Tucker’d out and it’s only December 12

Dec. 13 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Tucker. Holiday fatigue is apparently a thing, which is sort of crazy when this is supposed to be the “hap-hap-happiest season of all.” Apparently, it has something to do with FOMO, sugar, lack of sleep, and weather. Check, check, check, and check.

But we aren’t here to complain. We’re here to give you a little news about Tucker, and then move on to eating more sugar, sleeping less, and trying to be in two places at one time.

 Let’s get on with the news,
Cathy and Stephanie

A send-off for Auman

Tucker’s final 2025 city council meeting served as an homage to Mayor Frank Auman, who will soon end his tenure as the city’s first mayor. 

A reception, a proclamation granting Auman a key to the city, and several tributes were sprinkled through the evening’s traditional council meeting.

One such tribute came from Allyson Gevertz, DeKalb County Board of Education’s vice chair and District 4 representative, who recalled meeting Auman in 2015 when he was laying the groundwork for Tucker’s cityhood bid.

“I knew at the time that you were amazing and that the grassroots effort with Tucker was going to make Tucker the best city in DeKalb, the best city in Georgia, and you’ve done it,” she said. “I mean, your leadership, it’s been amazing…You have worked with six superintendents at DeKalb County Schools. You have been so patient with us.”

  Here is Stephanie’s story

Celebrate the Season with Wonder at Fernbank Museum

SPONSORED BY FERNBANK MEMBERSHIP

Looking for the perfect gift?

Something that sparks joy, incites hugs, induces smiles, and warms the heart? Share a year of exploration with a Fernbank Membership—unlimited daytime general admission to exhibits, films, and nature adventures.

Members enjoy 75 acres of outdoor fun in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, plus three floors of hands-on science exhibits indoors. Seasonal activities, canopy walks, and nature play areas await.

And don’t forget: Fernbank is unveiling new museum experiences over the next two years, starting with Our Place in the Cosmos in late 2025.

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

Swinson investigation has wrapped up, but …..?

The DeKalb County Internal Affairs Unit has completed its investigation into an incident involving a DeKalb County Police Department officer and a trans woman at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library.

The officer, who has been identified as Officer GA Weaver, was issued violations regarding professional image, body-worn camera, off-duty employment, and duty to read/understand/comply with orders, according to a memo from DeKalb County Police Sgt. Joel T. Marshall. The internal affairs department, Marshall notes in the memo, is an administrative fact-finding unit that is “not involved with any disciplinary action.”

The investigation report has been placed in Weaver’s employee file, according to the memo. Whether putting a piece of paper into someone’s file can be seen as making a meaningful change is unknown.

 Read more about it here.

Holiday help X6

Spreading holiday cheer doesn’t have to end with your own friends and family.

After you’ve trimmed the tree and cleared the Amazon shopping cart, there’s an array of ways to become a Tucker family’s Secret Santa through donations of your time or resources.

From toy giveaways to volunteering, Tucker’s nonprofits, government agencies, and local businesses are ensuring all Tucker families feel the love this Christmas season.

6⃣  Here are six ways you can make an impact in your town.

Santa arrives in Tucker

 Tucker Parks and Recreation kicked off the city’s North Pole at Tucker on Saturday, Dec. 6, the first official event at the recently opened Tucker Town Green.

The hot chocolate was flowing throughout the nippy night, with temperatures dipping into the low 30s as the Christmas tree and menorah were lit that night. The evening also featured a visit from Santa and a Christmas Train, which remained in motion for most of the night. Which is kind of what everyone needed to do to prevent frostbite.

 Here’s a recap of the night.

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The post 😜 Christmas crazy appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

A routine traffic stop by Brookhaven police on Dec. 8 resulted in multiple drug and stolen vehicle arrests.

According to a release by the BPD, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a tinted tag cover that had a dealer plate affixed to the rear of the car.

 “A check of the VIN revealed the vehicle was reported stolen with the Atlanta Police Department,” the release said. “An inventory of the vehicle revealed both occupants were in possession of suspected illegal drugs.”

The female driver, Amani Dirton, 25, of Simpsonville, SC was charged with felony theft by receiving a stolen vehicle, possession of marijuana w/intent to distribute, and misdemeanor traffic charges. The female passenger, Erica Breaux, 27, of Garland, Texas was charged with felony possession w/intent to distribute MDMA, felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department records, both were released on bond on Dec. 10.

The post Routine stop nets multiple drug, stolen car charges in Brookhaven appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

Dunwoody diversions

Dec. 10 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Dunwoody. Yesterday was my birthday, and I had the chance to enjoy privileges usually reserved for toddlers or elderly people – getting to cheat on games and win, suffering public humiliation in the form of a song, being driven around town, and having people cut up my food –  that kind of stuff.

