MAYOR TOM REED
It's so amazing to see all of the new farming activities taking place in Chattahoochee Hills! From the Grand Opening/ planting day at the Blue Heron urban farm, to the other farm announcements happening, we're about to see some significant new working farms in Chattahoochee Hills!
The notion that there would always be active farming in Chattahoochee Hills has always been a "part of the plan.” Working farms epitomize “rural character” and are so important to the health and well being of any community.
The unfortunate reality is that much of our rural farmland has become not much more than scenic hay fields; even though we do have some amazing farmers who are still raising cattle and cutting hay, and several new farmers with smaller organic operations, the local farming economy has been steadily declining as our existing farmers age out and their kids move away (or just aren't interested in that kind of backbreaking work).
People who have been involved in the city as long as I have will remember several efforts that we've gone through to try to turn that around, but it's harder than it looks. The demographics and economics of farming are tough nationwide, and land prices make it particularly untenable in most suburban areas like ours.
Of course, our amazing zoning is one of the strongest tools we have to help support farming. By preserving 70% of our area in an undeveloped state, we create the possibility of a permanent space for farming. But the unfortunate reality is that most of the sort of young folks who want to start farming just don't have the cash (and can’t get a loan) to buy farmland this close to a major metro area like Atlanta. And it's hard to convince someone to make huge improvements in land that they don't own, which is why leasing is rarely viable.
That's where our amazing partners like the Conservation Fund come in. Via philanthropic funding, they're able to buy farmland at market prices, and then sell it to new farmers at prices that can actually fit a farmer's budget. Because of the conservation easements it receives, that land will always be farmland, so it's also permanently protected from development.
Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary was birthed in 2020, with my purchase of a twelve-acre farm in south Fulton County, Georgia. My farm is black/Hispanic, female, new, and disadvantaged farmer owned. The land was first designated as a farm and conservancy during the previous owners’ tenure in 1968. I received my USDA Farm and Tract Numbers in 2022. In addition to being growers and producers of produce, specialty crops and medicinal herbs, we maintain a wildlife habitat for protected birds such as the Great Georgia Blue Heron and cranes. We also provide safe haven for ducks, geese, swallows, and hummingbirds. We cultivate a landscape that provides habitats for frogs, salamanders, pollinators, and foxes. My pond is more than 1.5 acres and is home to a thriving population of trout, bream, crappie, and grass carp to ecologically contain the growth of grass.
— Hillery GoodgameBecause of our zoning, the Conservation Fund has designated Chattahoochee Hills as one of their National models for Suburban Farmland protection - our 70% rule and TDR program make it easy to make the numbers work.
I've been talking for years about what a built-out Chattahoochee Hills might look like: about 10,000 acres each of forest with an embedded rural community, of working farms, of public parklands and preserves; and 10,000 acres of development (and tax base) in buffered walkable hamlets and villages. Imagine the quality of life in a community where everybody has access to locally grown food, pristine nature, beautiful viewsheds, and a variety of different communities with all the amenities that come with that. I've said it often – that Community – Chattahoochee Hills – will be the best place in the country to live, and the early success of our farming program is just another element of making that happen!
Hope you’re having a great Spring!
Mayor Tom ReedARC and Four Communities Receive $50M Federal Grant for Multi-use Trail Connecting Atlanta BeltLine and Flint River Project will Reconnect Southside Communities Long Divided by Infrastructure Courtesy of the Atlanta Regional Commission
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Clayton County, and the cities of College Park, East Point, and Hapeville have received a $50 million federal grant for a multi-use trail connecting the Atlanta BeltLine and the Flint River. The goal is to reconnect communities that have long been divided by the construction of major transportation projects, such as roads and railways.
The $50 million grant will be used to:
• Create a cohesive vision for a multi-use trail network on Atlanta’s southside that will connect existing trail projects with new trails across the region and along the Flint River.
• Build two segments of the trail – 1.6 miles in East Point and 1 mile in Clayton County – that are “shovel-ready.”
• Provide scoping, design, and engineering for an additional 13.2 miles of trail across the four communities.
• Facilitate ongoing community engagement.
“This is a tremendous win for the Atlanta region. And importantly, this is what success looks like when we take a regional approach to pursuing federal funding,” said Anna Roach, ARC Executive Director & CEO. “We greatly appreciate the steadfast advocacy and support shown by our congressional delegation. They understand the project’s potential to transform the region’s entire south side.”
Ultimately, the trail will run between the Atlanta BeltLine in southwest Atlanta and the City of Lovejoy in Clayton County, a distance of 31.5 miles.
The project builds upon decades of planning and investments in the communities around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Twelve foundational, ARC-funded trail projects and plans, such as the Atlanta Regional Trail Vision, AeroATL Greenways Plan, East Point Multimodal Improvements and Tara Boulevard Pedestrian Safety Improvements serve as a catalyst to reconnect Atlanta’s southside communities.
The federal grant also serves as a key mechanism to
fulfill the vision of Finding the Flint, a community-led effort to restore the Upper Flint River, address stormwater and flooding issues, and reconnect neighborhoods through trails and parks. The Flint River begins near the airport in East Point and flows for 344 miles to the Florida state line.
“It’s hard to overstate what this investment will mean for the area around the Atlanta airport and the entire south metro area,” said Mike Alexander, ARC Chief Operating Officer. “With the support of ARC, these communities have developed an ambitious vision for a more walkable, bikeable, and connected public realm that reconnects neighborhoods and provides residents greater access to transit, jobs, retail, and greenspace.”
The Atlanta BeltLine to Flint River trail project has been supported by community partners that include The Conservation Fund, Finding the Flint, American Rivers, Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, Atlanta BeltLine, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and MARTA.L
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission’s mission is to foster thriving communities for all within the Atlanta region through collaborative, data-informed planning and investments.
Would you like to have a zip code and post office for Chattahoochee Hills?
City of Chattahoochee Hills
Here is how you can help.
In 2007, the city of Chattahoochee Hills was formed from land in unincorporated Fulton County that included three zip codes assigned to three cities - Palmetto (1,127 addresses), Fairburn (29s addresses), and Atlanta (2 addresses). Land in unincorporated Coweta has since been added to the city and new homes and businesses are under design and construction adding additional addresses in that area that will have a Newnan address. Having a zip code and address with a neighboring city other than our own is confusing for many reasons.
• We promote our business locations as being in the city of Chattahoochee Hills but our address is for another city.
• Family and friends know that we live in Chattahoochee Hills but then are confused when our address shows up in another city.
• When we order items on line, sites do not recognize the city of Chattahoochee Hills.
• When family and friends send packages, they are confused by the post office not recognizing a zip code for our city.
• Having a zip code and city as part of our address that are different from where we live is not only confusing but has resulted in lost items.
It would be very helpful if the confusion between city identity and home or business addresses associated
with a neighboring city can be cleared up. If you agree and would like to have a Chattahoochee Hills zip code, please send a letter stating this request with any of the reasons that apply to you. The letter should state that having an address identified with one of the four neighboring cities but different from where we actually live is a hardship.
