Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
CHATT HILLS NEWS
Issue 2 Volume 3 www.chatthillsga.us
FEBRUARY 2022
Features
Events
Arts in Chatt Hills
City Government
Our Community Page 3
What’s Happening Locally? Page 11
Local Artists Page 16
Stay Informed Page 21
Artist Name:
Curtis Patterson
Project:
Public Black Art Project at Serenbe
Serenity for Shango 3/4 frontal view of central element with outdoor scape for reference. page 13, Public Art proposal
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MAYOR TOM REED As we roll into February (and spring, apparently, based on the confused daffodils in my backyard), I find myself once again updating my personal work plan for the coming year. I thought it might be interesting to some residents to know what is on their mayor’s personal priority list, so this is the first in what will be a series on that subject. The first big upcoming priority: work on the City’s next budget. When I first became Mayor, this was about the only thing I could focus on; we were so close to running out of money altogether that stemming the fiscal bleeding was the highest priority. It took a couple of years of painful cuts, followed by rebuilding from a smaller base, but we were eventually able to turn those early deficits into surpluses, which we were able to use to pay down all of the City’s short-term debt and then begin improving services. Even though it’ll be a while before we have enough money to do all of the things that I wish we could do, we have been able to do a lot. For a city that still has very limited revenue sources, we swing above our weight in many ways—in some places because I feel like we have to—because we’re so remote. Public Safety is the best example of that, and it’s the primary focus of my budgetary attention. We have a higher ratio of “public safety personnel to residents” than any of our neighbors. But that’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. We are aware of how far most of our residents are from a hospital, and we understand how many older residents we have, and we mitigate the situation with several overlapping strategies. One of the most important is that we have EMT’s and Paramedics on every fire shift, so that we always have trained professionals on hand to take care of people in need from the moment help arrives. While Grady is the licensed ambulance provider in South Fulton (with a lot of State rules protecting that monopoly), we’ve added our own fully equipped emergency trans2
port, so if Grady can’t get an Ambulance here in time, we are able to make the difference by getting someone to the hospital using our own equipment. We’ve also been able to get newer equipment—a new fire truck, for example. And we’ve added some other gear that is especially helpful in our rural setting, like litter-equipped Emergency UTVs and even a “trail litter” to rescue injured folks using manpower alone if need be, to ensure no one is irretrievably stuck in the woods if injured while hiking or hunting. Our Police Department is also staffed 24/7, with two officers always on duty so that we have internal backup. Their newer cars are stocked with all sorts of extra equipment specific to our needs, including things like non-lethal means to control people who are having problems, and important lifesaving equipment like portable AEDs or defibrillators, so that our highly-trained first responders can access problems quickly and begin to resolve them on the spot. Both of those departments are staffed with thoughtful and conscientious professionals—people who care about this community. In great part, that’s a result of fantastic leadership. Fire Chief Greg Brett and Police Chief Jim Little are thoughtfully engaged in ways that any community would be lucky to have, but few do. Huge credit, too, to City Manager Robbie Rockovitz for supporting them so responsively, and working the budget to support their equipment needs. We’re all safer because of that team. Public Works Director Darold Wendlandt also has done amazing work with his small staff, and much of that work is focused on public safety. Our gravel roads are in the best shape they’ve ever been according to many Chatt Hills neighbors who have seen how bad they got in the City’s early days, and how much improved they are under Darold’s watchful eye. The parks are in amazing shape as well. And even our paved roads – the
one area where we just don’t have the money (yet) to give them all the full repaving they need– are in much better physical condition. I certainly understand that they are a little ugly and lumpy in places, but we’ve patched, sealed cracks, and done a lot of sectional full-depth reclamation of the worst spots to keep them from failing. And the striping we have been able to do in a lot of places has made it easier to drive at night and in the rain. As new funds come in (as new homes are built in Chatt Hills), the roads are the primary place where the additional revenue will be put to work. Speaking of new homes and new funds, we have also added to our Planning Department. Property taxes are our primary revenue source, and managing the process of adding new home- and business-tax generators is our biggest revenue growth tool. Director Mike Morton is now working with Nathan Mai-Lombardo, who, beyond bringing a wealth of planning experience, also doubles our capacity to handle the ever-increasing number of permits and other planning work. That’s so important, because the Chattahoochee Hills model of land preservation requires controlled development to make it happen. It’s important that we have new homes, businesses, and residents in our hamlets and coming villages; they are what will let us protect our rural character, our residents, and our lifestyle throughout most of Chattahoochee Hills. And, perhaps most germane to this message, they will generate the funding we need to get the roads paved! I’ll talk more in coming months about my other priorities, what we see coming down the pike (and what these future contingencies mean to Chattahoochee Hills), and what we’re doing to make sure the development we do allow is what we want as well as what we need. In the meantime, be well and be safe. Mayor Tom Reed
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Artist Name:
Curtis Patterson
Project:
Public Black Art Project at Serenbe
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OUR COMMUNITY The Public Black Art Project in Serenbe has a Winner! “Serenity for Shango” by Curtis Patterson to be Installed By Wanda Hughes
