Storylines - Life in Fayetteville, Georgia

FAL L / W IN T E R 2018

STO RY L I N E S LIFE IN FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA

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LOCAL LENSES S TA RT C AT C H I N G YO U R B E S T S H O T S N OW FOR THE 2019 CONTEST!

Everyone who comes to Fayetteville brings a unique perspective – and everyone sees our town through their own personal lens.

In 2018, the City asked residents to submit original photography that revealed a surprising, distinctive, or special glimpse into the community. Dozens of photographers participated and dozens more have come by City Hall to view a gallery-style display of the eleven winning photos.

Plans for next year’s contest are underway.

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[1]

Inside the Old Fayette County Courthouse Clock by Brad Fairchild. First place, 2018 City of Fayetteville Photography Contest All 11 winning photos are on display at City Hall.

2018 HONORABLE MENTIONS

[ 2 ] Frozen Waterfall Sign by Carl Martin [ 3 ] December 2017 Snow by Kaleigh Gillette [ 4 ] [ 5 ] Sunset Over Truett’s Luau Parking Lot by Shari Nettles 3

Old Fayette County Courthouse by Alex Austin

IN THIS EPISODE

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A WELL-ROUNDED SQUARE Small businesses make downtown Fayetteville a big deal

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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

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POINTED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

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Plan to have a spooktacular fall

In every issue TAKE 3 CHALLENGE

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Three small ways to love your city

CITY BEATS

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Can’t-miss events

Old courthouse weathervane has a stormy history

CLASS ACTS HONORING SERVICE Community comes together for our veterans

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Education updates

ACTION! 20 Georgia’s film industry

FAYETTEVILLE POLICE CARE Junior police academy helps kids stay safe

SCENES & SETTINGS 26 Spotlighting neighborhoods

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‘TIS THE SEASON Christmas in Fayetteville

GREAT TASTES

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PIE SQUARED

TOUCHPOINTS 38

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PRESENTING THIS YEAR’S FAYETTE IDOL

CHATTER 39

Emma Skaggs takes home the top title

Connect with the city

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DOLLARS & SENSE

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LEARNING CIVICS FROM THE INSIDE

Oz Pizza: fine folks, Finest Taste

Budgeting for Fayetteville’s future

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City staff share their faves

Where stories intersect

OFFICIAL VIEWS

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Meet your leaders

CITY SLATE

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Contact us

AVPRIDE interns do great work

BEHIND THE SCENES 45

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A CITY ON THE MOVE

Your city at work

Part One: The History

ON THE COVER: Photography by Malt Maker Media, featuring Fayetteville resident Tracy Lott STORYLINES IS AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, PRODUCED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE FOLLOWING: Fayette Publishing, publishing and distribution; Wheat Germ Strategy, editorial management and writing; cre8minds, design Photographs on pages 6-9, 14-15, 26, 28-29, 40-41 courtesy of Cheryl Hartsell

GREETINGS READERS! I’m excited to welcome you to the first issue of Storylines: Life in Fayetteville, GA. This new City of Fayetteville publication will help keep residents and businesses up-todate on local happenings and important City initiatives, and will help you get to know the people who share your community.

Storylines is also a powerful way to show visitors, new residents, economic investors, and others what Fayetteville is all about.

Above all, this new magazine is designed to help forge connections – between people, between customers and businesses, and between our citizens and those entrusted with running our City government.

With every issue, we hope you’ll discover a new business, be inspired to attend an event you’ve never experienced before, or create a new memory somewhere in our city. If you live here already, we hope you’ll discover a new sense of pride in our community.

If you’re visiting or considering relocation, we hope you’ll feel more welcome as a result of learning more about who we are.

Every city and town across the globe is made up of people, projects, and organizations, all with distinct and interesting stories. When those individual stories come together, we create community, and community is the difference between having a hometown and simply residing somewhere.

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Effective, efficient government focused on earning citizen trust by using time and tax dollars wisely while offering clear, transparent communication.

Economic development that encourages healthy growth and provides opportunity while protecting Fayetteville’s charm and distinct personality.

We are Fayetteville, GA. We are a community. These are our stories.

Neighborhood enhancements that beautify our city, improve quality of life for our residents, and help people connect to each other and their community.

Ed Johnson Mayor of Fayetteville

Infrastructure improvements to ensure that service quality and consistency meet the needs of our residents and businesses.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR MALT MAKER MEDIA FOR THIS ISSUE’S COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Transportation investments to create roads and pedestrian pathways so residents and visitors can enjoy everything our city has to offer.

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A WELLROUNDED S QUA R E

Fayetteville’s downtown square is a significant part of its history. These days, it’s also one of the city’s top spots for cool shops and hot eateries. With 16 businesses located directly on the square proper, and more than a dozen more within a block or so, our downtown has something for just about every taste – plus plenty of period architecture, smalltown bustle, and nature galore for atmosphere.

Some of our businesses have been on the square for more than half a century. Others just got here. But whether tried and true or fresh and fun, all these storefronts have something in common: they love our community and they’re invested in making Fayetteville an amazing place to live and visit.

Photo courtesy of Gremlin Growlers

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We’ve been here since 1947 and the community has always been great to us. The recent growth has been tremendous for our business. - Jimmy Jones, owner of Jackson Insurance Agency

We love the merchants that have chosen to invest their livelihood in our downtown!

Together, they create an awesome culture that is unique to Fayetteville.

- Brian Wismer, City of Fayetteville Downtown Development Director

I’ve always loved the square. It’s cute, it’s charming. And it’s been great for business! - Leah McLwaine, owner of Uniquely Gifted.

A lot of foresight has gone into making the square what it is today and it’s been so much fun to see the changes that have come since I opened 35 years ago. I can honestly say there’s no place on earth I’d rather be. - Rene Victor Bidez, photography.

I chose Fayetteville for my business because we live in the city and we want everything we do to go back into the community – our tax dollars, our nonprofit work – everything. This is our home and we want to invest in it.

- Sonya Gibson, owner of Traditions Massage & Facial Spa

We’ve been on the square for 57 years and I still go into the office every day. Our family are fifth generation Fayette Countians, and we are proud to be part of the local history. - Charles Ballard, founder of Ballard Law Office

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Eat indoors or out, sip anything from coffee to cocktails, and nosh on a variety of cuisines and snacks at virtually any time of day. Drop in and shop for yourself or a friend – and find anything from salt lamps to college gear to funky styles and home decor. Enjoy a massage or a new hairstyle. And then have a seat on the courthouse lawn swing and just take in the scenery.

Whatever you’re looking for, it’s here in Fayetteville.