The letter should request that Chattahoochee Hills be assigned its own zip code and post office. Until such time that a physical post office can be built, space is available in Chattahoochee Hill’s city hall. If establishing a separate post office is not possible in the immediate future, is it possible to contract with the post office in Palmetto, which already delivers the bulk of the mail for our city, for delivery of the new zip code assigned to Chattahoochee Hills?
The letters should be sent to:
Avinesh Kumar
Georgia USPS District Manager
P.O. Box 599300
North Metro, GA 30026-9300
With copies to:
cc: Deborah Fairhurst
Director of Constituent Services
Office of U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff
271 17th Street NW, suite 1510 Atlanta, GA 30363
cc: Robbie Robovitz
City Manager, Chattahoochee Hills
6505 Rico Raad
Palmetto, GA 30268
From Minecraft sessions to online lessons and TV time, kids are inundated with technology in their daily lives. Yet a rich body of research shows that children can reap real benefits, including physical health, social-emotional mental health, cognition and academic learning, from spending more time in nature. “Studies have found that for young adults, the more nature they experience, the more life satisfaction they feel daily. In short, time in nature heals,” said Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in The Woods,” who coined the term “nature deficit disorder.” Getting kids back to nature in its most simple form is the main goal of Camp Serenbe, which offers 7 weeks of summer camp sessions for children ages 3 to 12.
“Camp Serenbe lets them be outside and explore trails, our nearby creek, find bugs, see the horses and more without any fluff or overly organized activities,” said Kara Nygren Adler, owner and founder, who launched the camp in the summer of 2007.
Nygren Adler, who grew up at Serenbe and now has two children ages 5 and 7 of her own, started Camp Serenbe to offer the community kids fun activities in the summer. It began with a three-hour weekly Wednesday program for 12 kids and has grown into a true summer-long camp hosting between 80-90 children daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To attend Camp Serenbe, children must be residents or staying at The Inn at Serenbe or one of the many Serenbe Property Management rentals with their family.
The most visible benefit of nature on children that Nygren Adler has noticed is its calming effect. “Nature has a soothing quality. Our campers don’t know that they are relaxing, but we see them immersing themselves into its peacefulness and finding a sense of calm that they may not always experience with life’s ‘go, go, go’ nonstop schedules and activities,” she said.
On any given week, around 18 counselor guides oversee the camp activities that vary based on age group. Though everyone gets some freedom to run around and explore, the 3- to 4-year-olds participate in more structured activities, such as animal feedings, scavenger hunts and hayrides; the group with ages 5 to 7 add on nature walks, archery, and canoe trips; and the older campers, 8- to 12-year-olds, have the opportunity to do longer hikes, build
a campsite and many more summer activities.
“We give kids time to slow down and enjoy the outdoors,” said Nygren Adler, who has a degree in psychology and previously taught ages 3 to 6 at the original Montessori school at Serenbe.
In addition to the traditional camp, there are three enrichment camps offered in summer 2024: horseback riding, art, and cooking and farming. The riding camp teaches 8- to 12-year-olds beginner riding skills along with the basics of taking care of horses and preparing them for a ride. The art camp (for ages 4 to 12) focuses on learning an age-appropriate mixture of art mediums, including arts and crafts projects using items from the surrounding woods and trails. As for the cooking and farming, campers (ages 5 to 12) have the chance to spend time at Serenbe’s organic farm followed by cooking meals and snacks with the harvested seasonal produce.
“Many families who live in the community like to come for multiple weeks or even the whole summer. The enrichment camps give them more options. If it’s anyone’s first time, I always recommend the traditional camp first,” said Nygren Adler.
Camp registration is OPEN. New families will receive an email notification once they book accommodations at the Inn or through Serenbe Property Management and residents can access the registration portal through the weekly Serenbe HOA Newsletter. The first week of camp is the week of June 10 and there are six weeks of camp available this summer. Visit campserenbe.com for more details. Visit The Inn at serenbeinn.com or serenbevacationrental.com to book camp vacation rentals..
South Metro Atlanta is in the midst of a transformation.
The area has long been known for warehousing and logistics, but a convergence of factors is opening new avenues for growth and development in movie studios as well as residential, retail and commercial development. And local leaders see further potential for change.
Fulton County Director of Economic Development Samir Abdullahi says political leaders are getting ahead of the curve by connecting with the development community and setting real standards for what they hope to do in the area.
Growth has become a fact of life in a region that includes South Fulton along with Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Henry and Spalding counties.
South Metro is diverse and, in many places, quite different from the larger Metro Atlanta region.
“What we are seeing is a continuation of dynamic strong growth in the South Metro region,” said Michael Hightower, managing partner of the Collaborative Firm, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting practice.
New projects are sprouting up in every county. From mixed-use developments, movie studios and sports facilities to warehouses, data centers, and a bevy of company relocations, the region is seeing the fruits of long years of touting its assets both locally and across the country.
“The exposure and the ability to tell [the region’s] stories to those who have not seen the Southside has helped create those opportunities for further growth,” said Hightower. Continuing this process of education “is going to be a major part of the agenda for the future,” he added.
Development in the region is driven by both economic forces and the political will of local citizens.
In Chattahoochee Hills, which encompasses more than 60,000 acres of mostly undeveloped land, some 3,000 residents are keen on controlling growth and ensuring that they preserve picturesque woodlands, rolling hills and farms. The city owns Cochran Mill Park, which has 800 wooded acres of fields, streams, waterfalls and the ruins of three historic mills.
Many residents are leery of too much growth coming too fast, and local leaders are careful to ensure that any development fits the city’s emphasis on the natural, says Chris Montesinos, Chattahoochee Hills economic development director.
Many look to the master-planned Serenbe community, with its walkable neighborhoods and sustainable development carved out of woodlands and pastures, as a model. It currently has about 650 residents.
“It’s a global destination for ecotourism, but also quality eco-development,” says Abdullahi.
Located at the southwestern end of Fulton County, the community is developing a new retail, lodging, and resort district.
The project is expected to include a “world-class” destination hotel and wellness resort, a second resort hotel, shopping, office space and an aging-in-place wellness campus.
The plan is getting help in the form of a $298 million bond inducement from the Development Authority of Fulton County. Work is expected to begin in 2024.
Also relatively new to the area is Terra School at Serenbe. Initially a Montessori school for younger children, it has since expanded, now serving around 200 students from pre-k through high school. The school prides itself on having a learner-driven environment and maximizing access to nature.
While Serenbe may feel like a wooded retreat, just 23 miles northeast is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a mighty economic engine that drives much of the local economy and attracts companies seeking to locate or expand in the surrounding region. As the world’s busiest airport, it channels $34.8 billion in economic impact to Metro Atlanta and more than 63,000 jobs on-site, making it the state’s largest employer, according to the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance.
“Industrial has a big presence” near the airport, says Shannon James, president and CEO of the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, a public-private partnership working to improve the regional economic competitiveness of the area around Hartsfield-Jackson.
But more recently, “from a development perspective, we are finding a big interest in residential development,” he says. “We do need density. More rooftops, have been a big discussion across our region because we know [retail and other business development] follows rooftops and our area doesn’t have a whole lot of rooftops.”
