MAYOR TOM REED
In the spirit of “making living better in the communities they serve,” Greystone Power has announced that it will begin providing broadband internet services in 2024 to its customer base in Chattahoochee Hills. Greystone has started providing updates to the city, which we will share.
At the November 1st City Council Meeting, Nadia Faucette, Vice President of Engineering with GreyStone Power, introduced Maribeth Wansley, District 6 Board of Directors, Tim Williams, Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs, Ashley Kinnard, Manager of PR and Communications, and Blake Doss, Director of State Government Affairs. She announced that GreyStone is launching a pilot project to provide high speed fiber internet services to members in the South Fulton County area and will be concentrated in the City of Chattahoochee Hills.
Currently, the GreyStone broadband team is working with its consultant partner, Conexon, to finalize the project map. GreyStone will begin make-ready work within the
next two weeks, which simply means GreyStone’s contract personnel will evaluate and change out any poles needed to prepare its infrastructure for the fiber-buildout. The make-ready work is likely to take several months and you can expect GreyStone trucks to be in your communities throughout that time period.
Mayor Tom Reed gave high praise to GreyStone Power. He said, “While there are other EMCs in the State working with Internet Service Providers, GreyStone is the first one doing so on its own to provide services to its customers. We give special thanks to Maribeth Wansley, who lives in the city and sits on the GreyStone Power Board, for her help in bringing this initiative to fruition.”
GreyStone has provided the following graphic that explains the five general phases of construction for the project. As the project progresses, GreyStone will provide updates, which the city will share with the community.
More than 60 seniors enjoyed the March 17 luncheon hosted by the city of Chattahoochee Hills with Community Brickworks, Providence Baptist Church, and special program guests from Fulton County Senior Services, and AARP.
The city of Chattahoochee Hills and partners hosted a Senior Luncheon on St. Patrick’s Day, in what they hoped would be the first step in offering some level of senior services in the city.
Councilmember Laurie Searle (Dist.3) welcomed the seniors at the March 17th luncheon and opened the program by thanking and acknowledging the city, partners, and sponsors.
Mayor Tom Reed said he and Councilmember Searle started meeting with Fulton County in 2021 to discuss the city’s need for senior services. He said, “We were making good progress until COVID hit. Then the Fulton County senior centers shut down, and things got put on hold. But we’ve recently picked up again where we left off and are now working on an agreement for some contract services.”
Councilmember Ruby Foster (Dist.1), who also serves as the Chatt Hills Community Outreach Coordinator, was acknowledged and thanked for helping with the luncheon, and for adding all of decorative and festive touches. She thanked the many volunteers who support community outreach and reminded the seniors about the upcoming Movie Night at Rico Park on Saturday, April 29 (6:30-9:30 p.m.).
Community Brickworks board chair Lisa Remley
and Library & Activities Director Nan McGuffey were acknowledged and thanked for providing the main course of the meal and for posting the event’s registration on their website. Nan invited the seniors to suggest arts & crafts or program they would be interested in, and to check the Community Brickworks website for current scheduled events at www.communitybrickworks.org.
Providence Baptist Church members were acknowledged and thanked for providing meals, side dishes, and serving the guests, with special thanks to Kenneth and Elaine Bryant for coordinating the food, the ladies group for providing “goodie bags,” Rev. Mike Emeott for giving the invocation, and Bill & Nesha Bryant for providing musical entertainment.
Andre Gregory, Program Manager of Fulton County Department of Senior Services, gave an overview of the three levels of services offered by the County through its different facilities:
Four multipurpose facilities for Independent Seniors
• Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility (404-6134900) 6500 Vernon Woods Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
• H. J. C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility (404613-6131) 2885 Church Street, East Point, GA 30344
• Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility (404613-8580) 677 Fairburn Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30331
• Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility (404-6135820) 515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Fourteen Senior Centers for Semi-Independent Seniors. (Palmetto and Fairburn centers are closest to Chatt Hills)
• Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center (770-463-4990) 510 Turner Avenue, Palmetto, GA 30268
• New Beginnings Neighborhood Senior Center (404612-8984) 66 Brooks Drive, Fairburn, GA 30213
Four Adult Day Care Facilities (at the Multipurpose Centers) for Semi-Dependent Seniors. Andre said that last year only four residents utilized the services in the Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center. He encouraged more residents to visit the Center and participate in its many programs. He said the County also offers a variety of online educational and recreational programs listed on the county’s website, and STARLine offers referrals for in-home services such as light housekeeping, meal preparation or delivery, grocery shopping and escorts to appointments. For more information visit Fulton County Senor Services:
Website: https://fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/ fulton-county-departments/senior-services
STARLine: (404) 613-6000
Jil Hinds, Associate Director of Community Outreach, AARP Georgia State Office, asked the seniors if anyone had heard of AARP before. Everyone raised a hand, confirming they knew about the Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Then she asked if anyone knows how old you have to be to join AARP? She said while AARP’s primary membership serves people aged fifty and older, those as young as 18 years old may join with some limitations on their benefits.
Jil said when she was a teenager, she recalled moving closer to an aging relative to help with her care. She said that seems to be happening more and more these days, which is why AARP has expanded the age group for its membership.
