Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
CHATT HILLS NEWS
Issue 1 Volumne 1 www.chatthillsga.us
MARCH 2020 Features
Events
City Government
City Schedule
Community Stories Page 2-8
Here is what’s going on in Chatt Hills Page 9-14
New elected officials - three new council members Page 20-23
See what’s happening in the city this month Page 24
WHERE TO GO IN CHATT HILLS Make Chattahoochee Hills your destination for 2020 (see Page 2)
PARKS “The Chattahoochee Hills Department of Parks and Recreation is working with the community, it is our goal to improve, preserve, protect and maintain the City’s parks and greenspaces.”
Trending Topic
PARK EVENTS
BE SURE TO GET YOUR PARKING PASS TODAY! Our city has four public parks, Rico Park & Athletic Field, Cochran Mill Park, Hutcheson Ferry Park, and Campbellton Park. Buy your pass HERE.
Saturday, March 14 Fruit Tree planting by volunteers in Cochran Mill Park Saturday April 4 Sweep the Hooch at Campbellton Park
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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MAYOR TOM REED
Welcome to Chatt Hills!
Our enthusiasm was contagious. The Tourism Product Development Resource team was wowed by the beauty of our little town, and enjoyed our many interesting sites. They will return in 90 days with a presentation on how we can best serve our citizens and visitors with regard protecting and funding our City amenities and supporting our local businesses through our tourism efforts and initiatives. Many thanks to the Team and our Tour Guides.
That’s something I never tire of saying as Mayor of our fair City. Nothing brightens my day more than introducing guests to this special place we call home. This past month, the City of Chattahoochee Hills was selected by the Office of Tourism and Development at the Georgia Department of Economic Development to have a Tourism Product Development Resource Team visit and tour our City. Ready to put our best foot forward – or feet in this instance – I enlisted the help of city staff, commissioners, residents, and business owners to help narrate our story as we toured a few of the many special places throughout our city.
City of Chatt Hills Tour Team Mayor Tom Reed Parks Commission Chair Diana Wilson Robbie Rokovitz (City Manager) Mike Morton (Community Development Director) Darold Wendlandt (Public Works Director) Cindy Eidson, GDEcD, Team Leader Tracie Sanchez, GDEcD, Trails & Recreation Tina Lilly, Ga. Council Arts, Arts & Tourism Gwyneth Moody, Georgia River Network, Water trail development Chris Chammoun, GDECD RGI, Rural initiatives/Agritourism
Rico Park & Athletic Field
Hutcheson Ferry Park
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Jennifer Lewis, UGA, School of Env Design Nedra Deadwyler, Civil Bikes, African American Heritage, Bike tours, Storytelling Wayne Whitesides, MTB Atlanta Ride & Fly, Mountain bike/Gravel rides We had a busy day! Here are the sites we toured: Historic Rico Crossroads Rico Park and the Scout Hut Cochran Mill Park Chattahoochee Hills Charter School (Patrick Muhammad) La Hacienda (Tera Hattaway) Working Lunch at La Hacienda Overview of Community’s Objectives/ Tourism Marketing & Development Objectives; Hotel/Motel Tax Campbellton Park/Beavers House Bouckaert Farms (Hugh Lochore) Cherry Hollow Farms (Carter Williamson) South Chattahoochee River Boat Ramp Site – New Park location Site Serenbe (Steve Nygren, Monica Olsen)
Campbellton Park
Community
STORIES
Cochran Mill Park has trails used by both equestrians and cyclists.