More housing is starting to spring up. In Morrow, real estate investment and development firm Carter is developing Story Mt. Zion, a 300-unit multifamily residential community, according to James. Construction is underway with the final units scheduled to be finished by the end of the year.
In Hapeville, South City Partners recently opened its Signal development near the airport and Porsche’s North American headquarters. This mixed-use project includes apartments, townhomes and retail space.
“We’re showing folks that you can bring quality developers and development to the airport area,” says James.
Much-needed affordable housing is also getting a boost with the construction of the Diamond in downtown
College Park, according to James.
“It’s creative lofts with an affordable housing component, and it’s literally next to [the] MARTA station,” he says.
The 60-unit development will include just 10 market-rate apartments, according to reports.
Chattahoochee Hills and Forest Park are grabbing pieces of Georgia’s massive film industry.
The industry generated $8.55 billion in fiscal year 2022 alone, according to a recent study by Olsberg SPI, a consulting firm that specializes in the “screen sector.”
Bouckaert Farm – an 8,000-acre facility whose rustic beauty, rolling hills, and spacious pavilion make it an ideal location for weddings and equestrian events alike – is also becoming a favorite for film production. Marvel, Paramount, HBO, and Netflix have all used Bouckaert’s facilities in Chattahoochee Hills to shoot everything from blockbuster movies to independent films and television series.
In Forest Park, Blue Star Studios is now open for bookings, as it continues expanding on its $180 million, 53-acre campus. The finished facility will house around 600,000 square feet of production and office space and 14 stages ranging from 5,000 to 40,000 square feet. The facility is being built in the historic Fort Gillem headquarters building.
The studio is the latest addition to the decommissioned military base, which has been transformed into a 1,168-acre master-planned logistics center. It is now home to a wide variety of companies, including a Kroger logistics center.
As Serenbe continues to grow and expand as a community, so does its retailer and service offerings. The last few months have brought eight new businesses across several categories, including design services, furniture, art, baked goods, golf carts, acupuncture and the martial arts. Whether you’re visiting or live in the neighborhood, these new shops and services offer something for everyone.
In the market for a quality golf cart or utility terrain vehicle? At Amplify Your Ride, you’ll find Star EV golf carts, which has an expansive offering of recreation and commercial models: Bintelli golf carts, assembled in South Carolina; and Landmaster eUTVs, an electric amp UTV manufactured in Indiana. Amplify’s local owners, Jennifer and Vincent Halma, provide a convenient, more sustainable and first-class service option to the community located in Crossroads. The Halmas not only sell new and used carts/ UTVs, but they also offer repairs, service maintenance, customizations, and refurbishments to give carts a second life and fully electric towing. amplifyyourride.com
District Market is a furniture, art, and home decor boutique located in the Textile Lofts in Grange offering a gorgeous mix of retail and consignment items. Kelly Hunt and her daughter Emma opened its first location on the Selborne Courtyard shortly after COVID lockdowns put Emma’s college career on hold. Kelly wanted Emma’s education to continue, and Emma was looking for an outlet for her
artistic pursuits, and so District Market became her business apprenticeship. The duo recently moved the shop into its new, more expansive space. It now hosts a Knitting Club on Mondays and various pop-ups and events, with plans underway for game nights. districtmarket.org
This new ceramics studio and cafe in the Mado hamlet offers workshops, group and private classes in wheel-throwing and handbuilding techniques. The simple, neutral space and its retail offerings bring in owners Caroline Gilling and Eric Mbanda’s heritages as well as talents. Caroline, a ceramics artist, is from Denmark, and the studio’s name stems from the Danish word "min ro" which translates to “my calm,” a feeling the neutral space exudes. Sip a cup of specialty coffee in her handmade cups as you shop her pieces, in addition to several beautiful African objects from Eric’s native Rwanda. minrostudio.com
Get a firsthand look into the processes of plaster mold-making and slip-casting as porcelain artist Rachel K Garceau creates her original sculptures and fires them in her electric kiln. Primarily a working studio, Garceau also offers in-stock inventory of cups, mugs, bowls, vases, and small objects/sculptures for sale. Additionally, she showcases samples and images of large-scale, custom installations she has created for residential and public spaces to designers and homeowners alike. The studio, located in Grange across from District Market, is open “by chance” or by appointment. Stay tuned for some pop-up events beginning this spring. rachelkgarceau.com
What began as a humble Facebook post from resident Jeff Escalante offering his Serenity Bagels has become Radical Dough in Mado. This offering will create bagels and Roman-style pizzas using local, organic, high-quality ingredients to create delicious baked goods. Their mission is to provide employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, through training and skill development, and employees will be provided opportunities to enrich their lives and our community. Radical Dough is a true collaboration involving both residents and local talent, and it is a model that will bring a unique perspective to the industry, creating increased work opportunities for the neurodivergent community. radicaldough.com
Founded in 2007 by David Toone, Red Earth Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine opens its new Serenbe location this spring. The healthcare clinic specializes in traditional Japanese-style acupuncture, moxa, and classical herbalism. Focusing on restoring the body’s natural ability to heal, the practice is dedicated to offering natural and effective alternatives to surgical and pharmaceutical approaches. It provides support for women’s health issues, pain management, respiratory issues and allergies, digestive health and circulation as well as pediatric care. redearthacupuncture. com
Last December, Meghan and Patrick Sharp, co-owners of full-service interior design firm Mister + Mrs Sharp, moved the business out of their Serenbe home into a brick-andmortar space on Serenbe Lane in Mado. The location not only gives the Sharps and their team of designers a dedicated workspace to outfit your home with custom finishes and furniture, but it also features Sharp Furniture Co. The shop offers a line of sofas, chairs, cocktail tables, and counter stools as well as in-stock home accessories, including cashmere throws, candles, coffee-table books, and assorted ceramics and kitchenware. misterand-
mrssharp.com
A new martial arts studio has arrived in Mado. Guided by experienced black belt professor Jon Ryan, Tapout Martial Arts offers classes in cardio boxing/kick boxing (Muay Thai), No-Gi/Gi submission grappling and conditioning training for men, women and children. Training in self-defense can boost health and fitness, build personal self-confidence and provide skills for those looking to compete. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, you’ll progress at your own pace with TMA’s structured curriculum. tapoutmartialarts.com
All Serenbe business listings along with hours, addresses and contact information can be found at serenbe.com/ serenbe-business-directory. Interested in bringing your business to Serenbe, contact our Real Estate team about available commercial spaces and upcoming builds.
Announcing the 49th addition to the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail featuring “Pileated Woodpecker” at the Hudson Homeplace, located at 7620 Hopkins Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30213.
Drawn to the Sites and Sounds of Nature
Herman and Carolina Hudson became enchanted with Chattahoochee Hills during weekend visits and purchased a home here in 2019. They intended it as weekend getaway from their busy urban lives, but as they acclimated to country living, they didn't want to leave. They sold their urban home, moved here full-time, and made a miniature nature preserve for fostering farm animals and supporting wildlife.
Early on, the couple spotted two Pileated Woodpeckers on their property and considered that good luck. To honor their feathered friends, they requested a Pileated Woodpecker barn quilt patterned by Erin Sherman.