Eat & Drink • City Cafe • Gremlin Growlers • Margarita Momma’s Bourbon Street

Grill • Olde Courthouse Tavern • Oz Pizza • Twisted Taco

Shop • Betty’s Fine Collectables • “Hey Jo!” Boutique • Junk Mama’s General Store • Occasionally Yours • Tribal Chick • Uniquely Gifted

Enjoy • 92.5 The Bear WEKS-FM • Holiday Inn Express • Shearnanigans Salon • Traditions Massage & Facial Spa

Do Business • Ballard Law Office • Jackson Insurance • Photography by Rene Victor Bidez

downtownfayetteville.org 9

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS What would fall be without a touch of spooky family fun? Whether you love to dress up or prefer to keep your creativity on the face of a pumpkin, Fayetteville has your Halloween covered. Check out these hauntingly fun events and mark your calendar now.

11TH ANNUAL CEMETERY WALK FRIDAY, OCT. 19 & SATURDAY, OCT. 20, 6:30 - 9 P.M. Hosted by the Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum and Main Street Fayetteville, this talk-and-walk tour features tales from 12 Fayette County history-makers. Walks depart from the gates of the Fayetteville City Cemetery just west of the Old Fayette County Courthouse. Afterwards, adjourn downtown for spirits of a different sort, if you choose.

THE GREAT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: FRIDAY, OCT. 26 & SATURDAY, OCT. 27 PUMPKINS ON THE SQUARE FRIDAY, ALL DAY Every year, hundreds of residents start plotting their pumpkins early so they can bring their finished masterpieces to the Old Courthouse Lawn to compete for boasting rights – and ribbons! Sound like fun? Get to carving! Or just block out some time to check out their handiwork sometime during the week!

FREE MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: HOCUS POCUS FRIDAY, 6:30 P.M. Keep your spirits up with this fave family flick, absolutely free on the Old Courthouse Lawn.

TRICK-OR-TREAT ON MAIN ST. SATURDAY, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Dress up the kids and bring them on down to collect candy from merchants on the square and enjoy a hay ride, some face-painting, or a few games – then join in the costume contest that afternoon. And don’t forget to check out the vendors at this month’s Main Street Market (details on p 16).

HAUNTED WOODS AT THE RIDGE NATURE AREA SATURDAY, 6 - 9 P.M. Haunted Tours featuring stories by the Southern Crescent Storytellers. Separate children’s and adult trails.

Costume prizes. Co-sponsored by Main Street Fayetteville and Southern Conservation Trust.

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TAKE 1

CHALLENGE

Every story is made up of countless tiny beats. In every episode, we’ll offer you three small ways to love life in Fayetteville – and challenge you to savor the memories made in small, still moments.

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Pose for a photo with the #handheartfayetteville painting at the corner of N. Glynn St. & W. Lanier Ave. downtown

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Leave a painted rock at the Kindness Rocks Garden outside The Shed at Junk Mama’s General Store

LOVE THIS CHALLENGE?

Wish on a coin at the Togwatee Village shopping center across from Piedmont Fayette Hospital

Show us on social! Post your pics, tag the city, and don’t forget to hashtag #FayettevilleTake3!

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{PRINCIPAL PARTNER}

T AKING STE PS TO W A R D S W E L L NE S S Last year, Piedmont Fayette Hospital announced plans

pressure and risk of stroke and improving one’s sleep

to build the Piedmont Wellness Center at Pinewood

and overall mood.

Forest. Groundbreaking on the two-story, 60,000 square foot facility took place this spring and construction is

Cut the bad stuff, add the good stuff – Eating junk food,

well underway. Building a medically-integrated wellness

smoking, and drinking heavily will take a toll on your

center is a way for Piedmont Fayette to encourage the

health. Start eliminating these bad behaviors, one by one,

community to lead healthier lifestyles and focus on

and replacing them with a healthier behavior. People

preventive medicine. The Piedmont Wellness Center at

who quit smoking start seeing significant improvements

Pinewood Forest is expected to open in November of

in their health within days and replacing soda with water

2019. Until then, there are many ways for Fayette County

is great for your waistline and your health. “Poor diet,

citizens to begin their wellness journeys.

lack of exercise and smoking are all risk factors for heart disease,” said Dr. Olubi. “Eighty percent of heart and

Start moving – By now, you’ve probably heard the

stroke events can be prevented with lifestyle changes, so

recommendation that people should walk 10,000 steps

people should start making changes today.”

per day. However, for some people, depending on where they work or live, this may not be possible. Cardiologist

While the Piedmont Wellness Center at Pinewood Forest

Bukola Olubi, MD, recommends adding 30 minutes of

won’t be open until late next year, Piedmont Fayette is

exercise at least five times a week. This does not have

always there to help people on their wellness journeys.

to be 30 minutes of high intensity exercise at the gym

Find out more about the trained healthcare professionals

or even 30 consecutive minutes during the day, simply

and the services they provide at piedmont.org.

adding three 10-minute strolls can do wonders for a person’s health and wellness, including lowering blood

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POINT E D IN T HE

Right

DIRE C T IO N

Weathervanes tell fascinating stories. In the case of Fayetteville’s Old Courthouse, the weathervane is less than ancient – but it’s solid proof that, when an ill wind blows, locals come together to put things right.

On Easter Sunday in 1982, arsonists set fire to the courthouse, causing significant damage. The historic weathervane fell victim to the flames, along with many of the building’s other architectural details. Given theirs was then the oldest courthouse in continuous use in the nation, the community wasn’t about to let the landmark fall. Restoration efforts, led by the Historical Society, commenced almost immediately. Ronnie Hammond, a sheet metal fabricator in Morrow, constructed the new weathervane in his home shop. The piece is 18’ tall and took more than 18 hours to create.

Greek astronomer Andronicus is said to have crafted the first known weathervane around 48 B.C. Designed as a tribute to Triton, a bronze statue of the god of the sea sat atop the Tower of the Winds in Athens – and pointed out the wind direction with Triton’s wand. However, the Huainanzi, an ancient Chinese collection of essays based scholarly debates held at the court of Liu An, King of Huainan sometime before 139 BC, contains the first written reference to weathervanes.

As civilization evolved, weathervanes often replaced the banners flown from castle walls to help archers aim more accurately. Eventually, European town halls and churches, usually the tallest buildings in town, began erecting weathervanes so that farmers and other citizens could read the weather. This tradition was brought over to America, although it wasn’t unusual for American farms or homes to have their own vanes, simply because they might be so far from town.

Today, weathervanes are an incredibly popular form of folk art, with antique vanes often drawing significant sums from collectors and custom-designed pieces once again increasing in popularity in private homes.

In Fayetteville, the old courthouse weathervane is a recognizable part of our downtown architecture – and it’s now part of our Main Street Program’s logo. Downtown Development Director Brian Wismer has suggested that the directionals’ four points can represent the Main Street tenets of design, organization, economic development, and organization – and that the upward-pointing arrow is fitting for a city with as much growth and excitement of Fayetteville.

DID YO U K N OW ?

The largest working weathervane in the U.S. is 48’ tall and its arrow is 26’. It can be found in Montague, MI. The “vane” in weathervane comes from the English word “fana,” which means “flag” or “banner.”