Chatt Hills – A City of Parks With over 50 square miles of green space, it could be said that everyone who lives in Chatt Hills has a park in their backyard. But for those who want more, Chatt Hills offers four public parks with a wide variety of recreational opportunities suitable for friends, families, and visitors who love nature. For more information, visit the parks’ department at www.chatthillsga.us. Campbellton Park – 8655 Cochran Rd, SW The newest park in Chatt Hills, acquired in 2016, features the oldest home in Fulton County and the last remaining house in the historic town center of Campbellton – The Historic Beavers House. The 18-acre park is currently dormant; however, plans are underway by Fulton County to build a boat ramp, which will provide access to the Chattahoochee River. Cochran Mill Park – 6875 Cochran Mill Rd The crown jewel of Chatt Hills, Cochran Mill Park offers 780 acres of natural beauty. The park includes more than 10 miles of multi-use trails favored by hikers, bicycle riders, and equestrian enthusiasts. The west side includes parking for vehicles and horse
trailers, a playground, picnic pavilion, restrooms, and an information kiosk with trail maps. The yellow and red trail offer shorter options to the primitive campsites near the large meadow, as well as longer hikes to Henry Mill Falls. The east side is a favorite of first-time visitors and families. Cross the newly-restored historic bridge and view the Owen Cochran Mill ruins on the right. Then turn left to hike to the Berry Cochran Mill ruin site, following the orange or green trails. Hutcheson Ferry Park – 9774 Hutcheson Ferry Rd Large meadows fill most of the 103 acres of this passive greenspace. The park is ideal for quiet walks, exploring the back 40 or the granite outcroppings with its delicate flora. The park is also perfect for large events, such as concerts or festivals, and can accommodate up to several hundred guests. Rico Park & Athletic Field – 6920 Rico Rd Built by a resident so “kids would have a place to bat a ball around,” Rico Park has become the beloved home for the annual Chatt Hills Ball League. The athletic field is open for free play during park hours and may also be reserved for private or youth association events. The 5-acre park features “Judy’s Home Plate” concession stand, rest rooms, picnic tables, playground, and hiking trails.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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Community
STORIES
IT’S ALMOST TIME TO PLAY BALL!
Lila Rhyne and Judy Henderson are the winning team behind the Rico Ball League.
Kids of all ages are eagerly awaiting their turn to play ball while Mother Nature finishes her winter business and volunteers put the finishing touches on their beloved ball field. The good news is they won’t have to wait much longer. The 2020 Season of the Chatt Hills Tee-Ball and Coach Pitch League begins on March 28 at Rico Park, 6920 Rico Road in Chatt Hills. In its 12th season, this popular ball league offers tee-ball for kids ages 3-5 and coach pitch for kids ages 6-14. The $40 registration fee includes a team uniform shirt, hat & trophy for all participants, plus eight weeks of fun and a guaranteed audience of enthusiastic fans. While the registration deadline was February 29, check at the Community Brickworks Library (6505 Rico Road) to see if there is still space available. The Chatt Hills Ball League is made possible through a partnership of volunteers led by resident Lila Rhyne and Community Brickworks, the local nonprofit that runs the community library, food bank, and more. We asked Lila to share the story of how the league got its start back in 2009.
Lila approached Judy Henderson with the idea, hoping to get support from her nonprofit, Community Brickworks, for this recreational program. Judy said, “Let’s do it,” so they made an announcement for a community meeting to see if there was any interest. Only three mothers showed up, but they were all for the idea so they went ahead with registration. To their surprise, 59 kids signed up for the first league. In years since, the largest league had 130 kids. The Rico Ball League has had a positive impact on the kids and community. It brought Rico Park to “life” every Saturday morning in early spring through mid-May. It introduced the game of baseball to so many children, including several with special needs who might not have had the opportunity to play elsewhere. And it inspired Community Brickworks to gift a concession stand to the City of Chattahoochee Hills at Rico Park. Community Brickworks raised the necessary funds and resources, and resident Alan Merrill led a huge group of volunteers who worked together to build “Judy’s Home Plate Concession Stand”. Lila and Judy are thankful for the many volunteers who have helped make the Rico Park Ball League a successful run. In addition to themselves, resident Kenneth Bryant is the last of the original volunteers who started this league. They are also grateful to Chris Marks and his Modern Woodmen of America organization for their on-going support.
Chatt Hills T-Ball & Coach Pitch League Begins March 28
The Story of a Home-Grown Ball League In 2009, Chatt Hills resident Lila Rhyne had a “field of dreams” idea. Her children, and her brother’s children, had no place to play softball after their leagues closed, so her mother suggested she start a Chatt Hills ball league.
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Community
STORIES
There is Music in the Hills!