From the Old Fourth Ward of Atlanta to the Green Space of Chatt Hills
Herman & Carolina were life-long urban dwellers before moving to Chatt Hills. He grew up in Macon, a bustling city south of Atlanta; she grew up in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. They eventually made their way to the Old Fourth Ward (“O4W” as it’s known to locals), a historic in-town neighborhood east of downtown Atlanta.
While living in the city, Herman learned that local restaurateur Steve Nygren had purchased farmland and opened a Bed and Breakfast named Serenbe in what is now Chattahoochee Hills. Herman took some weekend trips to the B&B, exploring the countryside with long walks in the woods, and enjoying the early morning chorus of birds, something he seldom heard on the same scale in the big city.
Herman, who has always liked the Appalachian Mountain region of north Georgia, was surprised to learn that Chatt Hills was in its foothills. He was attracted to the topography here—the gentle hills, the stone outcrops, the dense forests, and of course, the Chattahoochee River.
With a desire to spend more time in this area, now as
a couple, Herman & Carolina began searching for a home they could use for weekend getaways. They purchased a modest home on three acres with a barn, pastureland, and dense trees that seemed ideal in its location on a gravel road.
Herman was the first to become enchanted with the area. He loved the wildlife on his property—especially the birds—and thought, “I could experience this every day.” It took a little longer for Carolina to fall under the spell, but she soon experienced that magical feeling too. They sold their home in the O4W and moved here full-time in 2020.
Today, Herman & Carolina enjoy the tranquility of their country home and have doubled and tripled their enjoyment by fostering farm animals. Over the years they've fostered a steer, cow, mule, donkeys, and goats. They have also invited residents who need a respite from their animals to bring them to the Hudson Homeplace for a while.
When asked why they wanted a Pileated Woodpecker barn quilt, Herman said, "Birds were a big part of why we moved here. Pileated Woodpeckers are such magnificent birds. They are so much fun to watch, and they're so loud, their drumming makes them sound like the Ringo Star of the bird world. We thought what a better way to commemorate this bird, than to display one as a barn quilt."
For more photos and the hosts’ heritage story, visit: https:// www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/hudson-homeplace.html
After a winter hiatus the Chatt Hills Bee Club (CHBC) met on Monday, March 4th at the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall to discuss future meetings, objectives of the club, and what beekeepers should be doing with their hives for the spring months.
Meetings:
April marks a one-year anniversary for the CHBC. While we have many beekeepers in the Chattahoochee Hills community, the overall attendance of the club remains small. Future meetings will now be held on the third Monday of each month starting at 6:30pm at the Chatt Hills City Hall. We hope the new date, time, and venue will be more accessible for the community. Please mark your calendars for the following dates: April 15, May 20, June 24 (4th Monday due to scheduling conflicts), July 15, August 19.
CHBC Objectives:
The CHBC members researched the potential of becoming a recognized Georgia Beekeepers Association club and discovered that we would need to have formal leadership, organization, and a high number of members, among other things, that we simply do not have at this time. What we do have is a small group of like-minded people who want to get together informally to learn and share beekeeping knowledge and help Chattahoochee Hills be a “Bee City” and educate its citizens. All members are encouraged to visit the larger nearby beekeeper clubs and bring back any information they learn.
Nearby bee clubs include:
Coweta Beekeepers Association - https://www.cowetabeekeepers.org/ Tara Beekeepers Association - https:// www.tarabeekeepers.org/. Metro Atlanta Beekeepers Association - https://metroatlantabeekeepers.org/
Spring Maintenance:
• During the warm days and cool nights of spring, bees are active inside the hive preparing for pollen and nectar flows and the queen is busy laying eggs. There is some pollen available, but the nectar flow has not started yet. During this time, it’s still okay to offer your bees sugar water (highly diluted).
• On a warm day check to see if the bees have room in their hive and that the queen has space to lay her eggs and is not honey or pollen bound. Build and prepare any new frames.
• Keep an entrance reducer on the hive through the cooler weather until nectar is widely available. This will help the bees protect their honey stores from hungry robber bees.
• The CHBC has received inquiries about what to do when you find a swarm. Swarms are a natural occurrence, and many beekeepers use a swarm opportunity to add a new hive. This entails setting up a swarm trap with a lure which can be bought or homemade with lemongrass oil and olive oil. (Article and Recipe - https://glorybee.com/blog/use-this-one-strange-trickto-catch-a-swarm) Some beekeepers use old frames and place them in trees. Swarms are not easy to catch since they may only hang around for a couple of days or be gone in minutes, so be prepared. If a swarm (or established hive) is discovered in a homestead or any type of building, the recommendation is to contact a licensed professional for humane removal. Check out the Coweta Beekeepers Association for contacts.
• It’s not too late to get/buy new bees for this year. Local bee suppliers still have queens and nucs (nucs is an abbreviation for a nucleus colony which refers to a small-sized starter hive). It’s important to note that if you start a new hive in April/May, you will most likely need to leave any honey for your bees to survive the winter.
Club Communication and to join:
The CHBC FB page will be the primary method of communication. All meetings, events, and information will be posted there. To join and for future announcements, contact Birgit Bolton at birgit.bolton@gmail.com or 404-783-2045.
Upcoming Bee Related Events:
• Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project at Serenbe: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/press/art-farm-announces-serenbe-wildflower-meadow-restoration-project
Nestled in the heart of Georgia, the picturesque city of Chattahoochee Hills is home to a unique and transformative therapy known as hippotherapy. Derived from the Greek word "hippos," meaning horse, hippotherapy utilizes the rhythmic and gentle movements of horses to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. The local non-profit organization, Zorro's Crossing Horse Sanctuary has emerged to provide this valuable service to the community. Zorro’s Crossing is collaborating closely with licensed therapists, equine professionals, and well-trained therapy horses to ensure that children with special needs ages 2-21 years can benefit from hippotherapy. "The Wonder Program" was developed by founders Sue Soha and Jennifer Astrop and featured in The BuckHaven City Lifestyle https://citylifestyle.com/articles/the-gift-horse) and Chatt Hills News (https://issuu.com/rob.rokovitz/docs/ chatthills_news_feb_2024-interactive?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ).
The Wonder Program provides physical therapy for children with special needs using the movement of specially trained horses. Licensed physical therapist, Sue Soha, has been providing hippotherapy in the Atlanta area for over 10 years and wanted to expand her services to benefit children in the Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills, and the surrounding areas. Most of Sue’s clients receive home, school, or clinic land-based physical therapy and choose to attend hippotherapy as a boost to their neuro-musculoskeletal and sensory systems. She sees a marked improvement in most of her clients compared to if they only received land-based therapy.
Hippotherapy differs from traditional therapy methods, as it takes place in a non-clinical setting, often outdoors, where patients interact with specially trained therapists and horses. The therapist harnesses the horse's natural movements to address a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges. The horse's gait, for instance, simulates the motion of walking, aiding in the development of balance, posture, coordination, and muscle strength required to help children take their first steps or make labored walking more efficient.
