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Articles by Julie E. Bloemeke
Piedmont Park offers free summer programs
Tuesday, June 30 —Happy semiquincentennial week, Silver Streak readers! We have lots of ideas below on ways to commemorate America at 250, along with news of an innovative dog shelter in Cumming, and free summer programming through Piedmont Park Conservancy. 🗞️ And, an editorial note: Silver Streak will be taking a summer break while we recalibrate, redesign, and prepare to launch some exciting new products.
🙌 Beltline volunteer portal
Tuesday, June 23 — With July 4 on the horizon, this week we have details on the America 250 Community Puzzle Project through Create Dunwoody. Find out how you can get involved in our story below. 🤝 We also have news on the debut of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership volunteer portal, aimed at connecting volunteer options with those looking to lend a hand. And, “That 70s Experience” is set for July 25 at Pullman Yards.
🀄 Mutts and mahjong
Tuesday, June 16 — Today is the final day to vote in several primary runoff elections, including closely watched GOP races for governor and U.S. Senate and the Democratic contests for lieutenant governor. Confirm your voting location at My Voter Page and follow our live blog for updates throughout the day and for results after the polls close.
♥️ ‘Compassion Heals’ campaign
Tuesday, June 9 — This week brings news of a wine bar named after a beloved canine, Diego. Read more about Bar Schmutzi’s upcoming debut in East Atlanta Village below. 🦜 Speaking of favorite familiars, Rough Draft Atlanta is looking for high-resolution images of our readers with their furry and feathered friends for our July issues. Scroll down for photo submission details or submit here by June 12.
⚽ 🤝 World Cup volunteerism
Tuesday, June 2— Welcome to June, and to Pride Month! If you are looking for festivals and fundraisers to attend, here are a few ideas. You can also check out the annual Pride Film Series at Midtown Art Cinema. 🚊 Starting this week, getting around the Beltline will be a little easier. Check out our story on ATL Spoke, a driverless community shuttle that opens this Friday on the Westside.
🏘️ Agnes Scott + historic homes
Tuesday, May 26 — With May coming to a close, we have stories on summer programming at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, more on historic homes for rent on the Agnes Scott campus, and details on Amplify Decatur, which kicks off on June 4. But first, a few headlines: 💰 The Arthur M.
Ted Turner's audacious move: A classic Atlanta story
Tuesday, May 19 â This week brings an update on the Eddie Mobley Memorial Bench, which will be unveiled at Veterans Park on Monday. You may recall our previous story about the campaign to honor Mobley, a Vietnam War veteran focused on community service. You can read that story here.
𪴠Seeds & Soil Supper
Tuesday, May 12â This week, we have more on House Bill 463 and Senate Bill 33, a story on a fourth-generation Eagle Scout, plus details on a May 18 supper event to fundraise for farmers. But first, a few headlines. 𩺠Sadie G. Mays Health & Rehabilitation Center is hosting their 27th Annual Community Health Fair for active seniors on Thursday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Atlanta. Stop by for health screenings, information, exercise, gardening tips, healthy snacks, prizes and more.
💐 Atlanta Women’s Chorus performs
Tuesday, May 5 — Welcome to May, Silver Streak readers! This week, we have specifics on the public budget briefings taking place throughout May at Atlanta City Hall. Scroll down to learn more. And, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend, Atlanta Women’s Chorus is hosting Pride and Purpose, an outreach event featuring art, film, and music on May 9. Plus, we also have details on the return of Food That Rocks Sandy Springs in June.
🤝 Senior summer camp
Tuesday, April 28 — The last week of April brings a series of stories on how seniors are connecting in community spaces. We have more on a new board of health and a senior center in North Fulton, details on a program that pairs Atlanta teens with nursing home residents for a week-long summer camp, and a park dedication honoring developer Dan Woodley in Brookhaven. But first, a few headlines: 🗳️ Early voting is now open across Georgia for the May 19 primary election.
🏆 Best Senior Living in GA
Tuesday, April 21 — Curious which senior living facilities in Georgia have earned top accolades? Check out our first story to find out which 23 Metro Atlanta communities were recognized. We also have details on the Piedmont Conservancy luncheon on Thursday. The event is set to highlight enhancements that have been made as a result of the first Piedmont Park Comprehensive Plan in 25 years.
ūüďĪ Senior Tech Summit
Tuesday, April 14 ‚ÄĒ Wondering how to navigate the latest technology? Mark your calendars for the May 5 Senior Tech Summit and learn how innovative developments are affecting seniors. This week we’ve also got more on the first-ever Sandy Springs Invitational Car Show, set for this Sunday, and details on “The Florentine Entanglement,” a new novel by Sandy Springs author Pamela Norsworthy.
