– just a series of comments about current issues on my mind.
First off, a huge “Thank You!” to Darold Wendlandt and Greg Brett and their teams, who did an amazing job of getting our roadways open after Sunday’s storms. As always, they were out long before the storm was over and worked well after to get the roads cleared as quickly as possible. I’m always so impressed by both of these men and their teams; their level of commitment to the city’s citizens is just so obvious and so impressive.
Thanks too to the Greystone Power crews who worked through the night to (eventually) get power back to everyone. I hope that all Chatt-Hillians were able to safely get through the mess that the storms and power outages caused and are back to normal.
I also want to give a special shout-out to Roland Alston, the ever-busy Parks Commission member, who also leads the crew that does trail maintenance in Cochran Mill and Hutcheson Ferry Parks. As I’m sure you can appreciate, they also had their hands full after the past week’s weather. While getting everything shipshape on the trails will probably take a little longer, we couldn’t possibly get it done without Roland’s gentle leadership.
Speaking of leadership, thanks are due to the City Council and Planning Commission for their hard work over the past months preparing for and thoughtfully deciding the various zoning issues they’ve had before them, both ones they’ve acted on and pending ones. It’s probably the most difficult thing they’ll ever have to do as commission members, facing lots of heartfelt pressure for and against whatever the issue is and having to make what they feel is the best strategic decision for the long-term health of the City and the long-term protection of our founding vision. A vision of rural community and character protection balanced with thoughtful (tax-rich, lower-impact, and mostly buffered) development. I’ve said it before and will say it again: we are the ONLY city standing against the development pressure that is sprawling over literally the entire Atlanta region; the ONLY city with a PLAN for a different outcome, and the ONLY city that is actively implementing that plan, which will leave at least 70% of our community basically untouched.
Again, thank you for your thoughtful leadership!
Some of our neighbors are once again having problems with trash collection, because GFL, the main service provider in our area, just went to a sole-source contract with the City of South Fulton. As a part of the process of converting their South Fulton residents, GFL service was accidentally cancelled for many customers in Chattahoochee Hills. It’ll surprise no one that it took a bunch of extra work for folks to get that sorted out (trash vendors seem to vie with cable providers for “worst customer service” honors), but it seems that most of you have been able to get GFL service reinstated—most, but not all, which is why we’ll be discussing options at our upcoming City Council meeting again. We will cover everything from the possibility of adding a paid central collection site in the city for folks who just can’t get service otherwise, to the possibility of hiring someone for a citywide franchise. Neither is a particularly good option; a centralized location used by only a few families will be hard to staff and fund, while a citywide service will not please folks who are perfectly happy with their current provider. The latter may not be possible in any case, for there are apparently no companies large enough to handle both our full requirement, and who are also willing to service out less dense areas. In any case, we’re working on it (led by City Manager Robbie Rockovitz) and will discuss it at this month’s Work Session.
You’ve probably also recently gotten your property tax notice. Please keep in mind that these notices show taxes based on the current millage rate (based on last year’s assessment), which may change before taxes are due. In any case, you can expect your bill to be somewhat different from the notice received. And in any case, if you would sell your house for less than that assessment, you should appeal! Remember that the appeal deadline is Monday, July 24th, so if you do intend to do that, don’t delay!
I hope you are able to enjoy a safe and happy July 4th! It’s such a blessing to be able to celebrate the founding of our great nation with family and friends. Please be safe, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated—and have fun!
Mayor Tom Reed
With their recent Reptile Rally 2023 festival successfully finished for the season, Chattahoochee Hills’ own little environmental education hub, Bear Creek Nature Center (BCNC), is looking toward new and great things in their future. Recently, Bear Creek Nature Center was awarded capital and operational grant funding through the Fulton County Arts & Culture Department. The capital grant will allow Bear Creek Nature Center to improve the property to meet the physical needs of the resident animals as well as the visitors they serve through programs, events, and nature experiences. The general operations grant will also allow the center to hire additional educators to meet the growing demand of school field trips and programs by the surrounding community.
This place is a true gem amidst a transforming landscape of the growing Atlanta metro. Many people might not realize that there is still a slice around the I-285 perimeter this close to Atlanta filled with sprawling greenspace. Riding down South Fulton parkway is just a small glimpse of the beautiful natural areas of the Chattahoochee River watershed that dots along Chattahoochee Hills including wetlands, creeks, streams, waterfalls, granite outcrops, and more. As urban sprawl continues to be a factor in the area, BCNC hopes to continue as a welcoming space that inspires people toward stewardship of our natural spaces and cultivating a love of nature that will be instilled in the current and future generations to come.
Bear Creek Nature Center opened in the Spring of 2020 on the former site of an old nature center. The cabin was in need of various repairs along with the cleaning and sprucing up that comes with a new living space. The landscape was overgrown. The pond was choked out with invasive plants and few of the fish remained. And then, of course, the entire world was shut down for months as the first wave of COVID swept through the States. In that year, a small group of volunteers along with the Director, Norma Lewis, diligently served in how they could. With no real income (no real visitors!), they used their meager start-up
funds to care for the rescued animals in their care (BCNC partners with local groups like the Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue and the Georgia Reptile Society to home exotic animals and entities like Georgia’s DNR and the USDA to rehome non-releasable wild animals). The center was donated the over 45 acres it resides on, which was both a blessing and the promise of hard work needed! Dedicated volunteers worked on the grounds revitalizing the gardens around the cabin, blazing and re-marking trails, managing the pond, and restoring the boardwalk. There was a lot of raking (and sometimes falling into) the water so that it could be once again habitable by the local fish and turtles.
In 2021-2022, life at the cabin picked up. With one full-time employee and a handful of volunteers, the center partnered with more community organizations, put on festivals, hosted field trips, and provided wildlife-themed programs for schools, families, and community events. With a donation from the city of Chattahoochee Hills making it possible, BCNC was able to hire a part-time educator. With just one full-time employee, a part-time employee, and a handful of volunteers, Bear Creek Nature Center accomplished some of the following benchmarks in just the year of 2022:
• Center was open approximately 255 days to the public
• Over 1100 students served in field trips
• 66 schools and community groups served (including a special “Chatt Hills Day” just for Chattahoochee Hills residents)
• Over 22 community outreach events attended in the Atlanta metro area
• Served over 6+ counties in Georgia through programming
• Provided a home to over 32 animal ambassadors
• Hosted 3 major community festivals (with over 400 visitors at the Reptile Rally 2022 event!)
These were amazing accomplishments for a start-up, grassroots non-profit in environmental education. BCNC has been blessed with friends who continue to be community advocates for the work of the center. Councilmember Laurie Searle (District 3) has been a supporter (and sometimes boots-on-the-ground volunteer!) since the beginning days, and she recommended to the City of Chattahoochee Hills the $10,000 grant awarded to BCNC in 2022. In 2023, Searle partnered with fellow Councilmember Ruby Foster (District 1) to advocate with Fulton County Commissioner, Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. (District 5) for Bear Creek Nature Center at the county level. These grants will significantly help Bear Creek Nature Center to continue its environmental education and outreach in the year to come.