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CITY BEATS MEET LOCAL VENDORS AT MAIN STREET MARKET LOVE SHOPPING FOR UNIQUE LOCALLY MADE ITEMS? You’ll love Fayetteville’s Main Street Market. Held spring through fall, the market brings together vendors offering handcrafted goods for sale. Vendors vary from market to market, but there’s always something interesting – and usually something tasty! It’s also a great time to check out the courthouse lawn art sculptures, bump into old friends, and meet new folks.

MISSED THE OTHER MARKETS THIS YEAR? No worries. You’ve got one more chance. Come by the historic courthouse grounds on Sat., Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. 5 p.m. This special market is part of The Great Pumpkin Festival and is sure to offer lots of fall goodies, plus a chance to get in a little early holiday shopping.

#SHOPLOCAL

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CLASS ACTS What makes a great community? It’s not something we usually ask kids to think about. But kids grow into adults, and ideally they grown into informed, involved citizens. So why not start them thinking about community young?

One student group built a school out of boxes and packing materials. Other projects included a hospital, a water amusement park, a transportation infrastructure, a house, and a farm-to-table restaurant, demonstrating that, even in third grade, people understand that a strong community has lots of components.

Third-graders at Fayetteville’s Spring Hill Elementary recently did exactly that when their teachers, Mrs. Stalvey and Mrs. Snell, assigned them to think through the question and then work in small groups to create a representation of the ideal community using common household items.

As part of the workshop, Gibson showed students the City’s downtown redevelopment plan and explained elements such as parking, greenspace, recreational facilities and the new city hall. The kids showed lots of interest, asking savvy questions about costs and work plans.

City Manager Ray Gibson joined the class to hear them present their ideas and offer feedback.

“It’s exciting to see these young students, the future of Fayetteville, taking such a keen interest in the future of their hometown,” Gibson says. “We want to be the ‘good community’ they choose to stay in when they grow up.”

“The kids came up with some really interesting ideas, and then Mr. Gibson was able to come in and ask questions to help them think about things like amenities and infrastructure,” says Jeff Eller, the media center specialist who coordinated the project with the city. “Then he presented the Fayetteville redevelopment plan as though it was any other town hall meeting. It was really valuable for the students.”

Over the summer, Gibson joined other community leaders at Spring Hill as part of a week-long summer camp designed to show students how their community works and encourage them to stay interested and involved.

Student involvement and leadership is important. These are our future citizens.

Jeff Eller, STEAM educator, Spring Hill Elementary

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HONORING SERVICE Veterans Day. It’s the one day each year devoted to honoring those who’ve served and defended our country through military service. Fayetteville has long celebrated this special day with a parade through town, often followed by a service at the American Legion log cabin, located just off the square. The community inevitably comes out in full force to show its gratitude, and it’s a terrific family-friendly day for all. Many of the local schools also hold Veterans Day ceremonies.

Fayetteville also strives to recognize veterans throughout the year. In August, the City teamed up with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and The Gardens of Fayetteville to honor local WWII veteran Willie Miller on his ninety-fifth birthday. During the surprise ceremony, Council members presented Miller with an official city proclamation celebrating his life and thanking him for his service. Retired as a Marine Corps Master Sergeant, Miller served from 1943 to 1968, which put him in not one, but three major conflicts: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

On the west side of the old courthouse, just behind the flagpole, sits a permanent monument dedicated to all veterans, as well as the 27 local men who gave their lives during World War I (3), World War II (14), Korea (3), and Vietnam (7).

In September, all local armed forces organizations join together for a POW/ MIA Remembrance Day ceremony at Patriot Park in Fayetteville.

Each December, the Falcon Field Composite Squadron GA-116 in Peachtree City brings cadets and others to the Fayetteville Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of veterans buried there. The project is part of the national Wreaths Across America program.

Numerous local organizations and faith groups also hold ceremonies in honor of our veterans on major holidays throughout the year. Many local businesses offer military and veteran discounts, and our veterans organizations are always represented in parades, festivals, and other events.

2018 VETERANS DAY PARADE NOV. 10 • 10 A.M. DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE

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ACTION! GEORGIA’S FILM INDUSTRY IS BOOMING AND FAYETTEVILLE IS A HUGE PART OF THAT SUCCESS. CHECK OUT THESE INCREDIBLE STATS, COURTESY OF THE GEORGIA FILM ACADEMY: • $9.5 billion in economic activity was generated by the film industry in

the last fiscal year, up from $7 billion the prior year • 320 films and television shows were shot in Georgia • 17 of 2016’s top 100 grossing films were shot in Georgia. That’s more

than anywhere else in the world • 100+ sound stages are located in GA, including North America’s sec-

ond-largest sound complex, Pinewood Studios in Fayetteville • 3,000 Georgians have taken classes through the Georgia Film Acad-

emy partners and the program has provided more than 600 on-set internships

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2018 FILMS SHOT IN FAYETTE Ant-Man and the Wasp Avengers: Infinity War Krystal

{PRINCIPAL PARTNER}

PIN E WO O D A TL AN TA STU D I O S P RO VE S TH AT “R E E L PE O PL E C A R E ” Pinewood Atlanta Studios may be relatively new to our

together, many of which donate in-kind services and

community, but they’re committed to being part of it

trades for the event.

in ways that really count. In 2019, the popular Fayette Winter Gala is being rechristened

by

Pinewood

Atlanta

Studios as the Reel People Care Gala – with a goal of making it even more engaging

and

impactful

than

ever

before.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to

invite

the

community

into

the

studio,” says Brand and Buzz Executive Abby Bradley. “For security reasons, we

The Gala is a wonderful way to invite the local community in, while benefitting charities right in our backyard.

In is

2019,

Pinewood Atlanta

partnering with

Studios

Community

Foundation for Greater Atlanta, tapping into the Foundation’s expertise as a grant-making

organization

to

help

identify strong charities as beneficiaries and to ensure a seamless selection and grant award process.

“Fayetteville is our home, and we are fortunate to be a part of this great community,”

are rarely able to invite the public to

the

says

President

Frank

the studio, so the Gala provides an annual opportunity

Patterson. “We look forward each year to hosting an

for us to ‘open our gates’ to the local community – while

event for Fayette County’s non-profit organizations that

benefiting charities right here in our own backyard.”

together make a big difference in our community.”

The Gala was originally established in 2014 by Dan Cathy as a way to thank partners, vendors, contractors, local dignitaries, and staff who completed Phase One of Pinewood Atlanta Studios. Since the stage was already dressed, Pinewood decided to host a second event the next evening, with all proceeds from the event benefitting local Fayette County charities, a list provided by the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.

Drawing over 750 attendees mostly from Fayette County, the 2018 Gala raised over $1.4 million dollars for 21 charities located in or primarily serving Fayette County. A true community effort, the Gala provides an annual opportunity for Pinewood vendors to come credit Andre’ Doanes

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FAYETTEVILLE POLICE CARE Eleven young people participated in the Fayetteville Police Department’s 2018 Junior Police Academy (JPA), held the last week of June. Each day began with light PT, then moved into morning class work and afternoon practicals. One day focused on traffic investigations and kids had a chance to complete mock pullovers. Another day taught basic crime scene investigation and challenged academy members to assess a mock scene. Other sessions included gang and drug awareness, bullying, defensive tactics, and school violence. At the range, students worked with sim guns to gain understanding of weapon safety and capability.

