CHATT HILLS NEWS
Ali Harper Photography
MAYOR TOM REED
Hello, Chatt Hills!
Just a quick note this month to highlight one of my favorite things our City does, and to give a sneak preview of a very special project, the culmination of years and years of hard work!
First, a huge tip of the hat to Fire Chief Greg Brett and the Chatt Hills Fire Department for their recent fire safety class at City Hall. I talk all of the time about how our City is planning on a long horizon, to make sure that our children, grandchildren, (and their grandchildren) are able to enjoy the beauty of Chattahoochee Hills in a way that no descendants of residents in our neighboring cities will be able to.
But we also feel huge responsibility to the children that live in Chattahoochee Hills today, and the Fire Department embodies that care in so many ways. From the fire department visits that they host for the littles (who love nothing more than climbing all over a shiny red fire truck) to the training they do every day to be sure that when one of our children has an emergency, the Fire Department is ready to respond and take care of the issue in the most professional and appropriate way possible.
But preventing those emergencies in the first place is just as important as responding to them, which is why the classes that the Fire Department did at City Hall last week feel so important to me. The youth who attended (and the adults that came
with them, and the older kids and adults who attended other classes that day) got a series of good lessons in fire safety and emergency care, and they got to climb around on that fire truck!
I’m also incredibly excited to say that the new canoe and kayak launch ramp at the Riverlands Park is in place, as the Trust for Public Land crew wraps up the final work on the new pavilions and bathrooms at the park with our Public Works Team in advance of a grand opening event this fall!
It took years of effort with some incredibly gracious landowners to arrange the land swaps that got this beautiful piece of land for the city. I worked with those landowners, the Trust for Public Land, and City Attorney Rick Lindsey to both arrange the exchange of land and to reconfigure all of the associated conservation easements to accommodate the City’s need for an accessible park at
the southern side of our Chattahoochee River frontage. And it’s finally all coming together—so exciting! Soon people will be able to take their kids on a canoe trip all of the way down the Chattahoochee in Chattahoochee Hills, from our Campbellton Park to our Riverland Park!
While we’re talking about our youth, a quick shout-out to the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, which is celebrating 10 years of educating the children of Chattahoochee Hills and the south Fulton area. To all of the people involved in the effort to create the school, and who have supported it through ten years of development, and the fantastic staff, led by the indefatigable Dr. Patrick Muhammad: thank you for your efforts on behalf of our children.
Until next month – stay cool, stay dry, and be well.
Mayor Tom Reed
Austin's Cocktailery & Kitchen Opens Serenbe
Austin's is a restaurant and cocktail bar with a luxurious ambiance reminiscent of 1920s cocktail lounges in Paris and London. Set in the vibrant Serenbe community, it offers refined cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails utilizing hard-to-find spirits and locally sourced botanicals complemented by a curated dinner menu. The establishment pays homage to Father Austin Ford, a cherished friend of the Nygren family and the founders of Serenbe. Austin
was known for his diverse passions spanning music, art, literature, gardening, and fine spirits - both liquid and heavenly - and he has inspired a gathering place that fosters conversation and community, much like he did in his lifetime.
Tues.-Thur. & Sun. 5-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 5-11pm
No Reservations
Serenbe, 9110 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 770.462.9162, hello@austinsatserenbe.com https://www.austinsatserenbe.com/
Designers Announced For the 11th Annual Serenbe Designer Showhouse
Anna Wooten Loggins | A. Wooten Interiors
Anisa Darnell | Truth & Co.
Jasmine Crockett | Joy Meet Home
Jimmy Stanton | Stanton Home Furnishings
Katie Moorhouse | K. Moorhouse Design
Kevin O'Gara | Kevin Francis Design
Maria McLaurin | McLaurin Interiors
Alec Michaelides | Land Plus Associates
Meredith Page & Liz Livingston | Page House Studio
Olivia Westbrooks | Olivia Westbrooks Interiors
Pamela Stakemann | South Haven Builders
Zeb Grant | Zeb Grant Design
september 27 - october 20, 2024
THURSDAY-SUNDAY 10AM-4PM
SERENBE LANE, CHATT HILLS, GEORGIA 30268
The 2024 Serenbe Showhouse Pop-up Shop
The 2024 Serenbe Showhouse Pop-up Shop is thoughtfully presented by Gemmie Dayrit of Vairehouse.
Gemmie is a cultural curator traveling the world to seek out unique home decor including accessories, furniture, lighting, books, candles, and curiosities. Variehouse also designs and imports furniture from overseas villages.
The Vairehouse Pop-up Shop will be open during showhouse hours, Thursday - Sunday, and requires a tour ticket to access and shop.
Photos below are from the 2023 Showhouse.
