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- 🤝 Tucker Passes the Gavel: Meet Mayor Anne Lerner
🤝 Tucker Passes the Gavel: Meet Mayor Anne Lerner
Tucker swears in new mayor and council members, Tucker's new art space coming soon, and more


Good morning, Tucker!
In today’s edition:
Tucker welcomes its new mayor: Anne Lerner!
Tucker’s new art space - Mama Debbie's Art Emporium - coming soon
How Growings is expanding and feeding the community
PSA: Find all of our prior newsletters here.
Start your year with clarity
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This isn’t about setting more goals. It’s about understanding what matters, clearly and calmly.
A simple reset for January. A thoughtful way to review your year.
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Stay in the Loop 💫
🤝 New Era Begins: Tucker Welcomes Mayor Anne Lerner
Tucker has a new mayor! Anne Lerner was sworn in this past Sunday at a packed City Hall ceremony. Judge Stephen Nicholas led the oath of office next to a special piece of history—a desk that belonged to Tucker's very first postmaster back in 1892.
Lerner wasn't the only one sworn in that day: Council members Roger Orlando, Cara Schroeder, and Alexis Weaver all returned for another term, ready to continue their work for the community.
In her first remarks as mayor, Lerner paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Frank Auman and his family, recognizing their dedication to Tucker. She emphasized that leadership isn't a solo act—it's about teamwork, listening to different voices, and keeping the community's best interests front and center.
The ceremony drew quite a crowd, including officials from neighboring cities and DeKalb County. Stone Mountain's new Mayor Jelani Linder and DeKalb County Commissioner Robert Patrick were among those celebrating the transition.
Lerner's message was clear: Tucker's strength comes from people working together, even when they don't see eye to eye. With the gavel now passed, the city moves forward with fresh leadership building on the foundation already laid.

Mayor Anne Lerner being sworn in by Judge Stephen Nicholas on Jan 12 | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

Council woman Alexis Weaver being sworn in for another term | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

Council member Roger Orlando being sworn in for another term | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

Council woman Cara Schroeder being sworn in for another term | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

Former Mayor Frank Auman passing on the gavel to Anne Lerner | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish

Tucker’s City Council with new Mayor Anne Lerner | Photo Credit: Dean Hesse, Decaturish
Read more from the source: Decaturish
🎨 Tucker Gets a Colorful New Art Space With Heart
Tucker is about to get something special! Angelica Bakhsh is opening Mama Debbie's Art Emporium later this month, and it's not your typical gallery. Named after her late mother, this place is all about creating a safe haven for artists and community members who've ever felt like outsiders.