The jury panel for the Black Art Project has selected the winner of its first public competition, intended to highlight an artwork embodying the concept of “Welcome and Belonging” to all who visit the Serenbe Community. The winner, a monumental sculptural piece titled, “Serenity for Shango,” is intended to “Inform, inspire, and cultivate the minds of people from all walks of life,” says artist Curtis Patterson. The Black Art Project was created to support the work of Black artists through the commission of a permanent art installaArtist Name: Curtis Patterson Project: Public Black Art Project at Serenbe tion, and ten artists were invited to participate. The goal was to create a piece of art that best articulated the phrase “Welcome & Part II Detailed rendering of the final, installed piece that shows the scale and materials used. Belonging” through an artist’s creative lens. The esteemed jurists had to choose from a panel of three finalists, including Petie Parker and Charmaine Minifield, all of whom submitted outstanding, unique designs that impressed all of the jurists. In January the Serenity for Shango 3/4 frontal view of central element with outdoor scape for reference. jury named Curtis Patterson's sculpture, "Serenity for Shango," as page 13, Public Art proposal the winner from among the finalists. With his powerful design, a profusion of symbolic references to African heritage and the contribution of Black culture through manual labor, Curtis Patterson hopes to create a welcoming bacon and “communal experience” for visitors and residents to the Serenbe wellness community. This piece captures, through Artist Name: Curtis Patterson Project: Public Black Art Project at Serenbe the tension between static monumental form and intimations of Part VIII. Attachments dynamic potential, the emphasis on social connectivity, personal wellness, and the communal relationship with nature that we’ve come to expect in the Serenbe Community. The nine-foot tall sculpture—titled “Serenity for Shango,” after the Nigerian deity known among the Yoruba as an avatar of power and energy—incorporates reference to tools, the west-African rice harvest of Guinea, and the royal Ashanti stool, elements designed to capture the imagination of viewers while paying homage to the diverse lineages of African American culture. This luminous, stainless steel structure includes five surrounding Ashanti stools. These play against the power of the central figure, intended as a metaphorical gesture toward rest, and an offering of a “seat at the table.” The stools also serve as a familiar symbol of welcome and belonging to African American residents and visitors to the Serenbe community. Stay tuned for the event to unveil and install the “Serenity of Shango,” a beacon of hope, in Serenbe. page 4, Public Art proposal
Serenity for Shango with five unique Ashanti stools; overall view of sculpture.
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OUR COMMUNITY
The Hansons take great pride in care-taking the Goodes sign and helping to preserve the heritiage of their community.
A Renaissance Romance Written in the Stars By Laurie Searle
Dave and Maria Hanson were among the first artisans to join the Georgia Renaissance Festival soon after it opened in 1986. He was a jousting knight, she was a caricature artist, and their fated romance was written in the stars. In 1991, the couple began searching for property near the Festival and found their "happily ever after" home in Chattahoochee Hills. Located in the historic Goodes Community, their property included a small farmhouse, barn, blacksmith shop, and acreage for the many horses in Dave's professional jousting troupe. For their barn quilt, the couple modified the Farmer's Star pattern and named it Starry Knight in honor of their Renaissance romance. Living History in Bygone Times Dave and Maria fully embraced the living history experience of the Renaissance Festival. Early on, Dave became hooked on the art of medieval warfare and began designing and 4
Dave & Maria Hanson pose in front of their blacksmith shop and its barn quilt, “Starry Knight” (best viewed from Rico Rd.). making his own chain mail and armor. He later attended farrier school to learn the art of horseshoeing, then set up in the historic blacksmith shop on their Goodes property. Maria played different roles at the Festival, from leading pony rides, to greeting her queenly court, to introducing their two children to this exciting world of make-believe. As the couple settled into their lives in Goodes, they got to know several of the heritage families -those whose ancestors pioneered the area in the 1880s. Neighbor Charles Jackson shared the history of the Hansons' property, pin-pointing the general location of the country store, post office, cotton gin, blacksmith, and families in the surrounding area. Maria sketched the map below, which serves as a primary source for how their Goodes corner may have looked. Today, Dave and Maria are well settled in other careers—he's in
creative services at Turner Broadcasting, and she's in technology services designing software applications. They both are civically active: Maria volunteers her creative services and has worked on the community newsletter for many years. Dave served on Chatt Hills' first city council and later served on the city's first parks commission. Together, the couple donated funds to purchase Hutcheson Ferry Park as part of a civic campaign, "Buy Our Parks Campaign," which raised funds for the city to purchase park lands from the county. While their Renaissance Festival participation is now mostly in the past, they value the many years of enjoyment it brought them, living history in those bygone times. To read the Hansons' Heritage story and see other barn quilts on the trail, visit www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail. com
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Community Outreach: Planning for Success A Call for Volunteers, Partners, and Supporters By Laurie Searle and Ruby Foster
See a need, and fill it. For rural communities like Chattahoochee Hills, it’s not a fancy tag line or catch phrase, it’s the result of living in a small town, becoming self-reliant, and caring for ourselves and neighbors. While we have several organizations that provide services for residents – our churches, nonprofits, and our city – what we’re missing is social opportunities to connect with one another. City councilmember Ruby Foster (Dist. 1), recognized this need last year and set the wheels in motion to address it by starting a Community Outreach initiative. Her plan was simple: host a few community events, introduce some of the nonprofits and city services, and bring residents together. As the plan evolved, the following goal emerged: Chattahoochee Hills Community Outreach’s (CHCO) goal is to help build a stronger community by connecting residents with each other, city services, and local businesses. In 2021, CHCO hosted three events for the benefit of the community. Volunteers coordinated and planned these events, partners showcased their services and programs, and the city sponsored with funding
and staff support: • Picnic in the Park (70 attended) • Harvest Festival (150 attended) • Christmas in Chatt Hills (200 attended) One particular success story happened during the Harvest Festival. Community Brickworks was in the process of planning its open house to reveal its recent renovations to its library, food pantry, and crafts space at city hall. It partnered with CHCO and featured its open house at the fall festival. Brickworks volunteers offered tours and introduced its many programs. This not only appealed to the many residents who were already familiar with Community Brickworks, it introduced the nonprofit to many residents who came to city hall for the first time because of this event. 2022 Plans The plan for this year is to continuing building a sense of community by offering three or four events. The goals are to: • Set the event dates early so city staff and volunteers have adequate time to prepare. • Recruit volunteers to lead and work the events.
