Award-winning Tuesday 

Dec. 9 — This week brings news of a national accolade for a senior living community in Buckhead; we have details on Lenbrook – Georgia’s highest-ranked not-for-profit facility – below. There’s also more in the latest installment of Above the Waterline, which explores the fee increase at state parks and its impact on our relationship to public green spaces. Plus, the City of Atlanta has unveiled ‘Michael Langford Drive’ in honor of the late Michael Langford’s public service and advocacy.

And now for a few headlines:

A man has taken a plea deal in the 2022 murder of Eleanor (Ellen) Bowles inside her gated Buckhead townhome community.

City of Hope Cancer Center opened a second location of its medical facility at Paces Ferry in Buckhead.

MARTA has officially renamed GWCC/CNN Center Station to the Sports, Entertainment, and Convention District Station, or SEC District Station.

Charleston-based Lewis Barbecue opened its first Georgia location at Ansley Mall in Piedmont Heights yesterday.

Hear from author Annette Joseph in conversation about her new cookbook, “Sweet Life at La Fortezza,” tonight at the Margaret Mitchell House at 7 p.m.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

• Lenbrook’s national accolade
• Park fees double
• Michael Langford Drive
AND
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell

Enjoy!

Georgia’s top-ranked senior living community is in Buckhead

 A not-for-profit senior living community in the heart of Buckhead has been named one of the best in the country.

Lenbrook placed 24th on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities 2026, making it Georgia’s highest-ranked facility.

Newsweek partnered with global data research firm Statista to evaluate life plan communities across the United States based on four data sources: a national online survey of medical professionals, management/administration staff, and acquaintances/residents, visitor satisfaction scores, accreditation scores, and Google Reviews scores.

 Find out more about Lenbrook here.

Wrap Up a Year Full of Surprises

SPONSORED BY TOWN BROOKHAVEN

SPONSORED BY FERNBANK MEMBERSHIP

 Looking for a meaningful gift?

A Fernbank Membership offers a full year of discovery with unlimited daytime general admission to exhibits, films, and outdoor adventures.

Members explore 75 acres of nature in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, featuring seasonal programs, canopy walks, and a nature play area—plus three floors of immersive science exhibits indoors. It’s a gift that inspires curiosity and connection. Coming soon: new museum experiences launching in phases, beginning in late 2025 with “Our Place in the Cosmos.”

 Look for our Holiday 2025 sale running Dec. 18-25, 2025.

Fees double at state parks, despite budget surplus

ABOVE THE WATERLINE | SALLY BETHEA

 Georgians love parks. Whether located in cities or remote areas, they are places where people can go for physical and mental well-being: a way to manage stress in an increasingly stressful world. 

Public green spaces are also essential to democracy. They function as social “infrastructure,” providing shared, accessible places in nature that can foster a sense of community.

Today, most of us are living with high levels of uncertainty in our personal lives and in our country. Affordability is a serious concern. A recent poll found that a majority of Americans say they’re spending more on groceries and utility bills than a year ago. At such a time – with a budget and reserve surplus of more than $14 billion – why did the state of Georgia decide to double the cost for its citizens to find exercise and some respite in a public park?  

Sally Bethea explores this question in the most recent edition of Above the Waterline. Check it out here.

City of Atlanta unveils ‘Michael Langford Drive’ in honor of local community advocate

 Atlanta leaders recently gathered to unveil “Michael Langford Drive,” officially renaming a portion of Pryor Road and Pryor Street in honor of the late community advocate. The new name is attributed to the stretch that runs from Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard to Lakewood Avenue.

Michael Langford Sr., a native Atlantan, originally became a grassroots community advocate alongside his brother, Rev. Arthur Langford, Jr., leading him to a diverse job career that spanned political strategy, community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and public service.

 Read more about Michael Langford’s dedication to Atlanta here. 

‘Love in the Workplace’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell

VIA SAPORTAREPORT

 A young man from Cartersville comes to the big city hoping to pursue a career in medicine. He walks the streets of Atlanta, knocking on the door of every drug store in town.

As the sun is setting, he is hired on the spot by one of the best-known druggists in Georgia, and his career path begins … until he falls in love with the boss’s daughter.

 It’s a story of love in the workplace on this week’s Stories of Atlanta.

Explore more of our newsletters

Did you know Silver Streak has other newsletters that go deeper into what’s happening across Metro Atlanta?