OUR COMMUNITY
Nathaniel Fisher, Jr. to Perform with the Chatt Hills Community Choir
Nathaniel Fisher, Jr. is a distinctive African American conductor, arranger, instrumentalist, and composer. Beginning at age seven under the guidance of his great-grandmother and church musician Myrtle M. Garrison, he has been influenced by many inspiring mentors, and has given back as a guiding force in the careers of many musical artists, groups, and choirs. From his early work as musical director of New Orleans group “Plan B,” featured at the Apollo Theater, through his tenure as Assistant Director of the award-winning John F. Kennedy High School Show Choir, and more recently as Artistic Director of the internationally acclaimed Duke Fisher Heritage Singers, he has traveled extensively in his drive to share his prodigious musical talent and raise the platform of ministry.
His listed credits include renowned recording artists such as Tony Terry, Tara Darnell, Davell Crawford, Lyle Henderson, Paulette Wright-Davis, Pastor Kenton Rogers, the “Queen of Gospel” Albertina Walker, Ann Nesby of Sounds of Blackness, Dr. Juanita Bynum, and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Makeba Reddick-Woods, as well as the playwright Bishop Jeremiah D. Fowler and Barry Manilow for his 2015 “One Last Time” concert.
Nathaniel also has recorded and toured internationally with the Anthony Morgan Inspirational Choir of Harlem, the New York Spirit of Gospel Choir, and international recording artist Sonya McGuire of S.M. Ministries. He was Musical Director for J.D. Fowler’s hit stage play “Go Back and Get God” written, directed, and produced by Bishop Fowler in Newnan, Georgia, and is the former director of the Mount Moriah Baptist Church, historically known for its rich musical heritage including singers Gladys Knight, William Guest, and Xerona Clayton. Further, he has served as the Regional Youth Choir Director of the Progressive National Baptist Convention under National President Dr. T. Dewitt Smith, Jr.
Mr. Fisher resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he is currently the Artistic Director of Worship and Arts at Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also works in partnership with Lori Ann Christian, the Choral & Vocal Director of the award-winning Tri-Cities high school magnet choir. Nathaniel’s musical abilities and astonishing skills in conducting have made him one of Atlanta’s esteemed musical talents, and his unselfish commitment to ministry
Community Choir Concert
Cochran Mill Park
Sept. 19, 5:00pm
and the art of music has earned him broad admiration and countless awards. We are thrilled to have his guidance and participation in the Community Choir concert at Cochran Mill Park (6875 Cochran Mill Rd., Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268), at 5:00 p.m. on September 19th.
Chattahoocheehills Charter School Celebrating 10-year Anniversary All School Year
The Chatt Hills Charter School begins August 1 this year. We ask the community to please be patient with us for the first few weeks as we get the arrival and dismissal routine established. We will have an Open House for the families on July 29th, 3 pm to 6 pm.
Patrick S. Muhammad, ED.S, Head of School 9670 Rivertown Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30213 Phone: (678) 466-7300 Fax: (678) 466- 7305
Terra School at Serenbe
At Terra School, we harness all of the amazing community resources of the greater South Fulton area to create an expansive classroom experience that stretches into the hills and meadows of Chattahoochee Hills and beyond.
In our educational philosophy, the natural environment assumes a unique and foundational role and acts as a nurturing element in students' lives. Recognizing the importance of regular outdoor engagement for both physical health and the positive impact on mental well-being, we actively encourage participation in extracurricular outdoor activities. This not only fosters a sense of joy but also contributes to the development of a vibrant campus culture. This grounding effect connects students to the world beyond classroom walls and fosters a profound sense of place and belonging.
From outdoor classrooms that inspire curiosity and exploration, to farms teaching students about the cycles of life and growth, the natural environment weaves a rich tapestry of experiences for our learners. It not only cultivates resilience and encourages critical thinking but also instills a sense of civic duty and environmental stewardship.
For more information: https://www.terraatserenbe.org 255 Prom Field Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Smyly Farms Pasture-Raised Poultry
Smyly Farms is a pastured poultry farm here in Chatt Hills regeneratively producing meat, eggs, and broth, and additionally growing seasonal vegetables. They are owned and operated by a UGA horticulture alumni with an emphasis in sustainable food production. They are working through The Conservation Fund's, “Working Farms Fund” to help protect the City of Chatt Hills and its effort to remain rural..
Our main support is the Atlanta farmers markets. We go every weekend. It would be nice to see more local folks from our city supporting local agricultural. We have whole ducks, duck breast, duck thighs and leg quarters, as well as chicken meat and eggs. Soon we will also have sweet onions and some watermelons.