While the success thus far of Bear Creek Nature Center is a blessing, it is also necessary to continue striving towards a sustainable physical space for the footprint of visitors, as well as a sustainable staff of teachers who are supported in this effort. Words cannot describe the immense joy and excitement and thankfulness from all of Bear Creek Nature Center’s staff, board, volunteers, and supporters toward Commissioner Arrington and his staff for being advocates and recognizing the value and potential of this space. BCNC is also thankful for its local city council members including Laurie Searle, Ruby Foster, and Camille Lowe (District 4) who continue to partner with Bear Creek Nature Center in community events and initiatives such as annual Chatt Hills Days for residents and the joint pollinator
initiatives that help to attain Bee City certification for the city. You may even see their smiling faces greeting you at the next community festival or meet-and-greet; their smiles often walk through the cabin doors to say a word of encouragement.
This is one step toward a fully sustained environmental education center. There is still room to grow and come together. Bear Creek Nature Center hopes to continue its focuses in conservation, education, and community development. A small town nature center like this runs on the generosity of funds, time, hands and feet, and encouragement of its community. You, too, can help contribute to the efforts to help BCNC reach its full potential.
E.O Wilson was a conservationist who once wrote, “You’ll find your own way to discover, to learn, to teach.” At Bear Creek Nature Center, the mission is to spread the joy of nature. That joy can be accessed by anyone of any background and age at any time in their life. There are so many ways for YOU to discover, whether that is on the trails, beside the pond, or talking to one of our naturalists. You can find ways for YOU to learn, whether that is becoming a volunteer and getting hands-on experience or planning a program for your scout group, or bringing your homeschool group for a visit. YOU can also find a way to teach by putting your naturalist skills to the test by the gardens, inviting others to join in the activities, or signing up to be an intern or volunteer. The world of environmental education is one filled with endless possibilities, and YOU are invited to join at any time.
Director
Follow the journey of Bear Creek Nature Center online. See further updates via Facebook and Instagram (@bearcreekATL) or contact us at bearcreeknaturecenter. org or 770-306-0914 to learn more.
Mark your calendars for the following dates:
• Chatt Hills Day - Sat., August 26th (11am1pm) FREE for Chattahoochee Hills Residents
• BAT FEST - Saturday, September 16th (2pm8pm) $6 per person; FREE for members
By Birgit Bolton
Chatt Hills Bee Club (CHBC) participated in two beethemed events on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
The first event was the fourth official CHBC monthly meeting which took place at the Serenbe Farm. CHBC members were treated to an engaging outdoor classroom experience where Keith & Marilyn Stentiford gave a demonstration of their Flow Hive. A Flow Hive is a beehive brand that is engineered to allow honey extraction without needing to open the beehive. To date, Keith and Marilyn’s Flow Hive is the only one of its kind in the Chatt Hills area.
Afterwards, CHBC members visited the Serenbe Farmer’s Market which was holding its own SerenBEE-themed event with a regular hive demo and pollinator plant sale.
We’re lucky to be surrounded by such a beautiful rural community with nature-loving residents. Our hope is that the CHBC will provide a space and opportunity for area residents to exchange knowledge about beekeeping and promoting the natural environment for healthy bees (and people).
Stay tuned for more information via Facebook and CHBC Google group regarding the next monthly meeting which is still TBD.
The CHBC welcomes bee enthusiasts of all levels, so come see what all the Buzz is about! For questions,
opportunities to co-lead this club, and to join the Facebook or Google group for future announcements, please contact Birgit Bolton at birgit.bolton@gmail.com or 404-783-2045.
You know you’re in a town that loves its rural roots when the announcement of a new farm generates a host of smiles. That was the case when Michael Gault announced his small-scale regenerative farm had moved to Chattahoochee Hills.
Smyly Farms, located on Philips Road, raises pastured poultry for chicken eggs and duck meat. Their products are available for local Chatt Hills pickup at Smyly Farms or at one of the many farmers markets listed on their website. Call 678-725-4096 or visit https://smylyfarms.square.site
Michael’s interest in farming began at age 18 when he planted a vegetable garden while living with his father in Lawrenceville, Georgia. This was his first taste of homegrown veggies, and he set about learning all he could about sustainably gardening while attending a community college over the next several years.
As his interest in gardening grew, Michael enrolled in the University of Georgia’s horticulture program, with an emphasis in sustainable food production. During this time, he lived, worked, and leased land from Grateful Pastures Farms, where he gained the practical experience needed to own and operate his farming business. He chose the name Smyly Farms, in honor of his grandfather and his brother, who shared the Smyly middle name.
After working through the COVID pandemic, Michael took six months off to regroup and plan his next steps. He applied to the Working Farms Fund, a sustainable investment initiative that acquires and permanently protects farmland, and leases the land to next-generation farmers for three-to-five years with an exclusive option to buy.
In 2023, Michael leased eight acres of farmland from Many Fold Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, while his application for the Working Farms Fund is processed. It is his hope that the Fund will find and offer 15-20 acres of farmland in or near Chattahoochee Hills, which is only 37 minutes from the farmers markets where he sells his products. With the additional acreage, he hopes to expand operations to include vegetable farming, and work toward his goal of achieving an organic certification for Smyly Farms.
Day in, day out, 365 days a year, Michael is up at the crack of dawn tending to his poultry and pasture chores. It’s a short drive from his rental house/business office on Rico Road to the storage facilities he leases on the Many Fold Farm near the Rodale Institute.
After loading feed and another short drive to his pasture on Philips Road, Michael is greeted by his guardian dog, Willie, and the early-morning cackling-choir of his 340 laying hens.
Feeding and watering is done twice a day. Collecting eggs is done two or three times a day. On good days, he collects 340 eggs. Then it’s back to the storage facility to store, wash, and prepare the eggs for the weekly trips to three or four farmers markets.
Twice a year, Michael buys 280 ducklings, which he raises for duck meat. This requires similar daily chores, with the addition of transporting the ducks to the processing facility, and then storing the meat for the weekly trips to the farmers markets.
Once a week, Michael moves the mobile poultry housing units, called “chicken tractors.” This type of housing permits the chickens to work the soil like a tractor (by scratching and pecking), controlling weeds and insects, and, at the same time, supplying natural fertilizer with their manure.
When he’s not tending his poultry or working his land, Michael is at his desk performing the business operations of the farm. There’s the record keeping for the egg production, paperwork required for the organic certification he’s working on, ordering supplies, contacting vendors, checking in with his employees, and planning for the weekly farmers markets.
All of this seems such a Herculean effort, one wonders why any young adult would want to enter the field of small-
scale farming. In Michael’s online journal entries, he shares his personal challenges and passion for farming when he writes:
Spring time is here, yet there is always so much uncertainty. For those who know me personally, Willie and I sure are some ramblers. Leasing land at a young age, operating the farm, has its ups and its down. I try not to get too personal on here, but the documentation is necessary as it is the closing of a chapter.
Big decisions to be made: graduation, moving the farm; all the while with so much uncertainty. We set ourselves on this road many, many years ago, and we are grateful to say the least. But with our gratefulness comes our sorrow, our pain, our story.
Dealing with loss, constant stress from uncertainty, and the solitude that this path bestows upon us makes it hard to trust the universe on the darkest days. Seeing our local community support, knowing all the work we have put in to get here, and exploring new opportunities is the fire that cannot be put out.