Officers Eddie Hernandez and Richard Gaines of the CARE Unit lead the JPA. “We set up the CARE Unit to let the community know that we do care,” says Gaines. “That’s a big part of JPA, too. Yes, we want to show kids who are considering a law enforcement or justice career what the job entails, but we also want all kids to see us as people, not just uniforms. We want them to know that we’re there to protect and serve them, too.”

Officer Herdandez agrees.

“We aim to build a rapport with the kids,” he says, “and to model integrity and teamwork.”

Junior Police Academy is just one of ways the CARE Unit serves 22

our community. They also coordinate neighborhood watch programs, hold active shooter classes, run the annual Citizen’s Police Academy, and speak at assisted living communities and the senior center about fraud prevention and other concerns.

They coordinate the PD’s philanthropic efforts like collecting toys and clothes for kids during the holidays and rounding up officers to participate in No-Shave November, which supports cancer awareness and education each year. They’re also the faces you’ll see at community events.

“The CARE Unit lets us focus on the service side of policing,” Gaines says. “When you’re on patrol, you usually interact with people on their worst day. This gives us all a chance to see each other on a good day.”

Fayetteville’s JPA, now in its eighteenth year, is open annually to kids who’ve competed sixth grade but not yet started high school.

While first consideration is given to Fayetteville residents, any child in that grade range is welcome.

“It’s a whole lot of fun,” Hernandez says. “The kids really get into it and I still keep in touch with a couple who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. But what I really like is that they come out of JPA more educated about how to stay safe in their daily lives and understanding a bit more about the community around them.

Photography by Rene Victor Bidez

IN PROFILE

OFFICER EDWIN (EDDIE) HERNANDEZ Time on job: 3 years

In his prior life: careers in real estate and customer service — including a stint with Disney!

Fun fact: Though he’s been interested in law enforcement for most of his adult life, he didn’t become a police officer until age 30

Distinctions: When Fayettville PD Chief Scott Gray formed the CARE Unit in May 2017, Hernandez was chosen as its first officer

What he loves about the unit: It’s 100%

CARE

service-focused

C O M M U N I T Y A C T I V I T Y, R E S O U R C E & E D U C AT I O N

What he loves about Fayetteville: “The community we work for. The citizens and businesses in Fayetteville are extremely supportive of the Department and its officers.”

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'tis the season Nothing says drama like lighting a giant tree. Gather at Heritage Park for choral singers and ornamentmaking, then warm up with cocoa or coffee (or iced tea, depending – this is Georgia) and prepare to ooh and ahhh as the lights go on.

FAYETTEVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING @ HERITAGE PARK SATURDAY, DEC. 1, 7 P.M.

Pick your spot on the street early to enjoy this annual tradition filled with music, floats, characters, and more. Kids will love seeing Santa, the dancing trees, and more – and everyone will love the excitement and pageantry.

FAYETTEVILLE CHRISTMAS PARADE @ HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FAYETTEVILLE SATURDAY, DEC. 1, 5 P.M.

Step back in time for an afternoon to see how the Victorians celebrated the season. A terrific blend of education and entertainment, this popular local event is a unique way to start off a day of Christmas fun for the whole family.

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS @ HOLLIDAY-DORSEY-FIFE MUSEUM SATURDAY, DEC. 1, 1 P.M. – 4 P.M.

Start off the season with a free family movie, sponsored by Main Street Fayetteville! Entertainment begins at 6:30 on the Old Courthouse Lawn. Movie starts at sundown.

FREE MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: PRANCER FRIDAY, NOV. 16

CHRISTMAS IN FAYETTEVILLE

Photos courtesy of Malt Maker Media

Scenes & Settings

APPLE ORCHARD ARTS & CRAFTS AND VICTORIAN 50 HOMES

BUILT 2003

LOCATION: Near intersection of Beauregard Blvd. & Grady Ave. DEVELOPERS: Bob Dixon of Dixon Built Homes, Chris of Chris Dixon & Associates, James Allen COMMUNITY FEATURES: Large park with gazebo and small park with stocked lake and fishing dock

Apple Orchard is known for two things: its charming, turn-of-the-century homes and its serene, classic feel. Rear garages and ample front porches lend curb appeal and help the community feel more like a neighborhood and less like a subdivision. Sidewalks dotted with period streetlights offer strollability and help neighbors connect, and greenspaces and mature landscaping offer shade in warm months and beauty in every season. Apple Orchard won the Best Residential Development award in Fayetteville’s firstever Development of Excellence Awards.

We were one of the first families to move into Apple Orchard and we still love it. It’s peaceful here, but also convenient. It’s just a great place to live. - Amy Davis

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{PRINCIPAL PARTNER}

G R OWING WI TH THE CO M M U N ITY Fayetteville’s recent story is one of strategic growth,

Once folks started stopping by The Studio Cafe,

and the same can be said of Hanna Brothers. We

we started getting requests for corporate and event catering. We’ve now catered galas

came to the community from New Orleans – by way of Florida – with

Items To Go: 9:00-5:00 Mon.-Fri.

more than twenty years in the film industry. As film caterers, we were

Lunch Buffet: 11:00-2:30 Tues.-Fri.

drawn to Fayetteville by Pinewood Atlanta but, once we got here, we found it was the perfect place for us to thrive in ways we’d never

Friday Night Supper Club: 5:30-9:00

imagined.

Saturday Mimosa Brunch: 10:00-2:30

“Once my brother and I started spending time here due to work commitments,

we

Saturday Nights Live Dinner: 5:30-9:00

functions. Our client list includes Panasonic, Chick-Fil-A’s corporate office, and the Atlanta Falcons, along with many more.

Additionally,

we’ve

had

the

pleasure of suppling FEMA with disaster relief meals for people affected by the hurricanes last year.

In just a few short years, our business – and our

Hanna. “Not only did we find an awesome business

connection to the local community – has grown. And

environment in which we could successfully grow our

we couldn’t be happier to be here. We hope to see each

company, but an amazing community of people that

of you at The Studio Cafe operated by Hanna Brothers

prompted us to relocate our own families to the area.”

soon – or at your next event!

Originally we thought being based out of Pinewood Atlanta Studios would help us grow our film catering, but in addition to that, we found an amazing opportunity to invite the public to sample our food from the studio cafe – and create a unique gathering place that we hoped would become a community The

as meetings and other corporate

immediately

fell in love with Fayette County,” says co-owner Joe

landmark.

and other special events, as well

Studio

Cafe

operated

by Hanna

Brothers opened in 2014 and was remodeled in early 2018. We now offer grab-and-go items and a lunch buffet during the week, dinner clubs on Fridays and Saturdays, and a Saturday Mimosa brunch.