Smyly Farms
7840 Rico Rd. Palmetto, GA 30268
Michael Gault 678-725-4096
OUR COMMUNITY
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper & Southern Environmental Law Center threaten to sue City of Atlanta for Clean Water Act violations
July 2, 2024, ATLANTA – Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, told the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management that it would have 60 days to stop discharging illegal levels of pollution from the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center into the Chattahoochee River or the groups will file a lawsuit in federal court for Clean Water Act violations.
A 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue is required under the Clean Water Act. If the city does not correct violations after 60 days, the groups will move forward with a federal lawsuit.
The R.M. Clayton facility is Atlanta’s largest wastewater treatment plant. The plant receives millions of gallons of the city’s wastewater every day and is permitted to release up to 100 million gallons of treated wastewater per day into the Chattahoochee River.
In March 2024, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) detected dangerously elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the Chattahoochee River and traced the source to the R.M. Clayton plant’s outfall into the river. Daily testing conducted by CRK at the outfall found E. coli levels were on average 340 times higher than the amount recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for safe water recreation.
CRK notified the City of Atlanta and Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) that the plant was discharging large amounts of E. coli and other pollutants into the river, threatening public health, wildlife, and the river’s ecosystem.
After news spread of unsafe conditions in the river, the City of Atlanta initially attributed the plant’s failure to both heavy rainfall and multiple discharges of illicit substances into the plant. But an inspection conducted by Georgia EPD revealed that the facility is in a state of disrepair, with problems at all stages of wastewater treatment and numerous safety hazards.
From March to June, CRK pressured city leadership to address operational failures and expedite repairs at the plant. Ongoing monitoring by CRK at the plant’s outfall has revealed sporadic spikes in E. coli levels as recently as June 6. Exposure to E. coli bacteria can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
“We have serious concerns about the high levels of organic material and nutrients entering the river from the
plant’s discharge, which violate the plant’s permit,” says Jason Ulseth, CRK’s Riverkeeper and executive director. The contaminants, including ammonia and phosphorus, contribute to low oxygen levels in the river which are detrimental to aquatic life.
“The city’s proposed corrective action plan is inadequate to ensure the plant complies with the Clean Water Act,” says Ulseth. “Disruptive events like heavy rainfall will recur in the future, and the city should take proactive measures to ensure that its facilities are effectively maintained and operated.”
Based on the pattern of ongoing serious violations in the discharges from the plant and on the City's lack of transparency, CRK and the Southern Environmental Law Center are prepared to file a lawsuit against the City of Atlanta. Pursuant to the Clean Water Act, CRK and SELC will seek an injunction to prohibit the ongoing egregious violations of the City's wastewater permit, as well as civil penalties, attorney's fees and costs.
About Chattahoochee Riverkeeper:
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission is to educate, advocate, and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries, and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet. For more information, visit www.chattahoochee.org
About Southern Environmental Law Center:
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of 200, including more than 120 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, D.C. southernenvironment.org
OUR COMMUNITY
Georgia Mail Delivery Ranked Worst in the Nation
By Dave Williams | Capitol Beat
Georgia ranked worst in the nation in on-time mail delivery during the second quarter of this year, according to a new report from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.
Only 63.7% of first-class mail in Georgia was delivered on time in April, May, and June, the agency reported. "On time" is defined as within two days.
Georgia’s score was well below the national average of 86.8% for the quarter and even farther below the target goal of 93%.
Still, Georgia’s second-quarter performance was an improvement over earlier in the year. At a U.S. Senate committee hearing in April, Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. revealed statistics showing that only 36% of first-class mail processed at a regional mail processing and distribution center in Palmetto was being delivered on time.
During the April hearing, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy blamed slow mail delivery on problems encountered during the rollout of a restructuring plan last February aimed at making the postal service economically self-sufficient. The plan was first implemented at mail processing and distribution centers in Palmetto and Richmond, Va.
Responding to those delays, DeJoy announced in May that the postal service would pause the plan at least until next year to give the postal service a chance to determine what went wrong and fix it.
In the meantime, the agency brought in more than 100 additional workers from other mail processing centers to Palmetto and revised transportation schedules between the Palmetto center and other local mail processing facilities.
The post "Georgia Mail Delivery Ranked Worst in the Nation" appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
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OUR COMMUNITY
Chattahoochee Hills RiverLands Park
By Trust for Public Land
In an area dominated by agricultural land and private property, the Chattahoochee Hills RiverLands Park is 260 acres and represents an opportunity to add a large recreational asset to the region that can serve as a model for other park spaces throughout the RiverLands.
The RiverLands is more than just a land-based trail; it also includes 100 miles of River, 8 proposed campsites, and 42 water access points that together form a Blueway trail.