📞 Norcross’ interactive exhibit
Tuesday, April 7 — Welcome to April, Silver Streak readers! This week brings news of an interactive exhibition at the Norcross Welcome Center & History Museum – including a chance to leave your message as part of a digital time capsule – and more on the wild success of Tucker Town Green, which will host its next concert on April 12. Plus, we have details on how to register for the 2026 DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games, which start on May 4 and run through May 15.
ūüďú Historical documents exhibit
Apr. 1 ‚ÄĒ Hi, Silver Streak readers. It’s Collin Kelley subbing for Julie E. Bloemke today. The Freedom Plane touched down at Hartsfield-Jackson last week, carrying an exhibition of some of the nation’s most historic founding documents from the National Archives. The documents are now on display at the Atlanta History Center in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States.
🥾 Community hikes in Tucker
March 24 — This week, we have more on community hikes in Tucker and adaptive kayaking in Sandy Springs, plus Sammie Purcell has details on the 2026 Atlanta Film Festival’s 50th anniversary lineup, which kicks off in April. And now for a few headlines: ✈️ ICE agents in tactical gear patrolled airports across the country on Monday as part of a White House effort to aid understaffed security operations.
📈 Flu deaths on the rise
March 17 — Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you are looking for ways to celebrate tonight, check out some of these eating and drinking options around town. 👓 This week, we have more on the $1 million fundraising campaign launched by animal aid organization PAWS Atlanta, a report on the high rate of flu-related deaths in Georgia, plus a new barbecue joint to check out in McDonough. 🎊 March 3 was the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Rough Draft newsletter.
🌷 Botanical Garden in bloom
March 10 — This week brings news of transformations and celebrations. The Georgia Senate recently recognized Meals on Wheels Atlanta for 60 years of service, and Atlanta Botanical Garden is celebrating its 50th anniversary with SUPER Blooms! – a display of more than 200,000 spring flowers that will blanket the Great Lawn in March and April. More details are below.
MARTA launches on-demand service and AHC's big year
March 3 ‚ÄĒ This week’s Silver Streak brings news of new initiatives, including the debut of MARTA Reach ‚Äď an on-demand transit service that begins March 7 ‚Äď and a host of centennial exhibitions to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Atlanta History Center. Scroll down for more on both stories. Plus, we have details on an anonymous gift to the City of Avondale Estates. Read more below to find out how Waffle House helped make this act of generosity possible.
Vintage book show debuts at Oglethorpe University
Feb. 24 ā Five Peachtree Senior is on its way to Downtown, with construction expected to be completed by late 2027. The project will provide affordable housing for senior residents, along with proximity to MARTA, healthcare providers and more. Scroll down for details. Attention bibliophiles! Mark your calendar for this weekend. A vintage, rare book show is making its Atlanta debut at Oglethorpe and will run from Friday through Sunday.
Canopy Thrift's sale supports Community Assistance Center
Feb. 17 — Happy Lunar New Year and Fat Tuesday, Silver Streak readers! If you are looking for ways to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, Candy Hom has dining and festival ideas, including weekend events and specialty menus to honor the holiday, which runs through March 1. We also have more on a new project that will offer free, on-demand transit between the ATL SkyTrain at the Georgia International Convention Center and the Gateway Center Arena in College Park. Scroll down for the full story.
Metro Atlanta tax assistance program launches for 2026
Feb. 10 — While February may seem early to get a jump-start on taxes, the Community Assistance Center (CAC) is offering tax preparation help to qualifying households in Metro Atlanta. See our story below to find out how their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program may be able to help you file this season. Saturday is Valentine’s Day, and Sarra Sedghi has dining suggestions and special treat tips to bring some sweetness into your celebrations.
Atlanta to host 'Serial Killer: The Exhibition'
Feb. 3 ‚ÄĒ Welcome to February, Silver Streak readers! Starting this week, MARTA is holding a series of community open houses to educate riders on the upcoming launch of the NextGen Bus Network. We have more on where and how to attend these interactive sessions throughout Metro Atlanta below. Plus, Atlanta is one of the U.S. stops for “Serial Killer: The Exhibition,” an immersive experience that looks at “minds, methods, and histories” of serial killers worldwide.
Birds Georgia celebrates 100 years in 2026
Jan. 27 â With the inclement weather and freezing temperatures, this week’s newsletter features two stories that are leaning towards the green. ğ¦ 2026 marks the centennial celebration year for Birds Georgia. Scroll down for details on initiatives related to the milestone, including specifics on the addition of a new Georgia Birding Trail.
Georgia data center surge sparks legislative action
Jan. 20 — With the 2025 legislative session now underway, we have more on one of the issues that’s causing both regional and national concern – data center development. We also have details on Strides for Survivors – an organization helping breast cancer survivors – and their 10th anniversary celebration taking place on Jan. 31. On that same date, Actor’s Express also opens for the season with “Girl From the North Country, a musical featuring songs written by Bob Dylan.
