Assuming we don't get the much-needed rain around 5-ish, Food Truck Thursday is back at Brook Run. 5 PM til Dark
Brought to you by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association. Who is having a public meeting this Sunday to learn more about two proposed developments in the Perimeter. Learn more in the next post coming soon....
DWG recommends:
Tasting Maine
Mix'd UP Burgers
Nana G's Chicken and Waffles
King of Pops
Any other reviews/critiques of the offerings? Comments are open.
The latest updates from SDOC Publishing Internet Solutions for our clients, our community, and the web design field. Our Dunwoody, Georgia studio serves clients all over the United States and Canada.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
INTRODUCING: GA State Representative Tom Taylor - District 79
www.tomgetsresults.com
May has been one busy month.
Tom asked me to recreate his website back in November 2015 when initial plans were being laid for his reelection campaign.
This updated WordPress version launched at the beginning of May 2016. The responsive design was a traditional American political approach. The content was formatted to highlight Tom's voting and bill promotion record during his previous time in the House, his record of community support prior to taking the District 79 seat for the first time, plus other commentary as needed.
So why am I talking about this "new" website a month after launch?
Due to the news coverage of Tom's arrest and subsequent legal questions, this was not a typical election season. Every focus of this website, plus the social media that I also managed, had to be on Tom's record. Any distraction could diminish the results. Plus, the opponent in this campaign has a history of aggressive and even violent behaviour and his political supporters weren't much better. Personal safety procedures, both online and real life, were not afterthoughts.
When anyone of any profession chooses to get into a supportive role in politics or government, it's smart to count the cost beforehand. I went through this same process when I worked for Nancy Jester's campaign and subsequent Commissioner's websites and former Councilwoman Adrian Bonser's site. When it comes to building a website and/or managing social media, I work for the official or candidate. But in the rest of reality and the universe, they work for me as my elected representative. When everything is going smoothly, that dichotomy is no big deal. You don't even notice it. But when there is a legal conflict or problem, it gets complicated.
I resolved it by compartmentalizing my opinions and feelings where the legal issues were concerned from my technical skill and expertise on websites. That's a skill I picked up while working in oncology research back in the day when I had to turn my feelings off to work with cancer patients in one study or another. Your reactivate your feelings and process them later when the job is done.
In politics and government, there are going to be legal problems and conflicts. It's an inevitable nature of the beast. It's OK if a professional decides they don't want to handle it. But you make that decision BEFORE you take a job, not after. I kept my commitment to Tom that I had made 6 months prior to the election getting hot and heavy. I keep my commitments to all of my clients in the same way.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
VOTE!!! Local Elections Impact Your Life More Than National Elections
Today in DeKalb we have a primary election for State House and Senate seats, and a special election for Tax Commissioner. You've seen the signs all over Dunwoody and you've probably already found the websites and social media so I trust most people reading this have made up their minds. Now make it count in the booth. Your opinion doesn't help if it isn't recorded on a ballot.
We also have a vote on (yet another...) E-SPLOST. The one you heard about in the news where Superintendent Green wants you to approve the money first, then tell you what it's going to be spent on later.
Compounding this backward planing was a DeKalb Schools robo call last night that was supposed to be merely informative, yet claimed that voting in favor of E-SPLOST would result in capital improvements to "your" childrens' school.
The contradictions are obvious to citizens, but apparently not to most of the school board or to Dr. Green so let's spell them out.
1) The appeal to improving "your" child's school is bogus without a project list.
2) The call was made using the DCSS' automated calling system - the same one used to distribute weather closing alerts and requests to follow up on truancy reports if your child is late or absent. That means tax money was used to persuade parents to vote a certain outcome in the election. That's illegal, kiddos, but since when has that stopped you before?
I'm headed out to Crossroads Baptist as soon as the garbage is on the curb and my cup of coffee is down. Every vote counts and every person has an impact today.
We also have a vote on (yet another...) E-SPLOST. The one you heard about in the news where Superintendent Green wants you to approve the money first, then tell you what it's going to be spent on later.
Compounding this backward planing was a DeKalb Schools robo call last night that was supposed to be merely informative, yet claimed that voting in favor of E-SPLOST would result in capital improvements to "your" childrens' school.