Visit the link to learn more. https://www.chattahoocheeriverlands.com/.../chattahooche.../
Meet Cynthia Arnold-Brown
By Cynthia Arnold Brown
A passionate line dance instructor from the City of Chattahoochee Hills since 2016, Cynthia Arnold-Brown has been the heart and soul of the line dancing community at Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center. Inspired by her mother’s dedication to community service, Cynthia embarked on a journey to share her love for dance with seniors, turning her passion into a lifelong mission.
Cynthia’s classes are more than just lessons; they are vibrant gatherings where seniors connect, move, and find joy. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her dedication is unwavering. Cynthia believes that dance is not just an
activity but a way to enhance physical health, boost mental well-being, and foster social connections.
Through the years, Cynthia has seen the transformative power of line dancing. She has witnessed shy newcomers blossom into confident dancers and made lifelong friends along the way. For Cynthia, teaching line dance is not just a job; it is a heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of seniors in her community.
Join Cynthia and discover the joy of line dancing. With every step, you’ll not only learn new moves but also become a part of a supportive and joyful community.
Palmetto Neighborhood Senior Center - 510 Turner Ave, Palmetto, GA 30268
OUR COMMUNITY
The Rue Magazine Showhouse
By Patrick & Meghan Sharp
The Rue Magazine Showhouse in Serenbe will open in one month! The opening night party will be August 23rd. Stay tuned here and @serenbe for details. We are honored to be the exclusive designers for the entire home built by the expert craftsmen of @longocustombuilders. It’s a modern house, with beautiful finishes, luxurious furnishings, and a curated collection of local artists. Ya’lI plan a trip to @ serenbe . As long as you’re here, plan to stop by our shop @sharpfurnitureco. We’re having so much fun bringing our favorite things to one location, and we’d love to share it with you. You can even stay the night above the shop at Maison de Sharp via Airbnb!
From large-scale remodels, new home construction projects, to simple makeovers, Mister + Mrs. Sharp will reflect your personal taste and style while adding functionality to your home.
We are a full-service residential and commercial interior design firm helping clients reach their goals of adding beauty and functionality to their homes and businesses. We guide clients through the selection of architectural details and finishes, collaborate with architects and builders, and design a functional, beautiful space with furniture, fabrics, accessories, and custom pieces tailor-made for you and your living space.
Mister + Mrs Sharp
116 Gainey Lane, Chattahoochee Hills GA, 30268 meghan@misterandmrssharp.com, [415] 726-8600 patrick@misterandmrssharp.com, [404] 824-3568
Now Open in Serenbe
Come visit our newly opened acupuncture and oriental medicine clinic in Serenbe. Call or contact us for an appointment.
Bianca Cavandi Brotbacker Summer Schedule
Bianca Cavandi, Chattahoochee Hills' Artisan European Sourdough baker, will have her Bread Mobile will be by the General Store on Saturday mornings from 9 AM to 1 PM. The Serenbe Farmers Market will take place steps away at the same time. Bianca recommends pre-ordering. Just make sure to pick up your order before 1 PM. Get there early to beat the heat.
Visit to our online store: https://www.biancacavandi.com/shop
Weekly Sat. 12:00pm
Wine Tastings at the General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
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.
Weekly Farmhouse Fri. 5:30-8:30pm
Music on the Porch
10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Reserve a table HERE
Weekly Sat. 10:00am
Goat Yoga at the Inn
10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
$40. Book class here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/goatsyoga-nature-pure-joy-tickets-517885909697
Weekly 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. https://serenbewineshop.com
Weekly Tues. - Fri, 4-6pm
The Hill Happy Hour
The Hill at Serenbe, 9110 Selborne Lane
Featuring $5 Eats, $3 Beers, $10 Cocktails, and Half off Select Glasses of Wine
Weekly Mon. 5-8pm
Blue Eyed Daisy Burger Night
9065 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Burger Night, we’re serving some of our favorite burger styles and salads. Please call ahead for takeout: 770.463.8379
Weekly Wed. 10:00 am - 2:00pm
Serenbe Farms Volunteer Day 8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Weekly Sat. 3:00pm
Serenbe Farm tour 8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Please Join us for choir rehearsal the third Thursday, of each month at 5pm.
Recharge at Creek Retreat!
Tues. 12:30pm (15 min / no charge) Community BioCharger Session
Thurs. 4:44 pm BioCharger Happy Hour includes Kava Seltzer (15 min / $22)
Fri. 1:00 pm Elevated BioCharger Stacked Session (25 min / $20 per person) More information available at CreekRetreat. com | 404-907-1914
Sun. Aug. 4, 8:00am on ESPN 2
Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Race Gears Up for National Broadcast on ESPN 2
The much-anticipated 2024 Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Race is set to air nationally on ESPN2 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on Sunday, August 4th. This exciting event was the fourth race in Hamlin's history, and delivered a day of fun, competition, and community spirit in the heart of Selborne Lane.
