Dunwoody Council Avoids Controversy, Appoints Committee

Buried in the details of Dunwoody's ban on everything is the mention of the Decorating Committee.  Not even our creative Cub Reporters can come up with such gold.

The council took the easy route on this decorating bit.  No courage to make decisions?  We elected council and mayor, not a decorating committee.  Why is council passing the buck on tough topics?

From The Crier (page 4)

But credit for such delegation of duty is not new to Dunwoody, and this decorating committee is not new.  Michael Scott had a wonderful Planning Decorating Committee, but not nearly as comical as our own.

How about an Un-Decorating Committee that drives around picking up all the illegal signs in the city?

And one final note on the topic; can someone from the city tell us what holiday is it that is the reason for city hall being closed December 24 and 25?  Words seem to fail the calendar entry.  Has the word 'Christmas' been banned from city staff vocabulary, or just Santa Clause?

Santa Claus Defies Dunwoody Law

It was a very sad time in Sombertown.  Mr. VillageBurgermeister Meisterburger was mayor and being led astray by Grimsley, the city manager.

mayor and city manager consulting. The mayor will forever be remembered as the mayor who banned Santa, and paved a few roads.  

Toys, rooftop bars, common sense, and holiday decorations - all banned by the Government.  Unless of course it's for the Government's social media  propaganda machine.

The mayor alone wasn't responsible for the fateful events in Sombertown. VillageBurgermeister had full support of his minions, even All Sainter and the Lukester.

council discussing what to do with Kriss Kringle

Kriss Kringle acing math at Austin Elem

A young Kriss Kringle in STEM class at Kingsley

Santa, aka Kriss Kringle, would not be denied.  He starting showing up around town. First he was seen at Village Burger, home to Dunwoody's best hamburger (not affiliated with Mayor VillageBurgermeister Meisterburger), then eating de-constructed lasagna at Novo, Dunwoody's best restaurant.  (DISCLAIMER: DunwoodyTalk2 has not (yet) received free goods or discounts for promoting these two fine eateries, but we are trying).  But with each Santa appearance, Grimsley and VillageBurgermeister Meisterburger would shun him away to neighboring cities, all of whom still welcome the jolly ol' man.  And they had the plagiarized support of Winter Warlock SeeSoul McKnowNothing.

But not all of Sombertown was in compliance.  A great plan was hatched, a plan where Kriss Kringle would enter the city by chimney, THE CITY HALL CHIMNEY! After all , this is the land of  'Do As I say, Not As I Do'.

You want proof that Santa is real, and was in Dunwoody? 

Santa sneaks into city hall, trades wooden toy for 'disappearance' of citation for failure to stop sleigh on Nandina Lane 

The staff at DunwoodyTalk2 encourages everyone to make a toy donation for the Christmas for Kids event.

Originally Posted August 21, 2014

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Originally Posted August 21, 2014

Old Hickory House For Sale

An alert DunwoodyTalk reader sent us a photo of a 'for sale' sign posted on the front door of the Old Hickory House. Rumor on the street says a bank is interested in the property and is already in negotiations.  

But expect a bidding war for the coveted spot.  A local cyclist is spearheading a group of investors to put in a Petals and Pedals franchise.  Petals and Pedals, with its corporate headquarters in Ashvile, NC (and its franchise arm based in Berkeley, CA) is a new concept sweeping suburbia.  The stores are half bike shop, half organic/locally farmed & grown green cafe. "We are seeing great franchise growth since UN Agenda 21 was signed into law by Executive Order by Obama," said Penelope Burkinstalk. "Our citizens of the World should know we offer only resting spots for bicycles and electric cars here. One can get her bike chain and bike seat lubed in the 'pedal' zone while enjoying a piece of toasted pine bark and butterfly mucus dip in the 'petal' zone.

"We're interested in a financial institution of some sort, either a traditional bank or an investment house arm location," said Katie Wescaught, a representative of the Dunwoody Chamber. "Dunwoody is proud to offer first-class banking options for metro Atlanta.