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Develop a funding plan that may include: o Seeking grants o Seeking donations o Seeking sponsors with partners and local businesses.
Call for Volunteers CHCO is seeking volunteers to make this program a success this year. In addition to event volunteers, it needs: • Donations to community events. Become a sponsor and give an unspecified monetary gift or sponsor a specific event element like food, entertainment, etc. • Professional skills. Volunteers are needed for marketing, social media, photography & videography. Chatt Hills Community Outreach thanks its many sponsors and supporters who contributed in 2021: Providence Baptism Church, Jett Hathaway, The McGinnis Family, Gloria Edward, Bill and Nesha Bryant, Troy Bettis, and the City of Chattahoochee Hills staff. For more information, contact Ruby Foster at Ruby.Foster@chatthillsga.us
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OUR COMMUNITY
Dr. Joey Burg III, his wife Emily, and children Brewer, Annie, and Houston celebrate the opening of Palmetto Pharmacy.
Palmetto Pharmacy Opens It’s always exciting when a new business opens in or around Chattahoochee Hills. It’s even more so when the business model fits the character of a small, handshake community, where the owners establish personal connections with their customers to better service their needs. That’s the model – and the value – of a Community/Retail Pharmacy. Palmetto Pharmacy is a Community/Retail Pharmacy that opened in our neighboring town of Palmetto on January 22. It offers prescription services, immunizations, medication, consultations, and gifts. We welcome Dr. Harry “Joey” 6
Burg III, RPH, and share the story of his new business on the following page. Meet Dr. Burg and Staff On the Friday before opening day, there’s a happy hum of worker bees putting the finishing touches on the Palmetto Pharmacy. Dr. Burg has his sleeves rolled up, working with suppliers and coordinating last-minute details. Jenna McKenzie and Rachel Kearns, members of the pharmacy staff, check the inventory and finish stocking the shelves. Even Dr. Burg’s father and parents-in-law are there for support. This hands-on approach gives the team a sense of ownership, pride, and a vested interest in creating a business
Dr. Harry "Joey" Burg III, RPH, looks forward to serving the community. that will serve the community well. Dr. Burg has 15 years of experience in the pharmacy profession, working for both independent and
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OUR COMMUNITY
chain pharmacies. While he reports positive experiences with both, he is drawn to the independent model for its greater opportunities to build relationships with customers. Dr. Burg, who lives in Newnan, was attracted to the city of Palmetto after learning that its independent pharmacy, The Medicine Cabinet (formerly Lambert Pharmacy) closed a few years ago. He considered opening a pharmacy in the same location next to Palmetto’s police station, but when that didn’t work out, he discovered a building available on Fayetteville Rd., conveniently located to Palmetto’s Main Street. “The space was a bit of a fixer-upper,” Dr. Burg said, “but after months of remodeling, we are excited at the end results.” The interior of the store features an attractive and welcoming open space with the pharmacy in the back half and retail and gifts in the front. The “soft-opening” of the store and drive thru was January 22. The grand opening will be scheduled in the next few months as the administration processes are completed. Dr. Burg and the Palmetto Pharmacy team look forward to serving the community.
About the Palmetto Pharmacy Palmetto Pharmacy is a locally-owned community pharmacy dedicated to providing outstanding customer service at an affordable price. We are your one-stop shop for all your pharmacy and medical needs. At Palmetto Pharmacy, you can count on personal attention provided by our caring, professional staff. Visit us today and experience the Palmetto Pharmacy difference.
Jenna McKenzie and Rachel Kearns make final preparations for opening day. In additional to pharmaceutical products, the store offers a selection of health & wellness products and a gift boutique. Palmetto Pharmacy Fayetteville Rd., Palmetto, GA 30268 Hours: Monday–Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-noon. Phone: 770-703-5027 www.palmettogapharmacy.com Pharmacist: Dr. Harry “Joey” Burg III, RPH
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OUR COMMUNITY
A Call for Recipes!
