The knives are out
May. 10 — It’s Cathy from Rough Draft with my weekly newsletter on Tucker. From the amount of emails I’m receiving about a certain topic, it’s getting real over here. That’s all I can say, other than to remind people that even reporters have feelings.
This edition includes a surprise twist in the pickleball saga, another candidate announcing her intention to run for reelection, a brief recount of a soggy-yet-successful Tucker Day, and some upcoming events you don’t want to miss.
🫣 Have a great weekend and strap in for Monday,
Cathy
🏡 For the first time ever, Sotheby’s International Realty® is hosting a global Open House Showcase on May 17 and 18. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to participate, featuring listings like this Downtown Alpharetta end-unit townhome offering luxury finishes, private outdoor living, and elevator access. SPONSOR MESSAGE
That dropped into the kitchen
According to a staff memo, the $3 million plan, which would be built on a multi-purpose field at the Tucker Recreation Center, calls for six pickleball courts, additional parking, a basketball court, bocci court and sand volleyball area. It recommends the contract be awarded to Complete Site, LLC, which was the low bidder when the council was considering the construction last year.
This has created a firestorm on both sides, with proponents of the complex, who up to this point have remained largely silent, saying that the opponents are circulating false information and refusing to agree to any sort of compromise. On the other side, well, you’ve heard it loud and clear over the past few years (the picture above was from a meeting last year that was dominated by speakers in opposition).
🍿 Here is the story about the latest proposal with reaction from both sides.
Scenthound salutes educators with free services
SPONSORED BY SCENTHOUND
🐶 To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 – 9, and thank our amazing educators, Scenthound is offering FREE Basic Hygiene Services for educators’ furry family members throughout May.
Free service includes:
🐾 Bath
🐾 Ear Cleaning
🐾 Nail Clipping & Filing
🐾 Teeth Brushing
📞 Let Scenthound pamper your pup while you continue to shape young minds. Contact our Buckhead, Dunwoody, or Tucker locations to schedule your free service (must have valid ID).
OR
If you know an amazing educator, pass this on.
Cara Schroeder ready to re-up
🗳️ Cara Schroeder, Tucker’s mayor pro tempore and current city council member, has officially announced her campaign for reelection to District 2, Post 1.
Schroeder, who took office in January 2022, is seeking a second term to continue advancing her platform of transparent governance, public safety, smart growth and the preservation and improvement of the city’s parks and greenspaces, according to a release about her candidacy.
Running under the campaign theme “Staying on Track: Leading Tucker Forward,” Schroeder is emphasizing her record of “thoughtful leadership and collaborative progress across the city.”
Also up for re-election is Alexis Weaver (District 3, Post 1), and Roger Orlando (District 1, Post 1). Weaver did a quiet-ish announcement, as did Orlando, who some thought was contemplating a mayoral run.
➡️ Schroeder’s announcement is here.
Tucker triumphs over trickle
🎵 On its annual Tucker Day 2025 last Saturday, the clouds gathered, but at least held off for the morning parade and the battle of the bands between the Tucker High School Band and The Marching Abominable Feed & Seed Band (pictured above). I think the crowd chose THS as the winner, but Feed & Seed definitely got the best-dressed award.
Of course, I bailed when the rain began in earnest, but not before buying a delicious, reasonably priced bottle of red from Wine & Whimseys.
🌧️ Pictures from the day are on the Tucker Day website, and some we posted on Instagram.
🏡 For the first time ever, Sotheby’s International Realty® is hosting a global Open House Showcase on May 17 and 18. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to participate, featuring listings like this Downtown Alpharetta end-unit townhome offering luxury finishes, private outdoor living, and elevator access. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Upcoming
🌻 It’s almost time for for the Art of Nature Garden Tour on May 17, which, for your $30 admission ticket, will feature five “exceptional” gardens in the Stone Mountain and Tucker area. Tickets can be purchased from the afore-mentioned Wine & Whimseys, or the Stone Mountain Woman’s Club website.
😳 Come on everyone, let’s get Scott Brady and American Legion Post 207 across the finish line as they raise money to complete construction on their headquarters, which burnt down in 2019. The group is hosting its Third Annual Memorial Day BBQ on May 24 at 4127 Pine Valley Rd. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can pre-order your meal here.
🕴🏽The City of Tucker will host the third annual Small Business Resource Expo on May 14 at the Tucker Recreation Center from 1 to 4 p.m. According to a release from the city, the small business segment “has always fueled local economies and remains the fastest growing in the U.S. business market.” The event is free, but attendees are asked to register using this link.
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