The contradictions are obvious to citizens, but apparently not to most of the school board or to Dr. Green so let's spell them out.
1) The appeal to improving "your" child's school is bogus without a project list.
2) The call was made using the DCSS' automated calling system - the same one used to distribute weather closing alerts and requests to follow up on truancy reports if your child is late or absent. That means tax money was used to persuade parents to vote a certain outcome in the election. That's illegal, kiddos, but since when has that stopped you before?
I'm headed out to Crossroads Baptist as soon as the garbage is on the curb and my cup of coffee is down. Every vote counts and every person has an impact today.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Mt Vernon Renaissance
Shout huzzahs from on high - the water mains are replaced, the roads are smoothed, the Chamblee-Dunwoody washboard is (almost) gone and new asphalt is down. Paint is in progress.
Mt Vernon is now a road capable of the traffic it carries and no longer a glorified cow path.
To some people the most important parts of the road are the 3-4 feet at the edge on either side.
This one's for you!
Mt Vernon is now a road capable of the traffic it carries and no longer a glorified cow path.
To some people the most important parts of the road are the 3-4 feet at the edge on either side.
This one's for you!
Friday, May 6, 2016
Dunwoody is getting a dedicated city hall
(Emphases are added. See notes below.)
Dunwoody, GA – May 5, 2016 – The City of Dunwoody agreed in principal to establish a new location for its City Hall by signing a purchase agreement for the lot and building located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road.
The selection is a result of a two and a half year exploration conducted by city staff and planning consultants to determine the optimum location for the first City Hall complex completely owned by the eight year old municipality. The decision to select 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road was based on a prioritized list of considerations and needs for a new City Hall, primarily looking at accessibility, convenience, overall cost and capability for future growth.
The agreement signed by the City of Dunwoody covers the purchase of the three and a quarter-acre lot and building for approximately $8.25 million. The city will continue further due diligence and inspection of the property over the next 90 days and, dependent on the due diligence findings, expects to close on the purchase within approximately 120 days.
“We performed extensive assessments and evaluations of available, existing or vacant properties within the city to see which might be the most beneficial solution for our citizens and city staff,” said Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal. “As city leaders and staff reviewed options, the 4800 building rose to the top of our list as the most fiscally prudent and logistically sound choice.”
With an estimated 45,000 gross-square feet, the newly purchased building offers slightly more overall square footage than the space currently leased by the city (located at 41 Perimeter Center East) and an annual cost comparable to existing yearly lease terms. The city intends to conduct minor modifications to its future building to create well-organized, efficient office space for the entirety of city staff, police department, municipal court, and city council chambers.
“We believe the new City Hall building will allow us to better serve our citizens,” said Mayor Shortal. “Our intent is to utilize the first floor of the new City Hall as the primary space where citizens and businesses will interact with the city through permitting, licensing, police department, court or council and public meetings. The central location, sufficient parking and overall accessibility make this new City Hall an ideal fit for our community.”
The city anticipates moving into the new City Hall space following the close of the sale and the completion of all planned modifications to the building, estimated to be no later than the end of Q1 2018.
# # #
For more information regarding the City of Dunwoody, please contact Bob Mullen, Marketing and PR Director, at 678.382.6700 or bob.mullen@dunwoodyga.gov.
Dunwoody, GA – May 5, 2016 – The City of Dunwoody agreed in principal to establish a new location for its City Hall by signing a purchase agreement for the lot and building located at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road.
The selection is a result of a two and a half year exploration conducted by city staff and planning consultants to determine the optimum location for the first City Hall complex completely owned by the eight year old municipality. The decision to select 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road was based on a prioritized list of considerations and needs for a new City Hall, primarily looking at accessibility, convenience, overall cost and capability for future growth.
The agreement signed by the City of Dunwoody covers the purchase of the three and a quarter-acre lot and building for approximately $8.25 million. The city will continue further due diligence and inspection of the property over the next 90 days and, dependent on the due diligence findings, expects to close on the purchase within approximately 120 days.