Did you know that Chatt Hills Music brings music to the schools in Chattahoochee Hills. The kids at Chatt Hills Charter School and Acton Academy at Serenbe have all enjoyed being exposed to and interacting with professional musicians. Atlanta’s own Julie Dexter taught the classic jazz tune Afro Blue to the kids last year and they can still sing the song. The Sea The Sea was at CHCS this past month and
the kids supplied the chorus and verse in their own words that will debut this Spring! Grammy winner Kebbi Williams has been to both schools and brought a band to CHCS to perform a concert for the entire school. Chatt Hills Music lives by the mantra that “Music is Life”. It is with great joy that we bring the music and the inspiration it gives to the kids in the community. For more information visit http://www.chatthillsmusic.com.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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Community
STORIES
Come to La Hacienda! La Hacienda Bed & Breakfast opens for its 7th season the first weekend of March 2020. Located on Cochran Mill Road in Chattahoochee Hills, the B&B can accommodate up to 4 couples. Uniquely designed with the character, textures and colors of the southwest, La Hacienda aims to transport its guests straight into vacation mode! While primarily operating as a Bed & Breakfast inn, the spacious open courtyard and pavilion has become a venue for guests having small intimate weddings, elopements, and other events. Owner, Tera and Ed Hattaway, moved to the area from El Paso, Texas over 30 years ago. “I always wanted to live in a Mexican-styled Hacienda. Knowing that our kids would start their own lives and move away, I designed the home to eventually become a B&B. Guests just seem to find the surroundings inviting and relaxing, like the rest of Chattahoochee Hills.� Hot breakfast is served to guests every morning featuring authentic southwestern-style dishes as well as lighter continental fare. Visit their website at www.LaHaciendaAtlanta.com for your next getaway!
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Community
STORIES
Mckinney Family Team Builds Dreams Excerpt from Thrive Fall 2019 issue By Larisa Mitchell Scott, Photos by Katie Stepp
“The Gardens” is a business venture by Chatt Hills area resident and builder, Mac McKinney, his son Austin and daughter Evan. Located off Hwy. 29, “The Gardens” is a new housing development for the 55 and over built by McKinney & Son featuring cutting-edge amenities, thoughtful execution, and beauty. The houses, designed by Southern Living architect, Mitch Ginn, of Newnan, are a visual delight from the outside, through the courtyard (a room itself) and on into the interior. Austin and Mac McKinney are a father and son team developing this unusual, yet practical and inviting housing option for senior living. Forty-nine homes are in the works for the first phase with another 22 for Phase two on an adjacent lot. Accessible floor plans, a caretaker apartment, geothermal heating and cooling, master on the main, flush entry showers, secure courtyards, natural lighting, and other features are included to appeal to those entering a new phase of life. Alfresco living is evident in the design of the homes. Options such as outdoor fireplaces, cooking and dining
areas, a garden patch, all encourage residents to relish opportunities to embrace fresh air and nature. Earthy reclaimed wood accents honed by mother nature allow the McKinneys to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside. The McKinneys exude the “work hard, play hard” way of life. He says, “Having a clear process, such as our 6 a.m. superintendent morning meetings, helps keep me and my team organized and ahead of the game.” Austin is no doubt, learning a lot from his dad, a veteran of the building business since 1980. As a team, Austin handles the building construction while Mac focuses on the business end. We have some of the best subcontractors and vendors in the business, and I believe a lot of that is due to his open concern for the people that build our homes.” This is Mac McKinney’s dream development for those 55 and over. He wants the neighborhood residents to “have fun” and be “social.” He purposefully places central mailboxes outside the clubhouse so that homeowners must walk to or stop by to retrieve their mail. This way, they would bump into neighbors and friends. Inside the clubhouse there is a place to enjoy a game of cards or jam to live music with fellow neighbors. Mac wants residents to relish life at “The Gardens.” Homeowners in “The Gardens” are CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
sure to revel in the carefree benefits such as lawn maintenance, ease of access to the interstate, and the ability to ride a golf cart to a grocery store planned for Arbor Springs. To schedule an appointment for building in Chatt Hills contact Evan McKinney of The Storrar Group with Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International Realty, evanmckinney@atlantafinehomes.com or for more info TheGardensAtArborSprings.com.
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Community
For the Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team who need a Lusas 3 Chest Compressions System lifesaving device.
