tucker. (Courtesy La Glorieta Honduran)
The Diavola (left) and roasted pepper panuozzo pizza sandwiches. (Photo by Beth McKibben)
Blue Ribbon Grill relocating this fall, adding European-inspired sister restaurant
By Cathy Cobbs
A beloved Tucker comfort food destination is relocating and adding a European-inspired sister restaurant next door.
Blue Ribbon Grill, which has been in operation since 1985 under multiple owners, closed in February after Jennifer and Eric Greene found the rising rent and poor conditions at the building to be untenable.
It will reopen this fall at 3352-C Chamblee Tucker Road in the North Hills Shopping Center in the same complex that houses Big Lots. However, Blue Ribbon Grill won’t be alone at its new location.
The Greenes will also open Jenovelle Cafe & Market next door, a European breakfast and lunch bistro featuring a gift shop selling European-style items. The idea behind Jenovelle came long before the couple bought Blue Ribbon Grill four years ago.
“We had the concept of Jenovelle in 2019, but we couldn’t get financing
because of Covid,” Greene said. “Then we found the Blue Ribbon Grill was for sale, so we put Jenovelle on hold.”
Rent at the original location of Blue Ribbon Grill at 4006 LaVista Road continued to rise during the years that the Greenes owned it. Upkeep of the aging facility was also a factor in its closing.
“The rent quadrupled during the last four years, and on top of that, the cost of upkeep was enormous,” Greene said. “The landlord pretty much priced us out of the location.”
An extensive search around Tucker, where the couple wanted to stay, proved fruitless. But in April, the Greenes finally found a space to house both restaurants just north of the Blue Ribbon Grill’s former location.
The footprint of the Blue Ribbon Grill will be slightly downsized, but the restaurant will continue offering triedand-true favorites like French onion soup, meatloaf, and other comfort food dishes. Greene said they plan to expand Blue Ribbon Grill’s martini menu and feature a brighter decor that still pays homage to its original 1980s restaurant vibe.
Jenovelle, which will be open for breakfast and lunch, will serve “the best food Europe has to offer,” Greene said. “We will close at 2 p.m. but then reopen after 4 p.m. to sell take-home meals, complete with cooking instructions.”
In addition to European-inspired cuisine, Jenovelle will sell imported gifts and food items, like honey made in Spain, British chocolates, and “curatedby-Jen” custom gifts that feature one-of-akind treasures.
Blue Ribbon Grill will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner and include extended weekend hours, similar to other tenants in the shopping center, like Hookah Coffee Planet, that have a nightlife presence.
“We know this is going to be a lot of work, but we are excited to launch this new venture,” Greene said.
Laura K. Schilling, J.D., CPA, CFP®
Photo by Jennifer Greene
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
‘Titanic: An Immersive Voyage’ premieres at Doraville’s Exhibition Hub
By Cathy Cobbs
Be prepared to be educated, amazed, and overwhelmed at Exhibition Hub’s latest installation, “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage,” in Doraville.
At a media preview on July 25, executive producer John Zaller gave this Rough Draft reporter a personal tour through the exhibit. His latest project took more than three years to conceive and assemble using 300 artifacts from Titanic and its sister vessels, the Olympic and the Britanic, as well as the Carpathia, the vessel that rescued more than 700 survivors on the fateful night.
Zaller said the Titanic exhibition is different from other similar storytelling efforts in that it tells the story in reverse order, first introducing the iceberg that was the “unsinkable” ship’s downfall. The story then moves on to the intricate planning and execution of the ship’s construction in Belfast, Ireland to the maiden voyage in April of 1912, and its devastating demise
actual artifacts (all items enclosed in glass cases are actual items from one of the ships), voiceover narration, and (could it be true?) some olfactory effects.
It doesn’t shy away or whitewash the operational flaws and missteps leading to the Titanic’s collision with the iceberg and the subsequent poor decisions that led to the death of more than 1,500 people on that frigid Atlantic night.
However, it also highlights the heroic efforts of the many who sacrificed their lives for others, including the ship’s captain, Edward J. Smith, who in one of his last acts of leadership, reportedly saved an infant before casting himself into the sea. The glass display naming each survivor and victim puts into perspective the depth of the tragedy.
only two days later.
“We wanted to bring to life in a realistic way the Titanic, the most glorious ship that ever sailed,” he said. “Every element in here works together to place you right in the story.”
Included in the experience are exacting reproductions of the Titanic’s rooms: conventional recreations of the first- and
third-class cabins, and carefully retouched color renditions of the lobby, dining rooms, crow’s nest, and other areas in the 45,000ton ship.
The enormity of information in each room can be overwhelming, but viewers stay engaged by the many ways that it is disseminated – through interactive boards, hands-on activities, projection mapping,
walking VR experience. It cannot be accurately described other than to say that this reporter and her friend were impressed, overwhelmed, delighted, shaken, and just a little dizzy when the headsets were removed.
The crown jewel of the experience is the must-see
A model replica of Titanic. (Photo by Linda Mikoff)
A replica of the bridge and wheel. (Photo by Linda Mikoff)
A virtual reality glimpse of Titanic’s main staircase. (Courtesy Exhibition Hub)
The virtual reality room at the Titanic exhibit. (Photo by Linda Mikoff)