Do you have a well-loved family recipe you’d like to share—or do you know someone who does? A Chattahoochee Hills Community Cookbook project is getting underway, and we are looking for beloved and time-tested recipes! Food brings people together, and our memories of mealtime gatherings are enhanced by cherished recipes shared among family and friends. We want to bring that sharing to the wider community by assembling a collection of tried-and-true recipes, including old photographs, backstories on family foods and recipes—even cooking tips and advice—and pictures of hand-written recipes handed down through the years in our City. If you have a recipe that’s a family tradition along with it’s story, or pictures that will enhance this book on local food culture and history, please contribute! Please email Amber Lightsey at amber.steele.71@gmail. com or call 404-731-3621
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OUR COMMUNITY Sample Enzo's Northern Italian Menu Before the Restaurant Opens This Summer As the community eagerly awaits this summer’s grand opening of Enzo—the new Northern Italy-inspired, chef-driven steakhouse and bar at the Town at Trilith, co-founders Andrea Montobbio, Carmine Noce, and David Gibbs are already bringing the taste of Enzo to the community. Thanks to Enzo Private, Enzo Pronto and Enzo at Home, locals don’t have to wait until summer to sample chef Montobbio’s seasonally-inspired menu. With Enzo Private, diners can host private corporate events or at-home catered dinners with menus specially created by the Northern Italian native. For Chattahoochee Hills-area desk dwellers, Enzo Pronto offers a delivery to-go option, perfect for either family-style meals at the office or delicious box lunches for one. Finally, Enzo at Home offers area residents and their families a delicious three-course meal for two to four guests delivered fresh right to their door, just in time for dinner after a hectic day. “Italian cooking is all about bringing friends and loved ones together,” says Montobbio. “What better way to introduce ourselves to the Chattahoochee Hills community and our future Town at Trilith diners than to offer an advance
taste in your home or office of what we’ll be serving later this year?” Adds Enzo COO Carmine Noce, “These three catering outlets allow Andrea to explore his creativity while our kitchen staff trains and integrates as a team. It’s also a great way for us to gather feedback on what diners like, to be sure those dishes are on the menu at Enzo later this year.” While steaks, handmade pastas, and seasonal plant-
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OUR COMMUNITY based dishes will be on the menu, Montobbio says his chief focus is on bringing the flavors of his native Italy to diners in Fayetteville. “In Italy, the beauty of the food is that it varies region to region, based on what the ground provides,” explains Montobbio. “Every part of Italy has a different climate, and it’s exciting to create dishes based on the factors that add a uniqueness to the ingredients. That’s what we want to bring to diners at Enzo.” Enzo will be located at 300 Trilith Parkway in the Town of Trilith and adjacent to Trilith Studios. In the coming weeks, guests will be invited for a sneak peak of Enzo’s architectural layout on the restaurant’s website. The 150-seat restaurant will utilize vibrant Mediterranean colors, Italian marble, and warm woods to create a casual and inviting atmosphere where diners will want to linger. From the “giostra” (carousel) bar and lounge, the space will extend through the main dining room, offering both indoor and outdoor seating on the expansive patio, and conclude in an exciting expo open kitchen and group dining table with front row views of the action in Chef Montobbio’s kitchen. Those with Enzo private membership will experience a speakeasy vibe as they pass through the kitchen to arrive to the chef’s table and private dining room. The restaurant will also feature a space dedicated to supporting the work of local artists. The pandemic inspired two friends—Montobbio, a native of Northern Italy who has worked as executive chef at Atlanta’s Fifth Group Restaurants, STK Atlanta, and New York’s Gansevoort Hotel, and Noce, who was born in Italy and is a longtime COO & CFO in New York City’s fashion industry—to create Enzo. “For Carmine, chef de cuisine David Gibbs, and me, this is about bringing the food we loved in Italy to this exciting new creative community in Georgia,” adds Montobbio. “We also want to preserve what we love most about the hospitality industry. Moving forward, you can’t
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just give people a job. It’s about giving them a passion and a creative purpose. That’s our goal for Enzo.” For Montobbio, Noce, and Gibbs, Enzo’s 2022 debut is not just the launch of a restaurant but also a creative lifestyle brand that will include art, fashion, film, catering, and more. A special offer from Enzo: We truly believe in the power of our community and the families that make Chattahoochee Hills such a special place to live and do business. We would like to give back to those we know will give so much to us in the future. Grazie always. Chatt Hills City News readers who (1) subscribe to the restaurant’s mailing list indicating “CHATT HILLS CITY NEWS” in the box “How did you hear about us?” and (2) become an Enzo at Home member by sending a copy of the restaurant’s Membership Application to catering@ enzo-itl.com will receive their first two orders free when signing up for an ENZO AT HOME membership. For being one of our early ENZO AT HOME supporters, you will also receive a lifetime 20% discount on all future Enzo ticketed events and Enzo catering orders. https://enzo-itl.com/ catering-preview-2/ If you are as excited as we are about the upcoming opening of Enzo, support the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and receive a 20% discount on any Enzo catering or private event order. https://enzo-itl.com/ catering-preview-2/
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EVENTS Bouckaert Farm News!