“We performed extensive assessments and evaluations of available, existing or vacant properties within the city to see which might be the most beneficial solution for our citizens and city staff,” said Dunwoody Mayor Denis Shortal. “As city leaders and staff reviewed options, the 4800 building rose to the top of our list as the most fiscally prudent and logistically sound choice.”
With an estimated 45,000 gross-square feet, the newly purchased building offers slightly more overall square footage than the space currently leased by the city (located at 41 Perimeter Center East) and an annual cost comparable to existing yearly lease terms. The city intends to conduct minor modifications to its future building to create well-organized, efficient office space for the entirety of city staff, police department, municipal court, and city council chambers.
“We believe the new City Hall building will allow us to better serve our citizens,” said Mayor Shortal. “Our intent is to utilize the first floor of the new City Hall as the primary space where citizens and businesses will interact with the city through permitting, licensing, police department, court or council and public meetings. The central location, sufficient parking and overall accessibility make this new City Hall an ideal fit for our community.”
The city anticipates moving into the new City Hall space following the close of the sale and the completion of all planned modifications to the building, estimated to be no later than the end of Q1 2018.
# # #
For more information regarding the City of Dunwoody, please contact Bob Mullen, Marketing and PR Director, at 678.382.6700 or bob.mullen@dunwoodyga.gov.
A few notes:
1) The location is ideal: city hall has to serve full-time residents and commuters and visitors alike. The old C&S Bank building on Ashford Dunwoody is a middle ground for all of those populations. It may not be the geographic center of the city, but it is the "center" of where everyone can get to it.
2) I've been inside - even without redecorating or renovating it's an attractive space.
2.5) added - the press release makes no mention of the chamber or CVB space. I'm sure details about their futures is forthcoming
2.5) added - the press release makes no mention of the chamber or CVB space. I'm sure details about their futures is forthcoming
3) Two and a half years ago the process for finding a permanent city hall was begun. That puts the process at around January 2014. Mike Davis was the mayor at that time. That means, Mike Davis' administration began the process that made this result possible.
4) During the DHA candidate forum in 2015, Mike and Denny had to know that the process for obtaining a site for a permanent city hall had to be well on its way to a conclusion. And yet, when Denny was asked about a city hall location, he clearly stated that a "citizen committee" had to be formed to determine the best way to proceed: build, buy, or lease. I didn't hear any word of a citizen committee being formed, but it must have happened because Denny said so in his campaign speech. it had to happen very quickly because Denny was inaugurated in January and this deal is announced in early May.
Anyone who served on this committee, please post in the comments here or on any other blog/social media and let the public know what actually happened.
Here's the video from the DHA forum. Denny's comments on city hall and a "citizen forum" to determine the best course of action begin at about the 51:49 minute mark.
Friday, April 29, 2016
#PrayForUGA
Service for Halle Scott (DDD)
Visitation: Sunday, May 1st at 4:00 PM in the parlor at Dunwoody United Methodist Church
Funeral Service: Sunday, May 1st at 5:00 PM in the DUMC sanctuary
Reception: Immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall at DUMC
Monday, April 25, 2016
Websites need spring cleaning too! 5 Tips to stay up to date
The pollen season has passed; the scrub-the-pollen-off-of everything season is in progress.
Over the past couple of weeks I've done audits and website upgrades for some clients who took a look at their websites and realized they needed a refresher.
You can follow these tips too and decide if you should spruce up your website:
1) Make sure your design is current
Yes, I'm going to be a broken record on this one. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, websites have to accommodate both large and small mobile screens to be relevant to today's user. If your design is more than 3 years old, or does not display well on small screens, it's time for a makeover.
Here's one I did for long-time SDOC client and Dunwoody CPA Susan Renegar. Her first website was a single billboard, and it did the job for a number of years:
Over the past couple of weeks I've done audits and website upgrades for some clients who took a look at their websites and realized they needed a refresher.
You can follow these tips too and decide if you should spruce up your website:
1) Make sure your design is current
Yes, I'm going to be a broken record on this one. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, websites have to accommodate both large and small mobile screens to be relevant to today's user. If your design is more than 3 years old, or does not display well on small screens, it's time for a makeover.
