Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
CHATT HILLS NEWS
Issue 1 Volume 2 www.chatthillsga.us
JANUARY 2021 Features
Events
Arts in Chatt Hills
City Government
Our Community Page 3
What’s going on Locally? Page 7
What are our Artists up to? Page 10
Stay Informed Page 16
HEALTH CDC Get the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information HERE.
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. CALL THIS HOTLINE: (844) 442-2681
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MAYOR TOM REED
Finally we’re getting some good news around COVID-19! With the approval of two new vaccines this month, the other side of this broadly impactful pandemic is finally apparent.
That said, this is not the time to let our guard down, as the actual incidence of COVID-19, both in our region and in Chattahoochee Hills, is at historic heights and is expected to continue to increase. There are at least seven active cases in Chattahoochee Hills, and many thousands in surrounding towns in Fulton and Coweta County. Just yesterday 500 new cases were diagnosed in Fulton County and 5000 in Georgia. More worrying is the local hospital capacity; COVID cases represent more than 20% of both regular and ICU bed usage, and the open beds count in both categories is down to 10% and 15% respectively. We do know quite a bit more now than we did early in the year, when we were reacting to a totally unfamiliar problem. The death rate is lower than initially expected, just over 1.2% of confirmed cases locally, with the average age of those who have died being 76. But I have lots of friends in our community who are in that age bracket—and I want to keep them safe! And this disease seems to have a randomness to it as well. Some seemingly very healthy young folks have also died, and some of many age groups who have had COVID have developed lingering negative medical effects. We still don’t know how long those may last or what the long-term repercussions might be. Therefore, while going about our daily lives, we need to do everything we can to protect our Chatt Hills
community members! While the news of the vaccine is definitely positive, the reality is that it will take several months for enough of it to be manufactured and distributed to have any real impact on spread of the virus. In the meantime, PLEASE BE CAREFUL as you go about your daily activities. It’s been proven again and again: wearing masks is the absolute best way to avoid spreading COVID, both for those who want to avoid being exposed, and for those who don’t want to accidentally expose people when they are asymptomatically infected. Avoid crowded and enclosed spaces whenever possible; try to stay in pods of people that have the same exposure and risk profile; and just generally be careful. I want to be able to celebrate with EVERY Chatt-Hillsian when this is all past us! In some sad news, Hugh Tyer passed away a couple of days ago. If you had the privilege of knowing Hugh as I did, you know what a loss that is. Hugh was a real believer in Chattahoochee Hills in his quiet-spoken-but-firm way—and he was always there to help in any way he could. I’m one of many, many who will miss him. My family’s condolences to Claudette and the whole Tyer family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – Happy Holidays – no matter how you celebrate, enjoy the season safely! Mayor Tom Reed
U.S. SENATE RUNOFFS IN GEORGIA, 2020 VOTING INFORMATION CENTER
Visit the Georgia Secretary of State – Election page for the latest information listed below: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/elections General Election and Special Election Polling place in Chattahoochee Hills is City Hall, 6605 Rico Rd. Georgia Voters need to confirm their identity with a photo ID when they vote. 2
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Runoff date: Jan. 5, 2021 Registration deadline(s): Dec. 7 Online registration: Yes Same-day registration: No Early voting starts: Dec. 14 Absentee/mail voting deadline: Jan. 5 by close of polls (received) Voter ID: Photo ID Poll times: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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LOCAL BUSINESS
Cherry Hollow Farm www.cherryhollowfarm.com
Cherry Hollow Farm Cherry Hollow Farm commemorates a bygone era of invention and imagination. Here, America’s industrial past and agricultural spirit are chronicled in every board and brick. Nestled among the beautiful farms of Georgia’s Campbellton-Redwine Scenic Byway, this wholly original wedding, meeting, film, and concert venue is the culmination of eight painstaking years of meticulous attention to detail and design theory, fostered by prodigious imagination and the thoughtful repurposing of historical architecture and artifacts. Owners Laura and Carter Williamson were joined by local craftsmen like cabinetmaker Robert Whittaker, and together assembled it entirely from the remnants of turn of the century textile mills and power plants, circa 1840-1930 farmsteads, and a host of other historically significant sites they explored on journeys across the country. Carter and Laura bought the old farmstead in 2002, raised four boys there, and then began the construction of the venue in 2010 using a multitude of resources from all over the Southeast. For five years, weekend after weekend, the Williamsons tracked down, collected, and assembled artifacts from the region’s vanishing turn-of-thecentury factories and textile mills.