What sets The Wonder Program apart from other therapies is its commitment to inclusivity. They serve a diverse range of clients, including children with autism, musculo-
skeletal, and neurological differences and those looking for improved mobility, sensory integration, communication, and motor skills.
There are many ways you can get involved: Hippotherapy requires volunteers to assist the horse and the child to safely conduct a session. There is a side-walker and a leader to make sure the movement of the horse is steady and therapeutic for the child. Volunteer training sessions are the first Thursday of the month from 10:00am12:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here: https://www.wholeyhealedcommunity.com/joinus Internships: Students interested in becoming a physical therapist or licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists who want to gain mentoring in providing Hippotherapy, please schedule a call: https://calendly.com/ specialsettingspt/free-consult-call?month=2024-03
If you have any donations of equine tack for the program or would like to give a monetary gift to purchase items, you can donate items for the program: please visit https://specialsettingspt.com and we can share the program wish list with you.
The cost of hippotherapy includes the barn fee which ensures the horses are well cared for and healthy. Scholarships and grants are available through organizations like HealthWell Foundation, Oracle, InCommunity, and Bobby Dodd. If you would like to sponsor a child, have a foundation or grant to fund a child who otherwise could not participate in the program, or you’re interested in learning more about how your child can receive a grant, please call: https://calendly.com/specialsettingspt/free-consultcall?month=2024-03
Do you have a child who would benefit from physical therapy using the horse to improve posture, strength, flexibility, muscle symmetry, and self-esteem? If you are interested in learning how to get started with hippotherapy and receive the latest announcements, sign up here: https://www.wholeyhealedcommunity.com/sign-up-1
Calling all residents, business owners, and farmers - Please consider taking the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy (CHC) food system surveys! Enter to win a gift card for your participation. Deadline 4/15
CHC has developed a series of surveys to better understand the current landscape of food and farming in a 4-county area (South Fulton, Douglas, Carroll, and Coweta Counties):
Are you a farmer or food product maker? Take the Regional Production Survey. https://form.jotform. com/240235917028151
Are you a chef or local business owner? Take the Chefs & Business Owner Survey. https://form.jotform. com/240366588554063
Are you a resident of the area? Share your insights through the Community Food Survey. https://form. jotform.com/240237477274157
Join CHC in cultivating a brighter future for food and farming in the area! For questions about the survey and their efforts, please reach out via email at chatthillsfoodsystem@ gmail.com
Forty seniors and guests participated in the Chatt Hills Senior Lunch & Learn on March 21, hosted by Chatt Hills Community Outreach and Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners at City Hall.
Resident Joanna Hannah opened the program, welcomed the participants, and thanked the Chatt Hills Community Outreach group for inviting her to lead the senior services program. She introduced realtor Lynn Winger, who presented the topic, Planning for the Future and Beyond
Lynn said as a certified real estate planner, she is trained to help families build, protect, and transfer generational wealth through real estate, by creating a proactive plan for their future.
A plan begins with considering your future senior living options, so when the time comes, you are in control of where and how you want to live. If you would like to age-inplace, will you be able to maintain your home and property, or do you need to downsize? Should you visit independent & assisted care facilities now, before you need them, to help guild family members in supporting your future? Lynn described the many senior living options, and tips and services to help with decluttering your home, preparing for sale, and packing & moving.
Lynn offered strategies on creating generational wealth by proactively making decisions on the future of your
property. She discussed the pros and cons of placing your property in family trusts, 1031 Exchange, and adding family members to the property deed now. She also mentioned the importance of creating a will and said she can offer a team of vetted vendors to assist with these options.
During the question & answer session, several residents added to the discussion by sharing their experience and suggestions. Jane Crews said through her training as an end-of-life doula, she provides emotional and physical
support, and education about for what’s to come. Laurie Searle said when she can no longer maintain her home and 5 acres, she would love to continue living in rural Chatt Hills, and wished there was a senior living community of several tiny houses, with one larger community house (including living space for a caretaker), on a large parcel not in a village or hamlet.
In addition to the featured program, seniors enjoyed the entertainment provided by members of the UkuLadies: Cindy Lederman, Mary Collins-Shepard, and Tamara Schwartz; and the tasty lunch provided by Keller Williams. They also had the opportunity to meet with WellCare, Fulton County Voter Registration, and Chatt Hills Fire & Rescue for free blood pressure checks.
Councilmember Ruby Foster, who leads the Chatt Hills Community Outreach initiatve, closed the program by thanking the seniors and all who participated.
Volunteres included: Councilmember Ruby Foster, Joanna Hannah, Bridget Arrington, Catherine Huston, Jane Crews, Laurie Searle, Sharon Beaner; City staff: City Manager Robbie Rokovitz, Public Works Director Darold
Wendlandt, Fire Chief Greg Brett and his A-shift team Josh Woody, Andy Lee, Vidal Williams, James Luster (absent is shift Captain Gary Reid). Also present were councilmembers Rodney Peek and Richie Schmidt.
For the handouts and photos of the event visit: www. chatthillscommunityoutreach.com. To contact Lynn Winger, Realtor: Cell: 404-379-7615, Office: 770-632-1112
Deer Creek Farm has been matched with the 64-acre Barnes farm located in Chattahoochee Hills. The Farm features over fifteen acres of organic cropland ideally suited to regenerative blueberry and vegetable production. The farm's storefront, commercial kitchen, and farmhouse provide essential infrastructure to catalyze Deer Creek Farm's long-term success. Farm owners envision increasing wholesale production and utilizing the storefront to tap into significant opportunities for agritourism and education. The farm includes wetlands, natural forest, streams, and a lake that contribute significant wildlife habitat. The Conservation Fund has the property under contract and anticipates closing in the Spring of 2024.
The Conservation Fund has already invested more than $10 million to protect farmland in metro Atlanta, providing a pathway to affordable farmland ownership for next
generation farmers. We need $1.7M to secure the Barnes property. We have commitments toward this need from several local supporters totaling $300,000, leaving a gap of $1.4 million. These resources will ensure Deer Creek Farm can begin production in Chattahoochee Hills.
To meet this need, The Conservation Fund is seeking support from private individuals, foundations, and other philanthropic partners. Reach out to Stacy Funderburke, sfunderburke@conservationfund.org, or Krisztian Varsa, kvarsa@conservationfund.org, to learn more about how you can help!
Your tax-deductable donation provides these events in our City: Movie Night, Fall Festival, Chatt Hills Tree Lighting, Chatt Hills Community Choir, Black History Event, Line Dancing, Chatt Hills Tour
Sat. & Sun. 1:30 & 3:30pm
Wine Flights
9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Each week new wines will be featured and paired with light snacks. $40 per person, reserve a seat today for our 1:30 or 3:30 seating.
Healing the cultural divide one conversation at a time!
The Bridge Meeting
2nd Thursday Every Month
Men & Women
Casablanca Restaurant, 7NW Broad Street, Fairburn "Breaking Bread Together"
Fridays at the Farmhouse, 5:30-8:30pm
Music on the Porch
10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
Live Music Fridays at The Farmhouse! Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. We have the flame heaters pumpin' and the beats are a bumpin'.