Angelica Bakhsh will open Mama Debbie’s Art Emporium in Tucker later this month | Photo source: Stephanie Toone, Roughdraft Atlanta
Bakhsh's mom was an activist who welcomed all the kids who didn't quite fit in—the creative ones, the queer kids, anyone whose family didn't get them. Growing up in South Georgia, Bakhsh saw how her mom's home became a refuge, and that's exactly what she wants to recreate in Tucker.
She's teaming up with her high school best friend Clay Morey to transform the old Treasures on the Railroad building into a 7,500-square-foot creative hub. They've spent months renovating the historic mill, and the community is already rallying behind them. Their Kickstarter campaign blew past its $10,000 goal, raising over $11,000 to build a classroom space.
So what's inside? The front will have free coffee, two gallery spaces, and retail featuring up to 30 local artists. There's also a "co-arting" area where creatives can rent workspace or booths. The classroom will offer everything from woodworking to sewing, with all the tools provided. Even Scraplanta is excited to partner up for workshops.
The vibe is pure Mama Debbie—peacocks, tiger wallpaper, and bold colors everywhere. Bakhsh is intentional about who she welcomes: artists under 21 don't pay rent, booth fees start at just $50 a month, and she's crystal clear about her values around inclusivity and social justice.
Mama Debbie's Art Emporium is at 4290 Railroad Ave. No official opening date yet, but you can stop by to check out the space (and maybe pet a paper tiger).
Read more from the source: RoughDraft Atlanta
Tucker Moments 📸
🪴 Growings Is Expanding and Feeding the Community
The new year has brought serious momentum to Growings! They're expanding their operations and getting ready to grow even more fresh food for the community.
![]() Photo Source: NETWorks Cooperative Ministry | ![]() Photo Source: NETWorks Cooperative Ministry |
Here's what's happening: Plumbing work for the expansion is underway, and River #0 is nearly complete—it'll boost their growing capacity by 30% and should be producing this week. The team is already harvesting beautiful collard greens, with volunteers of all ages getting hands-on experience. A generous donor has provided materials and labor to make the whole expansion possible.
And if you haven't already, check out their collard greens at Fords BBQ! It's local food grown right there at NETWorks, going straight from Growings to your plate.
The mission is simple: Growing. Feeding. Teaching. Thanks to volunteers and supporters, Growings is making fresh, healthy food accessible to neighbors while teaching the next generation about urban farming. Get involved with Growings and NETWorks Ministry here.
Tucker Events 🎟️
📆 Upcoming Events
🎵 Tucker’s 2026 Winter Concert Series
📍Location: Tucker Recreational Center (4898 Lavista Road)
🗓️ Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm; music starts at 7pm
Join us for our 2026 Winter Concert Series! Enjoy a cozy evening filled with great vibes, live music, and feel free to pack your favorite snacks or dinner to enjoy during the show. This is a free event, but preregistration for each attendee is required due to limited space. It’s the perfect way to warm up your winter with fun, music, and community! [Ages 18+]
Dates:
Friday, January 9, 2026
⭐️ Friday, January 23, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Friday, February 20, 2026
Register here!
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Join the City of Tucker in honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a day of community service and connection! Come together to make a difference in our local parks and green spaces. 9am - 12pm. More details here.

Join us at the garden on Saturday, January 31st for our National Seed Swap day event! We'll have packets of seeds and possibly some bags of tulips to swap with you! Bring a seed packet, cutting, or collected seeds and swap for something new! Everyone is welcome. 11-1. Rain date is Sunday, Feb 1.
Hosting an event and want to get featured in Tucker Today? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
🔁 Recurring Events
Event | Details | Location / Date |
|---|---|---|
🍃 Just a Walk in the Park (formerly Wild Walks) | Stay active and enjoy the outdoors! | Beginning March 5 - program will take place every Wednesday w/ 2 morning and 2 eventing walks. Click here for details. |
🀄️Tucker Mahjong Club | For beginners and advanced players. 4 mahjong sets will be provided. Join the Facebook group here. | 📍Location: Tucker Recreational Center 🗓️ Date/time: Thursdays @ 1:30pm - 3:30pm |
♟️Tucker Chess Club | 100% free and open to all skill levels! Bring chess gear, snacks, dinner, and friends! Contact [email protected] with any q’s. | 📍Location: 2317 Main St 🗓️ Date/time: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday @ 7pm |
🎧️Podcast Club | Join the Podcast Club every 1st Tuesday of the month! Questions? Email Elizabeth at [email protected] | 📍Location: Tucker-Reid Cofer Library 🗓️ Date/time: 6:30-7:30pm; recurring every 2nd Tuesday of the month (next meeting on Feb 10th) |
☕️ Corner Cup Monthly Meetups | Looking to meet new folks? Swing by the Corner Cup for a casual monthly meetup! | 📍Location: Corner Cup 🗓️ Date/time: 2pm; recurring every 3rd Sunday of the month |
Tucker Tunes - Live Music 🎵
Monday
Napoleon's Grill | Jazz Jam Session & Open Mic | 7:30pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Moonshadow Tavern | Open Mic Night | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Thursday
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday
Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm
The Mad Italian | Live Music | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Moonshadow Tavern | Live Music | 8:00pm - 11:30pm
Tucker Brewing Company | Live Music | 4:00pm - 10:00pm
Thank you, Tucker!
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![]() | Angela Ahn & David Choe Founders + Editors-in-Chief of Tucker Today and DOA Media Group |








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