Charles "Eddie" Mobley honored in Sandy Springs
Jan. 13 — This week, we have more on a tribute in Veterans Park to honor the legacy of mechanic and veteran Charles “Eddie” Mobley in Sandy Springs. We also have the full lineup for the 2026 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and details on a renewed call for road safety along Roswell Road. And now for a few headlines: đźš° A DeKalb County Superior Court Judge ruled that the City of Atlanta is justified in charging residents outside of its jurisdiction a 21% water surcharge.
Atlanta's Leaders Inaugurated as Flu Cases Rise
Jan. 6 — Welcome to 2026! This week, we have details on the surge of flu cases in Georgia, more on the MLK Day of Service slated for Jan. 19, and a recap of yesterday’s inauguration for the City of Atlanta. But first, a few headlines: 🏠 GPB reports that the City of Atlanta is about halfway to its goal of preserving or creating 20,000 affordable housing units.
Atlanta honors Judge Stanley Baum and Tibby DeJulio
Dec. 30 — On this last Tuesday of 2025, we have two stories spotlighting the legacy of community service in Atlanta. Sandy Springs has renamed Windsor Meadows Park to Tibby DeJulio Park in commemoration of DeJulio’s dedication to Sandy Springs, and we also have more on the passing of Judge Stanley Baum, who is remembered and celebrated for his service to Tucker and DeKalb communities. Plus, Atlanta Water Gardens will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. And now for a few headlines.
Top 10 Atlanta dining stories of 2025
Dec. 23 — Happy holidays, Silver Streak readers! This week, take a look back at our top 10 dining stories of 2025, and visit our full list of holiday pop-up bars for your last-minute get-togethers. Plus, check out a roundup of where you can see holiday home light displays – many for free – in Metro Atlanta. We also have a story on the Latin American Association, an organization that provides life-saving resources to 40,000 Georgians every year.
Atlanta's best new restaurants of 2025 revealed
Dec. 16 — With 2025 wrapping up and 2026 on the horizon, this week we have more on holiday events, celebrations, and dining. Scroll down for our Best New Restaurants of 2025 – an endeavor over a year in the making from our dining team, Beth McKibben and Sarra Sedghi – as well as a link to dine-in and takeout options for the holidays.
Michael Langford Drive unveiled in Atlanta
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.
Holiday Fun Guide for December in Metro Atlanta
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.
Atlanta's holiday lights and dining guide
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.
Tucker Town Green opens, marking a new era for Tucker
Nov. 18 โ 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.
Spruill Gallery opens 32nd annual Holiday Art Fair
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.
Atlanta Elections: Key Races and Voting Details
Nov. 4 — Polls are open until 7 p.m. tonight, with City of Atlanta polls open an additional hour; find your polling location here and see early voting totals here. For election updates throughout the day and results this evening – including key mayoral races and city council races in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Tucker, and statewide for the Georgia Public Service Commission – bookmark Rough Draft’s live blog.
️ Senior tax relief
October 28th, 2025 ( Reporter Newspapers & Atlanta Intown - Delivered by Newstex ) Quick housekeeping:We're switching to a new email platform, and we don't want to get lost in your spam folder. Please take a moment to add hi@mail.roughdraft.newsandroughdraft@mail.beehiiv.comto your contacts or safe sender list. Here's a guide if you need help.Thanks! Tuesday treats Oct.
Ron Sowell's new album, Franklin Abbott's poetry, and Fox Theatre's milestone
✨ Quick housekeeping: We’re switching to a new email platform, and we don’t want to get lost in your spam folder. Please take a moment to add hi@mail.roughdraft.news and roughdraft@mail.beehiiv.com to your contacts or safe sender list. Here’s a guide if you need help. Thanks! Oct.
💉 GA Medicare ranks near bottom
Oct. 21 — Hello, Silver Streak readers! This week we have news on an analysis that ranked Georgia near the bottom for Medicare performance. Find out what factors were most detrimental for The Peach State in the story below. We also have updates on the City of Brookhaven’s plans to build a new library. For details on how to weigh in on the initiative – and complete the public survey – scroll down for Cathy Cobbs’ full report.
Silver Streak spotlights Atlanta's vibrant arts and culture scene
Oct. 14 — This week brings a photo recap of Atlanta Pride, election coverage – including more on Atlanta municipal and Georgia Public Service Commission races – and news on the exchange of archival records between The Atlanta History Center and the Georgia Historical Society. Let’s dive in: 🗳️ Early voting begins today and runs through Oct. 30 ahead of the Nov. 4 general election. You can find early voting locations and check your registration status at the Georgia My Voter Page.