FUNDRAISER
Go Fund Me goal of $19,600 The Serenbe Community Care Network along with The Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy request your help to purchase a lifesaving device for the Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team, the Lucas 3 Chest Compression System. The Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team handles emergency calls to all Chatt Hills residents. The Lucas 3 Device will manage CPR while the Rescue Team is handling difficult cardiac incidents during advanced care transports. Lucas is a mechanical chest-compression device that delivers CPR to any patient regardless of size, gender or age. Lucas is an Emergency Medical First-Responder's best friend because Lucas.... - does not get tired or distracted - frees up hands to do other things - improves CPR quality during transport Please donate now to help save the lives of your friends and neighbors! Through the generosity of the Serenbe Community Collaborative and Serenbe Community Care Network, $6,412 $3,012 has already been raised toward our goal of $19,600. Please help us reach our goal as quickly as possible.
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/lucas-cpr-device You may make a charitable contribution* on Go Fund Me or by check to the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy, a 501c3, and mark the memo “Lucas Device.� Send checks to Alan Merrill, 560 Tabb Way, Chatt Hills, GA 30268.
*Please check with your tax consultant.
Community Care Network is set up to receive gifts of stock for this fundraiser, please contact Lynn Merrill lwmerrill@gmail.com to make arrangements for your gift.
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Trending Topic
MARCH EVENTS
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Are you visiting the Chattahoochee Hills?
Are you visiting south of Atlanta? Here are a few events going on in and around Chatt Hills. Be sure to check out our parks, restaurants and shops.
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Art Over Dinner Spalding Nix Fine Art + Featured Artists Art Farm Serenbe Sun, Mar 1, 6:00 pm Gainey Hall Gallery, 10640 Serenbe Lane, Price | $85 per person TICKETS Join us for Art Farm’s first Art Over Dinner event of 2020 where we will celebrate women artists alongside gallery partner Spalding Nix Fine Art. Reserve your seat at the table and meet Caroline Bullock, Cynthia Knapp, and Heather Lancaster over a beautiful meal in Serenbe. Includes multi-course dinner, wine, and cocktail program courtesy of 2020 sponsor, Diageo International. Art Over Dinner is a series of intimate gatherings with artists and the organizations that support their work. We collaborate with the chefs at Serenbe Farmhouse and local farmers (like our very own Serenbe Farms) to bring a seasonal, multi-course meal and invite our guest artists to spark the conversation about art + culture.
8 AIR Serenbe presents: Soundwalk & Field Recording with Lady Eve Sunday, March 8, 1 - 3:00 PM, At the Art Farm Studio, below the Chatt Hills Gallery at 9057 Selborne Lane, Serenbe Free Listening to the soundscape can reveal how individual sounds interact with the whole. We can learn how these sounds are used to communicate, how they affect behavior and the health of the natural world. There are many listening techniques that can help increase subtle perception of the environment. This connection can offer a more complete experience of our surroundings. Join Serenbe Artist-in-Resident, Lady Eve to explore the sounds and rhythms of our urban and natural world. Each walk is beneficial for people of all ages to relieve stress, gain focus, and develop a deeper understanding of how we fit into the ecosystem of our environment. As an active Zazen practitioner, Lady Eve incorporates subtle listening throughout her artistic endeavors. WWW.LADYEVE.CA
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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Trending Topic
MARCH EVENTS
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Robby Astrove (fifth from left) after planting apple and pear trees with firemen at Station 10 in Atlanta.