In addition to the several news publications AARP offers its members, it also provides online educational &
recreational programs, in-person services like income tax preparation assistance, and even program topics it will give in your community like estate planning. Jil said there are also many discounts available for AARP members, such as reduced rates at hotels and discounts on some automobile insurance policies. For more information visit: www.aarp. org.
Chatt Hills Fire Chief Brett said a major part of Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue Department’s operations is emergency medical services. Every firefighter employed by Chattahoochee Hills is an emergency medical professional with a State of Georgia license to serve as a Paramedic or EMT. Additionally, the city offers the following safety programs:
• ChattCare is a "community paramedicine" program that provides proactive contact with “at risk” persons having emergent, terminal, or age-related health conditions.
• Chatt Hills Alert is a citizen notification program to receive weather and emergency alerts via phone, email, and text message.
Several other people in the audience were acknowledged before the end of the program:
Blake and Rachel Smith from The HearingSmiths, are practicing hearing care providers located in Serenbe. They
offer complimentary hearing screening in their office or through their mobile services in which the screening can take place in the comfort of your own home. For more information visit: www.thehearingsmiths.com or call 770778-3304.
Diana Wilson, chair of the Chatt Hills Parks Commission, invited the seniors to visit the city’s seven public parks and facilities on 1,200 acres of preserved parklands. The New RiverLands Park is not open yet, but work should begin this year on the pavilion and boat launch project through the Trust for Public Land. She said free parking passes for residents are available at city hall.
Veterans were acknowledged for their service by Chip Denton, member of the Chatt Hills Parks Commission. Churches were acknowledged as their members raised their hands and invited others to visit.
At the close of the two-hour luncheon, seniors were invited to complete an input card to share their suggestions, recommendations, and concerns. The following are the top three responses:
1. What Informational programs would you like in the future?
1. Aging in Place (15)
2. Home Care Services (10)
3. Estate Planning (9)
4. Land Conservation Options (11)
2. What recreational programs would you be interested in?
1. Silver Sneakers (17)
2. Arts & Crafts (13)
3. Book Clubs (9)
4. Hiking (7)
5. Bicycle Riding (13)
6. Horseback Riding (4)
3. What are your biggest concerns or challenges as you age in Chattahoochee Hills?
1. Not being able to drive to appointments (15)
2. Isolation and lack of social contact (4)
3. Maintaining your home and quality of life (17)
The city of Chattahoochee Hills and partners will be meeting soon to plan the next senior luncheon and program, tentatively scheduled for June. The team will also continue working with Fulton County Senior Services to provide some level of program support.
La Hacienda Bed & Breakfast is a private, adult-only-(exceptions can be made), resort-style retreat for guests vacationing or on business in the Atlanta area. Located a short and scenic 20-minute drive from Atlanta and Hartsfield International Airport in Chattahoochee Hill Country, La Hacienda Bed & Breakfast provides a private escape for guests in a rural setting. With access to all that Atlanta has to offer, guests have their choice to have a night on the town or just relax in our outdoor pavilion. Biking, hiking, and equestrian activities abound in this scenic region untouched by urban sprawl.
A traditional Bed & Breakfast Inn with two King Suites and a Queen Guestroom. They can accommodate up to four couples. The 2-room La Palma Suite can be shared with couples traveling together. Offering upscale accommodations for those attending Chatt Hills Eventing Equestrian Facility as well as Cherry Hollow Farms and Foxhall Resort Wedding venues. For more infomation visit: www. LaHaciendaAtlanta.com and book your escape today.
It’s time to start humbly asking for your donations in support of our Fern + Friends playdays program! Geared towards neurodivergent and special needs kids, our goal is to provide a safe, fun, nature-based place to make friends and have a blast! All donations are tax deductible! https://gofund.me/ae3b1279
Announcing the newest addition to the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail: “Sunburst” added to the Four Winds Farmhouse at 10380 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268.
Dave Whitten and Catherine Huston met in the parking lot of their Virginia Highland condo building in 2017. She was an urban gal at heart, he was a travel-weary engineer, eager to return to his country roots.
When Catherine's boss, a real estate agent, saw a refurbished farmhouse for sale online, he insisted the couple take a look. They drove to Chattahoochee Hills, toured the farmhouse, and knew at once they had found their new home.
The couple selected a barn quilt pattern called "Starburst" but changed its name to "Sunburst" after coloring it with sunshine yellows, cloudy whites, and sky blues to reflect their pretty country view.
Catherine grew up in Richmond, Virginia and moved to Atlanta in 1999. A city-gal at heart, she had never considered living in a country setting. Dave grew up in LaGrange and had deep country roots, but like many professionals, he chose to work closer to his job and go elsewhere on the weekends to enjoy his hobbies of bicycling and kayaking.
They were living in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta when they met and quickly discovered they shared a mutual love for music. They enjoyed going to live concerts together and also spending time at home listening to their Grateful Dead music collection. On weekends, Dave often took trips to Chattahoochee Hills visiting Cochran Mill Park, and riding bicycles on the country back roads. Catherine had visited Serenbe several years ago for one of their interactive plays, and remembered how much she loved the surrounding area.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and life got a bit crazy and strange for everyone, it gave the couple a lot of time to take a step back and reevaluate what they really wanted.
