Heroes Saints & Legends and the Wesley Woods Foundation
The Wesley Woods Foundation’s annual Heroes, Saints & Legends event at Flourish on Sept. 18 honored three longtime leaders in the Atlanta region.
Doug Hooker, the former executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission, was celebrated along with his wife, Patrise Perkins-Hooker, currently Atlanta’s city attorney.
The dinner celebrated the multi-dimensional contributions both have made over a span of several decades.
Hooker recently served as board chair of the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and he is on the board of the Atlanta Housing Authority, the Fox Theatre and the Cornerstone Jazz Collective. He is an accomplished musician — an oboe player and composer — who also sings with the Trey Clegg Singers. It was no surprise that members of Trey Clegg Singers performed during the event.
Perkins-Hooker has also had a multi-faceted career, formerly serving the attorney for Fulton County and as general counsel for Atlanta Beltline Inc. She was the first person of color to be elected president of the State Bar of Georgia.
“I’m of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community,” said Hooker, who said he first fell in love with Atlanta in the early 1970s when he moved here to attend Georgia Tech. He called the Heroes, Saints and Legends recognition as the “highest” in his career.
Nancy Simms was the third person who was honored at the event. Simms is best known for running the family business, The Varsity, after her father Frank Gordy died in 1983.
Simms, an Atlanta native, is still involved with the Varsity, serving as its chair. She has been recognized by the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, Reinhardt University and the Buckhead Girls Club. She also is a past board chair of Feed My Lambs Christian Schools, and she has served on numerous boards.
“I humbly accept this honor on behalf of my God and our business,” Simms said at the dinner. “[The Varsity] has enabled us to give back. I love Atlanta.”
The Wesley Woods Foundation, headed by Diane Vaughan, raises money to support the 10 campuses for older adult residents. The Foundation provides nearly $1.5 million of charitable care for its residents.
— Maria Saporta
Pulte CEO Ryan Marshall says the country needs to build more homes
Before beginning his talk to the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Pulte Group’s CEO Ryan Marshall singled out Rotarian John Wieland, founder of John Wieland Homes.
“John Wieland is one of the greatest homebuilders of all times,” Marshall said.
During the program, Marshall spoke about the industry, downplaying the impact of interest rates, which he said, “don’t have to be an impediment.” In fact, Marshall added that 2025 will be the fourth or fifth best year in the company’s history.
That said, Marshall spoke of the challenges the country faces when it comes to homebuilding.
“We are simply not creating enough homes for the number of jobs,” he said. “Everybody talks about wanting more homes until there’s a proposed development in their neighborhood.” Later he added: “We need to bring on more supply.”
In response to Metro Atlanta Chamber CEO Katie Kirkpatrick’s questions, Marshall applauded the decision to move the headquarters to Atlanta, even though he was not part of the decision-making team.
“I’ve never been in a place in my life that was so civic minded,” said Marshall, who applauded the fact that the headquarters is right next to the Buckhead MARTA rail station. “It’s a really important part of who we are as a company.”
Marshall also said he is concerned about the disruption that ICE raids on construction workers, which have caused disruption in the homebuilding industry.
“If we have less labor in our country, inevitably things will be more expensive,” he said.
— Maria Saporta
Georgia Rivers Gala 2025 celebrates a big win for conservationists
The Georgia Rivers Gala returned last Thursday, Sept. 18 in celebratory fashion, coming off one of the biggest wins the organization has had: protecting the Okefenokee Swamp.
The organization celebrated its victory at its yearly gala at Ivan Allen Family Meadow in Atlanta, where money was fundraised for further conservation efforts to curb any future threats to the natural resource and others around the state.
Georgia Rivers, along with a host of other conservation advocates and organizations, fought against a proposed mining project near the Okefenokee Swamp, which they said would threaten the delicate ecosystem and natural Georgia beauty and largest North American blackwater swamp. After a 600-acre purchase from The Conservation Fund earlier this year, the chapter effectively closed on the Twin Pines mining corporation looking to mine nearby.
