A proposal for a new Atlanta museum — FutureVerse
Leaders behind the effort to develop a museum of the future in Atlanta gathered for a VIP-filled room on Nov. 12 at the Buckhead Club.
“We are talking about taking a trip to the future,” said David Wynett, CEO of FutureVerse. “Tonight is really exciting because we are kicking off our capital campaign.”
FutureVerse is seeking to raise $4 million to launch the initiative. Once that money is raised, FutureVerse could place a down payment to secure a site in Downtown. It would be able to cover pre-development planning, create a capital campaign and initiate community programming.
That includes its Project ASPIRE Learning Labs and partnership with Clayton County Public Schools on a pilot program and an anticipated rollout to Atlanta Public Schools.
FutureVerse is also working to create a statewide “braintrust” for the future by working with leading universities, health systems, and research institutions to work on its four focus areas: public health and science, sustainability and energy, climate resilience and transportation and future mobility.
“Our mission is to build a place where students and families discover what is possible,” Wynett said. “FutureVerse will be Georgia’s next great educational landmark — a place where learning becomes exciting, immersive and future-focused.”
The leaders behind the project include Richard Taylor, the chief financial officer; Mindy Boggs, with Eco-Attractions serving as a development consultant; and Molly Read Woo, who helped launch the idea.
Cushman & Wakefield is representing FutureVerse in site selection. Clark Construction has been selected as the general contractor, Cooper Carry will be the architect, and IMPACT Development Management and DaVinci Development Collaborative will serve as project managers.
— Maria Saporta
ACVB’s Hospitality Hall of Fame inducts five new members
Hospitality was on the agenda Nov. 12 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill.
The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s annual Hospitality Hall of Fame inducted five new members:
- Norma Dean, former director of national specialty sales at Delta Air Lines
- Pat Henry and Sherry Henry, president and vice president of DragonCon Inc.
- Gerry Klaskala, owner and co-founder of Canoe and former owner and founder of Aria
- Cookie Smoak, former president of the ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau
The event also awarded the 2025 Spurgeon Richardson Member of the Year Award to the Georgia Aquarium.
Patrick Lee, director of sales and marketing for Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead, received the annual Member of the Year award for individuals.
The ACVB was established in 1913 as the official destination marketing organization for the city. For more information, visit: discoveratlanta.com.
— Maria Saporta
Special Atlantans honored at National Philanthropy Day
Billye Aaron, a civic leader who has been a generous donor to several Atlanta institutions including Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman and the Morehouse School of Medicine, was honored as Philanthropist of the Year on Nov. 6 at the Georgia Aquarium.
The event also shone a spotlight on David Jernigan, who has dedicated his career to empowering and educating young people. Jernigan, who stepped down earlier this year as president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, was honored as Philanthropic Leader of the Year.
Candy and Steve Berman were recognized as Volunteer Fundraisers of the Year. And Hadil Adam was named Teen Volunteer of the Year.
Two former honorees, Shan Cooper and Lovette Russell,were co-hosts of the luncheon.
— Maria Saporta
Mayor Andre Dickens re-elected chair of Atlanta Regional Commission
The Atlanta Regional Commission unanimously re-elected Mayor Andre Dickens as the Chair of the Board of Directors on Nov. 12, setting him up for another two-year term in charge of the metro agency.
Dickens was the only nominee – he first joined the ARC Board when elected mayor in January 2022, and has since become the only Atlanta Mayor to ever head up the 41-member board.
“I am honored to work alongside this group of impactful and innovative leaders to move the Atlanta region forward,” Dickens said.
Currently, the agency is governed by 11 county commission chairs, 13 mayors, 15 citizen members, an Atlanta City Council representative and a state Department of Community Affairs member. It oversees an 11-county region including Atlanta and 75 other cities.
During his first term as board chair, the ARC held its first-ever Regional Assembly of Public Officials, honed in on affordable housing efforts, updated the Regional Freight Mobility Plan and created “Building Georgia”, a workforce development program for transportation construction.
Now Dickens is looking ahead to his next two-year term leading the agency’s goals: regional transportation planning, aging services, workforce development, mobility, natural resources and regional transportation planning.
“The next two years will be busy,” Dickens said. “We have an ambitious agenda ahead to improve quality of life for our region and build a stronger, more competitive economy.”