 Stacks: Our newest newsletter covering Atlanta’s literary scene, author profiles, book reviews, and more comes out the second Sunday of each month.

 Sketchbook: All about Atlanta’s art scene. Artist profiles, art openings, museum events. Wednesdays.

 Side Dish: News about the food scene. Beyond just openings and closings, Side Dish includes recipes and a regular feature on pop-ups. Thursdays.

 Scene: The only newsletter focused on the movie world. Reviews, interviews, podcasts. Fridays.

 All of our newsletters are free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never sell your data. Subscribe here.

 Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.

The post 🏆 Buckhead senior living award appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Giving Tuesday 

Dec. 2 — Today is Giving Tuesday. Looking to support a cause that matters to you? GAgives can help you find a nonprofit to match.

This week we have a Holiday Fun Guide to help you plan your calendar for December, and updates on McAuley Station in Sweet Auburn – a development that will add nearly 100 affordable apartments for adults 55 and older. Plus, there’s more from Georgia Public Broadcasting on the long-term environmental impacts of data centers in Metro Atlanta.

 And, take a moment to help shape the future of Rough Draft. Share your feedback in our annual reader survey below. 

And now for a few headlines:

Polls are open today until 7 p.m. (8 p.m. for City of Atlanta) for runoff elections in Sandy Springs (Mayor, City Council), East Point (Mayor), South Fulton (Mayor, City Council), Roswell (Mayor), Stonecrest (City Council), and Atlanta (City Council, Board of Education). Find your voting location here.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced yesterday that the Georgia Lottery Corporation has raised over $30 billion for education since its inception in 1993.

 During its final meeting of 2025, the Atlanta City Council approved legislation for the development of affordable housing and infrastructure improvements in Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, and southwest Atlanta.

 DeKalb Police are warning about an uptick in package thefts from porches in the Tucker area. 

Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts will receive a 12-foot Kermit the Frog statue from The Jim Henson Company.

 Westside Atlanta stores Sid Mashburn and A Ma Maniére were named to The New York Times’ 50 Best Clothing Stores in America list. 

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

• Sweet Auburn senior housing
• Holiday Fun Guide
• Reader survey
• Data center dangers
AND
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell

McAuley Station second phase to add nearly 100 affordable apartments for seniors

 Pennrose and Mercy Care recently broke ground on McAuley Station Phase II, the next step in a new mixed-use, mixed-income property being constructed in Atlanta.

Located in the neighborhood of Sweet Auburn, McAuley Station’s second phase will create 97 affordable apartments (95 one-bedrooms and two studio apartments) for adults 55 and older.

According to a press release, the aim of McAuley Station is to assist seniors (particularly those living on fixed incomes) amidst rising housing and healthcare costs.

Located steps from Mercy Care (Atlanta’s only federally qualified health center dedicated to serving unhoused individuals), the development will give residents direct access to healthcare services, in addition to being located in close proximity to transit and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation and Aquatic Center.

 Read more about McAuley Station here.

Nourish a Neighbor Today
SPONSORED BY OPEN HAND

After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, Ammy lost feeling in her fingers, and cooking became dangerous. “Everything tasted like paper,” she said. “The first thing I could taste again? Open Hand. I’ll never forget.”

Living with multiple cancers, Ammy depends on Open Hand’s meals to stay nourished and strong. But as grocery costs rise, so does the number of Georgians in need.

Reach out an Open Hand—and help us deliver 100,000 meals to neighbors in need like Ammy by the end of this year.

➞ Give today.

Holiday Fun Guide: Make merry around the Metro with these festive events

 December is here, which means festive theatre, music, and celebrations are happening all month long.

From traditions like the Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and the Alliance Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” to Voices of Note concerts and Winterfest in Virginia-Highland, there’s something for everyone this season.

 See our holiday guide here. 

Help shape the future of Rough Draft
\

We’d love your input.

Take our quick annual reader survey and help us keep Rough Draft valuable for readers and the local businesses who support us.

It takes less than two minutes, and your feedback directly shapes how we keep growing in the coming years.

 Take the survey here.

Influx of data centers threatens air quality, public health in Atlanta, environmental activists say

 Clean air advocates say unchecked growth in Georgia’s data center industry could harm public health, especially for people in Metro Atlanta where air quality has worsened. 

Five data center projects are ongoing, and more are proposed — all in the city of South Fulton. They are being built in anticipation of growth in artificial intelligence.