Chattahoochee Hills Eventing is changing its name to Bouckaert Farm. But do not worry. Whether you've been competing with us for years, or are planning to compete, our premier facilities, dedicated staff, and exceptional service will remain the same–but our vision is to be so much more. We look forward to sharing this vision and more information with you in the future.
Schooling Shows
Schooling Shows are the grass roots starting point for your show career with many divisions to choose from that are suitable for all – for riders just beginning their riding careers, and a more affordable option for advanced riders or for riders looking for mileage with an inexperienced mount. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing hosts 7 Eventing and Dressage schooling shows a year, including the Southeastern Schooling Show Championships. 2022 Eventing and Dressage Schooling Show Dates: February 5 March 26 April 30 June 11 August 6 October 8 December 3-4 (SESSC) December 4-5 (SESSC) 2021
Recognized Horse Trials
Please visit Event Entries to sign up for our Horse Trials. Click on the dates below for stabling, rv assignments, etc. If the link is not active, documents are not yet available for that event. 2022 Dates: March 5th - 6th April 8th - 10th May 21st - 22nd July 2nd - 3rd July 9th - 10th September 3rd - 4th October 29th - 30th
Hunter/Jumper Shows
Chattahoochee Hills Eventing hosts several hunter/jumper shows a year. While we do host these shows, we do not manage these shows, so please send any questions in regards to these dates to the company listed for each date. 2022 Dates: February 24th - 27th Elite Show Jumping March 17th - March 20th Elite Show Jumping June 2nd - 5th Elite Show Jumping August 11th - 28th Equus Events October 1st - 2nd Cheryl & Co November 3rd - 6th ECCO November 10th - 20th Equus Events
Recognized Dressage Shows
Please click here to sign up for our dressage shows. 2022 Dates: May 28th - 29th June 25th - 26th
chatthillseventing.com 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213 (770) 892-2117
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February 14 | 6:00pm Valentine's Day at Cochran Mill Brewing Company with Enzo Italian Steakhouse We’re excited to offer our first Valentine's Day dinner here at the brewery in partnership with Enzo on 2/14/22 from 6pm-9pm. The meal includes appetizers, an entree of your choice, and a dessert of your choice along with a flight of CMBC beer. This is a private event with limited seating, so reserve your spot(s) soon! To reserve your seat(s), please follow the link here! https:// square.link/u/w3vFBvjS
February 5, 12, 19 | 4:00-5:00 Wine Tastings at the General Store
Taste wines from around the globe every Saturday with tasting notes and small bites. The General Store at Serenbe, $35/person Tickets Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.
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February 17 | 1:00-6:00pm Chatt Hills Blood Drive
February 15 -25 | Registration Starts The Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch
Mark your calendars! Date change for the Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch Spring registration. The league will introduce a new online registration and payment option. Visit communitybrickworks.org February 15-25. We will continue to accept paper registrations with check or cash payments at the Chatt Hills Library. Ages 3-14. Season will be March 26 - May 21 at Rico Park. Contact Lila Rhyne at jlrhyne@bellsouth.net for more information or if you would like to volunteer. Join the fun!
Thursday 2/17, 1-6pm at City Hall To make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org enter sponsor Code: CHATTHILLS in the top right under "Find a Blood Drive." Complete the Questionaire at www.redcrossblood.org/ rapidpass. Warm Hearts, great gifts! As our thanks, we'll send you a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card, thanks to our partners at Amazon! Terms Apply. Visit rcblood.org/together.
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EVENTS
Thursday, February 17 | 6:00-8:00pm Meet Author Bill Nussey
February 19 | 6:00 & 8:30pm shows Voice (A Variety Show)
Adán Bean, David Perdue, Okorie Johnson, Pam Best (RareEpiphany), and Goode Stuff Experience. A powerful voice can bring you to your feet. A beautiful voice can bring you to tears. A melodic voice can bring you to the dance floor. A compassionate voice can bring us all together. Be it through song, poetry, comedy, a paintbrush, a musical instrument, or dance, well all have a voice. On February 19th. Art Farm at Serenbe will present some of the best in the nation in an ongoing series called VOICE (A Variety Show). Oak Room ~ The Inn at Serenbe 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd Chattahoochee Hills, Ga 30268 Tickets $50: 6:00 Show https://bit.ly/3Iwtuiw 8:30 Show https://bit.ly/3rSbicu
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Join the Local Energy Revolution and Meet author Bill Nussey at Hills and Hamlet's Bookshop in Serenbe. The transition to clean energy is moving far too slowly. Trapped by a century of fossil fuel investments and politicians that struggle to plan beyond the next election, the “Big Grid” that powers our modern world is outdated and in dire need of an upgrade. Freeing Energy offers a new and faster path towards a clean energy future—one that is more reliable, more equitable, and cheaper. Just like personal computers eclipsed mainframes, millions of solar rooftops and small battery systems are challenging every assumption about our century-old, centralized electric grid. These small-scale “local energy” systems are deeply disruptive because they are based on technologies, not fuels. Driven by a new generation of innovators and genuinely competitive markets, smaller systems are faster to build, easier to finance, cleaner to operate, and they create far more jobs than large-scale projects. Author Bill Nussey, a career tech CEO, takes readers to mud huts in Africa, an off-grid farm in California, and a rural school in the mountains of Puerto Rico to uncover the underlying patterns of technology and the business model innovations of the local energy revolution. He shares stories and insights from some of the industry’s brightest visionaries and from leaders of the most cutting-edge startups, bringing it all together into an actionable framework to help accelerate this transition. Freeing Energy is a deeply researched, actionable guide for anyone that cares about the future of energy— from startups, policymakers, investors, and utility leaders to the families and communities that want cleaner, cheaper energy today. For more information, visit https://www.freeingenergy. com.