For generations to come, and for the present moment at hand. The hands that sow the seeds, make room for the breeze, the trees, and the bees, they create the time which puts our souls at ease.
To learn more about Smyly Farms, visit: https://www. facebook.com/SmylyFarms
Find Smyly Farms at your local farmers market: @freedomfarmersmkt @ptreefarmersmkt Smyly Farms offers pastured-raised chicken eggs and duck meat including boneless skin on breast, leg quarters, airline cuts, thighs, drums, whole and half ducks, duck broth, and soup parts.
Announcing the 44th, 45th, & 46th addition to the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail featuring three barn quilts patterned after Mamaw’s quilt, located at Wanderlust Farms at 7565 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30213.
Dave & Christine Gallagher first came to Chattahoochee Hills in search of a peaceful place to host their wedding in 2006. While traveling the country roads to their destination in the Serenbe Community, they became captivated with the long rows of horse fences that dotted the rural landscape. Here and there, a dirt path disappeared into the woods, beckoning them back to their rural roots.
When they returned years later to build their Wanderlust Farms, the first thing they built was a horse fence. They commissioned three barn quilts to adorn the fence featuring a scrap-happy rooster and sheep, and a star quilt in honor of the one Mamaw Capps made for Christine as a child.
After the couple's wedding, Dave & Christine packed their memories of Serenbe and Chatt Hills and returned to their home in Atlanta. There they launched their careers and had many traveling adventures. It was quite the exciting life for the couple who were both originally from small towns.
But as they became parents, the novelty and convenience of city living began to wear off. They wanted more
time, and they wanted their schedules to slow down.
Over the years they had returned to Serenbe to relax and refresh, so in 2017 they decided to make the move there. Dave & Christine loved living in Serenbe, with its easy access to amenities, restaurants, art, and its animal village and farm. On the weekends, they explored the rural countryside of Chatt Hills and fell in love its dirt roads, pastures, and farmhouses. Eventually, Christine found the pull to live on more land irresistible, and Dave, living by the motto, "Happy wife, happy life," agreed that they should start looking for land to build a farmstead.
They originally hoped to find land with rolling hills for their farm, but when they happened upon 18 acres of forest with a creek running through it, they went in for a closer look. The land was sandwiched between a neighboring cow pasture and a horse farm which offered a ready-made farm view -- without all of the mowing.
Dave & Christine purchased the property in 2021 and named it "Wanderlust Farm" to pay homage to the rural countryside they had visited in the U.K. and France. They had loved the time they spent in Europe, and like Chatt Hills, they had been attracted to the rural narrow roads and farmland fences. They hope their Wanderlust Farms in Chatt Hills will become the place where future generations of their family gather and make memories.
For more photos and the hosts’ heritage story, visit: https://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/wanderlust-farms. html. For a map of the 47 barn quilts on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail, visit: https://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail. com/tour-the-trail.html.
By Laurie Searle,
More than 80 Chattahoochee Hills seniors attended the quarterly Senior Lunch & Learn hosted by Chatt Hills Community Outreach with AARP on June 16 at city hall.
Councilmember Laurie Searle (Dist. 3) opened the program, welcoming guests and thanking the host, city & county officials, staff, and volunteers for their participation.
Pastor Joe Stephens from Sardis Baptist Church gave the blessing, followed by entertainment during the meal by musical duo Bill & Nesha Bryant.
cilmember Searle explained that Chatt Hills residents love their dark skies, so they might prefer installing motion-detecting lights.
After the presentation, there was an opportunity to share information.
Joanna Hannah, Corporate Development Director, Baptist Retirement Communities of GA, gave a brief overview of their two independent living communities: Palmetto Park adjacent to Chattahoochee Hills, and Hiawassee Park in north Georgia. Councilmember Camille Lowe (Dist. 4) spoke about the positive experience her father had when he recently moved to Palmetto Park.
Chatt Hills Fire Chief Greg Brett introduced RightSite, a public health program that helps ER-bound patients with non-emergency needs access non-ER, high-quality, in-network care. Chief Brett’s team was also available throughout the lunch program to offer free blood pressure checks.
Jil Hinds, Associate Director of Community Outreach, AARP Georgia State Office, thanked Chatt Hills for the opportunity to participate, and her team for their assistance with the program.
Rob Alexander from AARP gave a presentation on HomeFit. This program offers smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe, and a great fit for older adults, enabling where they live to be their lifelong home. Each participant received a HomeFit booklet that detailed modifications that could be made to each room of their homes. The interactive program gave participants opportunities to ask questions and offer their own best practices. When Rob suggested that lights be added to the exterior of homes to improvement visibility, participants gave a chuckle. Coun-
Councilmember Searle mentioned that this is an election year for Chattahoochee Hills, and that Representatives from Fulton County Voter Registration were available today to assist with registration.
Councilmember Ruby Foster (Dist.1) closed the program, thanking participants, the host, county and city staff, and volunteers Chip & Peachy Denton. She gave a brief overview of the Chatt Hills Community Outreach program and announced the next event, Chatt Hills Day at Bear Creek Nature Center on August 26. For more information on Chatt Hills Community Outreach and the upcoming programs, visit: www.chatthillscommunityoutreach.com
Chiropractic at Serenbe is now offering a program for those suffering from peripheral neuropathy! Peripheral neuropathy refers to a condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), which results in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected areas. It can also cause weakness and difficulty with movement. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diseases such as diabetes, infections, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, trauma, and some medications. Addressing the underlying cause of the condition may help to improve symptoms and prevent further nerve damage.
Our neuropathy program is a highly effective program used by hundreds of doctors across the country to reverse peripheral neuropathy. It provides patients with nutrition supplementation and state-of-the-art FDA-approved medical equipment, backed by multiple research studies that promote nerve regeneration and accelerate tissue healing.
Our neuropathy program combined with NetworkSpinal chiropractic care will allow your body to self-heal, self-organize, self-maintain as intended. The state of tension of a system determines the tone of the system. The spinal cord’s expression of tone is analogous to the acoustics of a guitar or string instrument orchestrating the coordination of your entire body; The tension of your spinal cord is the core of your nervous system and life. This system determines and dictates the tone of your health and life.
With the application of NetworkSpinal, we are effectively tuning the guitar of your life to resonate with more health and harmony. To fall into synchrony is to establish more wholeness and coherence within your system. This is what true wellness is all about. Complete organization and integration of all parts within your system, functioning as one.
Please visit: www.chiropracticatserenbe.com
email: dr.perry@chiropracticatserenbe.com
Call/text: (740) 603-8040 for more information.
Announcing the 47th addition to the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail featuring “Still Daffy” at Davenport Farm, located at 8120 Jones Ferry Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30213.
Rick and Jan Davenport found greener pastures across from Woodsong Farm, their son and daughter-in-law's farm, in Chattahoochee Hills. They weren't quite ready to retire at that time, so they purchased the land and leased it to their son for his pastured farm animals.
Over the next few years, Rick and Jan became friends with the neighbor, Miss Grace, who sold them her farmhouse in 2020 before it went up for sale. They established a hobby farm raising ducks and seeding their other hobbies.