But Yvonne Sprinkle, a spokesperson for the CVB disagreed.  "The CVB anticipates a more traditional retail offering such as a pet store or a check cashing store. Everyone knows we have plenty of banks here."

Bill Robsman of the DHA disagreed with both the CVB and Chamber. "As long as it's Williamsburg traditional design in nature, we support the steam car wash moving to this location, or possibly a pawn shop, massage parlor, or methadone clinic. Dunwoody lacks all those amenities but they are all in demand."

Other rumors suggest the Georgia Music Hall of Fame may be eyeing the location as is the Dunwoody Dog Park Association.

Local breakfast seekers are having a tough go of it this week.  "I tried getting a seat over at the BP this morning, but those old guys wouldn't budge. They show up at like 6 AM and hang out until noon. What's up with that?" asked Bob Lunger.  Terri Knawl, a frequent Hick House visitor commented, "I'm a basic eggs and toast guy. Quinos bowls and Crepes? What the hell? I can't go there," as he pointed across the street.

Eric Monahan Spruill said he is at his last straw. "You really think I want to sit down every morning at home for breakfast and have my wife tell me about the kids' school work and hear about her Alta team? I'm headed to the Waffle House over there in Georgetown until,this gets sorted out."

Hickory House Closed DunwoodyTalk Flashback

Flashback to August 20, 2014

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Old Hickory House, The Manuel's Tavern of Dunwoody, Closed

The Old Hickory House, a favorite of many locals, has closed its doors.  Most folks visited HH for breakfast. The evening crowd was light.  Local social groups, Old Men posses, bloggers, Red Shirts, and politicians all shared the counter, booths, and tables at Hickory House.  At the HH, all Men were equal, all treated with great care and respect, regardless of your order.  Guys like Farmer Bob would get a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal, while DunwoodyTalk staffers would get Country Chicken with Gravy, a side of bacon, and  a Diet Coke in a to-go cup.

My ole buddy Farmer Bob loved Hickory House

DunwoodyTalk staffers had many great meetings at the Old Hickory House.  It was here I met the legendary Nancy, on her first trip to Dunwoody during her local school board campaign.  Local political folks known only by first name dined here.  The likes of Fran, Dan, Tom, Danny, Terry, and Mike all broke bread toast at HH.

I think the Dunwoody Preservation Trust should buy one of the booths from HH and put it on display at the FarmHouse or FarmHouse 2 for future generations to see.  It can have a temporary display at Lemonade Days so our youth can learn to appreciate a part of Dunwoody's past.  Me, I want that sign advertising Smoked Turkeys For Sale that dangled from the back. I remember when HH sold bottles of Budweiser.  The manager at the time joked that the employees drank more beer than they sold, so they discontinued selling beer.  I thought that he was funny and honest when he told me that.

Old Hickory House joins a few other restaurants that have closed.  Firkin Gryphon, Allison's, Macaroni Grill, and China Garden II all gone.  But when one door closes, another opens.  Replacing Firkin Gryphon is the new Memphis Barbecue Company.  Wild Wing Cafe is replacing Macaroni Grill, and something is replacing China Garden II

Eat My Bubbles DunwoodyTalk Flashback June 19, 2012

This post is from June, 2012

TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012

Eat My Bubbles, Dunwoody Style

Week 4 of Swim Season is over, and Week 4 of Dive Meets is tonight.  One week remaining, then finals at GA Tech.

Lots of emails on last week's post regarding the proposed swimming pool complex in Dunwoody.  Sorry to say it will not happen.  That land is set aside for houses, a Starbucks, a deli, and maybe a Dairy Queen.

Dunwoody has 4.5 acres dedicated to dogs and dog feces (all for the enjoyment of dog owners across metro Atlanta including Alpharetta, Roswell, Vinings, Sandy Springs, Chamblee, Doraville, etc.) yet ZERO acres of soccer, lacrosse, swimming, softball, volleyball, etc).  Yes, we are the Smart City.  Our new motto could be "Dogs first, Children LAST".  Or maybe, "Dunwoody: We have a garden and a dog park;  Let the kids play Nintendo indoors".