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EVENTS
Sunday, February 20 | 5:30-10:30pm Joey Ward Trifoliate Award Dinner
$400/person All ticket costs above $150 per ticket are tax deductible. Few chefs pay tribute to the modern South like Joey Ward. The Atlanta native thrives on using hyperseasonal ingredients from local farms to create clever dishes that surprise and delight. Only 20 years old when he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2005, Ward honed his craft under the tutelage of Kevin Gillespie, first at Woodfire Grill and then at Southern dim-style restaurant Gunshow. Ward continued to demonstrate a fresh approach toward elevated Southern comfort food when he ventured out on his own in late 2019, opening two concepts under one roof: small-plate-focused Southern Belle and experimental tasting menu Georgia Boy. When both restaurants temporarily closed due to the pandemic, he and his team packaged Southern Belle fixin’s into on-brand takeout meals. When doors re-opened, diners found Southern Belle’s shareable plates refashioned into a multi-course tasting menu. Whether served from dim-sum cart, slid across a chef’s counter or boxed into a to-go container, Ward’s take on regional fare is consistently well-executed and with a generous helping of whimsy. Tickets: https://bit.ly/33gXujc
February 24 | 7:00pm Filmer Premier
Join us for our FILMER premier of ten 2021 short artist documentaries at Wild Heaven Brewery Click to register:https://www.southfultoninstitute.org/filmer-premier One of South Fulton Institute’s most impactful and engaging programs, Filmer is a program that brings to life the untapped creative energy of emerging and established filmmakers by pairing them with artists from all over the country. To date, we have produced 45 moving and beautiful short documentaries about our artist partners and their work. One 2018 film in particular featured New York Times-bestselling author Jason Reynolds; it won "Best Short Doc" at the LA Diversity Film Festival, played on loop at the international terminal at San Francisco Airport, and showed at The Roxbury International Film Festival in June 2019. The film's showing on February 24th will be the lineup from last year’s roster.
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Arts Section
March 19 | 8:00pm The Kinnigans from Celtic Company Jordan's Ridge, 8400 Atlanta Newnan Rd. Palmetto, 30268 $30 Tickets: https://bit.ly/3A5w506 New Orleans based duo Mickey Nelligan and Sasha Hsuczyk join forces with Atlanta favorites John Maschinot and Evan Kinney for foot-stomping, roof raising Irish music goodness! The Kinnegans’ comfy stage presentation belies their mastery of the music. The powerful combination of fiddle, pipes, flute, melodian, guitar, and vocals offers the classic traditional Irish sound best experienced live to appreciate! The Kinnegans are... John Maschinot plays uilleann pipes and Irish flute - and has been for the past 4 decades. John has performed and toured with several notable bands including: The Buddy O’Reilly Band, Ah Surely, and Celtic Fire. Evan Kinney plays guitar and fiddle and sings. Evan’s a multi-instrumentalist as well as a multi-genre musician, crossing over from Irish to “old-time” music with ease. Evan’s performed with The Griddle Lickers and Ah Surely, and extensively with his brother Mickey Nelligan. Mickey Nelligan plays melodeon (button accordion), banjo, and fiddle. Mickey hails from a musical family (including his brother Evan Kinney) and performs with his new Orleans based band The Sisters Street Aces. Sasha Hsuczyk plays fiddle and sings. Sasha specializes in the fiddling style of the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland and particularly sites the legendary fiddler Julia Clifford as one of her main influences. Sasha also performs with her New Orleans-based band The Sister Street Aces. 16
The South Fulton Institute partnership application portal is open! The South Fulton Institute is a regional catalyst for the advancement of the arts, culture, and environment that enriches lives and communities. Our program focuses on long-term partnerships with artists and organizations that either work in or on behalf of South Fulton County. For the first time ever, anyone can apply to become a SFI partner as long as they are an artist, cultural leader, or environmentalist whose work will impact the residents of SFC. A partnership with SFI gives individuals and organizations an opportunity to not only focus on their projects and initiatives, but also to develop resources in other functional areas to create a sustainable and stable future. Apply here: https://www.southfultoninstitute.org/apply
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Arts Section February Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books: Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton. Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www. bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com. New in Fiction: The Maid by Nita Prose A charmingly eccentric hotel maid discovers a guest murdered in his bed, turning her once orderly world upside down—and inspiring a motley crew of unexpected allies to band together to solve the mystery—in this utterly original debut. A Clue-like, lockedroom mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart. Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593356159 New in Nonfiction: The Three Death Sentences of Clarence Henderson: A Battle for Racial Justice at the Dawn of the Civil Rights Era by Chris Joyner The Three Death Sentences of Clarence Henderson is the story of Clarence Henderson, a wrongfully accused Black West Georgia sharecropper who was sentenced to die three different times for a murder he didn't commit, and the prosecution desperate to pin the crime on him despite scant evidence. The case pitted powerful forces—often those steering legal and journalistic institutions—attempting to use racism and RedScare tactics against a populace that by and large believed the case against Henderson was suspect at best. But ultimately, it's a hopeful story about how even when things look dark, some small measure of justice can be achieved against all the odds, and actual progress is possible. Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781419756368 New in Picture Books: Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams, illustrated by Kitt Thomas This debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood experience as a spelling bee contestant. Signed copies available, in store only, while supplies last! Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063209473