City Planting Fruit Trees at Cochran Mill Park March 14, 10 am, Cochran Mill Park Late last year, the City of Chattahoochee Hills has been selected to receive a fruit tree orchard from the Atlanta Local Food Initiative’s Orchard Project. Robby Astrove, a fruit tree arborist and environmental educator will be coordinating the project with us which includes the design and placement of trees, species selection, delivery of trees, planting of trees, and will lead hands-on education for the community during planting day. He will also leave us with important care and maintenance info to guide us through the next few years. A site visit was scheduled in December to see the proposed location for the orchard and marked the site for where the trees will go. Appropriate species for the space was discussed and more importantly, the species we wanted and desired was selected.. Robby will provide a demo and planting instructions so it’s not only a great day of action with planting but also a great day of learning, education, and empowerment to plant food in our communities. Please visit the following web site for more information on this project and its fruit tree planting vision https://www.nrdc. org/stories/robby-astroves-vision-atlanta-delicious
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18 Chatt Hills Community Luncheon March 18 / Noon Chatt Hills City Hall Meeting Room 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills Free Community Brickworks Library at City Hall The Community Luncheon, hosted by Community Brickworks, offers friends, families, and City staff an opportunity to visit with one another over a delicious meal. Community Brickworks provides the main dish, and a local church typically provides the sides. Those who attend are invited to bring a side or desert, if they like.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
18-22 Spring Awakening, Serenbe Playhouse Presented by Serenbe Playhouse
Wednesday – Sunday 8:00pm, The Inn & Farmhouse Barn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Tickets Exploring the beautiful and often painful woes of growing up, Spring Awakening in the beautiful and eerie woods of Serenbe will be raw and gut wrenchingly poignant. Don’t miss out on this contemporary masterpiece in the perfect outdoor setting. Box Office: 770.463.1110 boxoffice@serenbeplayhouse. com
Trending Topic
MARCH EVENTS
20-21 Gypsy Junkers March 20-21, 8 - 5 475 Jim Starr Rd, Newnan FREE gypsyjunkers@yahoo. com Country Pasture Sale is a POP-UP Vintage Marketplace. We have vendors with rare, unique and one of a kind pieces, whether it is painted furniture, home décor, rescued, re-purposed or upcycled treasures; yard art, vintage antiques, mid-century modern, industrial, anything and everything that is different from the everyday norm. Barn wood, salvaged tin, old wooden windows and doors. Locally grown produce to handmade bath and body products to local artists. Located at 475 Jim Starr Rd (across from Fern Cove Daylily Farms), The Country Pasture sale sits on a beautiful field on a cute country property.
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Farmhouse Wine Dinner featuring Booker Wines
The Smallest of Slaves: Spring Awakening, Enslaved Youth in Serenbe Playhouse Jamaica
Saturday March 21, 6:309:30pm, The Inn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Price | $225 per person Tickets are nonrefundable. TICKETS
Tuesday, Mar. 24, 6:00 7:30 PM, Hawthorne Room, Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road GA FREE with Registration RSVP HERE
Enjoy a multi course dinner by Chef Nic Bour paired wines from Booker Vineyards. Booker Vineyard is located in Paso Robles. Booker Vineyard has dedicated their lives to farming perfection. They are constantly striving to find perfect balance in the vineyard through sustainable farming practices and methods. Beginning in the spring of 2010 they began to venture into the world of Biodynamics. The wines are always 100% estate fruit and are a true reflection of the calcareous and salicious shale hillsides provided bythe Westside Paso Robles vineyard.
With Colleen A. Vasconcellos, Associate Professor of History, University of West Georgia Jamaica’s sugar empire was once the brightest jewel in the English Crown. Yet that jewel’s biggest flaw was the enslavement of millions, including children. What was the nature of childhood in such an environment?
Presented by Serenbe Playhouse
Wednesday – Sunday 8:00pm, The Inn & Farmhouse Barn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, TICKETS Exploring the beautiful and often painful woes of growing up, Spring Awakening in the beautiful and eerie woods of Serenbe will be raw and gut wrenchingly poignant. Don’t miss out on this contemporary masterpiece in the perfect outdoor setting. Box Office: 770.463.1110 boxoffice@serenbeplayhouse. com
If you interested in being a vendor at this or any other Gypsy Junkers event please shoot us an email at gypsyjunkers@yahoo.com CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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28 Graysonn Capps/Molly Thomas Concert Presented by Chatt Hills Music Saturday March 28, 8pm, Private Home/ Public Concert 9015 Selborne Ln. Serenbe, Price | $25 per person TICKETS Grayson Capps hailed by NPR’s Mountain Stage for his “unbridled energy and authenticity,” hails from Fairhope, AL though spent many years as an artist based in New Orleans, LA. American Songwriter declares, “Take the poetry of Texas troubadour Townes Van Zandt, combine with Steve Earle’s edgy attitude and stir with a little cup of the bayou-blues (think Howlin’ Wolf) and you start to get a taste of Capps’s scrumptious gothic gumbo.” His latest CD, Scarlett Roses, dropped in 2018 making waves on the Americana scene.