Any way, big night for swim meets.  First up Redfield hosted Kingsley.  A nice meet, over at 9 PM.  Redfield wins 440-356.  The Redfield Sun Devils celebrated by swarming Village Burger and consuming French fries and custard.  The Kingsley team did well, and topped off their evening with team members going to Yogli Mogli. Redfield has a big meet next week against The Branches.  Lots of pasta at the concession stand so bring your dollars.

Dunwoody North had a tight meet with Village Mill.  Village Mill had the better second half and pulled out the victory. Will the Village Mill victory be enough to break them into our Top Five?  Village Mill beat Fountainebleu last week.  Next week Village Mill kids host Brittany Club.  Dunwoody North finishes up next week with Fountainebleu and should end the season with a victory. It will take a convincing win for Dunwoody North to claw back into our Top Five rankings.

Top ranked Vermack defeated Roxboro tonight in another quick meet.  The Vermack staff was stacking chairs by 8:30 and on the couch for a rerun of Swamp People (9 PM, History Channel).  The Vermack DJ took it to the next level tonight, according to sources.  He was featured in DJ Mag last month, ranked #47 in the USA, to no one's surprise. "He pumps out the beats.  145 beats per minute, or it doesn't get played", commented a 9 year-old, fresh out of the pool after winning the IM. One parent reportedly asked DJ Vermack to stop playing 'Call Me Maybe', but no chance.  His reply?  "Eat My Bubbles!" DJ Vermack plays the beats at Opera on Friday nights and controls the audio at the Chamblee Dunwoody Road Publix on Sunday mornings.

NOTE added 2019: Vermack Pool used to have a DJ at swim meets during their decade of dominance.  They produced 37 US Olympic swimmers from 2009-2015

Mill Glen took care of Huntcliff on Week 4.  No horse rides for the Mill Glen swimmers.  It was all business.  The Mill Glen swimmers' warm-up was a swim across the Chattahoochee River to Azalea Drive, and back.  A risky move, but it worked out for Mill Glen.  A shortage of bug spray caused a bit of a panic among Mill Glen moms, but the six lane pool makes up for a few mosquito bites.  Mill Glen faces Zaban next week, and a big victory may garner enough votes to topple Vermack in the Dunwoody rankings.Mill Glen 521 - Huntcliff 272.

The Branches won by a single point, 394-393 over Hanover West.  Wynterhall goes to .500 on the season with a big win

The rankings are getting tougher as the season progresses.  It's best to compare the rankings dilemma to the NCAA BCS situation.  Vermack is like Alabama, playing a tough SEC schedule this year.  Mill Glen is a great team as well, but their schedule is more like that of Boise State.  Georgetown swimmers are doing well, similar to Ohio State.  Strength of schedule comes into play.

We just arranged for the SAD (Swim Association of Dunwoody) championship meet (#1 versus #2) to take place at the Dunwoody High School outdoor pool.  The event will take place immediately after the July 4th parade.  Village Burger will set up on site, as will the growler lady.  For you men, Ernie's Barber Shop will have two portable barber chairs, offering a cut and shave for $10.

water sampling prior to meet

four lanes, no exhibition races, limited seating
(NOTE added 2019: Yes, this is the retention pond at DHS when first installed)

Week Four Rankings

#1  Vermack & Georgetown (Tie)

#3  Mill Glen

#4  The Branches

#5  Redfield

DunwoodyTalk Flashback June 2014

NOTE: This post was originally posted June 2, 2014

Monday, June 2, 2014

Will Brook Run Continue to be Developed as a Regional Park for Metro Atlanta or for Taxpayers of Dunwoody?

Want to find a shady dog park in metro Atlanta?  Brook Run is your spot.  The dog park attracts not only Dunwoody residents but dog owners from across the metro area including DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. The Brook Run Dog Park is rated as one of the top dog parks in Atlanta. You will not find Brook Run listed anywhere as a 'top park' for humans.  Great for dogs and dog owners of metro Atlanta, not so great for local kids.

Looking for the best skate park in metro Atlanta?  Look no further than Brook Run.  CBS Atlanta ranks it #1. ConcreteDisciples gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Five of the top ten listing on Google search for metro Atlanta skate parks list Brook Run.  Great for skateboarders of metro Atlanta.