Here's one I did for long-time SDOC client and Dunwoody CPA Susan Renegar. Her first website was a single billboard, and it did the job for a number of years:
Then 2009 and the Mobile Explosion hit. Susan's website was still just one page, but it needed a fresh look to the still-current content:
Here's the result:
Best of all, this new version is easy to use on all devices, including an iPhone.
2) Sit and read your content. And look at your pictures.
You wanted to manage your own website to save money. But it was hard to schedule time to update your text and pictures, or even your store inventory. How's that working for you? Your search engine results are probably saying, "Not so much". Search engines just looooooooove text content that changes frequently. Spend some time reading your website, or get a friend or relative to do it for a really fresh insight. Then either use your control panel to change your text, or get back in touch with your webmaster to update it.
3) Are your add-ons up to date?
If you are using a popular open-source content management system like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, then you probably have some add-on functionality to add more features to your site. These are called Plugins, Extensions, or Modules, respectively. All of these CMS connect to a central database that scans your plugins and versions to make sure they are up to date. Take a look at what you are using to generate a contact form or a calendar, or a store, or whatever. Consult with your webmaster to see if there's a better way of displaying or integrating your content. Ask them to get rid of duplicate functions, or if your features can be added more efficiently. Keeping your website software up to date is a key defense against hacking.
4) The hands-on database cleanout.
For those of you who are CMS afficianados. You probably know how to install your plugins, etc. You also know how to "uninstall" them. But did you know that the data gets left behind in the database after you delete an obsolete plugin? Just because you follow the advice above and delete unneeded plugins (even going through the uninstall process) doesn't mean that the space-hogging database entries are gone. Most plugins do not "clean up after themselves" upon uninstall, even though they are supposed to. (WordPress is notorious for this.) A database administrator should access the database directly and make sure that obsolete "orphan" data is gone from the database tables. You'll be amazed at how much faster your website runs without unneeded data getting loaded. (WARNING: this task is NOT a DIY project, or for a casual web designer. This requires a skilled database administrator who knows how to make a backup before starting work and knows how to remove data without damaging anything.)
5) The obvious: check your contact information
Company employees get added, other employees leave but their email addresses can last forever. make sure your email links or contact forms so that data doesn't go to people who are no longer with your organization. Always check your website if you change email addresses so you don't miss important customer leads.
Bonus Tip: make Spring Cleaning a quarterly affair. Schedule a reminder to evaluate these steps every quarter. Stay in touch with your web developer to keep your software from going out of date or content from going stale. Maintenance is a lot easier when you only have to do a little at a time to stay on top. Just like at home.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
(UPDATE) Hail Caesar Truck on fire on I-85 Dunwoody food Truck Thursday - April 21
We interrupt this Food Trucks menu for some announcements.
Happy Anniversary to my husband and best friend Patrick!
Now for the not so happy news....
AP wire just announced that Prince has died....
A friend reported to me via text that the Hail Caesar food truck was on fire on she shoulder of I-85 at Clairmont. The driver was laid out on the side of the road with medical team attending him, while a fire truck was hosing down the engine of the truck. No word on if this will affect Pressed for Time as (I believe...) they are owned by the same company. If anyone has updates, please post them in the comments.
Happy Anniversary to my husband and best friend Patrick!
Now for the not so happy news....
AP wire just announced that Prince has died....
A friend reported to me via text that the Hail Caesar food truck was on fire on she shoulder of I-85 at Clairmont. The driver was laid out on the side of the road with medical team attending him, while a fire truck was hosing down the engine of the truck. No word on if this will affect Pressed for Time as (I believe...) they are owned by the same company. If anyone has updates, please post them in the comments.
Musical Guest: Highbeams
Adult Beverages: Moondog Growlers.
Dinner Trucks:
Desserts:
See you at Brook Run Park, 5 - Dark
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Dunwoody Homeowners Association meeting April 10
Note location change:
City Hall - Council Chambers
41 Perimeter Center East Suite 250 Dunwoody, GA 30346
April 10, 2016 | 7:30 PM
(North Dekalb Cultural Center meeting room was already booked)
DHA was going to take a break in April due to Spring Break, Passover, Easter, etc. However the Crown Towers proposal needs a board discussion and a vote, so here we are.