For Dave, who had spent 15 years traveling with his job, he was ready to get off the airplanes and out of downtown. He dreamed of a home where he could walk out the front door, hop on his bike, and ride in the beautiful countryside whenever he wanted. For Catherine, who had
spent 3 years on her HOA Board, she was ready to spend more outside time with their aging dog Elvie, learning to garden and maybe adopt a few more pets.
When they visited the farmhouse for sale in 2021, it was love at first sight. The previous owners had done such a thoughtful and period-appropriate renovation of the circa 1900 home; Dave and Catherine were immediately captivated. They pictured their lives there enjoying the outdoor space, playing guitar by the fire pit, entertaining friends and family, playing records as loud as they wanted without disturbing anyone, and simply relaxing in a lovely setting and charming home. They both agreed those were their priorities and decided to make Chattahoochee Hills their new home.
When considering a name for their historic farmhouse, the couple decided on "Four Winds Farmhouse," paying homage to a lyric they both loved in the Grateful Dead song, "Franklin's Tower," which began:
"In another time's forgotten space, Your eyes looked from your mother's face, Wildflower seed on the sand and stone, May the four winds blow you safely home."
For more photos and the hosts’ heritage story, visit: www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/four-winds-farmhouse. html. For a map of the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, visit: www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/tour-the-trail.html
We’re working to address the unique challenges of southern farmers, an emerging market for organic production.
The Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center in Chattahoochee Hills, GA (about an hour from Atlanta), aims to increase organic production in the region by serving as a research and education hub.
Despite organic having grown to a $50 billion industry annually in the United States, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Georgia has only 88 certified organic farms, representing just 0.5% of organic farms in the United States. Historically, organic production has been low in southern states, where warm weather makes it harder to deal with pests, disease, and weeds without synthetic chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.
However, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the South saw the most growth in organic farming from 2011-2016. For exam-
ple, Alabama and South Carolina both saw increases of more than 200% since 2011. And several other Southern states saw their certified organic farm count more than double in those five years.
The Southeast Organic Center serves as a research and education hub focused on:
• Increasing the number of farms and acres in organic production in the region.
• Solving challenges for organic farmers in the region, including pests, disease, weed management.
• Establishing a long-term research trial to determine changes in soil health, yields, economic models, and more in this unique climate & soil type.
• Farmer training and pathways to market.
The Southeast Organic Center is located on Many Fold Farm, a 300acre property in the Chattahoochee Hills owned by Rebecca and Ross Williams. The property, formerly used
for cheesemaking, includes pasture-based livestock and forest.
“Many Fold Farm, our staff, and Rodale Institute share a belief that healthy soil is the key to human health and our ability to survive on our planet,” said Rebecca Williams. “Strong scientific and economic models that allow regenerative organic farmers to compete with conventional agriculture are necessary to shift the paradigm of how we grow our food.”
A key partner of the Southeast Organic Center will be nearby Serenbe, a wellness community that offers a unique opportunity for consumer education and community engagement. Serenbe will allow the Southeast Organic Center to connect farmers and eaters with educational programming, healthy eating events, and more.
Southeast Organic Center
7850 Rico Rd. Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30269
Southeast@RodaleInstitute.org, P. 470.594.3307
Dear friends from Serenbe and Chattahoochee Hills, Thank you for joining American Farmland Trust and Steve Nygren for a lovely evening at The Inn. It was an honor to share our mission and vision with you, as well as the work AFT is doing on the ground in Georgia.
AFT’s Farms Under Threat research has shown that by 2040, 7,200 farms are projected to be paved over, fragmented or lost to real estate development across Georgia. Most of that loss will be highly concentrated around urban centers experiencing rapid population growth, particularly in the Atlanta metro area.
Georgia ranks fourth in the nation for highest projected farmland loss by acreage with nearly half of the converted land taking place on the state’s most productive soil. Furthermore, five of the top ten counties in the nation with the highest percentage of agricultural land projected to be converted are in Georgia.
But there are other options. By investing in helping farmers permanently protect their land and making smart growth choices, Georgia could save over one million acres of farmland that support $566 million in farm output and 7,500 jobs.
Serenbe is a national model of a regional food system and smart growth on the edge of some of the most significant sprawl in the nation. We look forward to collaboration to bolster this powerful model and scale up solutions to help farmers and communities across Georgia.
First, we need farmland to grow our food—and the demand for food will only grow. Experts predict that we will need to increase food production by 60 percent by the year 2050.
Some people hold out great hope for technology. They believe that, in the future, far more food will be grown indoors or on rooftops, while the productivity of remaining field crops will soar. At AFT, we don’t believe technology alone will solve the problem. We suspect that the vast bulk of our food will continue to be grown on farmland. And although we do expect to see enhanced productivity, we don’t expect productivity to increase faster than demand.
But even more is at stake than our food supply. That’s because we also need farmland to restore our planet.
When properly managed, farmland and ranchland support wildlife and biodiversity, recharge aquifers, clean water, and—of paramount importance in our fight against climate change—sequester carbon.