Mondays 5:00-7:00pm
Burger Night at the Blue Eyed Daisy
9065 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills
Pick a patty & a side for delicious burgers, fresh salads, and sweet treats! Please call ahead for takeout 770.463.8379.
Saturdays, 4:00pm
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. Email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with questions.
April 5 & 6, 7:30pm
27 Word Street, Fairburn, GA, 30213 BUY TICKETS
The Speakeasy Encounter is a immersive show where the theatre happens around you. We will transport you back to the 1920s during the dreadful prohibition era. You have heard that Cochran Mill is the best little speakeasy around, and the proprietor Mickey has invited you to a party. As soon as you arrive, the theatre will be happening around you.
We will be releasing our new lager, the Campbell County Classic just for this show. Make sure to get a limited edition bottle as you leave the show!
Tickets are $35 each and include 1 free beer. Shows are April 5th & April 6th starting at 7:30pm, or get there early for the preshow experience starting at 7pm!
VIP - The Bootleggers Package $500Reserve an eight-top for all of your bootleggin' buds and
get the VIP party experience!
For $500, your reserved seating will be in the middle of the action, each guest will receive a complimentary beer, a wax-sealed bottle of homemade brew, and a chance to be in the show.
Sat., April 13, 10:00am
We Are The Ark Book Sgning
10625 Serenbe Ln B, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Meet Mary Reynolds, environmental activist and author of We Are the Ark! https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/ book-signing-and-meet-the-author-with-mary-reynolds
Friday, April 19, 7:30pm
Movies that Made Me - Fatima Robinson
The Inn at Serenbe. Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Ticket Price: $25 -$55* Tickets
Renowned choreographer and creative director Fatima Robinson hosts “Movies That Made Me,” an intimate conversation with industry professionals about the movies we know and love. Fatima Robinson will discuss her work on hit films including Dreamgirls, The Harder They Fall, and most recently The Color Purple musical film adaptation. Film buffs and casual viewers alike can appreciate this renowned creative professional's insight into the world behind the big screen.
April 16, 23, 30
StudioSwan, 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd. Chatt Hills, 30268
ONLY 6 SPOTS LEFT; Cost $299 TICKETS
Materials: All necessary materials are provided. Clay Handbuilding Horse Hair, Feathers & Raku Saggar Firing Class-Intermediate Skill Level Class, taught by renown potter BJ Glick
Duration: This Raku Sagger Firing class consists of four class sessions, including two, 2-hour Making Sessions. A 1 hour+ session dedicated to Terra Sigillata application and burnishing. Additionally, there is one 4+ hour session focused on Raku Saggar firing.
Schedule Day/Time:
Tuesdays, April 16 & 23 from 10 AM - 12PM
Terra sig & burnishing: Tuesday, April 30, 11AM - 12PM
Raku Fire: Saturday, May 4, 11AM - 4PM
Prerequisites: To ensure a smooth transition into this intermediate class, participants should have a basic understanding of clay hand-building techniques. If you have completed the CENTER beginner-level pottery class or have equivalent experience, you'll find this course to be the perfect next step in your artistic journey.
Friday, April 19, 5-9pm
Tim Mosby / Spring Exhibition / Low Road Studio Spring Exhibit
10865 Hutcheson Ferry Rd. Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Saturday, April 20, 1 – 3pm
Join Us For Books, Bourbon, Biscuits & Song - Author Reading
Serenbe Location provided with RSVP: penelopemcphee@yahoo.com, (space is limited)
A NOVEL BY
JOHN BARE(Vol. 2 of the Lassie James Mystery Series)
With music from the companion album “My Biscuit Baby: The Lost Springfest Tapes” (co-written by John Bare and Don Dixon)
Reading John Bare’s My Biscuit Baby is the next best thing to wandering amongst the old stone
walls of Chapel Hill. This is a story of politics, BBQ wars, international intrigue, and love. It is also a jukebox of memory — of chicken and cheese biscuits, blue cups at He’s Not Here, jamming at Cat’s Cradle, listening to Liquid Pleasure, walking in Battle Park, and watching the sunrise from the stone bench at Gimghoul Castle. Literary great Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “You can’t go home again.” Well it turns out that you can and John Bare’s jaunty, funny, and authentically Southern story takes us all home — to college, to friendship, to songs past, and to a time and place where so many of us found enlightenment. Steven J. Tepper, UNC ’89 & executive director emeritus of UNC-Chapel Hill’s 200th Anniversary https://artsorange.org/john-bare-and-the-magic-of-hislyrical-books/
Sat., April 27, 7:30pm
Buffalo Rose - Chatt Hills Music
837 Middleton Way Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tickets: $25 chatthillsmusic.com/2024-buffalo-rose-ga
Buffalo Rose takes the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences that never let a dull or predictable moment creep in.
“How can a band be loose and tight at the same time?
Listen to Buffalo Rose for the answer. I flat love them.” - Tom Paxton, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
“The balancing act that the six musicians of Buffalo Rose achieve is something to be celebrated. The group match each other's energy both in instances of quiet tenderness and rich swells... that vocal blend not only sets the mood for the folk tunes but also makes those dynamic changes seem so fluid.”- NPR Music
April 27
Zorro's Crossing
8655 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
4/27 Emily Blank healing meeting
Monday, April 29, 5:00-8:00pm
ENZO Closing Reception
Prosecco + Charcuterie, No Ticket Needed
300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Adrienne Anbinder • Leticia Andrade • Kevyn Bashore •
Morgan Boszilkov • Valerie Dumas• Courtney Eidson •
Logynn Ferrall • Ron Kupferberg • Robert Lederman • Natalie McIntyre • Olga Mosina • Linda Naes • Siobhan
Oleary • Martin Pate • George Robinson • Robin Robinson
• Malin Roghelia • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst
To purchase art contact: Greg Blair at Dogwood, 770-774-3524, gblairpaintings@yahoo.com
contact for time: https://www.zorroscrossing.org
Sat. April 27, 2-5pm
Art Installations by Kristin Genet
In 7 Private Homes on Lupo Lupe in Serenbe, for design Professionals, and art lovers.
Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natures-palette-space-basedart-installations-in-serenbe-homes-tickets-871265156537
Sat., May 18, 4:00pm
Four Sevens Farmette in Serenbe Chatt Hills, GA 30268
You won’t want to miss this year’s Community Brickworks Backyard Bash fundraiser event! Join us Saturday, May 18th at Four Sevens Farmette. Be on the lookout for event registration and sponsorship details to come.
Community Brickworks is a volunteer organization funded exclusively by donations. With your help, this fundraiser event will make it possible for us to support our Chatt Hills community throughout the year. Our goal this year is to raise $60,000 to continue to support our neighbors who need it. We can’t wait to see you there!
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a beautiful, warm, and welcoming neighborhood bookstore in Serenbe’s Grange Hamlet. All titles are lovingly curated with an emphasis on books about nature, wellness, and the arts. A great children's section adds fun along with fiction, food, history, science, architecture, travel, gift books, and more!