When selecting a pattern for their barn quilt, they requested a duck colored in the light browns of their Khaki Campbell ducks. They named it "Still Daffy" in honor of the cartoon character Daffy Duck, which seems captured in still-life.
Rick & Jan's interest in farming was sparked in 2017 when their organic-farmer son and daughter-in-law, Peter & Kristin, mentioned a pasture was for sale across the road from them. They visited the pasture, which had a stunning country view, and decided to purchase it for their future use and lease it to Peter & Kristin in the interim.
While touring the property, they met the next-door neighbor, Miss Grace Peek, who asked if Rick might help her turn on her ceiling fan. This turned into a wonderful visit and house tour, which blossomed into an enduring friendship over the years. When Miss Grace decided to sell her house in 2020, she offered it to Rick & Jan before putting it on the market. With their parents passed on and their children gone from the nest, the couple decided the time was right to begin their next chapter. They sold their Fayetteville, Georgia home of 20 years and moved into the 1912 farmhouse and named it "Grace House" in honor of Miss Grace.
Rick began hobby farming in the traditional sense when he decided to raise pasture ducks for eggs. He bought a variety of duck breeds including Khaki Campbell,
Indian Runner, and Harlequin, and then set about fencing in sections of his pasture, preparing water ponds and feeding areas, and training up Martha, their livestock guardian dog. He quickly learned his quirky fowls were like pigs with wings, playing in the mud and splashing water about. They may have been messy, but they had plenty of pluck and attitude, which he liked.
Rick and Jan began hobby farming in the non-traditional sense by setting up their farmhouse with designated spaces for their many hobbies. The first room off the central hallway is Rick's music room where he practices his saxophone, which he has continued to play since meeting Jan in high school band all those years ago when she played the trumpet. On the walls are photos and artwork from their world travels during the last part of Rick's career in chemical engineering when Jan was able to join him on business trips. A large comfortable living room is Jan's favorite place to crochet. For inspiration, she has displayed many antique needlepoint pieces and heritage quilts on the walls. Her hobbies also extend to teaching crafts to her grandchildren and volunteering at the community library.
In the early hours after sunrise, the couple enjoys watching their son from their window milk the cows in their shared barn. In the hours just before dusk, the couple enjoys walking by Rick's potted plant garden, where he directs them like a choir, encouraging them to perform. In between, the couple loves walking down the road to see their grandchildren, or having them visit and help out around the farm. Rick and Jan feel richly blessed to live on their hobby farm and enjoy this simplified, contented time of their lives.
For more photos and the hosts’ heritage story, visit: https://www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail.com/davenport-farm. html.
Wednesdays through August 23, 9-10am
Serenbe Farms 8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Tickets, $500 Non-refundable. Tickets may be transferred. Tickets $41.67/week (or purchase for the rest of the class) and for more information: https://sfsummerkidsgardening.eventbrite.com/?aff=chnewsletter
This 12-week program is offered to children 3-6 years of age on Wednesdays, 9am-10am at Serenbe Farms.
Driving/parking - parents can drop their kids off at the farm at or just before 3:30 on the scheduled day. Farmer Tristan will teach students gardening skills, including garden planning and prep, seeding, transplanting, compost making, wildlife identification and observation. These all will be accompanied by lessons in science and math while also inviting the students to engage in some creative activities such as building, crafting, story telling etc. The main objective of these meetings will be discussing growing food from seed to harvest.
Sommelier Guided Wine Education Class
9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Join the Wine Shop at Serenbe on the 3rd Thursday of each month for a professionally-guided wine education class with Sommelier Camille Balboa. Each class will be an in-depth exploration of fine wines throughout the world. We'll taste 5 premium wines that will be paired with a custom-made charcuterie board. Each month will have a new focus. Limited availability. Tickets $100. https://bit. ly/3BeIksx
Saturdays, 4:00pm
Wine Tastings at the General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Cochran Mill Brews are now at the General Store. Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.
Chattahoochee Hills Eventing at Bouckaert Farm
Chattahoochee Hills Eventing at Bouckaert Farm holds close to 30 equestrian events yearly. Our facility hosts 240 permanent stables, two 350x250 arenas, two 250x150 arenas, a cross country course with varying terrain and several permanent features, a spacious pavilion with concessions, a show office and lounge with restrooms and showers, and several other amenities to fit your horse show needs. We host both rated and local events ranging from Eventing, to Hunter/Jumper, to Mounted Games and more. Come join us for your next equestrian event!
Area lll Championships and Horse Trials July 1st and 2nd
Mid-week Jumper Show July 5th 10.00am
Horse Trials July 7th and 8th
9445 Browns Lake Road, Fairburn, GA, 30213 770-892-2117, info@chatthillseventing.com https://chatthillseventing.com
See the rolling countryside of Serenbe on horseback. Whether you're a skilled equestrian or a novice rider, we offer an experience for you.
We offer trail rides Tuesday-Sunday at varying times from 8am to 6pm, depending on the month. Additionally, we offer picnic trail rides at either 11am or 12pm, depending on the month.
To book a time for your trail ride, first choose the type of ride you would like. If you have a special request or booking need, please contact us at 770-463-2610 and we
will assist you in creating a specialized experience. If you are booking a reservation within 48 hours from now, please call us at 770-463-2610 so we can assist you over the phone. Or visit: https://www.serenbetrailriding. com/.
Nestled away in the barn on Selborne Lane just down the road from the Inn at Serenbe, we are located at:
10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm
Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks
On The Porch
10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from The Farmhouse Bar and enjoy the ambience of warm weather and live music on the wraparound porch.
Sunday July 2, 3:30-5:30
Intro to Artisan Crafts with Jessica Sutton
Cost: $50
At Paint Space 10625 Serenbe Lane, Ste. A, in Serenbe
The first class will be making paper out of recycled materials. We can add seeds/flower petals/color, etc. In this two-hour, bi-monthly class, we will explore the basics of several different crafts. Included will be pine needle baskets, weaving, making paper, and much more! People are often interested in crafting but get intimidated by not knowing where to start. This is it! Come and try your hand at several things and see what strikes your fancy. All materials are provided unless otherwise stated!
Class one is paper making! We will use junk mail, paper towels, construction paper, receipts, etc. to make paper and add beautiful details like flower petals, seeds, paint, etc. Sign up here: https://www.shorturl.cool/d9bfc
All Saturdays at 2:30 pm
Serenbe Farms Tour
8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tickets $15 (Children under 3 free) https://bit.ly/3YI1Tnb
Serenbe Farms is a small, diversified certified organic farm located in the Serenbe community and surrounded by the rural oasis of the Chattahoochee Hill Country, just 30 miles southwest of Atlanta.
Learn how Serenbe Farms uses sustainable practices to grow and harvest more than 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They harvest more than 60,000 lbs of produce a year to feed the Serenbe Community!
Contact ian@serenbefarms.com for more information.
Access parking through the main Serenbe Farms entrance at 8715 Atlanta-Newnan Road, or park on Serenbe Lane in Grange to come through the neighborhood entrance. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred.
July 22 · 9am-11:30
Serenbe Farms 8715 Atlanta Newnan Road Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Tickets $100: https://sffloralarrangingclass.eventbrite. com/?aff=chnewsletter
Learn from both a seasoned farmer and florist as you harvest and arrange a bouquet to take home to wow your family and friends. A light brunch with both food and drink will be included with ticket purchase.