We now know that we can’t meet global climate goals unless we take steps that go beyond reducing emissions. We need to remove carbon already in our atmosphere. And when we lose farmland, we reduce this ability. We also put more pressure on the farmland that remains in production, because with less land available to grow the food we need, we can’t manage all the remaining farmland for optimal environmental benefit. It’s a double hit.
Long before we run out of farmland to grow our food, we may well run out of the farmland we need to restore our planet’s health.
AFT addresses these issues as no other organization does, with a direct focus on retaining our agricultural land and managing it using the right practices. At the same time, AFT recognizes that we will only retain the agricultural land we need, and be positioned to manage it wisely, if we retain enough farmers and ranchers with adequate knowhow and financial resources.
The future demands that we do all we can to (1) protect farmland, (2) promote sound farming practices, and (3) keep farmers on the land.
There is such promise in Georgia and opportunities to do more together to support farmers, protect the land, and increase resilience to a changing climate. I hope that you’ll reach out to me if you’d like to explore these opportunities further. If you want to make a direct contribution, go to AFT’s secure website: https://farmland.org/donate/
With almost 17% of the US population over 65 years old, loneliness has become an epidemic among our aging population. A new short film series by Mutual Rescue highlights an ally in the battle to maintain mental health for seniors: pets, specifically senior pets.
Mutual Rescue was founded by Chatt Hills resident Carol Novello, and the five short films in the new series are a beautiful addition to the catalog of over a dozen short films they have already released. Past Mutual Rescue films have been enormously successful both with the public and with critics. Mutual Rescue's initial film, Eric & Peety, has been viewed over a 100 million times around the globe and inspired two books - one by Novello herself. Other films have appeared in film festivals as far away as Australia and garnered the organization several prestigious honors, including multiple Sharecare Emmy awards.
There are five stories featured in the new Mutual Rescue Moments series titled Seniors Savings Seniors. Through these personal stories, the series highlights the way pets impact our lives in deeply meaningful ways:
• In New Mexico, a feisty senior provides a loving retirement home for two elderly dogs rescued from lives of neglect and abuse and gains a new human friend as a result.
• A nursing home in Maryland adopts a cat for residents of the memory care floor and sees something magical happen.
• A retired woman finds herself the caregiver of her adult son after he suffers a debilitating accident and her adopted poodle becomes vital emotional support for both.
• Watching his mother's memory slipping away from Alzheimer’s, a California man finds that the family's pets help build a bridge over time and memory for her.
• In New Jersey, retired adults find meaning and community working and volunteering at a sanctuary for orphaned senior dogs.
"Our goal with all of our films is to show people the value of pets and inspire them to engage with their local shelters. When people look to donate or volunteer, they often think 'Do I contribute to pets OR people' which is a false binary. The conversation should be 'pets AND people?' And the Seniors Saving Seniors series demonstrates that eloquently," Novello says. "We also hope the films inspire others to think about further integrating human and animal services to create better support for both."
To see the current series as well as all of Mutual Rescue's other short films, go to www.mutualrescue.org or find them on their Facebook and Instagram pages. If you or someone you know adopted a pet that's changed their life in some way, feel free to email hello@mutualrescue.org to tell them about it.
Please review the important information in this brochure regarding your stay in a short-term rentalproperty.
Chattahoochee Hills is home to rolling hills, beautiful parks, scenic hiking,cyclingandhorsebacktrails, mixed-useHamletssuchas Serenbe, arts and culture, and more!
OurVision
Tobeaauthenticallyruralcitybuilton principlesofpreservingourpast, protectingourqualityoflifeandcreating asustainablefuture.
ContactUs
City of Chattahoochee Hills 6505 Rico Road
ChattahoocheeHills,GA30268
www.chatthillsga.us
VacationRentalHotline: 404-460-4992
PoliceNon-EmergencyLine: 404-730-7911
OurVision
Tobeaauthenticallyruralcitybuilton principlesofpreservingourpast, protectingourqualityoflifeandcreating asustainablefuture.
ContactUs
City of Chattahoochee Hills
6505 Rico Road
ChattahoocheeHills,GA30268
www.chatthillsga.us
VacationRentalHotline: 404-460-4992
PoliceNon-EmergencyLine: 404-730-7911
Every Wednesday, 7-9:00pm
Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!
StudioSwan llc | 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Email you are coming to: info@studioswan.com.
All Saturdays at 2:30 pm
Serenbe Farms Tour
8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tickets $15 (Children under 3 free) https://bit.ly/3YI1Tnb
Serenbe Farms is a small, diversified certified organic farm located in the Serenbe community and surrounded by the rural oasis of the Chattahoochee Hill Country, just 30 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Learn how Serenbe Farms uses sustainable practices to grow and harvest more than 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They harvest more than 60,000 lbs of produce a year to feed the Serenbe Community!
Contact ian@serenbefarms.com for more information. Access parking through the main Serenbe Farms entrance at 8715 Atlanta-Newnan Road, or park on Serenbe Lane in Grange to come through neighborhood entrance. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred.
Join us Wed. 10-11am
Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm
Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks On The Porch
10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Free
The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from The Farmhouse Bar and enjoy the ambience of warm weather and live music on the wraparound porch.
