New Wednesday
Jan. 1 — Happy New Year from all of us at Rough Draft!
? Sunny and 51° today.
? Tucker resident Scott Brady, the commander of American Legion Post 207, will receive the “Hometown Hero Award” from The Home Depot Foundation during halftime at today’s Peach Bowl College Football Playoff.
?️ Retired WSB-TV consumer reporter Jim Strickland passed away Monday night.
?️ Legislation passed by Georgia lawmakers in 2024 pertaining to elections, taxes, and healthcare goes into effect today.
? MARTA will suspend streetcar service from Jan. 13-17 for emergency repairs on Carnegie Way by Georgia Power. Shuttle vans will operate along the route during the work.
?️ Leadership DeKalb Executive Director Shara Sanders is taking stock of 2024 and leaning into the future of the program.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
? No. 2 Georgia faces No. 7 Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl tonight at 8:45 p.m. with the winner advancing to the CFP Semifinals to face Penn State. (ESPN; 95.5 FM).
? Here are the rest of today’s College Football Playoff bowl matchups:
- Peach Bowl: No. 5 Texas faces No. 4 Arizona State at 1 p.m. (ESPN).
- Rose Bowl:No. 1 Oregon plays No. 8 Ohio State at 5 p.m. (ESPN).
? Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• A night at Johnny’s Hideaway
• Enterprising young author
• State travel guide
Here’s to a great 2025,
Collin
? Facing a surge in applications, Giving Kitchen provided nearly 175 years’ worth of rent and utility assistance in 2024. Your year-end donation can help us continue this life-saving work for food service workers in crisis. Please support the organization today! SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. A night at Johnny’s Hideaway
? If you rang in 2025 at Johnny’s Hideaway, a nightclub institution for 40 years, this story will give you a little context.
From the glittering disco ball above the dance floor to walls lined with Sinatra and Elvis memorabilia, not much has changed at Johnny’s Hideaway since the iconic nightspot opened its doors in 1979.
In a neighborhood where some of the city’s most storied bars have shuttered over the years, Johnny’s is still going strong – in large part due to its enduring, multi-generational appeal (yes, cougars) – and loyal regulars.
? Read Laura Scholz’s feature and see more photos here.
Discover the gift of creativity and connection!
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
? Looking for the perfect holiday gift? The High offers programs and classes designed specifically for older adults. Whether you’re a retiree, an empty nester, or simply curious about the arts, you’ll find something inspiring to explore.
- Take an art class and learn a new skill.
- Join engaging conversations and make new friends.
- Dip your toe into the museum on Access for All Free Days.
? Treat yourself — or someone special — to the best gift this holiday season: a chance to spark creativity, connect with others, and dive into the arts.
2. Nine-year-old Sandy Springs student authors books, creates vitamins
? Though Wade Williams hasn’t yet reached his 10th birthday, the Sandy Springs resident has authored three books and has his own company selling Vitamin C that has a taste children can appreciate.
His third book, “Wade Meets Lonnie: The Weight Is Over,” is about childhood obesity, with a message for kids about wellness through food and activity.
In 2024, Wade and his sister (pictured) formed Wade & Celine LLC, which created a vitamin product for kids, called Wade & Celine’s Super Beans.
3. State launches new travel guide for 2025
? The State of Georgia’s tourism department, Explore Georgia, has released its 2025 Georgia Travel Guide.
Produced by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the annual publication explores the Peach State’s diverse locales through detailed maps, insider tips, expert recommendations, and more.
Among the areas included are the mountain town of Toccoa Falls, the city of Columbus, the downtown area of Covington, and Sapelo Island on the coast.
? Find out how to get your copy here.
? Help a food service worker in crisis who may be facing homelessness this holiday season. By supporting the mission of the Giving Kitchen to help food service workers in crisis you can make a difference today! SPONSOR MESSAGE
? Today’s newsletter was edited by Julie E. Bloemeke.
? Don’t miss our new, daily word game – you have six chances to guess a five-letter word connected to a news story.