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Each spring, hundreds of people flock to one of the area’s most anticipated events: the Annual Taste of Fayette festival, hosted

by Main Street Fayetteville. For just a few bucks per tent, attendees can sample fare from an array of local restaurants and eateries — and vote their favorites into one of several coveted titles. In 2018, the top title, Finest Taste, went to Oz Pizza, located right on the downtown square.

pie

SQUARED

to provide our guests with a sense of community, where neighbors come to enjoy great food and service. The City has been terrific to work with, too. They have terrific vision and they’re very focused on bringing a variety of businesses to the square.”

For their part, the City is always excited to showcase local businesses.

“Taste of Fayette is designed to create awareness of our great local restaurants,” says Downtown Development Director Brian Wismer. “It’s also a fun opportunity to get people downtown to see how vibrant our town center has become over the last few years.”

“We were really thrilled to win Finest Taste,” says Chris Wylie, who co-owns Oz with David Howard.

“This was our second year participating in Taste of Fayette and it was great for us. Our booth had a nonstop line for four straight hours. It was incredible.”

Technically, you don’t have to go downtown to enjoy an Oz pizza; they just started offering delivery through GrubHub. But Chris says coming to the restaurant is a part of the experience not to be missed.

Oz, which serves traditional New York style pizza as well as subs, salads, calzones, desserts, beer, and wine, brought three of their specialty pizzas to the event and the crowd — obviously — went wild for them. In fact, Oz’s Fayetteville location is always a popular spot for lunch, dinner, and drinks. The covered patio is often packed, especially during special events like team trivia and fundraiser nights, which have raised more than $55,000 for charities and nonprofits across all locations.

“We just love bringing neighbors together,” he says. “That’s what we want to be, a gathering place, and I think we’ve become that.

We’re really grateful to all the customers who’ve supported us and we look forward to being part of the Fayetteville community for a long time to come.”

“David and I both grew up in the pizza industry,” says Chris, “and we thought, ‘why not open our own?’”

That was in 1997 and the pizzeria now has three locations, including the one in Fayetteville.

“We decided early that we wanted to focus on the southside of Atlanta and we really love historic downtowns,” Chris says. “Fayetteville is perfect. It fits completely with our mission

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PRESENTING THIS YEAR’S FAYETTE IDOL Fayetteville folk are famously multi-talented. We’ve got great dancers and actors and lawyers and doctors — and designers and accountants and cosmetologists and plumbers and everything in between. One of our best-attended annual community events is Fayette Idol, which showcases the vocal skills of talented locals.

Emma Skaggs took home the top title at this year’s event, held at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Amphitheater on Sept. 29.

Pictured are 19 & Over group winner Shunrodney Rosser, Jr.; 14-17 group winner Lydia Campbell; Skaggs; 12-13 group winner DiDi Stone; and 9-11 group winner Gracyn Thompson. Around 350 people attended the event, which featured dozens of competitors.

GOT PIPES? AUDITION FORMS FOR NEXT YEAR’S EVENT WILL BE POSTED IN THE SUMMER!

#FAYETTEIDOL

Photography by Malt Maker Media

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EMBRACE NATURE AT THE RIDGE

If you love the great outdoors The Ridge Nature Area, a 308-acre preserve off Burch Rd., is the place for you. With eight trails, dozens of scenic views, and a smattering of cool picnic areas, this woodsy, creek-crossed greenspace offers tons of opportunity for exploration, education, and exercise in the fresh air.

Owned by the City of Fayetteville and managed by Southern Conservation Trust, The Ridge opened in 2016 and is being developed in phases, as funding permits.

It’s already the site of a popular annual trail run, as well as the home of numerous Scout and community group projects. And it’s fast gaining a well-deserved reputation as a terrific place to spot wildlife. Do bring bug spray though. It’s nature, after all.

Not into wandering the wilderness but still want to enjoy the preserve? Adopt a turtle! As part of a collaborative research project with Clayton State University, more than 800 endangered Eastern Box Turtles are radio monitored at The Ridge, with an eye to preserving and stabilizing the population.

Learn more at the Southern Conservation Trust website or follow The Ridge Nature Area on Facebook.

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IN PROFILE

Dollars & Sense RON CANTONI MEMBER, CITIZENS BUDGET COMMITTEE Time in Fayetteville: 20

In local government, summer is budget season. Fayetteville’s 2019 budget was developed, as budgets should be, based on the City’s strategic plan.

“Strategic planning is a process that allows the city to constantly improve by providing a realistic workable framework with which to accomplish desired results, while at the same time being more fiscally responsible,” explains City Manager Ray Gibson. “An effective strategic planning process has the potential to improve management, decision-making, community involvement, stakeholder involvement, and overall performance.”

years (Has also lived in NJ, NY, CA, and TX)

Family: Married for 45 years to Pat Cantoni; two adult children

Professional

Life:

Career

in

banking

operations, which he says involves managing teams of people to make sure customers are served properly

THE PLAN In December 2017, the mayor and council, along with the City’s management team, attended a two-day retreat in Macon, Georgia. At the retreat, the Fayetteville group held an in-depth conversation about where our city is today, where we are going, what we need to focus on to get there, and how we want to perform. The discussion also moved the group to adopt new vision and mission statements, as well as revised core values. The four strategic priority areas that resulted from the discussion are:

• • • •

Invest in Transportation Develop the Economic Opportunity Protect and Grow Infrastructure Improve Neighborhoods

Fun fact: Loves NASCAR and enjoys having Atlanta Motor Speedway 15 minutes away

Favorite thing about Fayetteville: “Watching it grow has been very interesting and we love seeing new, good restaurants come in. We’re

For each of the four strategic priority areas, the participants identified short and long-term action items to help move the city forward and developed a strategic plan, which is now available on the website. During the creation process, they added a fifth priority, Effective and Efficient Government, to better align daily operations with the new vision for the city.

also very happy about Pinewood because I love industry that helps communities thrive and Pat is a huge movie buff.”

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THE BUDGET Once the plan was finalized, the budget process began. Each City department, working with the strategic plan as a guide, determined what they would need to serve residents and business owners properly. These needs were then analyzed, prioritized, and priced. All funding sources were considered carefully, and all viable options considered. At the end of the day, it was clear that the City would need more dollars than were available. This meant asking citizens to approve a property tax millage rate increase.

Fayetteville’s leadership believes in transparency and collaboration, so before moving forward with a vote, they did something fairly unusual: they formed the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee to consider priorities. They put out a public call for resident volunteers and got great response. The final committee included two CPAs, a banking official, an attorney, a retired hospital administrator, and a state employee with budget background, among others. All told, the committee met four times to analyze the proposed budget, discuss needs and solutions with City management, to provide suggestions and input regarding resident concerns and needs. They looked not only at the general fund, but also the water & sewer and special enterprise funds.

“We had a really good group of people and I think it was a good experience for everyone involved,” says local resident Ron Cantoni, who served on the committee. “As a citizen, I appreciated both that City management educated us about grant opportunities and other budget details, but that they asked our opinion on everything from taxes to the number of police we thought the city should have. I think it was helpful for the people at the City, too, to hear what we had to say. It was very wise of them to form this committee.”