Years ago, when Stacy, the creator of Hamlin, was asked how she wanted to celebrate the establishment's anniversary, she enthusiastically replied, "I wanna ride big wheels in the street like it’s 1985!" Fast forward to today, and this vision has blossomed into a beloved annual (ish) tradition that captures the essence of fun and nostalgia.
Selborne Lane was once again transformed into the epicenter of exhilaration as ten dynamic teams competed for the prestigious Golden Big Wheel Trophy. The race is more than just a competition; it’s a spectacle that draws the community together. Spectators line the sidewalks, their cheers and laughter adding to the vibrant atmosphere as riders navigate a series of inventive obstacles with skill and daring.
The event is not just about the race. It’s a celebration of community, featuring an array of festivities that attendees look forward to every year. From refreshing beverages and delectable treats from local establishment, to the thrill of raffled prizes, the Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Race offers something for everyone. It’s a day of joy, camaraderie, and lasting memories, fostering strong community bonds.
"We are thrilled to bring the Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Race to a national audience," said Stacy, the creator of Hamlin. "This event is a true celebration of our community's spirit and creativity, and we can't wait to share it with viewers across the country."
Mark your calendars for August 4th at 8:00 AM Eastern Time, and tune in to ESPN 2 to experience the excitement
of the 2024 Hamlin Adult Big Wheel Race. Join us in celebrating this unique event that continues to bring joy and unity to our vibrant community.
For more information about the event and other happenings at Hamlin, follow Hamlin on Instagram @hey_hamlin or visit hamlinshop.com.
Under the Tent 2024 Performances Include:
Art Farm Soirée at Serenbe (Sept. 12, 6pm)
Jazz Night with Kathleen Bertrand (Sept. 13, 7:30pm)
Voice: A Night of Spoken Word (Sept.14, 7:30) Little Shop of Horrors (Sept. 20-29, 7:30) Les Farfadais' Celestial (Oct. 3-6)
ArtFarm at Serenbe
We are so excited to share that the Under the Tent series is back this year with four exciting shows, and this year you have a chance to save on tickets by prepurchasing a pass to all four shows in the series! We have four separate ticket packages available, including a Friends + Family Pass which covers admission for four people for all four shows and saves over $200! Grab your friends and split a pass together to get the most out of the Under the Tent series! Only a select number of passes are available: https:// www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events
Please note the Under the Tent Series Pass does not cover admission to the 2024 Art Farm Soirée at Serenbe, and select dates for Little Shop of Horrors will be subject to availability.
Sept. 19, 5:00pm
Community Choir Concert Cochran Mill Park
https://www.chatthillsga. us/community/community_choir.php
Aug. 29 - Oct. 31 Fall Kids Gardening Program
Ages 3-6: Thurs. 3:304:30pm
A 10-Week Gardening Program for ages 3- 6 year olds, where kids will be taught gardening skills while nurturing their own growing space. https://serenbefarms.com/ fallgardening/12-week-kids-spring-gardening-programj9y2m-7p3yt
This event will take place prior to the Serenbe Farms annual Fall Plant Sale on September 14th. This is a great time to learn & plan for new seedlings for your garden space! https://square.link/u/vkx8TPDg
Wed. Sept. 4, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Fall Gardening Class
Harvest Success with our Fall Gardening Class: Where Learning Blooms! $35 per person. Participation in the class includes:
• 4-Pack of fall plants or a larger potted plant to take home to your garden!
• An informative lecture and group discussion with the Farm Manager of Serenbe Farms
• Topics covered will include planning your garden, soil health & soil building, seasonality of plants, basic garden maintenance, and more!
Sept. 14, 10am - 5pm Fall Plant Sale- Save the Date!
Our farmers have been working hard to provide the community with a wide variety of plants to fill your garden this season. Your choice to buy plants from a local farm and grow a garden is a valuable step in supporting the health of your family and the strength of the local food community. Individual Fall Plants and Packs of 4 will include: Perennial Flowers, Annual Flowers, Annual Vegetables, Potted and Trans-plantable Herbs, PLUS Surprise Offerings Pre-Orders will be available August 31st, but there will also be a variety of plants available on the day of the sale! Your pre-order plants can be picked up at the farm on September 14th between 10am - 5pm. https://serenbefarms.com/ eventscalendar/2024/9/14/fallplantsale
Arts Section
August Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books
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.