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Arts Section Featured Artist Morgan Boszilkov Morgan Boszilkov is a self-taught artist using clay, fabric, and paint to create two-dimensional and sculptural vibrant works of art. She has created an innovative form of fine art: ceramics sewn onto canvas. Her work captures the beauty and richness of the natural world amidst our changing climate, reflecting her core values of conservation and sustainability. Morgan sculpts clay into natural forms like flowers and leaves. She also makes ceramic “quilt” triangles, glazing each as if it were a miniature painting and integrates them into the sculptures. These triangles frame, flow through, emphasize, anchor, and transition into the organic shapes. She then works intuitively to arrange, connect, and harmonize the sculptural elements and textures with beading and embroidery on sustainable fabrics. She experiments with the concept of beauty in imperfection, exploring various materials and always experimenting with new techniques. The process of art is an impatient meditation that brings her joy and fulfillment. To see more work, and to contact Morgan, visit https:// www.boszilkov.com.
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Arts Section Eileen Wilson
Logynn Ferrall Greg Blount Julie McKinney Adrienne Anbinder
Gail Foster
Renae Walker
Brandon Murphy
Wanda Hughes
Ken Shepard
Karin Slaton
Ann Jackson
Judy Walker
Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Greg Blount, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Ken Shepard, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, Renae Walker, and Eileen Wilson 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A. www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com CHATT HILLS NEWS - FEBRUARY 2022 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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Community
OUR CHURCHES Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd
Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/
Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com
New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Southside at Serenbe 10 am in the Oak Room of the Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutchenson Ferry Road. If you have questions contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@remax.net or 404-456-6347.
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd
Memorials Raquel Miller Oct. 25, 1960 Dec. 31, 2021
Mrs. Raquel Miller, 61, of Chattahoochee Hills, passed away Friday, December 31, 2021. She was born October 25, 1960, in Havana, Cuba, daughter of the late Rev. Anibal Espinosa and Neris Medina Espinosa. Raquel Miller was an amazing wife to her husband Jack and the best mother to her children: Michelle, Steven, Erica, and Nicole. She was loved by everyone and anyone she came in contact with. Her joy radiated because of her faith in Jesus Christ. Her kids always said she wore a cape, because she was such a hero to them. She was a strong woman 20
who did everything she could for her family. They were her everything, and she made sure they knew it. One of her hardest battles began in 2018 when she was diagnosed with cancer in her bile duct. Her strength and faith never wavered. She fought the good fight and her family is so proud. We are devastated to lose such an amazing woman, but we are just as happy that she is finally healed and with Jesus. She is finally home, and we look forward to the day where we get to worship together again. She is survived by her husband, Jack Miller of Chattahoochee Hills, children, Michelle Lauren Acosta of Newnan, Steven Michael Acosta, Erica Lynn Miller, and Nicole Taylor Miller, all of Chattahoochee Hills; sister, Milca Alas (Luis); brother,
Anibal Espinosa (Renee); nieces, Veronica Remiggi, Amanda Miller, and Stephanie Espinosa, and a nephew, Andrew Espinosa. https://www. parrottfuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/ Raquel-Miller/Memories
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City Government
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
City Hall’s Spirit of Conservation Chattahoochee Hills is not shy when it comes to seeking ways to save the taxpayers money. Our City was built by volunteers who had a shared passion and energy for creating a special place like no other. They wanted to preserve the rural character and zoning, provide city services that mirror the community’s vision, and always recognize that while we may be small, we have large expectations, which include being good stewards of the funds required to operate an effective, efficient, and ethical municipality. Proudly, the staff at City Hall embodies this spirit and mindset. Being the City Manager, one of my roles is to oversee the annual budget. This is not an annual process; to the contrary, it is a daily task that includes monitoring revenues and expenditures. This is the only real and responsible way to manage the budget so that we are prepared for audits and there are no surprises. I can tell you that I could not be more proud of staff and their fiscally conservative approach to spending. When purchasing supplies, equipment, services, etc., they look for coupons, discounts, and areas to negotiate with vendors as they would if they were spending their own personal money. The following are a couple of examples. Recently, I was told by our Police Department that another Atlanta area police department was looking to donate some of their older fleet to a smaller jurisdiction. Hearing this and knowing the police chief personally, I called his cell phone and said we were very interested. A month later, we are getting three Ford Taurus police vehicles for a nominal fee of $500.