In early August, the City held three public hearings, and ultimately adopted the new budget – and corresponding millage increase – on Aug. 16.

THE BOTTOM LINE The main goal of the increase is to keep the general fund fiscally sustainable over the next six to ten years. For the FY2019 budget, the Mayor and Council approved the increase of the city’s rate from 3.874 mills to 5.646 mills. This creates $1,811,172.00 of additional tax dollars, of which $1,459,174.00 (just over 75%) goes toward public safety (fire and police).

“I feel it’s really important to be involved in our local community and its decisions, when possible,” Cantoni says. “Our first opportunity is to vote. This was an opportunity to then talk directly with those elected and appointed to manage our city. And they listened. That’s important. They’ve also been transparent, which is also important.

Fayetteville citizens are reasonable. Sure, you’ll always have a few naysayers, whatever you may do, but if our leadership makes good decisions and explains them clearly, the majority of people will understand. I think people understood why this millage increase was necessary and that made all the difference.”

WHERE DO THE DOLLARS GO?

WHAT DOES THE INCREASE FUND?

12 new fire fighters approved through a SAFER grant

5 new police officers to serve zone 5 (Pinewood Forest, Pinewood Atlanta Studios, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, and Lester Road area)

Critical public safety capital items such as police cars, cameras for cars, body cameras, vehicles for the fire department, and turnout gear

Seed money for the new City Park/City Hall Project (which will be reimbursed when the city issues the debt for the project)

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Future cost-ofliving increases for the City staff, which was worked into the financial stabilization plan

2020 and future funding of the Parks and Recreation Department

M E XI C A N C H I C KE N PREP TIME: 15 minutes

MEXICAN CHICKEN

COOKING TIME: 1 hour

Julie works in the planning and zoning department, and has been with the City of Fayetteville since September 2011. Her main projects are Pinewood Forest and Pinewood Atlanta Studios.

She says working with developers to see their projects come to fruition is what she enjoys most about her job.

INGREDIENTS: 1 package boneless skinless chicken breasts (use 3-4 breasts), 1 regular-sized bag of Doritos chips, 1 can diced rotel tomatoes with green chilies (I use mild), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon garlic salt or minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chili powder

from the kitchen of Julie Brown, Senior Planner

Mexican Chicken is my son Dylan’s favorite. He graduated from UWG in May, but while attending college he called and asked for the recipe. I was on the phone with him while he walked the aisle at Wal-Mart picking up all the ingredients. He called me several times after he returned to his apartment to be sure he was following the recipe correctly. He even sent me a picture after it was done. The text said “Success - Thanks momma I love you!” I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.

- Julie

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DIRECTIONS: Rinse chicken breasts and remove any excess fat. Poke holes in chicken with a fork and season to taste with pepper and seasoning salt. Boil chicken for 20 minutes, let cool, and dice or shred chicken. In a medium size bowl mix together rotel tomatoes, soups, 1 cup of cheese, garlic salt, and chili powder. Add diced chicken to mixture. Mix well and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Spray bottom of 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Crush Doritos and place in the bottom of the pan (this is your crust). Spread the chicken mixture over the crushed Doritos. Add remaining cheese on top. (Feel free to use extra cheese-I always do!) Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook 15 additional minutes. Remove from oven, let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.

{PRINCIPAL PARTNER}

FAY ET T E S E N I O R S E R V I C E S

Life Enrichment Center

TM

LIV E W E LL AND A G E W EL L I N FA Y E TT E At Fayette Senior Services, we believe people should

or obtain a healthy meal. More than a thousand times

live well in every stage of life. We strive to play a vital

monthly, FSS delivers seniors doorstep to doorstep

role

in

the

lives

of

adults through a rich menu of recreational activities as well as opportunities to volunteer.

Our Life Enrichment Center offers, in a warm, comfortable environment,

more

one

opportunities

hundred

than

each month to be active and engaged, and to create new friendships, memories make and

challenges,

and

– the things that

every

day

every life

to

older

interesting

special. The

We truly enjoy helping seniors get what they need and get involved through hobbies, classes, or conversation over coffee.

We’re all about living well at every age.

- Dan Gibbs, Director of Operations

crucial

doctor visits

and

pick-ups,

and

pharmacy

annually serves thousands of meals in the Ultimate Café and meal delivery. Our volunteers even

provide

program

for

an

Ani-Meals

your

furry

companions.

Our goal is to enrich seniors through

connection

with

community. We strive to meet them where they are, whether in the best of times or those more challenging, to engage them, and encourage them to

Ultimate Café offers a delicious chef-prepared meals with amazing prices and tastes.

age well, eat well and live well. We devote each day to

Come enjoy a variety of topics from education, fitness,

making sure that happens. Come join us!

recreational, and social programs that tempt you locally.

We also host a volunteer travel group if you want more.

To many, these opportunities serve as a lifeline, community connection, and a second home. FSS strives to make you feel as if you find, for the very first time, how enjoyable life in your senior years can be.

We are a 501c3 charity helping you age well in the community in the comfort of your home for as long as possible. Programs like transportation and Meals On Wheels are lifesaving to individuals unable to drive

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LEARNING

CIVICS FROM THE

INSIDE When it comes to building community, everyone counts, including the young people who represent Fayetteville’s future. One of the ways the City engages these young citizens is by providing internships that help teens gain real-world experience – and a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a city.

“We always welcome the opportunity to work with the youth of our city,” says Mayor Ed Johnson. “We enjoy having students work with our staff. They’re conscientious young people and their contributions are beneficial to the city.”

Last year, three students from the Association of Village Pride (AVPRIDE) interned with the City through the organization’s Fayette Youth Leaders Pride program. This program works with all five local high schools to help connect students to community leaders and members of their local government. The program offers lots of opportunities to learn leadership skills and engage civically, such as the opportunity to apply for internships with the City and other local organizations.

“It is very important that we not only encourage our youth to take part in the democratic process but that we also create more opportunities for them to participate and get involved in all areas of local government,” says Fayetteville City Manager Ray Gibson. “You typically will not see local and state government classes being taught in school these days, and I feel these internships provide our youth the opportunity to further develop their skills, knowledge, and professional networks within the field of public administration.”

The students say their internship experience definitely helped prepare them for their futures.

Bridgette Davenport, who now attends Georgia Tech, worked with the finance department and with the city manager’s office.

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Olivia Bailey, now at Xavier University, worked with the finance department and with the Main Street program. She says her experience made her more confident and outgoing, and gave her the opportunity to hone her people skills.

“I enjoyed working with Main Street most,” she says. “I especially liked helping them set up for community events such as concerts in the amphitheater and the Taste of Fayette.”

Chase Johnson, who currently attends George Washington University and plans to pursue corporate law, interned with the finance and planning and zoning departments.