The Willimason family, Shelby on the left seated, Sawyer behind him, Laura, Carter, Garrett standing Taylor seated. Photo by BreeAnn Clowdus
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LOCAL BUSINESS
According to Carter, “We crawled through the South, in and around abandoned mills and old houses, yielding what you see today,” working it into a configuration that often draws queries about how long ago the place was built, and what once might have been produced there. They began by relocating an 1860’s sharecropper’s home, inaugurating the construction and adaptation of the farm into a destination unlike anything else in the eastern U.S. Soon they began to add parts of turn of the century textile mills, power plants, industrial complexes, old preand post-civil war farmsteads, anything that lent itself to the design and architectural scheme behind what today makes up this wonderful venue. “None of the factories and mills that we plucked our bevy of artifacts from exists today, especially not within the context of their original function. What you see now represents the last tangible and authentic elements of twenty-one turn-of-the-century structures.” Carter and Laura built Cherry Hollow with an intense reverence for a bygone sense of place. Their focus was in the beauty they found in historical industrial and agricultural design, and they had a special affection for the lives lived in the remote recesses of these structures, places 4
Cherry Hollow Farm www.cherryhollowfarm.com
where men and women toiled and raised their families generation after generation. “At times we had competing interests with the owners of these massive facilities,” as they competed with demolition crews to save artifacts from the wrecking ball, but according to Carter, “we must recognize them for allowing us into their world and for their concern in helping us to preserve the legacy of these buildings. They were very gracious in giving us unfettered access to these structures. We could not have built our place without them, and they are forever in our gratitude.” There is so much lived time represented in the constitution of this unique place. The venue isn’t easy to describe or to assign a title. It doesn’t fit into any mold. Carter’s grandfather once said, “The worst thing in life one can be is unoriginal.” Little did he know how his words would resonate in the halls and rooms of Cherry Hollow Farm. Cherry Hollow embodies an intimate collaboration with the environment and our relationship with agricultural history and an industrial world that dominated our ancestors’ lives. That way of life no longer exists, but the event venue the Williamsons created from its remains is a testament to its beauty and endurance.
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OUR COMMUNITY Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail - Neighboring Barns offer "Twofer" By Laurie Searle
Two neighbors joined the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail in December, offering visitors a unique experience. While their homes are technically on different streets, their barns face each other on Jones Ferry Road. This means visitors can take a slow drive on this lightly-traveled gravel road, and turn their head to the left, and then to the right, to see two colorful barn quilts gracing two classically beautiful barns.
Kenneth & Elaine Bryant’s barn quilt is located on their property at 7645 Campbellton-Redwine Rd.
Announcing the Bryant Family Barn Quilt Kenneth and Elaine Bryant hold Providence Baptist Church near and dear to their hearts. As long-time members of 55 years, this devoted couple spends their golden years as they have most all of their lives -- serving their church and their extended family, friends, and neighbors. When looking through traditional quilt designs for the perfect pattern to adorn their barn, they were drawn to a bright & cheery pattern colored in red, white, blue, and green. When they learned the pattern was named "Providence," they knew it was the one. To view the Bryant Family Barn Quilt, turn at their home onto Jones Ferry Rd. To read about their family heritage, visit their page on our website at: www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/bryant-barn.html Good Stewards - Whether helping at the local food pantry, preparing Sunday morning breakfast at church, or rebuilding storm-damaged homes as part of a disaster relief mission, the Bryants are always on the go, ready to lend a helping hand. It's no wonder that they offered to install their barn quilt. Volunteers delivered the 8x8 foot barn quilt on one of the coldest days of the year. Kenneth had already marked the location on his barn and set up the ladder. He secured the barn quilt at the highest points, while Elaine steadied the quilt from the ground. Working together, they proved (as they have time and again) that many hands make light work. Kenneth and Elaine have deep roots in the Chattahoochee Hills area. He was born about a country mile south of his current homeplace, in a log cabin built by his father from logs he had cut and hand-hewed. She was
born in her grandmother’s home in Newnan, then raised in the Rico Community. Read more about their heritage on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail website.