Romantasy Book Club Pick (for adults): The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick Join us for a book discussion about The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick, hosted by bookseller Sandra at Hills & Hamlets Bookshop on Wednesday, August 21st at 7pm. Sandra recommends this “exceptional retelling of Beauty and the Beast” for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses. About the book: For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shade's fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride... Out now!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781668065167
New in Literary Thriller: Hum by Helen Phillips
H&H bookseller Sandra recommends: “This thrilling dystopian sci-fi was intense and anxiety provoking! Forests and wild animals are a thing of the past, and there are robots called Hums that coexist with humans. When May loses her job to AI, in order to keep her family afloat, she undergoes an experimental surgery that makes her face unrecognizable to AI…with unforeseen consequences. This book is very fast paced, eye opening, and relatable in so many areas that we are currently dealing with—AI, technology, climate change, screen time, and unrealistic expectation of mothers.” Out August 6th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781668008836
New in Young Adult: The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The bestselling author delivers a brand-new series in the world of The Inheritance Games, where fan-favorites and new characters collide. Welcome to the Grandest Game, an annual competition run by billionaire Avery Grambs and the four infamous Hawthorne brothers, whose family fortune she inherited. Designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune, this year's game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win. Do you have what it takes to play? Out now!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780316481014
Arts Section
Cold Sweat, My Father
James Brown and Me
Paperback by Yamma Brown with Robin Gaby Fisher
Yamma Brown recently had a book signing at the Art & Company Gallery at Serenbe. Being the child of a global superstar is never easy, but being the daughter of the “Hardest Working Man in Show Business”—that’s a category unto itself. Like every little girl, Yamma Brown wanted her father’s attention, but fame, drugs, jail, and the complicated women in James Brown’s life set the stage for an uncommon childhood. She got caught in the same trap as her mother, doing things in her adult life and troubled marriage that, as a child, she’d promised herself she’d never do. The struggles she went through, both as a child and as an adult, make for a gripping read and, in the end, a profound examination of the nature of celebrity, violence, and survival. Though packed with celebrity appearances ranging from Michael Jackson
to Al Sharpton, Cold Sweat ultimately focuses on an everyday issue faced by millions of women—domestic violence—and in this book Yamma faces it in an honest and powerfully moving way.
Yamma Brown is the vice president of the James Brown Family Foundation and the president and founder of Daughter of Soul Productions. She is the youngest daughter of Deidre Jenkins and James Brown. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Robin Gaby Fisher is the author of the New York Times bestseller After the Fire and Boys of the Dark, a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Feature Writing, and a member of a Pulitzer Prize–winning team. Paperback $15.99. To Order: https://shorturl.at/QEKOJ,
New OCCHS Publication True Crimes of Campbell County
The Old Campbell County Historical Society (OCCHS, est.1971) announces the publication of a new true-crime book based on articles and other news sources compiled from records and reporting on Campbell County, Georgia (1828-1931). The project began in response to inquiries about criminal activity and law enforcement in the county prior to its incorporation into Fulton County in the early 1930s, so readers will find extensive coverage from OCCHS records and old newspapers, as well as period graphics. Anyone with an interest in local history and vintage crime reporting will enjoy this book. The volume takes its style pointers from the crime coverage of the period, with liberal inclusion of newspaper and magazine advertising for goods and services from the classic era of the pulp magazines such as Master Detective, True Crime, Dime Detective, and True Detective Mysteries. Due to the subject matter, the volume is for mature audiences, with topics ranging from theft, fires, and shootings to assault, murder,
and rape; original spelling, diction, and other features of the period texts are carried over in easy-to-read, faithful transcriptions with sources cited at the end of each article. To those who share the interests of the public researchers and professionals at OCCHS, or who simply want to support local history, order your copy before this limited run is sold out!
True
Crimes of Campbell County: True Cases from the Newspapers, 150 pp., $26.95 + $5 post and handling. Pre-orders are being accepted now through askocchs@ gmail.com, or call 770-969-5618.
Arts Section
Artists Featured at Southern Crescent Gallery at
Trilith Guesthouse
Natalie McIntyre • Vikki Weigel • David Boyd • Morgan Bozilkov • Judy Walker • Logynn Ferrall
350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214 For inquiries and purchase, contact Logynn Ferrall at (281) 658-5036, or logynnbferrall@mac.com.
ENZO Restaurant & Art Through Sept.