Located in the Community Art Room in Chatt Hills City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 $20 a class
Join Plare in a weekly one-hour, kundalini yoga immersion to repair and strengthen the nervous system. Modern life and its incessant demands put a strain on our body's nervous system. With Kundalini yoga, we will practice slowing down and using our body's natural tools to heal. Please bring your own material to sit on and water. Head covering recommended (hats, hoodies, scarves, turbans are traditional). Beginners welcome!
Piare is a certified level 1 Kundalini Yoga instructor. Questions? Contact Pare at 404-916-0295 info@studioswan.com.
Sat & Sun, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Weekend Wine Flights at The Wine Shop at Serenbe
9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Excited to announce Weekend Wine Flights at the wine shop! Each week 3 new wines will be featured and paired with light bites. Served Saturday and Sunday, 2-5pm, $30 per person: no ticket or reservation needed. Stop by and see us!
Chatt Hills Bee Club (CHBC) held its second monthly meeting on March 4th from 10:00-11:00am at the Bear Creek Nature Center to further efforts of starting a local honeybee club for area residents.
We were treated to an insightful presentation by Chattahoochee Hill’s resident, Paul Gibson, titled “New’Bee’ to Novice – A Beekeeper’s Journey”. Paul shared his successes and failures from his three years of beekeeping on his local Chattabee Farms filled with fruit trees. At the end of his third year, he proudly owns five hives (three original and two swarms) and has sold his delicious wildflower honey at local festivals. Paul’s presentation will be available in the near future on the Chatt Hills Bee City website: https:// chatthillsbeecity.com/
Saturdays, 4:00pm
Wine Tastings at the General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Cochran Mill Brews are now at the General Store.
Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.
The CHBC’s next monthly meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 from 1:30-2:30pm at the Bear Creek Nature Center. Tom Bonnell, a long-time beekeeper will give a presentation on “Inside the Hive” and will have beekeeping equipment available for demonstration. Tom Bonnell is a member of the Henry County Beekeepers, member of the Clayton County Master Gardeners, a hobbyist beekeeper and gardener. Tom lives with wife Debbie on seven acres in Hampton, Georgia. Tom offers programs about beekeeping and vegetable gardening.
The CHBC welcomes bee enthusiasts of all levels so come see what all the Buzz is about! For questions, opportunities to co-lead this club and to join the Facebook or Google group for future announcements, please contact Birgit Bolton at birgit.bolton@gmail.com or 404-783-2045.
Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch season will begin Saturday, April 1 at Rico Park. Join us for the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. followed by T-ball and Coach Pitch games throughout the morning and early afternoon. Judy’s Home Plate will have hot sausage and biscuits, hot dogs, and concessions for all to enjoy. Come support the league and cheer on the teams. Games every Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. through Saturday, May 20. Questions, contact: jlrhyne@bellsouth.net.
Game Time 9:30 a.m.
Practice Time 9:00 a.m. All practices begin 30 minutes prior to game time.
April 1, 9:30 a.m. Owls vs. Robins
April 8, 9:30 a.m. Robins vs. Owls
April 15, 9:30 a.m. Owls vs. Robins
April 22, 9:30 a.m. Robins vs. Owls
April 29, 9:30 a.m. Owls vs. Robins
May 6, 9:30 a.m. Robins vs. Owls
May 13, 9:30 a.m. Owls vs. Robins
*May 20, 9:30 a.m. Robins vs. Owls
*Trophy presentations following game
Game Time 11:00 a.m.
Practice Time 10:30 a.m. All practices begin 30 minutes prior to game time.
April 1, 11:00 a.m. Cardinals vs. Blue Jays
April 8, 11:00 a.m. Blue Jays vs. Cardinals
April 15, 11:00 a.m. Cardinals vs. Blue Jays
April 22, 11:00 a.m. Blue Jays vs. Cardinals
April 29, 11:00 a.m. Cardinals vs. Blue Jays
May 6, 11:00 a.m. Blue Jays vs. Cardinals
May 13, 11:00 a.m. Cardinals vs. Blue Jays
*May 20, 11:00 a.m. Blue Jays vs. Cardinals
*Trophy presentations following game
Saturday, April 1 – Saturday, May 20 12:00 p.m. Practice 12:30 p.m. Game
https://bit.ly/3LKKJS9
April 12, 10:00am-1:00pm
Two Artists. Two Jewelry Projects. Zero Prior Experience Needed. Tons of Fun.
At the Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane, Ste A, Chatt Hills, 30268
Tickets $75: PayPal: August Axel Inc. or PayPal.me/augustaxeljewelry, Venmo: @AugustAxel, Zelle: christysears@mac.com
In this first-of-its-kind for Serenbe residents, we’ll divide into two groups. While one makes pressed-botanicals ring dishes with Brush & Blossom, the other half will choose sparkling rose-cut stones and complete unique, sterling silver wrap-rings with August Axel Jewelry Studio.
Does that sound like your kind of fun? It’s definitely ours, so save your seat. $75 per person, paid in advance. Seats are limited. Kindly include your name and email address with the payment, so we may contact you before the workshop with important details. Questions, call Christy W. Sears, 310-663-5903.
Mar. 18 - Nov. 4, All Saturdays 9:00-1:30
Farmers Market
Selborne Green9110 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Serenbe Farmers Market is proud to bring Chatt Hills residents and visitors the best local produce, meats, prepared foods, and artisans.