Treetop Quest in Gwinnett County is already a favorite for metro Atlanta families seeking some time in the trees.  Of course Gwinnett has a huge parks program and has lots of undeveloped land.  Great for Gwinnett, great for TreeTop Quest.  But Gwinnett is quite a haul for city slickers and many in metro Atlanta.  A Dunwoody location would quickly become metro Atlanta's closest treetop obstacle and zip-line course.  Again, we'll attract kids from all over the metro area.  And again, the taxpayers and active adults and children of Dunwoody will supply the land.  

Dunwoody kids do use the skate park, and Dunwoody kids would occasionally use the TreeTop course.  But a Treetop course is not something kids will do more than once or twice a year.  The amenity will survive only as an attraction for all of metro Atlanta.  If Dunwoody had acres and acres of parks and sports fields in place and plenty of land leftover, a treetop course would be a nice addition.  But that is not our reality.

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Brookhaven to play soccer.  

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Brookhaven to play softball.  

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Brookhaven to play lacrosse.  

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Brookhaven to play football. 

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Alpharetta to play volleyball.  

Dunwoody parents will continue to drive their kids to Sandy Springs or Brookhaven for gymnastics.

Will Brook Run Continue to be Developed as a Regional Park for Metro Atlanta or for Taxpayers of Dunwoody?  Let's postpone this treetop project, settle the parks bond lawsuit with DeKalb, and revisit the Parks Master Plan.

Dunwoody Redistricting Update 2019

Dunwoody High Football Final Game in 6A

The final Dunwoody Wildcat football game in 6A was played tonight for a record crowd of 1776 fans.  It was the Senior Girl team cruising to a victory over the Junior Girl team in the annual Powder Puff game.  The young ladies at DHS put on a fine display of sportsmanship at S. Green Helicopter Pad Field at Vanderlyn Stadium.

The senior team had players from Austin, Chesnut, Kingsley, DES, and Vanderlyn.  The junior team had players from Chesnut, Vanderlyn, DES, Kingsley, and Austin.  And in a surprise move, they all had on Dunwoody High garb.  It's rumored most of the players attended PCMS, with a couple of home-schoolers and Private school comebacks.

Kirby Smart, Chuck Knoll, Dan Quinn

The senior squad dominated the game with speed, speed, and more speed.  Only the not-ready-for-PrimeTime referees could stop the Class of 2020 offense.  The final score was 32-20. The seniors compiled 542 yards rushing, a record for Vanderlyn stadium, eclipsing the old record (Field Day 1978 5th graders versus 4th graders) by 200 yards.  The QB passed for 320 yards on a 14-15 performance.  The senior defense was very physical, causing headaches for their younger opponents.  "The flags are for show, we playing tackle out here" commented linebacker McSophia Pankihan.  The seniors were flagged 11 times for sideline violations as the players could not contain their excitement.  "Our team played hard tonight.  No joke between the lines.  It was like they were running to get the last table at $1 taco night," beamed defensive coach Daniel Dusty. No junior players or coaches were available for comment as after the game they immediately departed by DeKalb Yellow Bus to North Springs High to run stadiums for three hours.

Former Superintendent S Green was on hand for the event.  He cheered loudly for both sides.  "These Dunwoody kids are awesome.  I really wish Dunwoody was in DeKalb.  It's really nice up here.  I'm headed to Village Burger (Dunwoody's best burger.  Mention DunwoodyTalk all day Thursday for half-off custard) for a samich and some of those spicy fries!"

Kingsley Fires Back at Dunwoody North, Oxford Chase

A few days ago the 2nd best blog in Dunwoody posted about school redistricting as it relates to the mega-hood DunwoodyNorth and Chesnut Elementary school.  We knew it would be just a few days before another elementary school countered with their own viewpoint.  You can read the Dunwoody North post HERE. Kingsley makes a very good case in their PowerPoint presentation. No word from the PAC at Vandy, yet.

Before we go any further, we'd like to once again put forth the DunwoodyTalk solution to the redistricting woes:

Rename EVERY Dunwoody elementary school to Vanderlyn.