“We need to connect the dots between industrial development, environmental pollution, and our right to breathe clean air,” said Kiya Stanford with the advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force in Georgia, adding that residents should attend local government meetings to share their concerns.

 Learn more here.

RELATED 

A large data center project backed by Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is also running for governor, could be coming to Butts County.

‘Community Standards’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell

VIA SAPORTAREPORT

 Shakespeare had it right, “the play’s the thing.” And that was especially true of Atlanta in the 1890s. The theater was the dominant form of entertainment and, as you would expect, it was an industry that gave many people a chance to make money.

One such Atlantan was Martin J. Dooley, who made a nice living in the theater advertising business – that is until he crossed the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

 Find out how he ended up in court, and unintentionally became the subject of this week’s Stories of Atlanta.

Explore more of our newsletters

Did you know Silver Streak has other newsletters that go deeper into what’s happening across metro Atlanta?

 Stacks: Our newest newsletter covering Atlanta’s literary scene, author profiles, book reviews, and more comes out the second Sunday of each month.

 Sketchbook: All about Atlanta’s art scene. Artist profiles, art openings, museum events. Wednesdays.

 Side Dish: News about the food scene. Beyond just openings and closings, Side Dish includes recipes and a regular feature on pop-ups. Thursdays.

 Scene: The only newsletter focused on the movie world. Reviews, interviews, podcasts. Fridays.

 All of our newsletters are free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never sell your data. Subscribe here.

 Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.

The post 🏘️ Sweet Auburn senior housing appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Pre-Turkey Tuesday 

Nov. 25 — Welcome to a pre-holiday edition of Silver Streak!

➙ Wondering what restaurants have dine-in and takeout options on Thanksgiving Day? We have a list below to help you prepare. Planning to take in some holiday lights? We also have a roundup of residential locations that are decking the halls – and the yards – for you to check out.

Plus, “eatertainment” concept, Painted Park, has won a Historic Renovation Award. More specifics are below.

And now for a few headlines:

 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport is expecting to see over four million travelers this Thanksgiving holiday, running through Dec. 2. Officials said Dec. 1 is expected to be the busiest day, with over 375,000 passengers.

Demolition is underway on Sparks Hall, Georgia State University’s former classroom building, to make way for an expanded campus quad.

 Early voting in several Dec. 2 runoff elections, including for Sandy Springs Mayor and Atlanta City Council Districts 7 and 11, continues through tomorrow.

An unexpected $1.27 million grant from GDOT will enable Sandy Springs to resurface sections of 19 additional city streets.

Plans are moving forward for the Georgia Center for Innovation & Discovery educational museum in Downtown Atlanta.

Jeffrey Kalinsky is reviving his boutique, with a new Jeffrey opening in Buckhead Village in August 2026. The store was featured in SNL skits in 2000 and 2013.

  Georgia digital driver’s licenses can now be accepted as a valid ID when making age-restricted purchases.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

• Thanksgiving dine-in and takeout
• Tour of holiday lights
• Painted Park’s renovation award
AND
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell

Restaurants offer dine-in and takeout for Turkey Day

Thanksgiving is Thursday, and if you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day, now is the time to make a reservation or order takeout for your holiday feast.

Many restaurants around Metro Atlanta plan to serve special holiday menus or offer bountiful buffets with carving stations and seafood towers.

➳ Check out our roundup here.

MORE THANKSGIVING NEWS

Want to share the joy of your Turkey Day traditions? AMIS Atlanta is looking for volunteers to host international students for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. A background check is required. Find out more details here.

Sudden orthopedic need? Get Better right now.

SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS

 Peachtree Orthopedics is now offering immediate access for all new patients through their AskORTHO chat feature. Just go to poAskOrtho.com and you can communicate right away with a LIVE, actual Peachtree Orthopedics clinician.

This service is offered from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And – best of all – it is FREE!

So why wait? Whether you have an immediate injury need or it’s just time to deal with that nagging issue, click now to get fast, free care recommendations and guided next steps for your continued care.

Peachtree Orthopedics has 43 leading physicians and has served Atlanta for over 70 years with a commitment to helping you Get Better.

➞ To learn more or chat now, click here!

Decked Out: See the top home holiday light displays in Metro Atlanta

 Rough Draft Atlanta has built a helpful map and guide of where to see holiday lights at residential homes, and, most of the time, for free. We’ll add additional homes throughout the season.

From Roswell and Decatur to Stone Mountain and Kennesaw, we have an early roundup to get you started.