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OUR COMMUNITY The Varner Family Barn Quilt Bill and Wanda Varner come from a long line of countryfolk that seem to know how to do, or fix, anything around their homeplace. When their old family barn was near collapse, they mustered family members to help take it down, clearing space for the next generation of barn. Years later, after the new barn was built, the couple thought about adding a barn quilt that would somehow honor its heritage. After looking through family heirloom quilts and newer quilt patterns, they selected the "Carpenter's Wheel." This pattern resembles one of their family's quilts, while its name seems a suitable metaphor for this hands-on couple. The making of their Barn Quilt Wanda had made a small barn quilt years ago. Bill had seen larger barn quilts while traveling the countryside and hoped to one day have one for their barn. When they were invited to participate in the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, they thought the time was right to create their own barn quilt. The couple looked through their many family quilts for inspiration. They liked a quilt that features a solid blue star surrounded by white squares. A volunteer showed them some modern patterns, and they found one nearly identical called the "Carpenters Wheel." Wanda really wanted to have a hand in painting their barn quilt, so the volunteer offered to guide her through the process. They spent the first day drawing the pattern on two 4x8 foot Aluminum Composite Panels. Then they spent the next several days painting one color at a time as
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Bill and Wanda Varner’s barn quilt is located on their property at 12565 Jones Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, Ga. they taped off the individual sections of the pattern. They worked in shifts, with Wanda applying the first two coats of paint, and the volunteer following up later in the day with the second two coats of paint. After a few more days of waiting for the paint to cure, the barn quilt was ready to be installed. Tour the Trail We invite you to tour the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail and learn more about the rich rural heritage of beautiful Chattahoochee Hills. Visitors are welcome to take photos from the public road, and are invited to shop in the local businesses. For more information visit www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com.
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JANUARY EVENTS
4-6 Volunteers Needed: Art Installation with Patrick Dougherty Assisting in harvesting saplings MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, January 4-6
Above and below are photographer James Florio photos of Patrick Dougherty’s Tippet Rise schoolhouse installation titled "Daydreams" at the Tippet Rise Art Center in Montana.
Patrick Dougherty is creating a land art project, Stickworks, at Georgia Tech using Serenbe saplings. He is looking for volunteers to help cut, bundle, and gather materials on The Inn property and in Grange on the trail along the dam. There will be two 4-hour shifts over 3 days, and 10 volunteers are needed per shift.
18 Terminus Holiday Premiere Dec 13-Jan 22
Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre is excited to present a festive holiday premiere on film inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The work will feature an original score created by Atlanta native Jacob Ryan Smith and choreography by TMBT Co-Founder Heath Gill. This storytelling duo is sure to set the spirit of the season! For more information visit serenbeinstitute.org/events
Here is a great video shared by resident and Serenbe Institute Chair Deb Griffin, which provides an overview of Patrick's work. Sign up to Volunteer, click below. https://outlook.office365. com/owa/calendar/GeorgiaTechArtsandSerenbe@ gtvault.onmicrosoft.com/ bookings/ CHATT HILLS NEWS - JANUARY 2021 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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Community
CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER
New water plant looks to decrease cost of water around metro Atlanta Sally Sears | Posted on Dec 4, 2020
The price of drinking water is dripping unhappiness from one city to another in Atlanta's water system. Sandy Springs is already suing Atlanta for overcharging, ripping off ratepayers by three times the amount it should cost, says a Sandy Springs spokeswoman. Now three of Fulton County's southern cities are tiring of buying water from Atlanta, too, citing poor service and unreliable future supplies. The head of a renamed water and sewer authority serving Palmetto, Union City, and Fairburn says the area wants to: 1. Control its own water destinies 2. Attract new industry and residents 3. Handle its own local billing and service issues. Shayla J. Nealy, the chairwoman of the Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water and Sewer Authority, says the state of Georgia Department of Natural Resources is allowing the Authority to withdraw up to eleven million gallons of water a day from the Chattahoochee River, water she says her engineers confirm will not reduce flows in the river. Will the multi-million-dollar construction project raise water rates for customers in South Fulton? She says no. The site of the new water plant on the river includes hiking and biking trails planned for the Chattahoochee Riverlands, an ambitious proposal offering recreation from Buford Dam to the Chattahoochee Hills region. See the map of the proposed trail, visit: https://chattahoocheeriverlands.com/along-the-riverlands/ 8