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm every week, 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: Hell Put to Shame: The 1921 Murder Farm Massacre and the Horror of America's Second Slavery by Earl Swift
H&H bookseller Josh recommends: “The chilling mass murder of eleven black farmhands in rural Georgia in 1921 made major national news, exposing the South’s widespread use of the peonage system, or legal debt slavery, and its accompanying cruelties. Mostly forgotten today, the story of the crime and its media and legal aftermath is nothing short of cinematic, with a heroic undercover NAACP agent, a white supremacist governor striving for redemption, federal investigators struggling against local prejudice, and an enigmatic black field hand standing up as the courageous lone witness, despite the grim implications for his own future.” Out April 2nd!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063265387
New in Fiction: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
H&H bookseller Patience recommends: “A wonderful romp of a debut novel. Lauren’s search for ‘the right man’ becomes hilarious drama when she discovers her attic has the magical ability to spit out one ‘husband’ after another for her to ‘try on.’ She sends one man after another back up the attic stairs, hoping the next one will be that ‘perfect man.’ Every page is both fun and funny and the suspense for how she’ll finalize things will keep you reading.” Out April 2nd!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780385550611
New in Middle Grades: Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey
Our canine superhero returns in the suspenseful and hilarious twelfth graphic novel in the #1 worldwide bestselling series! P.U.! Dog Man got sprayed by a skunk! After being dunked in tomato juice, the stink is gone but the scarlet red color remains. Now exiled, this spunky superhero must struggle to save the citizens who shunned him! Will the ends justify the means for Petey, who's reluctantly pulled back into a life of crime in order to help Dog Man? And who will step forward when an all-new, never-before-seen villain unleashes an army of A.I. robots? Out now, for ages 7 and up!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781338896435
In March, Terra School at Serenbe was honored to welcome acclaimed artist and author, Nikkolas Smith, for an enriching three-day program tailored for learners spanning from toddlers to high schoolers, during his artist's residency with Art Farm at Serenbe.
Nikkolas Smith is an Artivist, children's book creator, and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the author and / or illustrator of several picture books including the NAACP Image Award nominated The Golden Girls of Rio, and My Hair Is Poofy And That's Okay, I Am Ruby Bridges and Black Panther Wakanda Forever: The Courage To Dream.
As an illustrator of color, Nikkolas is focused on creating captivating art that can spark important conversations in today's world and inspire meaningful change towards social justice and equity. His works have been featured and shared worldwide as well as a part of important campaigns for social justice and health equity organizations. His work has garnered global recognition, being featured in publications such as TIME Magazine, People, BBC, CNN, NBC and more.
Nikkolas's collaboration with Terra School was made possible through a unique partnership with Art Farm at Serenbe, a non profit organization that expands connections between arts, nature, and the art of living. This partnership, tailored specifically for Terra at Serenbe, provided exclusive opportunities for Art Farm artists to engage with and develop specialized programming for Terra learners. During his visit, learners of all ages participated in workshops about love, artivism, and acceptance, led by
Nikkolas and contributed to the creation of Terra School's inaugural mural, named "Terra form,” which translates to "a deliberate transformation, with the goal of supporting human life.” Inspired by the change that children hope to see in the world, each classroom was asked to think about what they would like to see on the mural. Nikkolas then took their ideas which ranged in topics from cleaning up litter in forests and oceans, to equality and love for all, and created a concept for learners to paint. Over the span of three days, nearly every learner helped paint the mural alongside Nikkolas!
In addition to Terra School-only events, Art Farm hosted a series of free events for neighboring communities including a meet-and-greet, book signing and an interactive painting session.
To delve deeper into Art Farm's initiatives, please visit https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org, and to learn more about Terra School at Serenbe, visit https://terraatserenbe.org
Support local art: https://donorbox.org/chatthillsartistco-op 9057 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 www.artchatthill.com
Chris Artabasy returns professionally to the art world with his solo show "Ascent into Abstraction" at Sardis. With an homage to some of Chris's favorite 80s music; this new show reveals his biophilic compositions that suggest deconstructed biospheres, plants, or marine landscapes, but edge consistently toward abstraction.
Artabasy was born in Wisconsin, but has lived in and around Atlanta for the last 30 years. He graduated from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale with a degree in in Fine Art and Visual Communications. With over 25 years of experience in advertising, media, and design, Artabasy was the Global Creative Director for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), and founded a digital agency, a media company, and now returns to his passion as a full-time artist.
After working to break free of realism in the nature of his painting, Artabasy's work deconstructs the medium to its constitutent elements—color, motion, and fluidity. Described by the artist as "instrospective biospheres," these complex arrangements are built up with layers of oil paint, sometimes interrupted by lines of oil stick and underlying acrylics. Vivid colors in a broad range of concentration and transparency fill up his canvases with brushstrokes in various marks, shapes, and textures.
For more infomation visit: www.artabasy.com or @ chrisartabasy.
May
Southern Crescent Gallery Exhibit in Trilith Guesthouse Hotel
350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214, 866-791-7417
The newest gallery south of Atlanta is the Southern Crescent Gallery. The opening exhibition includes the work of the following artists: Scott Areman, David Boyd Jr., Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, and Judy Walker.
Amber Lightsey
Anita McGinnis
Barry Duperon
Bill Bryant
Bridget Arrington
Camille Lowe
Catherine Huston
Chip Denton
Cyndi Perry
Dana Wicher
Danielle Rose
Emily Harrison
Elizabeth Glover
Gail King
Gene Griffith
GiGi Walker
Gloria Edwards
Jil Hinds
Joanne Wasdin
Joyce Wood
Judy Walker
Ken Langley
Kerri McGinnis
Laura Richards
Laurie Searle
Malinda Lively-Arnold
Mandisha Thomas
Maria Hanson
Melea Brett
Michelle Collings
Nan McGuffey
Nesha Bryant
Nicolas Badila
Peachy Denton
Penny Mitchell
Peter Clemens
Renee Prince
Robbie Rokovitz
Sam Smith
Sandy Sargent
Sarah Love
Scott Beardsell
Sharon Beaner
Susan Chaffin
Tanya Cole
Tyree Smith
Police Department
Fire Department
Public Works
Economic Development
Team Reed
Art Farm at Serenbe
Community Brickworks
Sardis Baptist Church
Friendship Baptist Church
Chatt Hills Southside
Providence Baptist Church
Bear Creek Nature Center
MTB Atlanta
Chattahoochee Hills Convention & Visitors Bureau
Park Commission
Diana Wilson
Chip Denton
Roland Alston
Clifford Blizzard
Chris Jones
Patricia Lesko
Historic Commission
Lila Rhyne
Sarah Love
Amber Lightsey
Brian Gross
Gene Griffith
Planning Commission
Doug Cloud
Patrick Johnson
Christine Gallagher
Rodney Peek
Scott Lightsey
Jett Hathaway
Our one-hundred percent fiber network offers a seamless, durable connection which means you can enjoy blazing-fast speeds without any delays or lagging. We are building a more advanced service than our competition by building a redundant fiber backbone, which will provide another level of reliability. We are also more focused on the quality and flexibility to service rural communities rather than looking at the communities as a return on
Fiber-optic cables are highly resistant to interference and fiber is built to handle the increasing demands of technology. Our local team is here to assist you 24/7. We are here to help you stay connected when it matters most.