The mission of the Serenbe Farmers Market is to support the development of the local agricultural economy and to provide a platform in which to support small businesses to sell their products. Serenbe Farmers Market offers a variety of healthy food and artisan goods on a large green space surrounded by magnificent tall trees, giving you an immunity boost that you just won’t find in an asphalt parking lot.
April 15, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Spelman College Glee Club in Concert
The Spelman College Glee Club will present a choral music concert.
The Wildflower Meadow 10650 Hutchesons Ferry Rd Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Tickets: $50-$75 https://bit.ly/3Z8rTYE
Join us in Serenbe’s beautiful wildflower meadow for an early evening of extraordinary choral performance featuring the celebrated Spelman College Glee Club.
The Spelman College Glee Club has maintained a reputation for choral excellence since 1924. Open by audition to all students of the College community, the Glee Club performs a repertoire that includes selections from world cultures, commissioned works, sacred and secular choral literature, Negro spirituals, and music by African American composers with a particular focus on harmonies that complement women’s voices.
Currently under the direction of Dr. Kevin Johnson, associate professor of music, the Glee Club has traveled throughout the United States and performed for a variety of audiences in churches, high schools, colleges, and universities. Past performance venues include the Faneuil Hall in Boston, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, and the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Spelman College is a private, historically black, women’s liberal arts college located in Atlanta,Georgia. Founded in 1881as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, the school became Spelman college in 1924, making it America’s second oldest private HBCU liberal arts college for women.
*In the unlikely event of a weather cancellation, the new performance date will be April 22, 2023.
April 22 | 7:30pm
PRIVATE HOME | PUBLIC CONCERT IN SERENBE
837 Middleton Way, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tickets $30: https://bit.ly/3SRB3XL
International Folk Music Awards 2017 Artist of the Year Ordinary Elephant captivates audiences with their emotionally powerful and vulnerable songs, letting the listener know that they are not alone in this world. The collaboration of husband and wife Pete and Crystal Damore, their connection, and their influences (such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, Anais Mitchell) all meet on stage. “Two become one, in song...hand-in-glove harmonies surprise the listener with focused intensity and musical mastery,” says Mary Gauthier. The Associated Press is calling their latest album, Honest, “one of the best Americana albums of the year.”
If Leslie Mendelson’s only collaboration with a legendary musician was Jackson Browne, it would be a worthy point to celebrate. What’s truly telling is that Leslie has also drawn the attention of The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir who recorded a duet with her on Roy Orbison’s standard, “Blue Bayou,” while no less than classic rock royalty The Who invited her to open two shows at Madison Square Garden last year. She was set to open three more dates for the band in 2020 that were unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. With some of rock music’s most legitimate voices seeking Leslie out, it leaves no doubt the rarefied air she inhabits as an artist.
April 20 | 1:00-5:00
At City Hall click here to make an appointment https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time
April 23-26
Multi-day conference with leading biophilic experts on impactful biophilic projects, principles, and research. Inn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Tickets: $400-$875
The Biophilic Leadership Summit provides an annual platform for biophilic leaders to gather with their peers to learn about and discuss the most impactful biophilic projects, principles, and research.
April 1: Kids Easter Crafts, 10-12 a.m.
April 11- May 16: A new Chair Caning Class. Every Tuesday from 6-8 pm
April 13: Wreath Making, 6-8 pm
April 22: STRAYNOTES BAND. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!
The Straynotes are a Popular Bluegrass/gospel band from Newnan GA. They have three Banjos, two guitars, a bass, a mandolin, and a fiddle. 6-8 pm in the Community Meeting Room. LET’S PACK THE HOUSE!
April 29th: Movie night at Rico ball park. 6:30 pm. This is a Chatt Hills Community Event with a baseball theme. The Movie is Field of Dreams. Bring The family!
Presentations focus on biophilic projects or research that have measurable outcomes and can be replicated at scale. From these talks, leaders discuss the best applications of biophilia to dissect the biophilia effect on health and wellness, sustainability, and climate change and how it affects their work, policy, and future developments.
Join the Summit hosts, The Biophilic Institute, Biophilic Cities, and Serenbe, and engage with others passionate about biophilia at the 5th Annual Summit.
The Full Summit Pass includes access to all presentations, including the Sunday keynote address and Wednesday charette at the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. Includes three dinners and two lunches.
Day Passes include access to all presentations on your selected day, Monday or Tuesday. Includes lunch.
Early Bird Rates are available for Full Summit Passes through January 15th. Please email contact@biophilicinstitute.com to inquire about nonprofit and student rates for all ticket types.
Accommodations not included. Conference rates are available at The Inn at Serenbe. Please call The Inn at (770) 463-2610 and reference The Biophilic Leadership Summit.
The City of Chattahoochee Hills hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, coordinated by the Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) initiative. The city shares a common goal with CHCO to offer events that foster camaraderie and help build a strong community by connecting residents with each other, city services, and local businesses.
Our FREE special events would not be possible without the support and partnership of volunteers, local community businesses, and organizations.