It was a great day, and as they say, I’d rather be one year older than six feet under.

Speaking of transitions, this week is full of them with news about Dunwoody High School’s tribute to a favorite son, the opening of Big Play, and the not-closing of CVS, a new Stage Door Theatre play that’s truly wonderful, and some of our dining team’s top stories of the year, which includes a Dunwoody favorite.

 Enjoy your Wednesday
Cathy 

Your future in nursing starts here. Herzing University–Atlantahas no wait lists and offers flexible learning, hands-on clinicals, and accelerated pathways. Train where you live and join Georgia’s next generation of nurses making an impact today.   SPONSOR MESSAGE

Big Play makes one

The Mount Vernon Shopping Center has big news this week, with the entrance of a big tenant and new life for a pharmacy that was supposed to be closing.

The long-anticipated Big Play, a family-friendly complex with bowling, laser tag, arcades, mini-golf, and a restaurant, will open on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m., according to an announcement by the company.

In related news, the CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Jett Ferry and Mt. Vernon roads will not close as previously thought, according to CVS officials.

It turns out Big Play purchased the shopping center and renewed the CVS lease. Here’s the story.

Fashion meets art at the High Museum!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM

Experience Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Statements – a bold, breathtaking exhibition celebrating avant-garde fashion visionaries who blurred the line between haute couture and art. Only at the High, the exhibition’s sole U.S. stop.

➞ On view through Feb. 8, 2026.

Seacrest for the win

One of Dunwoody’s most famous sons will be recognized with the naming of the Dunwoody High School’s soon-to-be expanded stadium.

At its Dec. 8 board meeting, DeKalb County Board of Education approved in a 5-2 vote the naming of the stadium after “Wheel of Fortune” host and Dunwoody native Ryan Seacrest. 

The Seacrest Stadium will “recognize the contributions, achievements, and long-standing connection of Ryan Seacrest to Dunwoody High School and the broader DeKalb community,” according to the resolution.

  Read more about Seacrest and the campaign here. 

Your future in nursing starts here. Herzing University–Atlantahas no wait lists and offers flexible learning, hands-on clinicals, and accelerated pathways. Train where you live and join Georgia’s next generation of nurses making an impact today.   SPONSOR MESSAGE

A new twist on an old classic

Stage Door Theatre’s unique twist on “A Christmas Carol” engages the audience to use its imagination while spinning out a well-acted rendition of the holiday classic.

Adapted by local playwright Claire F. Martin and directed by frequent Stage Door collaborator Lauren Morris, the lyrical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella embraces the magic of theater with only seven actors on the stage playing a variety of roles.

Stage Door does a lot with a little, with the only scenery change indicated by a revolving appearance and disappearance of a fireplace, along with flowing curtains and artful lighting.

  Here is my review and information about show times and tickets.

Delicious dining news

Our dining team did a deep dive on its most-read dining stories for 2025, and NFA’s second location at the Avalon made the list, along with other mouth-watering stories.

One question I have, however, is when the expanded gas station location in Dunwoody will open? It appears to be finished, but I haven’t seen any action yet on the migration. I’m getting on that next week.

  In the meantime, here’s the wrap-up of the year’s top dining news.

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The post 🚪When one door opens…. appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

On Dec. 11, Elizabeth Nix Smith, who was one of the first instructors at Peachtree Yoga Center in Sandy Springs, will wish her students “blessings and love – namaste” for the last time.

Smith, whose gentle self-deprecating humor and ability to make yoga a comfortable and accessible practice for all –no matter their skill level – said it’s time for her to make room for the future generation of teachers.

“I’m ready to step aside from teaching and let the new crop of instructors to come through,” Smith said. “I’m stepping away from teaching, but not who I have become during these last 30 years.”

Graham Fowler, who founded PYC, said he met Smith when he was teaching at the Buckhead YMCA in 1996, which was the beginning of their decades-long friendship.

“She first attended my class at the YMCA instead of the tai chi class she was also considering,” Fowler said. “It was one of those small decisions that affect the trajectory of one’s life and, by extension, many lives.”

Fowler said his student “fit right in” with Atlanta Yoga Fellowship, an informal gathering of local yoga friends. From then on, Smith became an active participant in the group’s regular potluck dinners and weekend yoga retreats in the mountains and at the beach.

“From when we met, I adopted him, and he adopted me,” Smith said. “When I think about who I was when I walked into that first class, and what I am today, I am a totally different person.”

After Smith participated in Fowler’s first and second yoga teacher training courses at Fowler’s home, she began co-leading teacher training courses with him. The natural progression continued when Fowler decided it was time to open a brick-and-mortar location.