Pam Reid, executive director of AVPRIDE, says partnerships with the community are critical to the organization’s mission “to assist Fayette County youth to become conscious and productive citizens of society who will make significant contributions to their community.”

“AVPRIDE is successful in laying foundations for success and opening doors of opportunity for our students, because of partnerships like the one we have with the City of Fayetteville,” she says. “Experience is important and these internships provide that for our students.”

“I analyzed budgets, fixed assets reports, and various other financial documents and spreadsheets,” he says. “I also organized and validated occupational tax files for local business owners. In the planning and zoning department, I assisted in scanning, filing, and organizing preliminary construction and development plans, and attended P&Z commission meetings to educate myself and provide feedback and recommendations to P&Z staff.”

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TOUCHPOINTS

COMMUNITY IS ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS. Coffee with a Cop is a nationwide program designed to bring together community members and the officers who serve them in a comfortable, casual everyday environment. Locally, this terrific program is coordinated by the City of Fayetteville Police Department’s CARE Unit Every summer, the City hosts a series of Lunch on the Lawn events with music, seating, and plenty of conversation. It’s a terrific chance for people to bring or buy great food and come together to enjoy it – including this group of Fayette County employees who stopped by on their lunch break to grab some well-deserved moments of relaxation.

Church Street Park recently got a much-needed refresh thanks to a project spearheaded by the MOMS Club of Fayetteville. Coweta Fayette EMC, Clothes Less Travelled, Resurgens Orthopaedics, Dr. Sara Goza, Fayetteville Main St., Heritage Community Bank, and other supporters donated almost $40,000 for equipment. All labor was community donated, and Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity followed up with fencing, picnic areas, flowers, and more.

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chatter @FAYETTEVILLEGA.GOV

@FAYETTEVILLE_GA

@FAYETTEVILLE_GA

So thankful for the gentlemen that planted these flowers. They are truly appreciated for ALL their hard work, every day.

About the new master cart path plan: I love PLANNED development / growth.

Thank you!

About the Fayette Visioning camp for kids: Thank you a million times! My grandaughter was so excited with all she experienced!

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About the summer flowers downtown: Great job.

Thank you for making our town beautiful!!

About our public safety officers: Thank you so much for all that you do!

A

CITYON THE THE MOVE

In 2016, when the City began forming its downtown master plan, two things quickly became clear. First, the downtown square was at capacity in terms of commercial property. Second, City Hall was also at capacity – and had no place to expand. City leadership knew these two issues had to be addressed in order for Fayetteville to continue to grow and thrive.

Before they made any major decisions however, the City put together a series of town hall meetings to find out what residents would like to see in the downtown area. One of the most common requests was a downtown park set away from the streets. Since

40

this would also be a great solution for events, both private and City, as well as a great idea, it went on the list.

City leadership spent most of 2017 evaluating locations, eventually settling on the site of the current school board building, which they purchased in June 2018. The school board building, itself, will most likely be taken down, but it’s looking like the builders might be able to save some of the other buildings – such as the old bus barn – and turn them into usable, modern spaces while retaining their historical flavor.

“Both the old Fayette County High School gym and the bus barn have terrific industrial architecture,” says Downtown Development Director Brian Wismer. “We’re looking for creative ways to maintain and use these old buildings for a new generation.”

The City and the selected construction project management company, Comprehensive Program Services (CPS), have selected Goodwyn Mills Cawood as the project architect. Early designs for the new property include not only a new, larger city hall and the city park requested by residents, but also recreation areas.

“What Fayetteville is planning to do is really, really nice,” says Eric Johnson, one of the city’s assigned project managers from CPS. “They want to attract and retain the next generations and modernize their amenities while retaining their historic charm.

This is going to be a true community space and that’s really cool.”

The new park and City Hall remain convenient to the county offices and is closer to the library, which Wismer says creates a terrific civic cluster. Architectural and civil site planning is anticipated to take eight to ten months, with the site going into construction phase summer 2019.

“This isn’t just about moving City Hall,” says Wismer. ”It’s about providing a greenspace and amenities for people to enjoy, and creating a safe, modern outdoor event space where we can come together as a community.”

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OFFICIAL VIEWS

EDWARD JOHNSON, MAYOR

PAUL ODDO, MAYOR PRO TEM

RICH HOFFMAN, COUNCIL MEMBER

Edward Johnson has lived in Fayetteville since 1994, served as a city councilman from 2012 through 2016, and became mayor in Jan. 2016. A native of New Orleans, he’s a retired U.S. Navy commander and educator, and full-time pastor of Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Dr. Vanessa O. Johnson, have two sons and three granddaughters.

Paul Oddo has been a city councilman since Jan. 2006, and has lived in Fayetteville since 1970. Oddo, a certified public accountant by trade, and his brothers have operated an accounting firm in Fayetteville for many years and now also have an office in Midtown Atlanta. He and his wife Nohemi have three children.

Rich Hoffman took office in Jan. 2018. He has been a Fayette County resident since 1974 and a Fayetteville resident since 1979. A NJ native, Hoffman attended St. John’s University Queens in Long Island.

He and his wife, Sarah Murphy, have been married since 1981. He has one son and one grandson in Chattanooga.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

I love Fayetteville because it is my home city and I am proud of what it “is becoming.”

I’ve called Fayetteville home for more than twenty-five years, and I have witnessed positive change, spurred by demographic growth and the desire to capitalize on our rich history and great education system.

Fayetteville is forging ahead with the goal of becoming a premier city. I love that most citizens want to be a part of making Fayetteville a wonderful, cohesive, diverse community. A unified community can overcome challenges and differences because there is a genuine and authentic willingness to work together for the benefit of all. I love that the city’s leadership is forward-thinking and transparent, and that we intentionally engage citizens in policy development and in decisions about the city’s growth and operations.

Fayetteville, in my opinion, offers its citizens the best of city and country living.

There is a wide variety of shopping and restaurants anchored by the Pavilion Shopping Center. For more choices, the City has good access to both Atlanta on the north and Griffin on the south. A good mix of single family houses is available and the growing network of golf cart paths will make access to destination points within the City even more walkable in the future.

Fayetteville is also a good destination for a day of sightseeing. There is the (Doc) Holliday Museum; the antebellum (yet active) cemetery; what was the oldest active courthouse in Georgia; Pinewood movie studio; other points of interest outside the city but still within the county and several fine hotels to serve you while you enjoy the sights. Businesses can count on an economic environment conducive to doing business.

When I moved here in 1974 Fayetteville and Fayette County was the end of the line heading south on Highway 85. When you told someone you lived in Fayette County they would say why? I would counter why not! The small hometown feel in 1974 still exists today even though the area has grown six times larger. Talk to anyone and the first thing they say is “we don’t want Fayetteville to change.” What makes everyone feel that way are the great schools and the people that have moved here. I love the fact Fayetteville has attracted quality residents demonstrating that good people attract good people. Fayetteville is a place people talk to their neighbor and pitch in to help when needed. You cannot find a better place to call home than Fayetteville and I look forward to being able to help mold the next few years.