Another example follows. The City is host to a lot of events, films, etc. that require public notifications of road
closures. These events and activities can be disruptive for our citizens, who have to make alternative plans for routes to their church, the grocery store, medical facilities, family members’ households, etc. Because of these inconveniences, we oftentimes require what are called “variable message signs.” These signs need to be mobilized well in advance of the road closures. And they need to be at the expense of the vendor because we do not have any of these variable message signs—until now. The reason we now have one of these signs is because we had a vendor who needed a road closure permit that was not within our required time frame. I told the vendor that as long as these signs were up at each section of the closure at least three days in advance, I would sign off on the permit. And in lieu of the additional fees for late notice on these road closures, the vendor would need to donate one of these signs to the City. Due to some accounting issues on their end, that donation was not possible. However, the vendor offered to pay for the cost of the City making the acquisition. We did just that, and now have our own variable message sign—paid for by the vendor—to be used for City-related and -sponsored events and activities. I know that many of our long-time residents are very familiar with our very conservative approach to fiscal responsibility. But there may be some residents who have moved from other areas who are not accustomed to the unique and special methods we use to differentiate ourselves from other governments. While we are not perfect and are always looking for ways to improve, we can promise that the decisions made by your City staff and governing body always have the best interest of the citizens in mind. We feel like we have earned your trust, but we never want to take that for granted and always strive to keep your faith and trust in us.
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CHATT HILLS ARTISTS' CO-OP
City Government
RENNOVATIONS TO EXISTING CLASSROOM
TASK LIST AND PRELIM. ORDER
610 SQ. FT. TOTAL CLASSROOM AREA
D
A C
B
SHEET #1 OF 4
Thank you District 4 and friends for supporting our first annual MLK community service project. Special shout-out to my brothers from The Bridge for joining us! Thanks to SFPD Community Policing team for making sure our volunteers were able to work safely. Thanks also to Public Works, Jacobs, and Communications and External Affairs for your role and support! We got it done! Thank you!! Jaceey Sebastian, Joey Mitchell, Peter Clemens, Greg Sudmeier, David Daniels, and Cheryl Mckay,
Art Room Renovation at City Hall Update The working drawings for the room renovation have been submitted to the City for permits. Scott Grey has come out to help assess the HVAC install, and budgets are being finalized. If you are a local tradesman that would like to help, please contact coordinator Peter Clemens at 213-200-0024 or pclemens777@gmail.com.
$50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0
Consider making a tax-deductible financial contribution to renovate and equip one room in the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall building. The completed renovation will provide an artistic space that will offer a variety of art classes and workshops for Chattahoochee Hills residents. The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op is partnering with the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Community Brickworks, The Bridge Group, UWG, and SFI to offer future art classes once the room is renovated and equipped. The CHAC fundraising goal is $50,000; your contribution will allow us to start renovations this month! https://donorbox.org/chattahoochDONATE HERE ee-hills-city-art-room-renovation
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Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills January 11, 2022 / 6:00 p.m.
City Government Call to Order All members present.
Public Hearing (None)
Review and Approval of Agenda Amended as follows: 1. Postpone Election of Mayor Pro Tem until after City Council Planning Retreat. Passed 5-0
Unfinished Business (None)
Administer Oath of Office to Elected Officials Election of Mayor Pro Tem Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of 1. 6, 2021 Passed 5-0
December
Presentations / Proclamations (None) Staff Reports Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton Community
BRICKWORKS REPORT
New Business 1. Item 22-001: Ordinance to amend and revise Appendix A; City of Chattahoochee Hills Unified Development Code – revisions to buffer requirements, definition of manufactured home, and Transferable Development Rights. First Read Only. No action will be taken. No action taken. 2. Item 22-002: Resolution to adopt revisions to the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. Passed 5-0 3. Item 22-003: Approve purchase of one (1) Ford F150 SSV patrol vehicle in the amount not to exceed $32,300. Amount not to exceed amended to $35,300. Passed 5-0 Mayor and Council Comments Executive Session (None) Adjourn Meeting: The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Town Hall Session (None) Community Brickworks 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600
Community Brickworks - January
This month Brickworks continues to plan for our building project: a much-needed structure that will keep our volunteers warm and dry as they bring food to our clients. We hope to begin construction next month. Baseball: You will now be able to sign up for Chatt Hills Baseball by visiting our website @ communitybrickworks.org. Sign-ups start Feb 15th. New Class: Scripting Class taught by Stan Varnadoe "Time to write your new life story. The old one is done. You can do it by simply scripting your new life story with just a pen and paper." This inspiring class meets Feb 3, 10, and 17 at 7PM at the library. Space is limited. Register via email: mcguffeyL@bellsouth.net, with "Scripting Class" in the subject line.
Library Hours: The library is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1-5. Please come in and check out a book! Our new Little Red Library is outside and free for all. The Acton Academy will be replenishing books for kids as needed. Come by and take a book home to read to your kids! We served 63 clients in January!
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Trending Topic
Community & City
City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory
Event We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public. The City will take the following safety precautions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart. • Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; capacity will be limited to the number of seats that can fit in the room under those conditions. • The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
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 Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.
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City Council Meeting - Tues., Feb. 1, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Feb. 8, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Feb. 10, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Historic Commission Planning Retreat - Mon., Feb. 14, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Work Session - Thurs., Feb. 24, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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
2022 PARKING PASSES NOW 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
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