Lots more on the agenda so get there early to get a seat. DHA meetings are the key venue in Dunwoody to learn first about events and upcoming development in city limits. You can meet the key players in person and gain an informed opinion before requests go before City Council and other city commissions.
The Agenda:
1. Announcements and introduction of distinguished visitors
2. Approval of minutes for March 6, 2016 meeting—Lindsay Ballow
3. Discussion – Crown Holdings development proposal for 244 Perimeter Center Parkway (Goldkist site)— Board discussion
4. Redevelopment Presentation—1660 Mt. Vernon (Former Wells Fargo) in Dunwoody Village at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Dunwoody Village Parkway –Den Webb, Jeff Kerker
5. DeKalb Blueprints 2 (form of government study group) Update – Kathie Gannon, DeKalb County Commissioner
6. Discussion – Memorial Day Banners
7. Funding Requests:
Community Assistance Center Food N Fun Fest – Pam Jones, Robert Wittenstein
Woman’s Club Home Tour – Gerri Penn
Board only session: Votes as needed on any motions including:
Support (with conditions) or Oppose Crown Holdings development proposal. (If with conditions, what conditions?)
CAC funding request
Woman’s Club funding request
Adjourn
Next meeting: Sunday, May 1, 2016, 7:30pm
(North Dekalb Cultural Center meeting room was already booked)
DHA was going to take a break in April due to Spring Break, Passover, Easter, etc. However the Crown Towers proposal needs a board discussion and a vote, so here we are.
Lots more on the agenda so get there early to get a seat. DHA meetings are the key venue in Dunwoody to learn first about events and upcoming development in city limits. You can meet the key players in person and gain an informed opinion before requests go before City Council and other city commissions.
The Agenda:
1. Announcements and introduction of distinguished visitors
2. Approval of minutes for March 6, 2016 meeting—Lindsay Ballow
3. Discussion – Crown Holdings development proposal for 244 Perimeter Center Parkway (Goldkist site)— Board discussion
4. Redevelopment Presentation—1660 Mt. Vernon (Former Wells Fargo) in Dunwoody Village at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Dunwoody Village Parkway –Den Webb, Jeff Kerker
5. DeKalb Blueprints 2 (form of government study group) Update – Kathie Gannon, DeKalb County Commissioner
6. Discussion – Memorial Day Banners
7. Funding Requests:
Community Assistance Center Food N Fun Fest – Pam Jones, Robert Wittenstein
Woman’s Club Home Tour – Gerri Penn
Board only session: Votes as needed on any motions including:
Support (with conditions) or Oppose Crown Holdings development proposal. (If with conditions, what conditions?)
CAC funding request
Woman’s Club funding request
Adjourn
Next meeting: Sunday, May 1, 2016, 7:30pm
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays Returns in 2016
This Thursday, April 7, Dunwoody Food Truck Thursdays starts our fourth season, 5:00 pm - dark!
Don't miss our first week back at Brook Run Park and Playground.
Looks like great weather for the start this year!
Moondog Growlers will be there along with musical guest, Josh Jeffords Music!
Dinner Trucks:
Cattywampus Grill (new to Dunwoody FTR)
Dessert Vendors:
**DWG tested and approved
Editor's note: Where's the required lobster truck???
Monday, March 28, 2016
Defining Public Expression
Consider this unexpected find as I cruised North Peachtree through Kingsley at lunchtime:
What is it?
Is it inappropriately placed trash?
A code violation?
A practical joke?
House flipping debris?
A First-Amendment-protected expression regarding the state of the world or our community today?
Or even a public art installation?
Who decides?
Who enforces the decision?
Who is allowed to express their emotions about the subject and who is required to stay quiet?
Food for thought for your Monday in advance of tonight's City Council meeting.
What is it?
Is it inappropriately placed trash?
A code violation?
A practical joke?
House flipping debris?
A First-Amendment-protected expression regarding the state of the world or our community today?
Or even a public art installation?
Who decides?
Who enforces the decision?
Who is allowed to express their emotions about the subject and who is required to stay quiet?
Food for thought for your Monday in advance of tonight's City Council meeting.
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