And here's the Kingsley PAC response to Dunwoody North & Company

Math scores in high school more important than your elementary school?

Things are heating up in Dunwoody, and we aren't talking about swim teams. (We hear Vermack has recruited 15 pre-Olympic team  swimmers for next season and bringing back their DJ for next season - Outside Smoke!)  Drake is the king of pitting neighbor against neighbor.

The elementary school moms, dads, and guardians are all in a craze over where their precious child will attend elementary school. While we do acknowledge the importance of the elementary schools, it is the middle school and high school that will determine your kid's future.  All these parents mad about Kingsley, Austin, Chesnut, etc., are ignorant of the major issues at PCMS and DHS.  The biggest issue we see is the recent milestones results. You can read about it HERE.

Dunwoody went from one of the top schools to below average in a three year span in Algebra.  From 92 to 41 in percentile rank.  And you're worried about where your kid will learn to sit criss-cross applesauce?

So how did things go so bad in three years?  What changed? Well, we have a new principal, but I don't believe that is the issue.  A principal often can select the teachers for their school, and other times The Palace dumps a lemon on you from another school.  Sherry Johnson, our regional superintendent, is the source for Region 1 personnel deficiencies (Dunwoody, Chamblee, Cross Keys). Other factors for the rapid decline in math scores in Dunwoody could be block scheduling, larger class sizes, and changing demographics (AJC writer Maureen Downey has written about the "easier to teach" children a few times.  It's a fact that some kids are easier to teach than others.  The kid who comes to school hungry and was up late babysitting a younger sibling as the parent worked late at night is going to be harder to teach than others).  But seeing that math scores dropped for Distinguished and Proficient Learners as well, we think a lot of blame goes to the quality of math teachers from K-12.  Before you get mad, we do know our cluster has MANY great math teachers, but even they will tell you, numbers don't lie.  DeKalb has a problem attracting and keeping the best teachers in the metro area. We've seen Teacher of The Year winners bail the next year, going to private, Cobb, Cherokee, and even Fulton county.  You'll be hard pressed to find a TOTY from Cobb deciding to come teach in DeKalb - it just doesn't happen.  Until DeKalb earns a better reputation in all areas, this trend will continue.  My kids have experienced great teachers in all their years in Dunwoody, but young couples looking to start a family will surely scrutinize data before buying a home here.  Dunwoody's location is great, but will young couples continue to buy the houses vacated by our aging neighbors?

The Helicopter Entrance of Dr Green

DunwoodyTalk Flashback November 2015

Here is exclusive video of the time newly hired Superintendent Dr Green flew to Dunwoody High in a helicopter.  Not even Ryan Seacrest could pull off this stunt.  Maybe Coach Nash can find this helicopter and use it to dry the field for the big Powder Puff game.

Having no use for simple automobiles, DeKalb County School District superintendent flies to Dunwoody High School in a helicopter, landing on the well-worn grass field. The quiet Dunwoody neighborhood enveloping Dunwoody HS and Vanderlyn Elem. was brought alive as rotating blades chopped the damp air as students watched this flying machine defy Dunwoody's Creationism logic.

Above is video of DeKalb school officials airlifting in much-needed supplies of #2 pencils, copy paper, and invisible textbooks.

Was Superintendent Green doing a fly-over of Dunwoody, searching for a new site for Austin Elementary School?  Was the flight a nod of approval to newly elected mayor Denny Shortal, a retired pilot?

Well, the superintendent is using the helicopter to visit schools with the highly acclaimed shop class STEM program. No word yet on the cost to fly the helicopter, but we are sure it's enough for Chromebooks for every kid at McNair.

The good news is that Superintendent Green did first fly to McNair, because kids in S DeKalb deserve to see a helicopter as well.  

Straight Out- D-Wood

Straight Out.  DunwoodyTalk Flashback!

Straight Outta Dunwoody

Vandy Runs on Dunkin

DunwoodyTalk Flashback!

DunwoodyTalk Flashback!

December 2011

Vanderlyn Art Club at Village Burger - 2011