CBS 46 NEW STORY https://www.cbs46.com/news/new-water-plant-looksto-decrease-cost-of-water-around-metro-atlanta/ article_5c6ceac4-3673-11eb-b126-4f08e96a919d.html?block_id=997160 RESERVIOR BACKGROUND Note: This last status was from 2014 https://www.sas. usace.army.mil/Home/Congressional-Visits/Georgia/District-5-Corps-Projects/South-Fulton-Reservoir/ WATER AUTHORITY BACKGROUND https://www.middlechattwaterandsewer.com/ REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES The Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water & Sewer Authority (“WASA”) intends to select a professional engineering design firm to provide preliminary engineering services for a conceptional design of a new phased water withdrawal, treatment, and distribution system to connect with the existing infrastructure of its three member cities, Fairburn, Palmetto, and Union City. These improvements will include: 1. Intake and Pump Station on the Chattahoochee River 2. Water Treatment Facility –Phase I for 6 mgd (later phase for build out of 13.25 mgd) 3. Distribution System to member cities and water tank storage
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION /INTRODUCTION WASA will construct, own, and operate a wholesale water system serving Fairburn, Palmetto, and Union City. WASA received a certified need letter from EPD of 13.25 mgd for its fifty-year needs. On July 27, 2020 EPD issued a water withdrawal permit from the Chattahoochee River for an annual average of 7.12 mgd to meet WASA’s ten-year needs. Preliminary engineering work to site the general locations of the infrastructure was completed as a part of the permitting process. The infrastructure components include: a raw water intake and pumping station, 6 mgd water treatment facility, finished water transmission mains, and water storage tank. This RFP is to authorize conceptual design services which will result in a conceptual design layout and associated refined project schedule and budget.
The map below shows the pumping station at the end of Rivertown Rd (Bouckaert’s property), and 6 miles of 30” inch pipe that carries the water to an elevated storage tank in Fairburn.) https://www.middlechattwaterandsewer.com/uploads/1/1/8/8/118889332/middle_chatt_water___sewer_rfp_prelim_engineering_final_updated_9.10.2020.pdf
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Arts Section Malinda Lively-Arnold
Janice Barton
Adrienne Anbinder
Amy Peterson
Ann Jackson GW Harper Morgan Boszilkov
Todd Terranova
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Arts Section Mary Hollis
Wanda Hughes Tom Swanston
Logynn Ferrall
Robert Lederman
Karin Slaton
Judy Walker
Julie Genda McKinney
Gail Foster
Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Todd Terranova, and Judy Walker. www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A. Open by appointment: 818.434.5436 CHATT HILLS NEWS - JANUARY 2021 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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Book Section January 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 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 to 4, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and at info@hillsandhamlets.com. New in Nonfiction: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May This intimate, revelatory book explores the ways we can care for and repair ourselves when life knocks us down. A moving personal narrative shot through with lessons from literature, mythology, and the natural world, May’s story offers instruction on the transformative power of rest and retreat. Illumination emerges from many sources: solstice celebrations and dormice hibernation, C.S. Lewis and Sylvia Plath, swimming in icy waters and sailing arctic seas. Ultimately Wintering invites us to change how we relate to our own fallow times. May models an active acceptance of sadness and finds nourishment in deep retreat, joy in the hushed beauty of winter, and encouragement in understanding life as cyclical, not linear. Discover a guiding philosophy for transforming the hardships that arise before the ushering in of a new season. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593189481 New in Novels in Verse: Chlorine Sky by Mahogany L. Browne From an esteemed alumna of our local artist-in-residence program AIR Serenbe comes this novel-in-verse about a young girl coming-of-age and stepping out of the shadow of her former best friend. With gritty and heartbreaking honesty, Mahogany L. Browne delivers a novel-in-verse about broken promises, fast rumors, and when growing up means growing apart from your best friend. “Mahogany L. Browne’s debut YA is an absolute masterpiece. It will leave you breathless.” -Elizabeth Acevedo, author of The Poet X. For ages 14 and up. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593176399 New in Middle Grades: A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton The Girl Who Drank the Moon meets Pax in this fantastical tale of a wolf who forms an unlikely alliance with Baba Yaga to save the forest from a wicked tsar. Since she was a pup, Zima has been taught to fear humans–especially witches–but when her family is threatened, she has no choice but to seek help from the witch Baba Yaga. Meanwhile, a young village girl named Nadya is also seeking the witch’s help, and when she meets Zima, they discover that they face a common enemy. With danger closing in, Zima must unite the wolves, the witches, and the villagers against an evil that threatens them all. For ages 8-12. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593121658
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LOCAL AUTHOR
Inspire Nationally, Rescue Locally While great strides have been made in saving homeless animals' lives, more than 6.5 million cats and dogs still enter animal shelters each year — and 1.5 million are euthanized. Of the roughly $449 billion in donations Americans gave to charities in 2019, only three percent went to animal-related and environmental causes combined. Mutual Rescue, cofounded by Carol Novello, is a national initiative that aims to change the way people see animal welfare, elevating the conversation from “people OR animals” to “people AND animals.” Inspired by her own personal experience and years in the animal-welfare industry, Carol Novello created Mutual Rescue in an effort to share real-life stories of how companion animals can help relieve a range of troubles. Through a series of films that have been viewed over 150 million times, Mutual Rescue helps bring to life what it means to rescue an animal and be rescued right back. Watch Mutual Rescue’s first release, Eric and Peety, a film about the transformational journey of Eric and his adopted companion Peety that has inspired tens of millions of people all over the world. Mutual Rescue has expanded from film to include
print with the release of Mutual Rescue: How Adopting a Homeless Animal Can Save You, Too by Carol Novello and Ginny Graves, profiling the transformational impact that shelter pets have on humans and exploring the emotional, physical, and spiritual gifts that rescued animals provide. Through sharing authentic stories, Mutual Rescue presents compelling evidence that when people adopt animals, their own lives are often dramatically transformed in positive ways as well. To learn more or submit your own Mutual Rescue story, visit www.mutualrescue.org.
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Memorials
Frank Harper Mr. Frank Harper, age 92, passed away December 5, 2020. Mr. Harper was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Harper. He is survived by his daughters, Reba Jones, Sarah Phillips and her husband, Jerry; 8 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at https://www.parrottfuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/Frank-Harper-3/Memories.
Mr. Donald G. Pelham Jr. Mr. Donald G. Pelham Jr., 72, of Chattahoochee Hills passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Mr. Pelham was born July 24, 1948, in Atlanta, son of the late, Donald Grayson Pelham Sr., and Jane Willis Doyle. He was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Chattahoochee Hills. Mr. Pelham owned and operated ACES Engineering Inc. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Mr. Pelham had a fondness for old cars and owned a 1928 Model A Ford and 1953 Chevy. He also enjoyed playing pool and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Pelham of Chattahoochee Hills, son, Brian Pelham (Julie) of Newnan, daughter, Jessica London (B.J.) of Newnan, grandchildren, Jacob Pelham, Hailey Pelham, Reagen London, and Myles London, sister, Debra Hayes (Roger), and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Gary Pelham. Donations can be made in memory of Mr. Donald G. Pelham Jr. to Community Brickworks, 6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268. https://www.parrottfuneralhome.com/m/obituaries/Donald-Pelham/Memories
Maggie Jordan Mrs. Maggie Jordan of Chattahoochee Hills passed away December 13, 2020. She is survived by her daughters, Linda and Dana Jordan of Brunswick; Patricia Jane Jordan of Chattahoochee Hills; Kathy and Robert Alford of Chattahoochee Hills; grandchildren, Katie Joe and Scott Quick; James and Ameerah Jordan; Danielle and Richard Moore; great grandchildren, Russ Quick; 14
Dawson; D.J. Quick; Todd Quick; Nathan Moore; Jonathan Moore; Sarah Moore; Madison Jordan; Jaxon Jordan and 2 great grandchildren. https://www.parrottfuneralhome. com/m/obituaries/Maggie-Jordan/Memories