“Georgians and people across the South made their wishes clear over the past few years: the Okefenokee is a national treasure that must be protected from mining on Trail Ridge,” said Stacy Funderburke of The Conservation Fund in a press release.. “The national wildlife refuge is one of the largest and wildest swamps in the country, and I’m proud of The Conservation Fund’s work, alongside many others, to protect it for future generations.”
Georgia Rivers also celebrated 20 years of Paddle Georgia, a week-long paddle adventure initiative aimed at getting people outdoors in groups to appreciate and explore Georgia’s waterways.
— Mark Lannaman
Netherworld officially opens for the 2025 season
Atlanta Halloween-staple Netherworld opened its doors for its 29th season on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 to kick off the 2025 season.
The iconic haunted house in Stone Mountain features world-leading special effects and designs that allow guests to be immersed in the experience. The haunted house lasts the distance of nearly 10 football fields, according to Netherworld. This year’s haunts will be “Monsters Attack!” and “Oblivion: Return of the Mangler featuring Grendle’s Feast”according to Netherworld.
Beyond the haunted house themselves, guests can partake in a number of carnival-like activities, all with a spooky Halloween theme at the Halloween Midway. Additionally, the organization offers year-round Escape the Netherworld escape rooms with a slightly scary twist, and a “House of Creeps” monster museum showing past memorabilia and props from past haunted houses.
Netherworld will be open Friday and Saturday the rest of September before moving to Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Oct. 15, when it will be open every day until Halloween. Following Halloween, the peak of the event, it will be open for a few select days in November.
— Mark Lannaman
Monday Night Brewing to host first Gluten Free Atlanta Fest at The Grove
Monday Night Brewing will host its first Gluten Free Atlanta Fest on Sept. 28 at The Grove, the brewery’s new West Midtown taproom and outdoor venue.
The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and coincides with the launch of The Grove’s expanded gluten free menu, which will now be available every Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, with food, beverages and gluten free products available for purchase. Vendors will include local restaurants and bakeries such as Hoagie Bros., Valley’s Bakery and Mediterranea Restaurant & Bakery.
The festival will feature exclusive gluten free beers, including the return of the Gluten Free IPA “Big Idea” and the pilsner “Placebo Pils,” along with pizza, wings and desserts prepared in dedicated gluten free spaces. Live music, lawn games and family-friendly activities are also planned.
Free parking and shuttle service will be available from the Atlanta Technology Center on Northside Drive. Tickets are available on EventBrite.
Co-founder Joel Iverson said the brewery hopes to create an inclusive space for people with gluten intolerance, while organizers expect the festival to become a recurring event.
— Derek Prall
Fox Theatre to host annual Pride Parade viewing party Oct. 12
The Fox Theatre will host its seventh annual Pride Parade Viewing Party on Oct. 12 at the Marquee Club presented by Lexus. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and will offer rooftop views of the Atlanta Pride Parade along Peachtree Street.
Hosted by performer Taylor Alxndr, the celebration will feature DJ sets from Gorp and performances by Drew Friday, Orchid, JayBella Bankz, Molly Alxndr and Mr. Elle Aye.
Organizers encourage ride-sharing due to parade-related street closures and limited parking. Guests who wish to leave the Marquee Club to watch the parade at street level will be able to re-enter with a wristband provided by security.
The Marquee Club is located at the corner of Peachtree and Ponce, offering one of the city’s most visible vantage points of the annual parade.
General admission tickets are $75 plus fees, while reserved VIP tables cost $400 and include a bottle of sparkling wine. Tickets are available here.
— Megan Anderson
Fox Theatre launches haunted history and ghost tours this fall
The Fox Theatre is expanding its seasonal programming with new Haunted History Tours in September and October, along with the return of its popular Ghost Tours in October.
Haunted History Tours, which last about 60 minutes, will be offered Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays beginning Sept. 6. Tickets are $25 and include stories of unexplained sounds, shadowy figures and legends tied to the 1929 landmark.
The more immersive Ghost Tours will run Oct. 27–28, with additional dates to be announced. Tickets are $50 for general admission, which includes access to a cash bar at the Marquee Club, and $75 for premium admission with food service. Ghost Tours also grant access to areas not open during Haunted History routes, including the theatre’s sub-basement. Organizers caution the Ghost Tours are not suitable for children under 10, and children under six are prohibited.