We invite you to join us in supporting our 2023 line-up of special events. As a sponsor of our special events, we will acknowledge you in our promotional material and offer a half-page ad in our municipal monthly newsletter. You will receive a letter to share with your accountant as a qualified deduction for 2023 tax return to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Harvest Festival October 14 at Town Green
Community Awards Banquet
November 10
Christmas In Chatt Hills December
TBA City Hall
For more information contact:
Robert Rokovitz, City Manager, robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us 770.463.8881 or Ruby Foster, ruby. foster@chatthillsga.us - Chatt Hills Community Outreach
Community
Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/
New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www. pbcrico.org
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd
Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd
Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd., www.sardisbaptistch. com
Southside at Serenbe
915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! for more info contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@ remax.net or 404-456-6347.
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.
The recent "Sweep the Hooch" event in Campbellton Park, Chattahochee Hills GA, had wonderful volunteers that include: Clifford Blizard, Roland Alston, Sarina Krisel, Pichaya Denton, Chip Denton, Jesse Krisel, Camille Lowe, Pat Lesko, Joe Schoofs, Aaron Krisel, Erica Krisel, and Howie Krisel. Photo by Chip Denton
District Market hosted an Art Walk in collaboration with the Chatt Hills Gallery. This celebration of local art was in the courtyard behind the Blue Eyed Daisy. Featuring the work of many artists in a wide variety of styles including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and mixed mediums.
And introducing a Bakery Pop-Up from renowned Pastry Chef, Charlene Reis, formerly of Alice Water’s Chez Panisse.
Thank you to all the artists, makers and patrons who came out to our Spring Art Walk 2023. A celebration of some of the best of Serenbe on a beautiful (and brisk) day.
Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Cindy Lederman, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Ken Shepard, Mary Shepard, Karin Slaton, Lea Ann Slotkin, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, and Eileen Wilson
9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www. bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com
New in Nonfiction: The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon comes a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival, and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. The powerful narrative reveals the deeper meaning of the events on The Wager, showing that it was not only the captain and crew who ended up on trial, but the very idea of empire. Out April 18th, signed copies expected in-store only!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780385534260
New in Fiction: If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook
Cat Shook's debut novel is the snappy, smart, heartwarming story of the Williams family, and the sweltering summer that rewrote their history. When Gerry, the beloved Williams patriarch, dies suddenly, his grandchildren flock from across the country to the family home in Eulalia, Georgia. But when Gerry's best friend steps up to the microphone to deliver his eulogy, the funeral turns out unlike anyone expected…Clever and completely original, If We're Being Honest reminds you that while no one can break your heart like your family can, there's really no one better to put you back together. Out April 18th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250847546
New in Young Adult: Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them meets Neil Gaiman in this thrilling novel about an Iranian American girl who discovers that her father was secretly a veterinarian to magical creatures—and that she must take up his mantle, despite the many dangers. The deeper Marjan gets into treating these animals, the closer she comes to finding who killed her father—and to a shocking truth that will reawaken her sense of wonder and put humans and beasts in the gravest of danger. For ages 12 and up. Out April 4th, signed copies expected in-store only!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781665928502
Food Bank:
We have installed a new refrigerator and freezer for healthy perishables. A $10,000 grant was awarded to Brickworks from the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Well Being Mission Fund in December 2022. The goal is to ensure that children and their families have food, shelter, transportation, and technology. These are the building blocks for achieving educational outcomes, healthy lives, and economic stability. These funds not only allowed us to purchase professional refrigeration units, they also allow us to invite families with children to visit us twice monthly until June. We served 85 people last month. Families continue to struggle to make ends meet.
We would like to thank Southside Church for donating pajamas of all sizes on their Pajama Sunday. We are providing the PJs to our clients during this cold snap.
We were proud sponsors of the St. Patty’s Day Senior Luncheon. Brickworks provided chicken for 70 guests. A very nice turnout!
Baseball at Rico Field started on March 25th and will continue until May 20th. Over 60 children have signed up through our website. Batter up!
The library has the following events scheduled for the Month of April. You can register for them on our website, Communitybrickworks.org.
April 1: Kids Easter Crafts, 10-12 a.m.
April 11- May 16: A new Chair Caning Class. Every Tuesday from 6-8 pm
April 13: Wreath Making, 6-8 pm
April 22: STRAYNOTES BAND. DON’T MISS THIS ONE! The Straynotes are a Popular Bluegrass/gospel band from Newnan GA. They have three Banjos, two guitars, a bass, a mandolin, and a fiddle.
6-8 pm in the Community Meeting Room.
LET’S PACK THE HOUSE!
April 29th: Movie night at Rico ball park. 6:30 pm. This is a Chatt Hills Community Event with a baseball theme. The Movie is Field of Dreams. Bring The family!
Many thanks to those who have donated to Community Brickworks! We wouldn’t be here without your help. Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
Lisa Remley, CommunityBrickworks.org
Under the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, any large-scale development, or one that is likely to impact neighboring jurisdictions, is subject to review as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). ARC is responsible for conducting these reviews in the 11-county metro Atlanta area.
A DRI review is intended to foster communication and coordination between local governments and other relevant agencies and to provide a means of identifying and assessing potential impacts before conflicts arise.