Hugh A. Tyer Jr. Hugh A. Tyer Jr. came into this world at 4 pounds on January 25, 1936 in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned his wings and departed us on Sunday December 13, 2020, after a brief but serious illness. He resided in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia with his wife of 65 years, Mary Claudette Tyer. Hugh was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife , Claudette of Chattahoochee Hills, GA; brother Edwin C. (Buck) Tyer of Crawfordville, FL; daughters Mary Darlene (Tony) Thomason and Dorothy Elizabeth (Ray) Rowe of Jonesboro, GA; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. He is preceded in passing by his parents Hugh Alexander Sr. and Doris E. Tyer, and brother Robert C. Tyer of Jacksonville, FL. Hugh was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Palmetto, GA, Masonic Lodge #74 in Palmetto, GA, Masonic Day Lodge #755, and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was instrumental in the forming of the city of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, a certified Arborist, the city Arborist for Chattahoochee Hills, and a member of the Chattahoochee Hills Tree Board. He was a past President and life member of the Southern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture and life member of the NRA. He was a PADI & YMCA Certified Scuba Instructor, and expert Marksman, and past recipient of the Elihu Root Award for Expert Civilian Marksmanship. https://www.southerncremations.com/obituaries/Hugh-ATyer-Jr?obId=19302476#/obituaryInfo
Jane Wyatt Jones Yarbrough On December 19, Jane Wyatt Jones Yarbrough, mother to Maribeth Wansley, went home to be with her Lord. She was 83. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jane’s honor to Northside United Methodist Church, 2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. A much-deserved Celebration of Life will be held later in the Spring. https://www.carmichaelfuneralhomes. com/obituaries/Jane-Wyatt-Jones
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Community
OUR CHURCHES Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/ New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many churches have suspended services and activities due to the COVID-19 precautions. Please check with the individual churches to get an update on their schedules.
Community
FOOD PANTRY REPORT Community Brickworks December
The Brickworks Food Pantry served 209 adults and children for food in December and served 115 children for Christmas. Community Brickworks is a 501c3 nonprofit which supports the needs of our local citizens and people in our surrounding community. Often we are asked how we got the name Community Brickworks. Every person has their own bricks—education, skill sets, jobs, etc.—to build a foundation for a successful life. Our goal is to help individuals and families reinforce, complete, or fill in bricks that are missing due to circumstances, to help them develop a stronger foundation. Our job is to enhance the lives of all in our community. Chatt Hills Food Pantry uses the One Roof concept. This means that many local churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals combine to supply this main food pantry, allowing us to be sure that all available funds help as many people as possible. The One Roof concept minimizes opportunities for abuse.
Our pantry is: • Open Wednesday from 3:30-5:30PM • Clients may visit the pantry once a month and receive two bags after completing the Food Pantry Request Form. More if a large family. • If there is an emergency need, text Carla Carrabino at 404-771-1418 • We serve Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and Fairburn areas. • Emergency Assistance once a year, if available. Through our donors we have helped pay for critical emergency items – dental, propane for heat, electric, partial rent, medicines, materials to handicap proof a home, etc. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Community Brickworks receives monetary donations as well as food, books, and school supplies all through the year. We are managed completely by volunteers with no paid staff. 100% of your donation is used in your community to help your neighbors. Community Brickworks 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600
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City Government Join Ruby Foster for a Virtual Meet & Greet for our new Chattahoochee Hills Liaison Officer Dorsett Monday, January 11, 2021 at 6:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89122344946?pwd=b1FJNHNNeGRsTWg5NnZ5WlpqN09aZz09 Meeting ID: 891 2234 4946 Passcode: 441697
New Police Patrol Vehicle The City of Chattahoochee Hills just received a new police patrol vehicle in time for Christmas, the Council approved ot at $32,300. It still has to be marked and unfitted before it can go into service. Thanks to the Mayor and Council for approving this vehicle for our police fleet.