Eric Lannen | GreyStone Vice PresidentCampbellton Baptist Church, 8660 Church Street
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
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Southside at Serenbe, 9:15 & 11:00am, 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268, southside.org.
Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.
In February we served 62 families (115 adults and 75 children), and 14 new families were added. Your donations, both monetary and in-kind donations, are appreciated and being put to good use! Thank you!
Toddler Tuesday is every Tuesday at 9:30am. The kids learn with story time, songs, crafts, and just playing together. Our topic is Spring and Bunnies.
Read Between the Lines Book Club: We are reading The Women by Kristin Hannah. Grab your book and join us on April 9th at 4:00 to discuss.
Girl Scouts: We have a Girl Scout in the neighborhood that is working on her Leveling Award. She will use the library to host a kid’s crafting event on April 2nd & 16th at 4:00.
Earth Day: April 22—Drop in the library from 3:00-5:00 and make an Earth Day craft.
Chair Caning Class will end on April 16th.
Magazines are available to browse or check out. This is a 5-day loan.
Puzzle Swap is ready for you to come sit and put a puzzle together or swap one out with one you already have.
Need a Small Place to hold a gathering?
The library has room for groups up to 10 people.
Movie Night sponsored by City Hall will be on April 13th around 7:00 at Hutcheson Ferry Park. Check Chattahoochee Hills Outreach for more information.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors! CommunityBrickworks.org
Save the Date:
The Annual Spring Fundraiser for Community Brickworks May 18th, 2024 - 4 PM at Four Sevens Farmette in Serenbe
All proceeds will benefit Community Brickworks. For more information and tickets, please visit our website.
Call to Order Called to order at 6:04 p.m. All members present.
Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 5-0
Approval of Minutes
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 6, 2024 Passed 5-0
Presentations / Proclamations None
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz
Fire Department Report: Greg Brett
Police Department Report: Kevin Digou
Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt
Community Development Report: Mike Morton
Public Hearing
1. Item 24-006: Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for a Country Inn in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes related thereto – property is located at 8735 Wilkerson Mill Road. Motion to defer passed 5-0
2. Item 24-007: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 1606.18 acres from the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District to the RL (Rural) District and to eliminate three Variances – property is 1,606.18 acres on several tracts located between Campbellton Redwine Road and the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Jones Ferry Road. Passed 5-0
Unfinished Business
1. Item 23-044: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 526 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the VL (Village) District – property is 526 acres on seven parcels located at all four corners of Cochran Mill Road and South Fulton Parkway. Motion to defer passed 5-0
1. Item 24-015: Ordinance to revise and amend Chapter 4, Alcohol Beverages, Article VII to establish eligibility for license, include other food serving facilities with licenses permitted for restaurants, and for other purposes. Passed 5-0
Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills March 5, 2024 / 6:00 p.m.
2. Item 24-016: Approval of an agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management to establish a lease and maintenance program for the city’s fleet. Passed 5-0
3. Item 24-017: Resolution to authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents to make an application to apply for a 2024 Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) with the Atlanta Regional Commission for the Campbellton Zoning Code and Design Guidelines (CZCDG). Passed 5-0
4. Item 24-018: Resolution establishing certain rules for members of the public making comments, and for other purposes. Passed 5-0
5. Item 24-019: Approval of a change order in the amount of $1,377,670.14 for the 2023 TSPLOST Phase II project. Passed 5-0
Mayor and Council Comments Executive Session (None)
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Construction is underway on the Garretts Ferry Rd Bridge, which is expected to be completed early this spring, weather permitting. See photo on the Cover, and here.
The City of Chattahoochee Hills closed the existing bridge on February 10, 2017, after receiving notice from Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that the bridge must be closed until repaired.
The City spent several years searching for affordable solutions to the repair. Then in March 2020, (former) council- member Laurie Searle identified a Low Impact Bridge Program (LIBP) offered by GDOT. The City applied for the program and received approval on October 22, 2020.
The LIBP project will replace the existing 30 ft x 25 ft concrete bridge with a new 55 ft. x 33 ft. cored slab/box beam bridge at no cost to the City. Chattahoochee Hills will be the first city in District 7 to have benefited from this Federal program. Photo by Laurie Searle
Have you ever been in a plane flying over Chattahoochee Hills at night and had a window seat? If so, I hoped you peeked and noticed that our city is mostly dark. Additionally, you will also notice how dark the streets are while driving through the city, especially after commuting through other areas outside the City of Chattahoochee Hills. This is because we have a night sky ordinance (Article V. Section 5-19) that is designed to preserve the dark night sky for astronomy. Our goal is to minimize glare, obtrusive light, and artificial sky glow by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive, or unnecessary. This also provides for the conservancy of energy and resources to the greatest extent possible and helps to protect the natural environment from the damaging effect of night lighting from manmade sources.
What are some of the benefits of having a night sky ordinance?
Preservation of Natural Resources: Reduced light pollution helps preserve natural resources such as energy, as less artificial lighting is needed, and wildlife, as many animals are affected by artificial light.
Health and Wellbeing: Excessive artificial light at night can disrupt natural circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, potentially leading to health issues such as insomnia, depression, and obesity. A night sky ordinance can help mitigate these effects by promoting a more natural night environment.
Astronomy and Scientific Research: Dark skies are essential for astronomical observations. A night sky ordinance can protect the ability of astronomers to conduct research and study celestial objects without interference from artificial light.
Economic Benefits: Dark sky areas can attract tourists interested in stargazing and experiencing the natural beauty of the night sky. This can benefit local economies through increased tourism and related economic activities.
Safety and Security: While too much light can create glare and reduce visibility, well-designed lighting that complies with a night sky ordinance can enhance safety and security by providing adequate lighting
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CMwhere needed without causing light pollution.
Visual Enjoyment: A darker sky enhances the beauty of the night environment, allowing people to enjoy the stars, planets, and other celestial objects that may not be visible in areas with high light pollution.
The following luminaries and lighting systems are exempt from these requirements:
a. Lighting for pools used at night, controlled by timers and with dimmers;
b. Underwater lighting used for the illumination of swimming pools and fountains, controlled by timers and with dimmers;
c. Temporary holiday lighting (may be used no more than 60 days per lot per year);
d. Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, or other federal, state, or local agency;
e. Emergency lighting used by police, fire, or medical personnel, or at their direction;
f. All outdoor light fixtures producing light directly from the combustion of fossil fuels;
g. Security lighting controlled and activated by a motion sensor device for a duration of five minutes or less.
Overall, a night sky ordinance can help protect and enhance the quality of life for both humans and wildlife, while also supporting scientific research and preserving natural resources. Please take some time to review this ordinance to make sure you are in compliance to help us all reap the benefits of minimizing obtrusive light.
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Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
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Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar
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These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
City Council Work Session - Tues. April 2, 4:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues. April 2, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Commission Meeting - Thurs. April 11, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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
Chatt Hills News 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
About Chatt Hills News
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
About Chatt Hills News Print Copies:
Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall: (770) 463-8881.