Project Information/Location: The development is a mixed-use project with 3,200,000 SF of film studio, office, storage, residential, hotel, and retail space on a site in the City of Chattahoochee Hills roughly bounded by the Chattahoochee River, Jones Ferry Road, and Campbellton Redwine Road. Development will be analyzed under 2 phases. Phase 1 is to be completed by the year 2026 and Phase 2 by 2030. Land-use details by each phase are shown in the table below:
Next month on May 4th, I will be starting my eighth year as your city manager. I know it sounds cliché, but time does fly. So much has happened both personally and professionally over these last seven years. In May of 2016, my daughter was graduating high school and starting at Georgia Southern University; seven years later, she is a college graduate and has been an elementary school teacher for three years in Cobb County. Seven years ago, I was four years into a relationship with my now wife who I married right here in Chattahoochee Hills at La Hacienda in July of 2019. And last year, we became grandparents when her son (my bonus son) and his wife had a baby girl. So why is it important to have a stable, reliable, and professional city manager?
The average nationwide tenure of a city manager is three years. Some serve the same community their entire career while others may not even make it through year one, hence, the average being only three years. There is no real secret recipe to longevity in this profession where there are ebbs and flows within a political environment. But I have found that building relationships based on trust and mutual respect while keeping an open and honest line of communication have been paramount. Sometimes, change in leadership can impact a city manager’s tenure. Over these last seven years, I have reported to one mayor and ten councilmembers. Each Councilmember comes into office with his or her own expectations. It is and has always been important for me to help these newly elected officials become acclimated to their new role and help them reach their objectives.
In addition to being the city’s chief administrative officer overseeing all operations, I act as the budget officer preparing and submitting to the council, after review and comment by the mayor, a budget of proposed expenditures for the ensuing year, showing in detail the amounts allotted to each department of the city government and the reasons for such estimated expenditures. I have been able to use my experience and background in governmental finance to develop a comprehensive budget document that I submit to the Governmental Finance Officer Association (GFOA) each year after it is adopted by the Mayor Council to seek a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. That award
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
has been earned five years in a row. What else does your city manager bring to the table?
Prior to becoming your city manager in 2016, I earned my credentialed city manager status in 2013 from the International City and County Managers Association (ICMA). The ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program recognizes ICMA members qualified by a combination of education and experience, adherence to high standards of integrity, and an assessed commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Participants who complete this self-directed program may earn the designation of ICMA Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) granted by the ICMA Executive Board through a peer review credentialing process. ICMA Credentialed Managers are viewed with growing distinction by local governing bodies and progressive, civically engaged communities. I have maintained this status for over a decade now.
Last year, I was elected to serve as the regional director for the Georgia City County Managers Association (GCCMA). This district is the largest district out of twelve districts in the State where I am responsible for eleven metro counties and sixty-five cities. While it may seem that serving on the GCCMA board is a personal achievement, and it is, it is really a great way to bring more positive attention to Chattahoochee Hills by having their city manager serving in such an honorable and prominent capacity.
Being your city manager for the last seven years has been an honor and a privilege. And having the professional staff in place to make my job easier is a blessing. We pride ourselves on being open, transparent, and responsive daily. We use many communication platforms to make sure our citizens are informed on current events, critical issues, and future activities. If there is a time that you feel you are not getting the best services from your city, I encourage you to reach out to me and allow me to personally address your concerns. I look forward to hearing form you and my continued services to Chattahoochee Hills.
Call to Order All members present.
Amended as follows:
1. Postpone Item No. 23-009, Resolution appointing Historic Commission members
2. Postpone Item No. 23-011, Resolution appointing Planning Commission members
Passed 5-0
Approval of Minutes
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 7, 2023
Passed 5-0
Presentations / Proclamations None
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz
Fire Department Report: Greg Brett
Police Department Report: Jim Little
Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt
Community Development Report: Mike Morton
Public Hearing None
1. Item 23-005: Ordinance Amending the Charter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills by Deleting Appendix “B” of the Charter in its Entirety and Replacing it with a Revised Appendix “B” Adopted by the City Council under the Home Rule Powers found in O.C.G.A. Sections 36-35-3(b) and 36-5-4.1 to Reapportion the City Council Districts 1 through 5 Due to 2020 Decennial Census and as otherwise required by law. Passed 5-0
1. Item 23-008: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, Inc. for the Provision of Educational Art Studio. Passed 5-0
2. Item 23-009: Resolution appointing Historic Commission members. Postponed
3. Item 23-010: Resolution appointing Parks Commission members. Passed 5-0
4. Item 23-011: Resolution appointing Planning Commission members. Postponed
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
Trending Topic
Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us
Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar
Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org
Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com
Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory
We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public.
The City will take the following safety precautions:
• The City Council room will be set up so that the council, staff, and citizens can distinced.
• The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
City Council Meeting - Tues., April 4, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Historic Comission Meeting - Mon., April,10, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., April 11, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., April 13, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Red Cross Blood Drive - Thurs., April 13, 1:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Work Session - Thurs., April 27, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.
Email Subscriptions:
To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us
Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA
Print Copies:
Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.
Article / Event Submissions:
If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us
The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are now available. Visit City Hall for your application. The fees are as follows:
• Residents – free
• Annual car/truck - $25
• Annual 3+ axels - $35