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City Government So What Is LMIG? Many have heard me mention LMIG as a source of revenue that we use to maintain and repair roadway--but what is it? LMIG stands for Local Maintenance Improvement Grant and is a program managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). These are grant funds provided to local jurisdictions based on roadway lane miles. Local jurisdictions have to apply for this each year and must justify the previous year’s spending as well as express how the monies will be used going forward in order to qualify. Additionally, the local jurisdiction has to provide a 30% match of the funding. It sounds simple; however, it requires detailed bookkeeping and is reviewed by varying GDOT staff members before their accounting department will release the check. Allow me to share some recent LMIG spending we have done in the past couple of years. In FY2018, the City received LMIG funds in the amount of $106,745.07. Our local match requirement was $32,023.52. That brought our total funds available for the FY2018 LMIG project to $138,768.59. We submitted an application for roadway milling, resurfacing, and striping of Rivertown Road from 8990 Rivertown Road to Cochran Mill Road. This was actually a joint project with Fulton County in which they facilitated the bidding and contracting of these services. The total cost to the City of Chattahoochee Hills for this project was $242,544. Since we had a shortfall of $103,775.41, the City used some of the FY2019 LMIG eligible funds towards the shortfall of the aforementioned paving project on Rivertown Road in the amount of $103,775.41. LMIG can actually be carried over as long as the project report submitted to GDOT reflects this. That left $75,140.69 towards other FY2019 projects. The City has some roadway stormwater culvert repairs that needed to be addressed which were $40,774 with engineering costs being $6,000 for a total of $46,724. The
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
remaining amount of $28,416.69 was directed towards gravel road repair and maintenance. Some may recall that in FY2020 (which was in calendar year 2019), the City awarded a contract to Blount Construction in the amount of $418,322.99 from TSPLOST funds for the patching and crack sealing of Rico Road from South Fulton Parkway to Hutcheson Ferry Road which is approximately four (4) miles in length. The deep patching (mill and inlay) repair was done intermittently in areas that needed the repair, leaving the roadway without a continuous and consistent surface. Due to the exceptionally high cost estimate for topping Rico Road upon the completion of the patching and crack sealing, we were unable to direct the FY2020 LMIG funds in the estimated amount of $126,057.07 with the City’s 30% match of $37,812.12 for a total of $163,869.19 towards the further improvement of this roadway. Instead, we directed these funds towards gravel road maintenance, spending $112,767.93 on materials and $51,101.26 on labor, equipment, and fuel. For FY2021, the City should be better poised to do additional paving and striping, using $134,125.70 LMIG Grant with the City’s match of 30% ($40,237.70) for a total of $174,363.40 combined with TSPLOST Funds. By March we project having $306,498 plus our current balance of $346,782 for a total of $653,250 in TSPLOST. When we add LMIG at $174,363.40, we will have a total of $827,613.40. Note: these are budgetary projections and not accrued and received monies. In summary, LMIG funds are another source of restricted revenue that help us generate funding for roadway repair and maintenance costs. Below is a table I created to help illustrate how we combine sources to meet the fiscal impact of funding transportation-related projects.