Take a look at our interactive map and list here. 

Inman Park’s Painted Park wins Historic Renovation Award

 Painted Park was honored with a Historic Renovation Award at the Georgia Design Awards last week. The two-story “eatertainment” concept comes from Painted Hospitality’s Justin Amick and William Stallworth (The Painted Pin, Painted Duck, and Painted Pickle).

Painted Hospitality transformed the 1890 Factory Terminal building along North Highland, which was originally the headquarters of the Atlanta Pipe and Foundry Company, into a vibrant, multi-use drinking and dining destination just steps from the Eastside Beltline in Inman Park.

The renovation preserved and repaired original architectural elements, including tin ceilings, brick walls, copper piping, concrete floors, Vermont slate roofing, and expansive windows with original rosette moldings, according to a press release.

 Read more about the award and the renovation history here.

‘Not Everyone was Saved’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell

VIA SAPORTAREPORT

 There is no question that Atlanta’s Downtown Connector, when unobstructed, is a benefit to the region’s commuters.

There is also no question that much was lost as a result of the construction of the Downtown Connector. Some of that loss was anticipated, some of it was not.

 Join us for the story of an unintended consequence in this week’s Stories of Atlanta. 

Explore more of our newsletters

Did you know Silver Streak has other newsletters that go deeper into what’s happening across metro Atlanta?

 Stacks: Our newest newsletter covering Atlanta’s literary scene, author profiles, book reviews, and more comes out the second Sunday of each month.

 Sketchbook: All about Atlanta’s art scene. Artist profiles, art openings, museum events. Wednesdays.

 Side Dish: News about the food scene. Beyond just openings and closings, Side Dish includes recipes and a regular feature on pop-ups. Thursdays.

 Scene: The only newsletter focused on the movie world. Reviews, interviews, podcasts. Fridays.

 All of our newsletters are free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never sell your data. Subscribe here.

 Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.

The post 💡 Holiday lights + Turkey Day appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Clean 13 Tuesday 

Nov. 18 — The Georgia Water Coalition released its Clean 13 report for 2025 today. We have more on the organizations and individuals working toward creating cleaner rivers and building stronger communities through their efforts.

There’s also news of Stacy Garmon’s recent appointment as executive director for Leadership Perimeter, and more on how the opening of Tucker Town Green is marking a new era for the city.

But first, a few headlines:

 Voters in Fulton and Cobb counties have until 7 p.m. today to select one of six candidates vying to fill the vacant Senate District 35 seat and to complete the term of former state Sen. Jason Esteves, who resigned earlier this year to run for governor. Find your precinct here. 

The Atlanta City Council approved the creation of an oversight commission for a $5 billion plan to encourage development in historically neglected neighborhoods. 

 As part of Fulton County’s SNAP Crisis Response Plan, eligible seniors will be given a $100 produce voucher for use at senior center farmers markets taking place throughout November. For registration and eligibility visit here.

 Seventeen transgender Air Force members filed a federal lawsuit accusing the U.S. government of unlawfully revoking their early retirement pensions and benefits.

 Caring For Others will host its 25th annual Comfort & Care Harvest Distribution on Saturday to provide Thanksgiving meals and household essentials to local families experiencing financial hardship.

 The recent Atlanta Women’s Foundation luncheon raised $1.2 million for local organizations that empower women and girls.

 The Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse will return for its 17th year this holiday season at a 7,500-square-foot house in Brookhaven.

According to news reports, a former Walmart in Perimeter Village will be replaced by a Kroger.

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

• Annual Clean 13 report
• Leadership Perimeter
• Tucker Town Green
AND 
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell

Georgia Water Coalition releases annual Clean 13 report

 The Georgia Water Coalition released its Clean 13 report for 2025 today. The report highlights individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies whose efforts have led to “cleaner rivers, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Georgians,” according to a press release.

“From sustaining flows for farmers and mussels in the Flint River to stemming plastic pollution from urban streams, the entities highlighted in this report are developing innovative solutions to address some of Georgia’s most pressing conservation challenges,” Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, executive director with the Rome-based Coosa River Basin Initiative, said in a statement.

“People all across Georgia are doing their part. Our hope is that by telling their stories, we can inspire others to follow their lead.” 

 Read more about the work highlighted in the report here.

So Much to See. So Much to Do. 