“By the time I opened Peachtree Yoga, Elizabeth was in on every part of it, including when we went on a road trip up east to check out other centers for design ideas,” he said. “From the beginning, Elizabeth was there to co-lead teacher training courses at PYC, and to teach classes. Her success was part of how we survived and thrived in those early days.”

Smith said one of the things for which she is most grateful is Fowler’s constant presence and support during their three decades of friendship.

“He introduced me to my husband, and he married us, and when my mother died, he was at the funeral,” she said. “I can’t overstate the significance of Graham in my life.”

Fowler and her students said they loved Smith for her quirky humor and made-up words that perfectly described certain changes in posture.

“Elizabeth is not only an inspirational yoga teacher, she also expanded my vocabulary. In certain poses, Elizabeth would tell us to move our hips just a ‘snerch,'” said Susan Mitchell, who has taken classes with Smith for two decades. “While that’s not a precise unit of measurement, we knew exactly what to do.”

Smith joked that for years she believed that “snerch” was a real vocabulary word.

Ilona Moore, who owns Peachtree Yoga Center, said Smith “has served her community with a steadfast heart and a spirit shaped by compassion, civic duty, and unwavering kindness.”

“Her dedication to the path of yoga has touched countless lives, not only through her skill and wisdom, but through the way she infuses every teaching with her love of poetry, her curiosity for the world, and her passion for travel,” Moore said.

Su Ellis, another longtime yoga practitioner, said Smith’s retirement is bittersweet for her and the entire yoga community.

“Elizabeth is unique in her teaching style in that she is always challenging you to refine the poses and breathe through the edge. Her sequences are smooth and original, never the same,” Ellis said. “She has taught me to have a light spirit, a sense of humor, and fun while practicing yoga.”

Moore said Smith’s long tenure at the studio has been “a guiding light—steady, soulful, and profoundly inspiring—and our community is richer because of everything she has poured into it.”

Smith said her retirement will allow her, her husband, and two cats to explore the United States in their recently purchased camper.

“We discovered fairly recently that we love traveling in a camper van,” she said. “While we don’t know exactly where this is going to take us, we would love to explore the eastern seaboard and take a cross-country trip to Utah.”

She said she will miss sharing poetry from her favorite writers, which include Mary Oliver, David White, Rumi, and others, and being able to joke with her students, “where I usually get the most laughs.”

Mitchell said those qualities will be missed by her many devoted students.

“She is an exquisite teacher who takes her yoga, but never herself, very seriously,” Mitchell said. “I’ll miss her guidance, her poems, and her effervescent sense of humor.”

Smith recalled wise words from a long-ago teacher, which she took as inspiration throughout her training and teaching.

The greatest thing you can do as a yoga teacher is to inspire in someone else the love of yoga,” she said. “This is what I feel I’ve done, this is something that I’m perhaps proudest of.”

The post Beloved Peachtree Yoga Center teacher retires after decades of guiding, training students appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.

The Mount Vernon Shopping Center has big news this week, with the entrance of a big tenant, and new life for a pharmacy that was supposed to be leaving.

The long-anticipated Big Play, a family-friendly complex with bowling, laser tag, arcades, mini-golf, and a restaurant, will open on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m., according to an announcement by the company.

In related news, the CVS Pharmacy at the corner of Jett Ferry and Mt. Vernon roads will not close as previously thought, according to CVS officials.

“Our lease on the property was set to expire, however, after discussions with the property’s new landlord, we’ve entered into a new lease and will continue to serve patients and customers at our Dunwoody CVS store,” Roslyn Guarino, senior manager, corporate communications – external affairs of CVS told Rough Draft.

Longtime CVS customers had decried the store’s closing, saying the popular pharmacy is the only one conveniently located in the northern part of the city.

During Matt Weber’s What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, Valerie Inglesby of Big Play Atlanta revealed that the company had purchased the entire shopping center and renegotiated the CVS lease in early December.

“We’re excited to have them as one of our major anchors, along with a new major tenant Burn Boot Camp,” Inglesby said.

Enhancements to the center include a repaved parking lot and the installation of security cameras, she said, which “will bring up the value of the surrounding real estate.”

Inglesby said Big Play is already taking reservations for private events, and that the calendar is filling up.

Big Play, which replaces a revolving door of failed grocery stores in the shopping center, is also occupying space that had housed Camelot Jewelers and O’Brian’s Tavern.

It will include a private party room, large televisions, and a full-service restaurant called Woody’s that will serve smash burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken quesadillas, and salads.

After Thursday’s grand opening, Big Play will be open Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.

The post Big Play coming, CVS staying in Mt. Vernon Shopping Center appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.