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City Government Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia December 3, 2020 / 6:00 p.m. The Full Dec. 3 meeting minutes will be posted after they are approved at the January Mayor and Council meeting. Call to Order Members present: Reed, Foster, Searle, Lowe, Bettis Member(s) absent: Schmidt Review and Approval of Agenda Amended as follows: 1. Add Item No. 20-051: Approval of capital purchase of Pro Force Blower for Public Works Department 2. Table Item No. 20-039: Ordinance to add a New Chapter 13, Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances - Passed 4-0 Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 10, 2020 Passed 4-0
New Business 1. Item 20-046: Resolution Appointing Chief Judge of the Municipal Court. Passed 4-0 2. Item 20-047: Resolution Appointing Judge Pro Tempore of the Municipal Court. Passed 4-0 3. Item 20-048: Ordinance to amend Parking Fines in Chapter 20, Parks and Recreation, Article III, Parking at Cochran Mill Park and Hutcheson Ferry Park, Section 20-57, Enforcement and for Other Purposes – recommendation to reduce fine from $50 to $25. Passed 4-0 4. Item 20-049: Approval of Development of Local Comprehensive Plan Agreement with the Atlanta Regional Commission. Passed 4-0 5. Item 20-050: Blues and Jazz event at Bouckaert Farm – request for Noise Ordinance extension until 1:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Passed 4-0 Mayor and Council Comments
Presentations / Proclamations (None)
Executive Session (None)
Public Comments
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Staff Reports Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton Public Hearing (None) Unfinished Business 1. Item 20-039: Ordinance to add a New Chapter 13, Emergency Management, to the Code of Ordinances. Tabled. No action taken.
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City Government
Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us 770-463-1592, office, 404-441-9850, mobile
Never before has applying caution been so important to prevent the ill effects of COVID-19 here in Chattahoochee Hills. We are now seeing more cases weekly, sometimes daily, in our rural city than have been documented during 2020. Seventy-six cases and four deaths resulting from COVID-19 have occurred in Chattahoochee Hills as of December 18th. Even as the vaccine is moving into place and vaccinations are occurring, we must remember how COVID cases are climbing and, for some persons, how the virus is truly harmful or even deadly. Frequently, we are called upon to give our greatest effort in the face of challenges at critical moments just before we claim victory. Approaching the holidays and 2021, and as we all grow more weary of the inconveniences forced on us, we must really focus and hold onto these important truths: • The potential to contract COVID is higher than ever before, higher than March or April when we knew very little about the potential of the virus, even higher than July when the virus seemed to have reached its peak. • "Asymptomatic" means no indication of the virus--no symptoms--so, how would you know you are at risk? It is safest to assume you are always at risk, and so avoiding the risk is the best course of action. Wear a face mask, maintain safe distances, wash your hands often, and curtail group activities or public interaction. These things are a MUST.
• Most of us won't gain access to the COVID vaccine until early Spring 2021. Even then, many are afraid to be vaccinated, worried it is somehow unsafe or unproven. There are side effects for a very small percentage of the population, but the vaccine is truly safe. Don’t let propaganda deter you from making a good, informed decision. Remember, the risks associated with vaccination are different, but perhaps those risks are worth taking when compared to the possibilities without the vaccine. Right now we have a lot to consider. Viral infection by COVID-19 is expected to reach even higher levels in Chattahoochee Hills, within Fulton and surrounding counties, throughout our state, and around the entire U.S. This means more risk of infection for each of us and more likelihood our area hospitals can't support us when we need care (of any type). All these concerns will remain a while longer—that much is certain—but, we are headed in a good direction. We need to be cautious and devoted to each other's safety just a bit longer. We have come so far. Let's see this through together– safely!
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: How To Streamline Our Quick Response Let's hope, you never need to phone 911 with an emergency. Taking care to do these three things can make a big difference in how quickly emergency medical professionals, firefighters, or Police get to your side: 1. If/When you phone 911, first confirm you are connected with Fulton 911. Cellular phone calls can be connected to another 911 (center) based on your proximity to a cell service tower or call volume at that moment. "Land line" calls automatically route to Fulton 911.
2. Provide your address or location first thing when you call 911. If the call drops or matters worsen, we will know where to respond even if we don't know your emergency. When traveling, take note of the road name or number and addresses or cross-streets. 3. Provide gate, door, or house alarm codes to 911. The Fulton 911 Center can enter your codes into their system and provide them by radio to emergency first responders. Email your full name, address, and code information to CHFD@chatthillsga.us. Wsse will take care of everything for you. All information is confidentially maintained.
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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.
City Council Work Session - Thurs., Jan. 7, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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.
Historic Commission Meeting - Mon. Jan 11, 6:30pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Meeting - Tues., Jan. 12, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Jan. 14, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Jan. 19, 6:00pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Work Session - Thurs., Jan. 28, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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. 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
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