300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Camara Alston • Leticia Andrade • David Boyd Jr • O.V. Brantley • Brenda Erickson • Laura Gfelner • Emil Holder • Jenni Horne • Pamela Kamor• Robert Lederman • Julie McKinney • Jessica McPherson • Olga Mosina • Van Nguyen • Dale Niles • Rod Parker • Malin Roghelia • Valerie Dumas • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst
Art Presented by The Curator Group: Greg Blair, Logynn B Ferral, and Judy Walker To purchase: Greg Blair 770774-3524, gblairpaintings@yahoo.com
Artists Featured at Dogwood Gallery
105 St. Stephens Ct. Suite E
Tyrone, GA 30290 https://www. dogwoodgallery.net/
Avi Deshmukh • Brenda Erickson • Corinne Galla • Vinayak Godbole • Jenni Horne • Julie McKinney • Michael Montgomery • Martin Pate • Malin Roghelia • Ezra Thompson • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst
CHURCHES
Newnan Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Sardis Baptist Church July and August Events
August 4th 149th Homecoming Celebration
Revival Chatt Hills 2024 Sardis Baptist Church, 8400 Sardis Church Rd. Chatt
Thursday August 1st
Preaching: Pastor John Farmer Sr. (Vernon Grove Baptist Church), Music: Vernon Grove Baptist Church Choir
Friday August 2nd
Preaching: Pastor Barry Shoemake (Whitesburg Christian Church), Music: Parson's Road
Saturday August 3rd
Preaching: Rev. Jimmy Kanair (Fairburn Associational Missionary), Music: Joe and Kim Stanley
Sardis Baptist Church, 8400 Sardis Rd., Chatt Hills, www.sardisbap-
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., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Community BRICKWORKS REPORT
Food Pantry
In June we served 60 families (117 adults and 94 children), and 8 new families were added. We received an abundance of fresh fruits, veggies, and local farm fresh eggs from generous neighbors! Your donations, both monetary and in kind, are always appreciated and being put to good use! Thank you!
Library Update
The Summer Program: Inventions Inspired by Animals was a huge hit! Local kiddos enjoyed creating, crafting, and seeing live animals. A BIG thank you to all who partnered with us to make the program such a success. West End Performing Arts helped out by providing materials and guidance for some very cool crafts. Bear Creek Nature Center brought a live snake (a few adults may or may not have hidden in the hallway), a screech owl, a beaver skull pelt, and more. Of course, all of the volunteers who helped out all month were invaluable. Our volunteers made this, and all of our programs throughout the year, possible.
Please Join us for some Fun Activities in August: Toddler Tuesday: every Tues. at 9:30 (birth to 5 years old)
Read Between the Lines Book Club: we will be reading Dancing with the White Dog by Terry Kaye. Join us on the second Tuesday in August at 4pm for a discussion of this book.
Ice Cream Social/Homemade Ice Cream Contest: August 3rd at 6:30pm in the Community Room at City Hall. As summer comes to a close, we will celebrate with a refreshing end! Bring a batch of your own HOMEMADE ice cream to compete for the Chattahoochee Hills Ice Cream Crown. If you aren’t able to bring a batch of ice cream to share, bring a cake, cookies, or topping to go along with the ice cream. Or, just come as you are and enjoy some good times and fellowship with your neighbors.
Introduction to Genealogy: August 13th from 6-8pm. There is only space for 5 so sign up quickly! If you have a laptop, bring it along, and any research that you have as well.
National Senior Citizens Day: August 21st from 10am12pm. Stop by the library during this time to have some refreshments, put a puzzle together, play games, tell stories, and check out a good book or magazine. We hope you’ll come and enjoy yourself!
*All events will be available for registration through Eventbrite.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Neighbors Helping Neighbors! CommunityBrickworks.org
City Government
Call to Order All was present - a quorum was established. CM Schmidt was via zoom.
Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 5-0
Approval of Minutes:
1. Council Approval of Regular Council Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2024
It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Lightsey to approve the June 4, 2024, Regular Council Meeting Minutes with adding Allison Duncan’s name to list of appointed members for the Historic Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
Presentations / Proclamations None
Public Comments: There were no speakers.
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz, City Manager Fire Department Report: Greg Brett, Fire Chief Police Department Report: Kevin Digou, Police Chief Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt, Director Community Development Report: Mike Morton, Director Economic Development Report: Chris Montesinos, Director
Public Hearing
1. Item 24-031 – 2nd Reading and Council Adoption of Ordinance for a Variance to the Limitation on the Location of Accessory Structures in the RL (Rural) District with Conditions.
There was one written statement for the applicant. No other speakers.
It was moved by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Councilmember Lowe to approve the ordinance for a variance to the limitation on the location of accessory structures in the RL District with the stated conditions and changing condition #2 to read “the structure must be similar with the main house…” Motion was passed unanimously.
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
Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills Tuesday, July 2, 2024 ~ 6:00pm
parcels located at all four corners of Cochran Mill Road and South Fulton Parkway.
It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Peek to have an additional public hearing before the Planning Commission and an additional public hearing before the City Council for the proposed rezoning. These public hearings shall be held the latter of (1) the August Planning Commission meeting and the September Council meeting or (2) the meeting during which the public hearings will be held if the proposed rezoning requires a variance. Motion passed unanimously.