Tickets for both tours are available here or at the Fox Theatre box office.
— Megan Anderson
Dad’s Garage to open new patio and entryway Oct. 11
Dad’s Garage Theatre will unveil its first major renovation in a decade with the opening of a new 3,000-square-foot patio and entryway on Oct. 11. The Old Fourth Ward comedy venue will host a public celebration with the Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The expansion adds outdoor seating, a raised patio, stage, bike racks, new landscaping and electrical upgrades to the 12,000-square-foot facility. Leaders said the improvements are designed to enhance the theatre’s role as both a comedy hub and community gathering place.
Managing Director Katie Pelkey called the project “a physical manifestation of the positive change we want to continue to provide,” while Artistic Director Jon Carr said the patio will be used for events beyond performances, including wellness programs and neighborhood activities.
The work was funded in part by a state grant aimed at boosting outdoor amenities in disproportionately impacted communities. Design and construction were led by CORE Landscape, with support from Wiring Solutions.
Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage has operated in its Edgewood Avenue location since 2013.
— Derek Prall
Achieve Atlanta expands scholarship program to Fulton County Schools
Achieve Atlanta, the state’s largest need-based scholarship provider, is expanding its program beyond Atlanta Public Schools for the first time. Beginning this fall, the nonprofit will extend college-going support to Creekside and Tri-Cities high schools in the Fulton County Schools district.
The move follows a year-long evaluation of districts across metro Atlanta and marks a major investment in supporting more low-income students. Eligible seniors at the two schools will be able to apply for the Achieve Atlanta Scholarship in February 2026, with requirements to be announced later this year.
Founded in 2015 with support from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Achieve Atlanta has awarded more than $70 million in scholarships to over 7,000 students. Scholars can receive up to $20,000 for tuition and fees, along with advising, coaching and career readiness programming. Nearly 2,000 recipients have earned a postsecondary credential.
Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney said the partnership will strengthen the district’s college access initiatives, including its new counseling investments, advising framework and fully funded SAT/ACT testing days. Achieve Atlanta’s partnership with Atlanta Public Schools will remain in place.
— Derek Prall
Westside Future Fund marks 10 years with community celebration
Westside Future Fund is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of restoration work in Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhoods. The milestone was commemorated with “Westside Proud,” a gathering of more than 300 residents, partners and supporters.
Founded in 2015, the nonprofit focuses on neighborhood revitalization in English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center and Just Us. Its “restoration, not displacement” model centers on affordable housing, education, health and safety. Since 2017, the group reports a 50% reduction in blight, more than $130 million invested in real estate and the completion of 215 affordable rental units with additional homes underway.
The organization also supports residents through property tax assistance, down payment programs and education partnerships with Booker T. Washington schools. Leaders credit public-private partnerships with advancing their mission, including support from Chick-fil-A, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Coca-Cola, Georgia Power and other sponsors.
More than $700,000 was raised during the anniversary event to fund ongoing initiatives. CEO John Ahmann said the work is about belonging and building a future “Dr. King would be proud to call home.”
— Derek Prall
Kennesaw State researchers develop fraud detection system for online surveys
Two Kennesaw State University faculty members are tackling the growing problem of fraudulent online survey responses with a new fraud detection system designed to identify low-quality, bot-generated and AI-generated answers.
Assistant professors Lauren Matheny and Kevin Gittner, both of the School of Data Science and Analytics, co-lead the project through the Data Quality and Survey Methods Lab, which they founded in 2022. Matheny, who won KSU’s 2025 Innovation Quest competition for the project, said the research began after discovering nearly 40% of responses in one of her clinical studies were fraudulent.
The patent-pending tool is intended to integrate into standard research workflows and protect data used in public health, business and nonprofit decision-making. Researchers warn that AI-generated content can closely mimic human responses, creating risks for inaccurate conclusions and wasted resources.
Matheny said the lab also serves as a training ground for students at all levels, while early funding from the College of Computing and Software Engineering accelerated the work. Interim Dean Yiming Ji said the project reflects KSU’s commitment to research with real-world impact.
— Derek Prall
