“It’s all right, to have a good time,
‘Cause it’s all right.”
Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions
~Doc Lawrence
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| Mayor Pat Wheeler with husband Morgan |
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA-They gathered for a holiday party with Christmas joy in the air. On this magic evening there was added excitement. Georgia’s Bulldogs had just won the SEC Championship in nearby Atlanta and this decidedly partisan crowd was deliriously happy. How contagious smiles and warm greetings can be.
Marriott’s posh Evergreen Resort nests beside mighty Stone Mountain right in the middle of the hugely popular state park that attracts over six million visitors annually. There is a highly visible Christmas tree atop the big rock and the park vibrates with holiday events wrapped in decorations for the season.
Time to party.
The soiree was hosted by the good leaders at Discover Dekalb, one of the names for the Dekalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, an agency that is on the ascendant. They have successfully communicated to those coming to Atlanta that this important part of the region called Dekalb plays a vital role in making Atlanta a renowned destination. Emory University, Agnes Scott College, Oglethorpe University occupy an exalted place along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Fernbank Science Center, Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Decatur, the model city that is one of the great culinary centers of the Southeast. Add in the exciting diversity of the Buford Highway corridor and Dekalb radiates with diversity and adventure.
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| Liana Levitan (L) and Olivia Thomason |
Mayors, judges, Congressmen, public officials, restaurant legends and tourism specialists joined high profile public supporters for filet mignon, Alaskan salmon and unlimited pours of good wine served seamlessly by the resort staff.
In the middle of everything, Atlanta’s Jazz Diva, the incomparable Theresa Hightower took the stage and performed classics accompanied by her outstanding band. Gracious, lovely and so talented, Ms. Hightower had the mighty mountain trembling by mid-evening.
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| Jazz Diva Theresa Hightower |
Everyone was decked out in their finest gowns and tuxedos: It’s how we cerebrate down here. Familiar faces mixed in comfortably with political veterans like former Dekalb CEO Liana Levitan who was for the longest time the most prominent and powerful woman in Georgia government. Ever vibrant and enthusiastic, fans lined up for photos.
Among the influential guests was Karen Bremer, whose gourmet restaurants opened up Atlanta’s national surge into culinary prominence. Ms. Bremer now serves as CEO of the prestigious Georgia Restaurant Association.
Evergreen's staff was prompt and cheerful. No need to request more wine. A well-dressed smiling server with an uncorked bottle was always nearby. Could they read our mind?
Departing meant a short trip home to the nearby historic village While the party was for a few glorious hours, the priceless memories will last for a lifetime.
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