It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Peek to defer this item until the aforementioned meetings. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
1. Item 24-038 – Council Approval of Resolution 24-07375 Appointment to Conventions & Visitor’s Bureau Authority
It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and seconded by Councilmember Foster to appoint Gary Casis to the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Item 24-039 – Council Approval of Resolution 24-07376 to Donate Surplus Police RaDARs
It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Peek to approve the Resolution to Donate Surplus Police Radars to Ideal, GA. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Item 24-040 – 1st Read Only – Ordinance to Amend the Charter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, so as to Amend the Corporate Limits of the City of Chattahoochee Hills by Annexing Property Under the 100% Method and So as To Amend the Voting Districts of the City of Chattahoochee Hills and to Amend the Zoning District of the City
This was a 1st Read Only
Mayor and Council Comments
Executive Session (None) Adjourned Meeting at 7:07s p.m.
City Government
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
Chattahoochee Hills Set to Adopt 2024 Millage Rate
Every year, usually in August after the City receives the certified tax digest from Fulton County, the City of Chattahoochee Hills Mayor & Council must hold a Public Hearing in advance of setting its millage rate. The current millage rate is 9.00. According to the Fulton County Tax Commissioner’s Office, the Net Digest increased 56.17% this year from $362,685,881 to $435,038,212. This increase yielded a rollback calculation of .8 mills from 9.00 to 8.2 to remain “revenue neutral”. The recommendation is to accept the rollback rate of .8 and adopt a 2024 millage rate at 8.2.
Lowering property taxes can stimulate local economy and support homeowners. The budget that was recently adopted by the Mayor and Council was carefully crafted to ensure we will still meet our obligations to provide quality services and maintain our city's infrastructure. It's about finding the right balance between tax relief and sustainable municipal operations to meet the expectations of our citizens.
All concerned citizens are invited to the advertised public hearings on this tax rate to be held at City Hall, 6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. The Public Hearing and adoption of the millage rate by the Mayor and Council will be on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:00 PM.
This tentative millage rate is being proposed at 8.20 The proposed millage rate for a for non-homestead property home with a fair market value of $125,000 yields approximately $410.00 in property taxes and the proposed millage rate for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $400,000 yields approximately $1,312.00 in property taxes.
This calculation is made by taking 40% of the assessed value less any exemptions and multiplied by .00820. More examples are available at www.chatthillsga.gov.
According to Mayor Tom Reed, “I am pleased to announce that our city council has approved a significant reduction in the millage rate for our community. This decision reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and ensuring that our residents can thrive economically. By lowering the millage rate, we aim to lessen the tax burden on our hardworking families and businesses while maintaining the high-quality services that our city provides. This reduction is a testament to the prudent financial management and collaborative efforts of our city council and administration. We remain dedicated to finding ways to support our residents and promote economic growth, and this reduction is a positive step in that direction,” continued Mayor Reed.
The City offers a homestead exemption of $15,000 which must be filed prior to April 1st of the respective tax year. There are additional exemptions for seniors age 65 and older and age 70 and older. Seniors in those age brackets may also qualify for additional exemptions up to including a full exemption after age 70 under certain income restrictions.
For more details on the 2024 millage rate, you may contact City Hall at 770-463-8881 or the city manager, Robbie Rokovitz, at robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us. A sample of property tax rate table is also provided on the City’s web site at www.chatthillsga.gov.
CITY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS NOTICE
Prepared
By;
Robert T. Rokovitz
The City of Chattahoochee Hills Mayor & Council does hereby announce that the millage rate will be set at a Public Hearing to be held at City Hall, 6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Pursuant to the requirements of § 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years. The current
millage rate of 9 mils will be rolled back to 8.2 mils which is a decrease of .8 mils. The proposed tax decrease for a home with a fair market value of $150,000 is approximately $40.00 and the proposed tax decrease for a non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of $400,000 is approximately $128.00. Pursuant to the requirements of § 48-5-32 does hereby publish the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.
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
Terra School at Serenbe: https://www.terraatserenbe.org
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. Aug. 6, 4:30-6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues. Aug. 6, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Historic Commission - Mon. Aug. 12, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission - Tues. Aug. 13, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Commission Meeting - Thurs. Aug. 15, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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: www. chatthillsga.us, Or subscribe directly at this link: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA
Chief Greg Brett provided some lifesaving training to his fellow first responders. It is critical that police officers, who are often first on the scene of an emergency call, know how to perform life-saving techniques until medical professionals arrive on the scene.
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.
2024 PARKING PASSES AVAILABLE
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