Silver Streak: June edition
Oct. 7 — This week’s edition of Silver Streak features a one-on-one with author John Grisham, who will be the opening speaker for the Book Festival of the MJCCA on Oct. 22. We also have updates on how hurricanes and severe weather are impacting Georgia pecan farmers. And, scroll down for details on the memorial service and vigil scheduled for former Dunwoody High School Football Coach Mike Nash, who died unexpectedly on Oct. 3. And now for a few headlines: 🗳️ Early voting begins one week from today.
Silver Streak: Ron Sowell, Franklin Abbott, Fox Theatre
Sept. 30 — Happy almost-October, Silver Streak readers! This week brings news of the PATH400 trail segment completion in Buckhead – the culmination of a three-year construction project on the Wieuca-Loridans segment. Scroll down for the full story. And, with October kicking off tomorrow, cold and flu season is also ramping up. Find out details on obtaining both flu shots and the RSV vaccine – which is recommended for adults between 50 and 74 who are at increased risk – below.
ðŸŽ" 'Fiddler on the Roof' delights
Sep. 24 - Polls are open in parts of North Fulton and Cherokee counties until 7 p.m. today as Democrat Debra Shigley faces Republican Jason Dickerson in a runoff for Georgia's 21st Senate District seat vacated by Brandon Beach's appointment as U.S. Treasurer. 🏠 Two Atlanta City Council candidates - Keith Lewis, Jr. and Sherry B. Williams - have been disqualified for not meeting the residency requirements for the Dist. 11 seat.
🏠 Affordable housing milestone
Sep. 17 - This week, we've got stories on The City of Atlanta reaching an affordable housing milestone with a new senior development in East Lake, a review of City Springs Theatre Company's "The Producers," and the reopening of a beloved gift shop in Buckhead. First, a few headlines: ⚡ A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $5 billion Rivian EV plant, which will sit on 2,000 acres along I-20 east of Atlanta and create 7,500 new jobs, was held today.
❌ Dunwoody senior housing denied
Sept. 9 - Welcome to this week's Silver Streak! Read below for more on the Dunwoody City Council's final decision to reject a low-income senior housing complex near Ashford Dunwoody Road. ➟ Plus, there's news on improvements and requisite growing pains when it comes to centering connectivity and walkability for Atlanta's west side. And, Sandy Springs UMC has announced a campus demolition and reenvisioning that will focus on the congregation's long-term needs and budget.
😢 Goodbye Georgetown Rec Club
Sept. 2 - Welcome to September, Silver Streak readers! This week's newsletter spotlights Sally Bethea's Above the Waterline column; scroll down for more on the Refugee Women's Network and their commitment to outdoors and wellness education programs. We also have details on the permanent closing of the 50-year-old Georgetown Recreation Club in Dunwoody. Plus, we look into the "Mind the Gap" report via GPB, which studies the effects of dementia diagnoses and quality of life.
🧑🏾🎨 Fundraiser for artist Freddie Styles
Aug. 26 - This week we have news on tomorrow's screening fundraiser to help Atlanta artist Freddie Styles after a fire that destroyed his home and artwork. We also have more on the Georgia Trust Preservation Gala taking place Sept. 13, and updates from newly appointed CDC director Susan Monarez on efforts to educate the public and dispel misinformation on science and health.
🫁 Lung nodule clinic opens
Aug. 19 - This week, we spotlight a Rough Draft series that explores the impact of transformation on Atlanta's west side. Stay tuned for periodic stories on how the development boom is shifting experiences for residents and businesses. ➜ In more news, Gary Stokan, the president and CEO of Peach Bowl, Inc., has announced his retirement at the end of the 2025-26 college football season. And, Northside Hospital has opened its fourth lung nodule clinic in Sandy Springs.
How Atlanta entrepreneurs are defying what it means to 'network'
With a little fuel from LinkedIn posts, a passion for spotlighting independent businesses, and a call in of coffee (or cocktails), three groups of entrepreneurs are making sure that Atlanta creatives are finding new ways to meet one another outside Zoom calls.
👵 'Senior zone' resolution
Aug. 5 - This week brings news of the unanimous passing of a "senior zone" resolution from yesterday's Atlanta City Council meeting. Read more below on what constitutes a "senior zone" and specifics on how plans are moving forward. 🎉 Friday marks the kickoff of the Essential Theatre Festival, which runs through Aug. 31. The centerpiece for 2025 is Matt Hoffman's "A Very Special Hospital, " a surreal comedy inspired by Hoffman's experience as a critical care physician.
❌ Medicaid cuts 'a serious threat'
July 29 - Hello, Silver Streak readers! Let's take a look at what we have for you this week: Changes are afoot for Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead, including a new headquarters building and general park improvements. BHNP is also requesting community input on potential park developments like trail connections, outdoor learning spaces, native meadows, and more. See more details in our story below and take the survey here.
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