Thurs., July 20, 1:00 am
Red Cross Blood Drive
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
July 24-28, 10am-12pm
Serenbe Farms Adult Farming Camp
Tickets, $250, limited to 10 spots, sign up here: https:// sfadultfarmcamp.eventbrite.com/?aff-chnewsletter Tickets are non-refundable.
Participants will have the opportunity to take home a share of seasonal veggies at the end of the week.
Participants should expect an in-depth, hands on learning experience with a local farmer and farm educator in an outdoor setting. Participants should come prepared to get a bit dirty in the field and should be prepared for the heat of the Georgia summer i.e. bring water, closed-toed shoes, work clothes.
Contact education@serenbefarms.com for more information.
July 24, 9:30 am— 5:00 pm
Serenbe, GA, Cost: $225
“No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.” — Jewel
Please join me and internationally-renowned yoga teacher and healer Michelle Fleming for a one-day retreat. Come burn away that which no longer serves you and discover what you most want to occupy in the space this clearing creates.
We will start the day with Michelle’s yoga and healing series known as Fire Salute and a Journey through the Chakras.
During this part of our day, you will find your “Sankalpa,” your personalized mantra, and learn powerful neurological techniques to rewire stress pathways and make more room for joy and peace. There will be an interactive lecture on the Chakra system and how it relates to the nervous system, and then we will move into an all-levels yoga flow.
This will be followed by a catered lunch and discussion.
In the afternoon, Laura will lead you through a guided meditation where you will meet a guide with whom you can work long after our gathering. From there, Laura will walk you through an experiential exercise to discover how to best foster your inner Venus, your version of self-compassion and love.
This retreat is appropriate for people ages 12 and older at all yoga levels.
For more information and to sign up visit: https://mythicsky.as.me/tansformational-yoga-cosmic-self-discovery
Art Farm Soirée at Serenbe
Location: Under the Tent, The Wildflower Meadow 10690 Hutcheson Ferry Rd. Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Thurs. Sept. 21, 6:00 PM
Tickets: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/artfarm-presents-the-under-the-tent-series
The “Under the Tent” series will commence with Art Farm at Serenbe’s first fundraising event — Soiree at Serenbe on September 21. This will be our inaugural annual fundraiser, and we want it to be a truly special evening. You will enjoy food and drinks, a live auction with fabulous prizes, and most excitingly…an exclusive preview performance of the three shows in the series: the powerful spoken word of Voice, the energetic vocals of Mashup in the Meadow, and the dazzling cirque spectacle Serenity.
Sat, Sep 23, 7:00pm
Location: Under the Tent
Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/tickets/under-the-tentseries-voice-1hju3o9
Voice: A Night of Spoken Word is hosted by Emmy-nominated author, poet, and playwright, Jon Goode.
Friday Sept 22, 7:00 PM
Location: Under the Tent
Tickets: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/mashup-in-the-meadow
We are thrilled to welcome five powerhouse vocalists to the stage to perform a dynamic medley of hit songs across rock, soul, and pop genres.
Tue, Sep 26 - Sun. Oct 1
Location: Under the Tent
Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/tickets/under-the-tent-series-serenity-5vn0yq0
Escape the ordinary at the world premiere of Serenity, a brand-new cirque show that will transport you to a world of fantasy, magic, and spectacle.
The 10th Annual Serenbe Designer Showhouse is two homes that look out over the Mado Hamlet. The entryway features a dramatic 19-ft vaulted ceiling leading into open main-level living, dining, and kitchen, the latter featuring bespoke cabinetry and elevated finishes selected by Pamela Stakemann of South Haven Builders. Designed by Serenbe Planning & Design with multiple private porches off the back of the homes offer stunning treetop views.
September 29-October 22
Thursday-Sunday | 10am-4pm
Thursday, September 28 | 6pm Celebrate at the Preview Party!
Proceeds benefit the Decorative Arts Fellowship at Art Farm at Serenbe.
Join us to tour the Showhouse. Tickets Available Now. https://www.serenbeshowhouse.com/tickets
Martin Whist is a visual artist born in Canada who now lives in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Whist began his studies in Toronto at the Ontario College of Art and finalized his BFA at Emily Carr College of Art in Vancouver in 1992. During this time, he showed at Catriona Jeffries Gallery in Vancouver. He then moved to Los Angeles where he earned his Masters at Claremont Graduate University in 1994. Upon graduating from CGU, he began showing at Acme Gallery in Los Angeles into the early 2000s. After a number of years active in the LA art scene, he chose to retract from the public eye in favor of privately developing his art. While doing this, he became interested in film and the creative opportunities it presented. He worked his way in the film industry to become an acclaimed feature film Production Designer. He has recently begun showing his work again and in 2021 had his first show since leaving Acme, at Tew Gallery, in Atlanta. See more of his work at: https://martinwhist.net.
Adrienne Anbinder, Scott Areman, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Robert Lederman, Cindy Lederman, Natalie McIntyre, Julie McKinney, Ken Shepard, Mary Shepard, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, Martin Whist and Eileen Wilson
9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.
We’re thrilled to announce that Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm every week, and we’re open 24/7 online at at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www.bookshop.org/shop/ undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com
New in Fiction: Banyan Moon by Thao Thai
This sweeping, evocative debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women reeling from the death of their matriarch, revealing the family's inherited burdens, buried secrets, and unlikely love stories. Hills & Hamlets bookseller Patience says, “This remarkable debut peels away family secrets like an onion to reveal truth, healing, love and friendship.” Out now!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063267107
New in Nonfiction: Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar
In a beguiling and often absurdly hilarious mix of history, politics, and reportage, Slate staff writer Henry Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems—from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster—ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Josh says: “I would not have thought that a book about the history and future of parking could be genuinely entertaining and thought provoking, but this one is!” Out now!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781984881137
New in Middle Grade: Greenwild by Pari Thomson
11-year-old Daisy Thistledown is on the run. Her mother has been keeping big secrets, and now she has vanished. Daisy knows it’s up to her to find Ma—but someone is hunting her across London. So when Daisy flees to safety through a mysterious hidden doorway, she can barely believe her eyes—she has stepped out of the city and into another world. This is the Greenwild. Bursting with magic and full of amazing natural wonders, it seems too astonishing to be true. But not only is this land of green magic real, it holds the key to finding Daisy’s mother. Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk with animals, and a cat with an attitude to uncover the truth about who she really is. Only then can she channel the power that will change her whole world…and save the Greenwild itself. For ages 8 and up, out now!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780374391379
Food Pantry
Our food pantry continues to be busy. A reminder to families with children, you can come to the food pantry twice per month through the month of July. This is thanks to a donation from Southside church allowing us to extend our twice-monthly services through the summer.
Clients served in May: 227 people, 68 families, 89 children, 20 families with children came twice
The library needs your current reads! Nan continues to update our library with current books. She prefers hardback books, but will take a paperback in good condition. Current reads only.
You can also donate to our library through the DONATE tab on our website CommunityBrickworks.org. You can designate that your donation be used for Library in the comment section. Nan would love to buy new series for us all to enjoy!
the Sea—the kids have had a good time learning about different things in the sea. We read a book about an octopus—and made one! We discovered pirates, found a treasure map, learned about waves, saw hoe currents are formed, and we made an aquarium! We also held a book drive to get more children's books for the library!