— Delaney Tarr
TWO urban licks plans Sunday Supper Picnic
TWO urban licks will host a Sunday Supper Picnic on Nov. 16, offering a family-style outdoor meal with a fire-roasted whole pig, freshly shucked oysters and seasonal vegetables. The event is scheduled from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at the restaurant on Ralph McGill Boulevard.
The fall gathering will take place around outdoor fire pits and is designed as a casual, communal dining experience. Wine pairings will be available with each course. Tickets are $50 per person, not including tax and gratuity.
TWO urban licks has been part of Atlanta’s dining scene for more than 20 years and serves dinner daily along with weekend brunch.
Reservations can be made at twourbanlicks.com. Additional event details are available on the restaurant’s Facebook page, and updates can be found on Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks.
— Derek Prall
Norfolk Southern names first Trades on Track scholarship recipients
Norfolk Southern has selected 20 students to receive its inaugural Trades on Track Scholarship, awarding a combined $100,000 to support education and training in trades tied to rail operations. Each recipient will receive $5,000 for technical programs in areas such as welding, electrical work, conducting and other essential skill fields.
The scholarship, created in partnership with the Skillpointe Foundation, aims to expand access to vocational pathways as interest in trade programs continues to grow. National Student Clearinghouse data shows vocational school enrollment has risen more than 15% from pre-pandemic levels, marking a second year of double-digit increases.
Award recipients include Amanda Lang of Pittsburgh, focusing on construction and electrical work; Sinaca Stinson of Birmingham, Alabama, concentrating on manufacturing and machinery; and John Santana of Chicago, pursuing construction and electrical training. Norfolk Southern said the group reflects the commitment and drive needed to support the transportation workforce.
“Trades on Track is about more than education funding — it’s about creating opportunity,” said Kristin Wong, director of the Norfolk Southern Foundation and Community Impact. She said the program supports the next generation of skilled professionals who will help keep rail operations safe and efficient.
Applications for the next scholarship cycle will open in the spring.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Press Club receives $265,000 grant for debate series
The Atlanta Press Club has received a $265,000 grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to support its Loudermilk-Young Debate Series in 2025 and 2026. The funding covered the 2025 debates for the Public Service Commission, Atlanta mayor and Atlanta City Council president, and will help expand offerings during what is expected to be a busy 2026 election cycle in Georgia. Races next year include contests for U.S. Senate, governor and secretary of state.
Foundation President Fay Twersky said the grant reflects a commitment to helping voters learn about candidates and their positions. APC Board Chair Mike Jordan said the support will help the organization continue providing accessible, nonpartisan debates during a high-interest election year.
The Atlanta Press Club has hosted debates for more than three decades and launched the Loudermilk-Young Debate Series in 2011 through a gift honoring R. Charles Loudermilk and Ambassador Andrew Young. The organization said it remains focused on strengthening civic engagement and is seeking additional philanthropic partners to help sustain and expand its debate programming.
More information about the debate series is available here.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta’s Pink Pig returning to Georgia Festival of Trees
Atlanta’s Pink Pig, the longstanding holiday ride staple once housed at Rich’s and later Macy’s Lenox Square, will return to the Georgia Festival of Trees for a second year. The attraction will operate Nov. 22–30 at the Gas South Convention Center. The festival will be closed Nov. 26–27 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Pink Pig, a trademark of Macy’s, debuted in 1956 and became an icon of Atlanta’s holiday season for decades. After a multiyear pause, the Georgia Festival of Trees reintroduced the ride in 2024 with updated design elements aimed at modern audiences.
This year’s version features an open-air, five-car train narrated by Penny the Pink Pig, described as the granddaughter of the original Priscilla. Riders hear stories about Atlanta holiday traditions and the history of the attraction. Penny and her brother Porter will appear throughout the festival for photos and meet-and-greets.
Festival founder and executive director Angie Ulibarri said last year’s reception underscored the ride’s lasting sentimental value for many families.
The festival will also include more than 200 decorated trees for viewing and auction, themed dress-up days, live entertainment, boutique shopping, Santa photos, cookie decorating and a visit from Buddy the Elf on Nov. 22.
Pink Pig ride tickets cost $5, with proceeds benefiting Street Grace. Event details and tickets are available here.
— Derek Prall
The ‘Pig’ is certainly a long time Atlanta tradition…and “some” of us may even remember actually riding aboard it when it was at Rich’s downtown ….and NOT up on the roof, ….but inside, or, I should say…. ‘above’ the huge toy dept. that was well stocked there at this time of the year.
Long may she roll.