SPONSORED BY FERNBANK MUSEUM

Give a gift that delights – one that brings smiles, sparks curiosity, and creates lasting memories.

A Fernbank Membership offers a full year of adventure with unlimited daytime access to exhibits, nature experiences, and giant screen films. Explore 75 acres of outdoor wonder in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, plus three floors of immersive science exhibits indoors. Seasonal fun, canopy walks, and nature play await.

And exciting news: Fernbank is launching new museum experiences soon, beginning with “Our Place in the Cosmos“ in late 2025.

Leadership Perimeter appoints Garmon as new executive director

 Leadership Perimeter announced the appointment of Stacy Garmon as its new executive director.

Garmon brings extensive experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, and strategic program growth, making her uniquely positioned to guide the organization into its next chapter, according to a Leadership Perimeter news release.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stacy Garmon as the new Executive Director of Leadership Perimeter,” said Nataliya Fleshler, board president, according to the release. “She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to developing strong, connected community leaders. Stacy’s vision and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our impact across the Perimeter region.”

 Read the full story here.

Grand opening of Town Green marks a new era for downtown Tucker

 Tucker Town Green’s lush two-acre park opened last Friday, debuting as a new place for play, connection, and entertainment for downtown Tucker.

“We see the Green as the heart and soul of downtown Tucker,” City Manager John McHenry told Rough Draft Atlanta. “Now that the park is complete …we see this as a catalyst.”

If the estimated 400 Tucker residents who filled the park space Friday night is any indication, the city could see more economic activity and engagement in the weeks and months to come. The $8.6 million development includes a stage, state-of-the-art bathrooms, two playground areas, fountains, and an S-shaped sidewalk.

 Read more about Tucker Town Green here. 

RELATED PARK NEWS

 The City of Chamblee will celebrate the grand reopening of Dresden Park and the unveiling of a new public art sculpture, Project Monarch: The Flight of Fortitude, by Georgia artist William Massey, on Dec. 13. Read here for more details.

‘Messages from the Past’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell

VIA SAPORTAREPORT

 If you could leave a message, knowing that it would be seen for years to come, what would you say?

Thousands of people took just that opportunity before the 1996 Olympic Games came to Atlanta.

 What they chose to say – and how they said it – is the subject of this week’s Stories of Atlanta.

Explore more of our newsletters

Did you know Silver Streak has other newsletters that go deeper into what’s happening across metro Atlanta?

 Stacks: Our newest newsletter covering Atlanta’s literary scene, author profiles, book reviews, and more comes out the second Sunday of each month.

 Sketchbook: All about Atlanta’s art scene. Artist profiles, art openings, museum events. Wednesdays.

 Side Dish: News about the food scene. Beyond just openings and closings, Side Dish includes recipes and a regular feature on pop-ups. Thursdays.

 Scene: The only newsletter focused on the movie world. Reviews, interviews, podcasts. Fridays.

 All of our newsletters are free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never sell your data. Subscribe here.

 Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.

The post 🌊 2025 Clean 13 report appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Veterans Day Tuesday 

Nov. 11 — While Veterans Day is coming to a close, there is still time to support the Veterans Day Telethon benefitting Top Dogg K9 Foundation. Established to help military families impacted by suicide due to mental illness, the organization’s mission is to pair service dogs with disabled veterans. Learn more here.

Friday marks both the opening of the First Voices Festival in Little Five Points and the Holiday Art Fair at Spruill Gallery in Sandy Springs. We also have a review of Theatrical Outfit’s “The Glass Menagerie” from our theatre critic, Manning Harris.

And now for a few headlines:

Georgians who rely on SNAP will start receiving money on their cards today, but will only receive up to 65% of their normal benefit amount. Read more here for a list of local nonprofits, organizations, and restaurants providing food and accepting donations and volunteers.

Hundreds of flights in and out of Atlanta were cancelled or delayed yesterday amid the ongoing government shutdown.

 A new ADA-accessible boardwalk was unveiled at Dunwoody Nature Center this week, including access to playgrounds and outdoor classrooms.

Removal of the concrete canopy over the MARTA Five Points Station is underway as part of a major renovation of the transit hub.

Invest Atlanta has provided $250,000 in grants to help small Downtown businesses make improvements ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup matches.

The FDA will remove safety warnings from all hormone therapy methods meant for treating menopause and perimenopause.  

Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter.

• First Voices Festival returns
• Theatre Review: ‘The Glass Menagerie’
• Spruill Gallery’s Holiday Art Fair
AND
• Stories of Atlanta | Lance Russell

Enjoy!