A big "THANK YOU" to Zorro's Crossing, Haley Roberts and her group form bring Dixie the SeeHorse for the kids to groom and enjoy. Also, Mary Cannon and Miranda from West End Performing Arts for helping with art projects and Melea and Chloe Brett for doing a 4th of July craft with the kids. The program will ONLY meet on July 11 & 18th.
N2U Band—will come to City Hall Community Room on July 14th at 6:30 with some great music form the 50s-80s and old/new country. This event is posted on CommunityBrickworks.org to purchase tickets. The ticket price includes hot dog, chips, drink, and REALLY good music. Please purchase your ticket by July 10th.
Second Tuesday of July at 4:00—is our Women's Crafting Circle. We have 3 women who come and spend time crafting and enjoying talking and laughing.
Fourth Tuesday of July at 4:00-is the Book Club, the book title will be announced later.
Campbellton Baptist Church
8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Friendship Baptist Church
6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe
www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/
New Hope United Methodist Church
7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Providence Baptist Church
6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www.pbcrico.org
Rico United Methodist Church
6475 Rico Rd
Rivertown United Methodist Church
9325 Rivertown Rd
Sardis Baptist Church
8400 Sardis Rd., www. sardisbaptistch.com
Southside at Serenbe
915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! for more info contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@remax.net or 404-456-6347.
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Vernon Grove Baptist Church
8440 Vernon Grove Rd.
The City of Chattahoochee Hills hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, coordinated by the Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) initiative. The city shares a common goal with CHCO to offer events that foster camaraderie and help build a strong community by connecting residents with each other, city services, and local businesses.
Our FREE special events would not be possible without the support and partnership of volunteers, local community businesses, and organizations. We invite you to join us in supporting our 2023 line-up of special events. As a sponsor of our special events, we will acknowledge you in our promotional material and offer a half-page ad in our municipal monthly newsletter. You will receive a letter to share with your accountant as a qualified deduction for 2023 tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Harvest Festival Oct. 14 at Town Green
Community Awards Banquet Nov. 10
Christmas In Chatt Hills Dec. TBA City Hall
For more information contact: Robert Rokovitz, City Manager, robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us 770.463.8881 or Ruby Foster, ruby.foster@chatthillsga.us - Chatt Hills Community Outreach
Sardis Baptist Church Homecoming
Join us on Sunday August 6th for our 148th Homecoming Celebration. Service starts at 11am, with special music by Just One Band with a short message and fellowship meal to follow. Hope to see you there. Contact information, Pastor Joe Stephens 620-384-8595.
Gone Fishing VBS at Sardis Baptist Church, July 17th and 18th. 6-8pm. Ages K-5th grade. Open to everyone. We hope to see you then, come join the fun. Contact information, Pastor Joe Stephens 620-384-8595.
December 18, 1944June 1, 2023
Mr. Douglas Wayne Kearns, age 78, of Palmetto, GA passed away peacefully Thursday, June 1, 2023.
He is survived by his loving bride of 54 years, Judith Kearns; children, Travis Kearns and his wife, Jessica; Cameron Kearns and his wife, Rachel; grandchildren, Kendra, Tucker, Lilly, McCullough, and Gracie; brother, Fred Kearns and his wife, Suellen; brothers in-law, Wayne Ledbetter, Harold Ledbetter and his wife, Elaine; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Fred Kearns and Margaret Turner Kearns; his sister in-law, Dianne Ledbetter.
His work ethic and desire to take care of his family lead him to enlist in the Army at age 18 in 1963. He was stationed in Germany from 1964-1965. When he returned home, he started working for Delta Airlines in October of 1966 until he retired on December 31, 2001 as a lead mechanic. Doug was a longtime member of Palmetto Baptist Church. He loved mission trips, traveling, eating fried catfish, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
If you asked a hundred people who Doug Kearns was, they would all give the same answer: a devoted, loving, Christian man who stood firm in his faith.
A funeral service was held Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 2 o’clock in the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lee Brewer and Rev. Marshal Faulkenberry officiating.
People wishing to honor Doug’s lifelong commitment to the Lord and his family can make donations to Palmetto Baptist Church, Building Fund, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon for over 40 plus years.
Feb. 12, 1933 – April 30, 2023
Dr. Ralph Warren Hajosy, age 90, died at home in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 30, 2023.
Born February 12, 1933, in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, he was the son of Louis Stephen Hajosy, Sr. and Grace Lord Hajosy, and the oldest of three brothers. He spent much of his childhood hunting and fishing, as well as training for a future as a concert pianist. He graduated from Woodbury High School, where he was allowed to read books independently in the school attic as long as he came back to class when a test was given. He remained an avid reader throughout his life.
Ralph enrolled in All State's Teacher's College to study music, before deciding he wanted to be a doctor. He transferred to Emory University in order to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school. Without obtaining a bachelor's degree, he was admitted to the Medical College of Georgia, where he was the youngest in his class. He graduated in three years at the age of 25 in 1958. He subsequently gained his residency training as an Air Force officer serving at Labrador, Wyoming and Texas bases.
Ralph returned to Georgia to establish an orthopedic practice in Griffin which lasted for over 30 years. After retiring from medicine, the well-loved "Doc Hajosy" continued to maintain his farm and other businesses. He took up sailing and enjoyed hosting family and friends in the British Virgin Islands. He and his wife moved to Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, where they established Two Swans Farm, living there until his declining health necessitated moving to Atlanta.
Ralph leaves behind a loving family of which he was very proud, including his wife, Nancey Green Leigh, his children Teresa Hajosy, Ralph Hajosy, Jr, and Rebecca Hajosy, stepdaughters Leigh Preston and Kenan Morrissey, and nine grandchildren. He taught them to fish, to ski, to select a quality hammer, to invest, to love nature, and to be thankful. He took great interest in helping them prepare for their futures.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his brothers, Roger A. Hajosy and Louis Stephen Hajosy Jr. The three Hajosy brothers were lifelong adventurers, seeking the best fishing in Alaska, Argentina, and places in between.
A kind and generous man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be deeply missed.
January 8, 1939 - April 21, 2023
Gordon P. Ramsey, age 84, of Chattahoochee Hills, formerly of Wellesley, Millis, and Gloucester, Massachusetts passed peacefully on Friday, April 21, 2023, with the love and support of his family.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Linda Lanier Ramsey; his children Laura C. Ramsey (Edmund Bathelt) of Northbrook, IL and Nokomis, FL; Thomas M. Ramsey (Rowena Saura) of Vienna, VA; John H. Ramsey II (Sue) of Natick, MA; F. Parker Ramsey (Faithe) of Long Beach, NY; Gardner Powell of Tucson, AZ; Jennifer Powell of Chattahoochee Hills, GA; Susanna Powell of Chattahoochee Hills, GA and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and John David Powell of Essex Junction, VT. He took great pride in being "Pop" to 14 grandchildren: Justin, Eden, Evan (Sarah), Gareth, Jack, Charlie, Anabel, Rebecca, James (Riyong), Claudia (Dylan), Jasmine, Piare, Noah, Will, and honorary granddaughter, Leslie (Juan).