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SCOTT STACY, COUNCIL MEMBER

KATHALEEN BREWER, COUNCIL MEMBER

HARLAN SHIRLEY, COUNCIL MEMBER

Scott Stacy has been a city councilman since Jan. 2014 and a city resident since 1996. He retired in 2010 from the Air Force/ Air National Guard as a Combat Survival Instructor after serving nearly 29 years. He is currently an operations safety inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration.

He and his wife, Gloria, have three adult children.

Kathaleen Brewer has been councilwoman since Jan. 2016. Brewer holds a BS in dental hygiene, but her passion is art education.

When she moved to Fayetteville in 2005, she spearheaded an arts movement and owned Artworks on the Square. Though retired, she remains an active leader in the Fayette arts community. She is married to Richard Johnston, an Atlanta native.

Harlan Shirley has been a city councilman since Jan. 2016. and has lived in Fayetteville since 1980. Originally from Oklahoma, Shirley is a retired Western Union Telegraph Company executive. He and his wife Joan have two daughters, five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT FAYETTEVILLE:

Authenticity and our seasonal changes!

Our citizens are the driving force to keep the charm that Fayetteville exudes. And, the historic downtown is the anchor of that authentic charm. Our city can enjoy the fact that we have access to one to the top hospitals in the nation, shopping, numerous family events, low crime rates, and entertainment. In addition, I love the seasonal weather. Spring is wonderful with the leaves coming back out and going to The Ridge Nature Area on Burch Road, hiking, exploring and enjoying the new growth. Summer is filled with numerous entertainment and family-oriented events, such as Lunch on the Lawn, concerts and Taste of Fayette. Winter is just cold enough to enjoy without freezing to death. What’s not to love about Fayetteville?

Because I'm an outdoor person I love having The Ridge within the city. I also love the friendliness and openness of the people who are not afraid to speak their minds like one big family.

I love Fayetteville for its history, it’s current stage in transition for reaching out to changes for future growth and for an opportunity to be a part of its current development stage.

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CITY SLATE

POLICE OR FIRE EMERGENCY 911

MAIN STREET FAYETTEVILLE 770-719-4173

POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 770-461-4441

CODE ENFORCEMENT 770-719-4150

FIRE NON-EMERGENCY 770-461-4548

CITY COURT 770-719-4277

CITY HALL 770-461-6029

BUILDING PERMITS 770-719-4062

CITY MANAGER 770-719-4144

BURN PERMITS 770-719-4051

WATER & SEWER 770-460-4237

JOB LINE 770-719-4182

WATER & SEWER AFTER-HOURS 770-997-5189

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 770-719-4147

PUBLIC WORKS 770-460-4230

PLANNING AND ZONING 770-719-4177

240 SOUTH GLYNN STREET • FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA 30214 770-461-6029 • FAYETTEVILLE-GA.GOV

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BEHIND THE SCENES It’s easy to get excited about cool local businesses and interesting people. Wastewater? Not so much. But nobody wants to read the story of an over-capacity wastewater treatment plant – much less experience it. So projects like our plant upgrade are critical to a strong, healthy city, and it’s an investment everyone should understand.

The 2004 plan included improving the SBR facility, too. But the recession hit and the project was put on hold until 2016, when an assessment showed that, while the plant is meeting current permit requirements, it wouldn’t be able to handle additional growth, like that created by recent annexations and planned development. So, the city voted to redesign the plant and convert to an oxidation ditch process (OD).

Fayetteville’s Whitewater Creek Water Pollution Control Plant was built in the late seventies. It used a contact stabilization (CS) activated sludge process and could treat 1.25 million gallons per day (MGD). By 1990, the city had grown, so it tripled capacity by expanding the plant and adding a much more efficient sequencing batch reactor process (SBR). Since we didn’t actually need quite that much capacity (the engineers had wisely planned for future growth), the old CS facility was maintained, but not used for almost fifteen years. In 2004, we’d once again hit capacity – and were well over it during heavy rain events. So the city converted the original CS plant to a Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) facility, which brought the plant total capacity up to the required 5 MGD.

OD is far more efficient, uses less energy, and offers more process controls. The move to a single system also makes employee training more efficient. Currently, the city is requesting bids from construction management companies, and hopes to begin the bid process for actual construction in the spring.

Bottom line? The $15 million investment ($8 million of which is covered by SPLOST funds) helps keep Fayette’s foundational infrastructure strong so our residents, businesses, and visitors can focus on the fun stuff.

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LIVE YOUR STORY Every life is a story with ups and downs, twists and turns, and periods of growth and change and contentment. The interesting this about community is how those many individual storylines intersect, weave together, and diverge again. The more interesting and diverse the individual stories, the richer the story of the community. That’s what makes Fayetteville fascinating: its people.

Every day, each of us writes a bit more of our personal story. Every day, we have a chance to make our storyline uniquely ours -- and contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

What will you add to your story today?

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{PRINCIPAL PARTNER}

MAIN STR EET FA YETTEVI L L E HE LPS BRING Y O UR S TO R Y TO L I FE Every life story comes with unforgettable moments.

lawn art, the conveniently placed benches, and our

Whether it’s a family picnic on a beautiful day, that

pedestrian-friendly sidewalks make downtown a terrific place to spend the afternoon. And

second you find the perfect gift for your best friend’s milestone birthday, or that time you ate your weight in tacos or seafood, these moments become the memories you treasure forever. Main Street Fayetteville is all about making moments for our community. Our economic

development

efforts

focus on finding and recruiting the

best,

most

interesting

Experience

we’re proud that our hard work has resulted in exactly the kind of area

downtown

we wanted downtown to be: fresh,

Fayetteville

without sacrificing our turn-of-the-

for yourself.

You’ll be glad you did.

modern, interesting, and inviting -century architecture or friendly, small-town feel.

Our vision has long been to create a unique and vibrant community

local

where

businesses to our downtown area

history,

culture,

and

– and helping those businesses thrive. Our events team

commerce co-exist. Our mission is to promote and

looks for unique ways to entertain and engage residents

preserve Fayetteville’s historic district while supporting

and visitors alike -- and to offer a wide variety of fun

local shops, restaurants, arts, commerce, and creating

happenings so there’s something on the calendar for

community. Our reality brings both to life.

everyone. Above all, we strive to bring people together and to strengthen the sense of community here in

Experience downtown Fayetteville for yourself. You’ll

Fayetteville.

be glad you did.

We’re thrilled that our historic downtown offers so

MainStreetFayettevilleGA

many opportunities to dine, shop, or simply relax.

downtownfayetteville.org

We love that special features like the Old Courthouse

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Well patients.

Well community.

Well done.

Again. And again.

And again. And again.

We’ve always known our employees and physicians are the best. Now America does too. Because of their hard work and dedication, we’ve been recognized as one of HealthGrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals for the fourth consecutive year.

Learn more about what makes us the best.

piedmont.org/tophospital

©2018 Piedmont Healthcare 06462-1018