First Voices Festival returns to Atlanta to celebrate Indigenous cultures

 The First Voices Festival is returning to Atlanta Nov. 14-28 with an expanded lineup of programming that celebrates Indigenous communities.

Now in its fourth year, the festival kicks off with “Art of Activism,” an evening of storytelling, music, and traditional foods at 7 Stages in Little Five Points. 

On Nov. 15-16, the festival will host a two-day outdoor Powwow led by Buffalo Yellowbird of the Oglala Lakota Nation. On Nov. 21, Out of Hand Theater will present “Say Their Names” at 7 Stages, a production that weaves together both film and live performances, all of which were written by Marcie Rendon, author and citizen of the White Earth Nation.

 Learn more about the festival here.

Sudden orthopedic need? Get Better right now.

SPONSORED BY PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS

 Peachtree Orthopedics is now offering immediate access for all new patients through their AskORTHO chat feature. Just go to poAskOrtho.com and you can communicate right away with a LIVE, actual Peachtree Orthopedics clinician.

This service is offered from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And – best of all – it is FREE!

So why wait? Whether you have an immediate injury need or it’s just time to deal with that nagging issue, click now to get fast, free care recommendations and guided next steps for your continued care.

Peachtree Orthopedics has 43 leading physicians and has served Atlanta for over 70 years with a commitment to helping you Get Better.

➞ To learn more or chat now, click here!

Theatre Review: Theatrical Outfit’s powerful and poetic production of ‘The Glass Menagerie’

 “Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve…I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion.” How many students have read these opening words from Tennessee Williams’ 1944 legendary play “The Glass Menagerie,” currently on view at Theatrical Outfit? Far more, I fear, than have seen the play, especially a production as poetic and powerful as this one.

That’s the thing about “masterpieces,” when they’re done well by an inspired, gifted cast: You have a sense of discovery as though you had never seen it before, never heard the familiar words, or been mesmerized by Laura’s little glass animals – and you’re charmed.

Artistic Director Matt Torney’s shimmering, magnetic version will run through Nov. 23, with a couple of added two-a-day performances.

 Read more from Manning Harris here.

Spruill Gallery opening its holiday art fair Nov. 14

 The Spruill Gallery has announced that its 32nd annual Holiday Art Fair will begin this Friday. This year’s market will feature handmade gifts and crafts created by nearly 150 Georgia-based artists.

“We’re proud that the Holiday Art Fair is a holiday staple here in Dunwoody and a place where community members can find truly unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while also supporting local artists and makers,” said Spruill CEO Alan Mothner.

In addition to general holiday shopping, community members can also look forward to several free events hosted at this year’s Holiday Art Fair, including an opening wine & cheese reception on Nov. 14, complimentary photos with Santa on Nov. 22, cookies and cocoa on Dec. 13, free pet treats and a paw-printing station on Dec. 14, and a wine tasting on Dec. 19.

 For more information visit here.

‘Delayed Gratification’: Stories of Atlanta by Lance Russell

VIA SAPORTAREPORT

 With the news this past week of the passing of basketball legend Lenny Wilkens, we wanted to rerun one of our earliest Stories of Atlanta videos about the Hawks’ legendary player and coach.

Wilkens was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on three separate occasions, once as a player, once as a coach, and once as an assistant coach for the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team.” Though he played for the Hawks, they were not an Atlanta team during his playing days. This was part of the subject of our story on Lenny Wilkens.

 And that, along with Atlanta Hawks fans having to endure delayed gratification, is what we explore on this week’s Stories of Atlanta.

Explore more of our newsletters

Did you know Silver Streak has other newsletters that go deeper into what’s happening across metro Atlanta?

 Stacks: Our newest newsletter covering Atlanta’s literary scene, author profiles, book reviews, and more comes out the second Sunday of each month.

 Sketchbook: All about Atlanta’s art scene. Artist profiles, art openings, museum events. Wednesdays.

 Side Dish: News about the food scene. Beyond just openings and closings, Side Dish includes recipes and a regular feature on pop-ups. Thursdays.

 Scene: The only newsletter focused on the movie world. Reviews, interviews, podcasts. Fridays.

 All of our newsletters are free, you can unsubscribe at any time, and we never sell your data. Subscribe here.

 Today’s Silver Streak was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.

The post 🪶 First Voices Festival returns appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.