Gordon was brother to the late James Verner Ramsey and Richard Duff Ramsey and is survived by brothers Philip Ramsey of Cocoa Beach, FL and Bruce C. Ramsey of Hamilton, MA, as well as by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents J. Haller Ramsey and Lorna Critchley Ramsey.
June 18, 2023
Mr. Barry Anbinder, of the Serenbe Community in Chattahoochee Hills, passed away on June 18, 2023. No obituary was available at the time of this writing.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Adrienne Anbinder, two daughters and grandchildren.
A graduate of Wellesley High School (1957), Trinity College (1961), and Boston University School of Law (1964), he enjoyed class reunions and lifelong friendships with classmates.
Gordon practiced law at several firms before starting his own firm which eventually became Ramsey & Murray, PC in Boston. He specialized in labor relations and served as chief outside counsel for the National Agency of Government Employees (NAGE). While raising his family in Wellesley, he volunteered as a youth basketball coach and president of Wellesley Friendly Aid, a non-profit supporting the needs of the community.
He and Linda partnered to raise Thoroughbred racehorses in Massachusetts and at their former home, Chabboquasset Farm, in Palmetto, GA. During the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, they hosted equestrian teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. He was the first executive director of the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders Association and a key lobbyist in securing legislation to fund the breeders' program. After retiring from law, Gordon founded Three Coins Furniture, a patio furniture wholesaler in Newnan, GA.
Gordon was active with several charitable organizations. Recently, he was involved at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newnan volunteering with Kairos Prison Ministry and meeting with friends as part of the Men’s Breakfast Group.
Barry was known locally with doing readers theatre both in Serenbe and in the City. He guided people in acting in "Appomattox," "The Ghosts of Chatt Hills" to name a few, and many at Serenbe. Barry was a founding member of the Bridge Group, Let's Talk, and he also was a vital part of Interfaith at Serenbe.
A celebration of his life was held at Jordan’s Ridge on June 21, 2023, with many friends and family in attendance.
Donations in his name can be made to Community Brickworks: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=CTeRzeAeDXIF42gF0xcQJLFgYlew-MMq1bGsVFDHIsh98U285JkfbtQWPpCPTE3jPl7GOiIgidjjjlLT, or the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op: https://donorbox.org/chatthillsartistco-op
Qualifying for the November 7, 2023, City of Chattahoochee Hills General Election opens at 8:30 am MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023, and closes at 4:30 pm on FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023, for the offices of three Council seats (District 1, District 3, and District 5). The City Clerk’s office will be closed daily from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Candidates
may qualify by filing a Notice of Candidacy and paying the qualifying fee at the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall, 6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. The Qualifying Fee is $36.00.
The last day to register and be eligible to vote in this election will be October 10, 2023.
The polls will be open on election day from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm at the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall, 6505 Rico Road, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia 30268.
Candidate Information Packet: https://cms3.revize.com/ revize/chattahoochhillsga/Candidate%20Information%20 Packet%202023.pdf
City Council District Map: https://cms3.revize.com/ revize/chattahoochhillsga/New%20Districts%20with%20 Road%20Names_2023_FINAL.pdf.
Our Chattahoochee City Council women, Ruby Foster (Dist. 1), Laurie Searle (Dist. 3) and Camille Lowe (Dist. 4) spoke at the Women's Network at Serenbe on June 25. Kelli Castille did a spectacular job hosting. They spoke about their work for the City, development in our area, the need for engagment by citizens and the importance of maintaining our rural area along with balancing the needs of the city.
The Chattahoochee Hills city council meeting on June 6, 2023, was well attended in anticipation of the public hearing and action on Kane Studio Project Rosebud. Chatt Hills Community Development Director Mike Morton introduced the application.
Kane Studio LLC has requested a rezoning of 1606.18 acres from RL (Rural) to HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) to create a film production studio. Project Rosebud would be located on land between Campbellton Redwine Rd and the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Jones Ferry Rd. At build-out, Rosebud would include 3,454,300 square feet of floor area, including 1,070,000 square feet of sound stages.
The applicant has requested three variances and five Special Use Permits:
Proposed Variances:
1. A variance from Section 6-3.C to reduce the minimum residential units required in the HM-MU District from .5 units per acre to zero and to increase the maximum allowable percentage of property devoted to non-residential units from 25% of the developable area to 100%.
2. A variance from Section 5-6.G to increase the maximum open space which can be transferred offsite from 20% to 50%.
3. A variance to eliminate all of the requirements of Article XII regarding thoroughfares in those portions of the development to which public access is restricted.
Proposed Special Use Permits, as required in the HMMU district:
1. Motion Picture or Sound Recording Facility, Large
2. Hotel
3. College, University, or Professional School
4. Event Center, Large
5. Recycling Center
Director Morton reviewed the updates since the last city council meeting on May 2 and presented two additional proposed conditions. He then gave the staff recommendation for approval, as well as the planning commission’s unanimous recommendation for approval.
Mayor Tom Reed opened the public meeting.
Carl Westmoreland, consultant for Project Rosebud, spoke on behalf of the applicant. He addressed a few of the concerns brought up in previous community meetings, and he thanked the city’s staff for their months of working with the project team to help draft conditions that would address the concerns and strengthen the application.
Thirty-one residents participated in the public hearing. Ten residents expressed support, giving praise for the applicant’s due diligence in meeting with the community, working with the city, and supporting its vision to Keep it Rural. A few gave support but also voiced concerns about traffic and the potential impact, but they said the benefits the studio would bring in economic development, much needed revenue for the city, and possibly the best use of the proposed land, outweighed the negatives.
Nineteen residents expressed opposition, raising concerns about the impact of traffic, the additional need for city services, and the potential change to the city’s rural culture. Some had questions that had been answered in the application, such as the timeline for road improvements; others had questions that were outside the scope of the application, such as the applicant’s capability to raise funds to support the project. A few suggested the council table the application to provide more time to answer the questions and concerns.
Carl Westmoreland spoke again to answer a few of those questions. Then Mayor Reed closed the public hearing.
Mayor Reed invited each councilmember to comment.
Councilmember Troy Bettis said he supported the application early on but after listening to neighbors and considering the impact, he said there were too many questions that needed addressing, and we would be remiss if we didn’t answer them. He said we should take more time with this application and that we don’t need to go at break-neck speed.
Councilmember Camille Lowe said we can have a great balance that other cities don’t have because of our zoning. We insist on quality and the Kane team has worked with us on seven pages of conditions to ensure that. She believes this project will bring tangible benefits to the city, such as
preservation and added revenues, without us giving tax incentives.
Councilmember Laurie Searle said the project started last year, and even while it was temporarily pulled for the regional review, she continued studying and attending meetings, which gave ample opportunity to answer questions. The council can only review what’s in the application (not the many “what if questions”). It’s a good project that meets our zoning.
Councilmember Richie Schmidt said he has problems with the traffic study because there is no timeline for improvements. He would like to see this project built in phases. He said our zoning does fit this project, but he’d like to table the project until someone from GRTA or GDOT can meet with council to address the traffic issues.
Councilmember Ruby Foster said there has been a lot of opportunities to bring most of these questions before the council or attorney. If the application passes, she hopes the development will go forward in good faith.
Mayor Reed addressed a few of the concerns mentioned during the town hall. He said the theory behind our zoning (preserving 70% in permanent conservation in hamlets and villages) was established in this area before our city incorporated. That underlying theory lay the foundation for the city’s first Comprehensive Plan, in which 400 households participated. “Keep it Rural” doesn’t mean nothing will change. But the thoughtful Comp Plan and Zoning will do what no other city this close to metropolitan Atlanta has been able to do – preserve 70% of its land, and
offer a TDR program that enables that process. He said there is a solution if residents want more control in Keeping it Rural and that is to raise $300-400 million so we can buy up all of the development rights and make our entire city park-like.
Mayor Reed called for a motion.
Councilmember Schmidt motioned to table the item for 60 days. Councilmember Bettis seconded.
Councilmember Searle made a comment during discussion that the traffic study clearly outlines the phases for road improvements, listing when they will be required to happen, which is all that can be expected from the governing authorities. Delaying the application will not change that outcome.
Mayor Reed called for a vote. The motion failed (Foster, Searle, and Lowell voted no; Schmidt and Bettis voted yes).
Councilmember Searle made a motion to pass the item, with all conditions as outlined in the packet, and the two new conditions.
Mayor Reed called for a vote. The motion passed (Foster, Searle, and Lowell voted yes; Schmidt and Bettis voted no).
The Kane Studio Project Rosebud has been approved. The ZOOM recording of the meeting is on the city’s website.
Citizens should have clear lines of communication with city officials and services, especially in emergencies or when an official response seems in order. Like most of you, I grew up in an era when calling 911 was for emergencies only. We think of these emergencies to be things like a fire, a child choking, a vehicle accident, a home invasion, a domestic violence situation, or even a strange noise outside. However, city personnel come into the offices Monday mornings and listen to voice mails on the general information line’s answering machine, left by citizens seeking immediate assistance from the police, and apparently people have posted queries to social media as well. Therefore, I want to make clear how to get the appropriate response from city services.
The purpose of calling 911 is to seek an emergency services response from the police, fire, ambulance, or all of the above. What I want everyone to know, and what your city team has been trying to communicate to everyone, is that no matter what the need might be, if there is a situation that requires some sort of response by one of our trained emergency staff members, the best way to get that response is to call 911 and have an officer or firefighter dispatched to the required location.
Our police officers are not in city hall offices around the clock. Instead, they are out patrolling, making officer-initiated contact with motorists and people, conducting proactive patrols throughout the city, and monitoring official radio channels to respond to 911-dispatched calls. Even when they are in city hall, they are not monitoring and answering the City Hall general information phone number, nor are they monitoring social media for posts and messages about loud parties, illegal parking, fireworks, stray animals, downed trees or power lines, or other quality-of-life issues. I also see questions posted on social media that easily could have been answered by your faithful city staff members during normal business hours.
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
For example, I saw one asking why the trees in the median of South Fulton Parkway were being cut down. Personally, I hated to learn that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) initiated a new project to remove all trees 4” caliper or more from the medians for safety purposes. Unfortunately, the city has no control over GDOT’s regulations. Similarly, there was a post back when GDOT was installing the safety wire barriers to prevent head-on crashes when vehicles cross the median into opposing traffic. Prior to that post, someone spread a rumor that there were to be sidewalks in the median where concrete was being poured to install the median safety wires. These are examples of questions that can be asked of your local government officials, to avoid baseless rumors and/or misinformation. Making posts to social media will not get a response from our emergency services. Our staff may come across these posts, but that is oftentimes well after the incident takes place and therefore too late to take any action to remedy the situation.
We are asking that if our citizens want immediate action taken on something that they call 911 and report what is happening. When the 911 operator answers, he or she will say, “Fulton County 911, what is your emergency.” The caller’s response can simply be, “This is not an emergency, but I need an officer to respond to a situation.” That queues the operator to dispatch the necessary personnel. Your professional emergency personnel are here for you when you need them and always happy to assist with emergencies and non-emergencies.
Click HERE for Zoom link, ID: 899 1151 9653, Code: 942739, Dial in: 646-558-8656
Call to Order Members present: Reed, Schmidt, Searle, Lowe, Bettis. Foster arrived at 6:19 p.m.
Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 4-0
Approval of Minutes
1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 2, 2023 Passed 4-0
Presentations / Proclamations
1. Legislative Wrap-Up – Representative Mandisha Thomas
2. Proclamation for Superior Court Clerk Cathelene “Tina” Robinson
Public Comments
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz
Fire Department Report: Greg Brett
Police Department Report: Jim Little
Foster arrived at 6:19 p.m.
Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt
Community Development Report: Mike Morton
Public Hearing
1. Item 23-015: Public Hearing and Action on an Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 1,606.18 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the HMMU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District and to approve Three Variances and to approve Special Use Permits for a Motion Picture or Sound Recording Facility; a Hotel; a College, University or Professional School; a Large Event Center; and a Recycling Center in the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District – the property is several tracts located between Campbellton Redwine Road and the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Jones Ferry Road. Motion to table for 60 days failed 2-3 (Foster, Searle, Lowe opposed). Motion to approve with conditions passed 3-2 (Schmidt, Bettis opposed)
2. Item 23-018: Public Hearing on an Ordinance to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget for Each Fund of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia Appropriating the Amounts Shown in Each Budget as Expenditures, Adopting the Several Items of Revenue Anticipations,
Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Appropriations, and Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Actual Funding Available. No action will be taken. No action taken.
Unfinished Business
1. Item 23-012: Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for an Event Center, Large, in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes related thereto – property is located at 8735 Wilkerson Mill Road. (Request for Withdrawal of Application) Request for withdrawal without prejudice passed 5-0
New Business
1. Item 23-019: Resolution to revise and correct the Qualifying Fees for Municipal Elections. Passed 5-0
2. Item 23-020: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 23.34 Acres from the RL (Rural) District to the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District – application consists of 3 parcels, two on the west side of Watkins Road, adjacent to the recently rezoned F-lots, and one east of Atlanta Newnan Road, just beyond the dead end of Rock Hill Drive. First read only. No action will be taken. No action taken.
Mayor and Council Comments
Executive Session (None)
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Special Called Meeting of the Mayor and Council
June 21, 2023 / 4:00 p.m. Virtual Only meeting.
Call to Order Members present: Reed, Foster, Searle, Lowe. Member(s) absent: Schmidt, Bettis
Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 3-0
Public Hearing
1. Item 23-018: Public Hearing and Action on an Ordinance to Adopt the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget for Each Fund of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia Appropriating the Amounts Shown in Each Budget as Expenditures, Adopting the Several Items of Revenue Anticipations, Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Appropriations, and Prohibiting Expenditures to Exceed Actual Funding Available. Passed 3-0
New Business
1. Item 23-021: Approval of SPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement with Coweta County. Passed 3-0
Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 4:22 p.m.
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
These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
City Council Work Session - Thurs., July 6, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues., July 11, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., July 18, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Red Cross Blood Drive - Thurs., July 20, 1:00 am
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., July 20, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Work Session - Thurs., July 27, 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
About Chatt Hills News Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall: (770) 463-8881.
Chatt Hills News ssArticle / 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
2023 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