!!SAVE THE DATE!! SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 202
GloGwloiwnin tthheeDD a r ark 28
!!SAVE THE DATE!! SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020
Molly Thomas has always been a child of the water and metaphors of flow, movement, tidal change and bodily connection frequently surface in her lyrics. Born in Ocean
Springs, Mississippi, Thomas has made her home in and cultivated the majority of her musical influences from the southern regions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. A hive for songwriters and artists whose emotive storytelling and beautifully gritty swampy swagger personify the region, The south has been the perfect location for Thomas to grow her self-described Indie Swamp Pop.
(FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC)
(FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC) Line up according to age group at 8 in the Pavillion (hunt starts promptly at 8:15) !!Bring your basket and a flashlight!!
Line up according to age group at 8 in the Pavillion (hunt starts Sardispromptly Baptist Church at 8:15) 8400 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills !!Bringwww.sardisbaptistch.com your basket and a flashlight!! |770.463.4393 Event contact: 404.877.8571
Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills www.sardisbaptistch.com |770.463.4393 Event contact: 404.877.8571
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Trending Topic
APRIL EVENTS
8-12 April Spring Awakening, Serenbe Playhouse Presented by Serenbe Playhouse
Wednesday – Sunday 8:00pm, The Inn & Farmhouse Barn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, TICKETS
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Exploring the beautiful and often painful woes of growing up, Spring Awakening in the beautiful and eerie woods of Serenbe will be raw and gut wrenchingly poignant. Don’t miss out on this contemporary masterpiece in the perfect outdoor setting.
April
Cochran Mill 25/14K – Spring 25K & 14K April 4, 2020 Cochran Mill Park 6875 Cochran Mill Rd Palmetto, GA 30268 INFO & REGISTER HERE
Box Office: 770.463.1110 boxoffice@serenbeplayhouse. com
Only 25 miles from downtown Atlanta, Cochran Mill Park is located in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Here you will see over 800 acres of woods, fields, streams, waterfalls, huge boulders, rock outcrops, wildflowers, mountain laurel, wildlife, and three historic mills. This hidden gem has never had a race of any kind until now. We invite you to come race with us, experience the beauty, and enjoy your own adventure. We have two races distances so there is something for everyone!
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Trending Topic
APRIL EVENTS 4
Saturday, March 14 Fruit Tree planting by volunteers in Cochran Mill Park Saturday April 4 Sweep the Hooch at Campbellton Park
April
Sweep the Hooch In 2020 we celebrate 10 years of the region’s largest one-day, watershed-wide cleanup event! Join us as we tackle the trash and tires polluting the Chattahoochee watershed with the help of walkers, waders, and paddlers from the headwaters down to Columbus, GA. The Chattahoochee HIlls Parks Commission will host a Sweep the Hooch site at Cambellton Park on Saturday April 4 from 9:00 am until noon. Please join us to help clean up this park on the Chattahoochee River. Registration for Sweep the Hooch 2020 HERE
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Arts Section
GAINEY HALL GALLERY Corvus, Sold as a limited edition print at 12”h x 28”w, $225.00. This is a drawing that illustrates a sequence and arrangement of mythic stories about Corvus, Apollo’s sacred raven. It begins with the myth of the Titans attach on Mount Olympus and the adultery of Coronis, and ends with the Corvus constellation myth and his embodiment within the Chapel at Ronchamp by the architect Le Corbusier (meaning “raven-like”).
DR. PHILL TABB Exhibit runs through April 18
Serenbe master plan architect Dr. Phillip James Tabb has 50+ works as a part of a multidecade retrospective in Gainey Hall Gallery. Dr. Tabb is an educator, scholar, architect, and resident of Serenbe. Art Farm curated these complex drawings, ranging from mythological adaptations, street scenes from all over the globe, to the original drawings of Serenbe. See more HERE. As Serenbe exhibition will show, architect Phill Tabb’s art always starts with nature - ARTS ATL Article by Gail O’Neil, and SERENBE STORIES PODCAST.
CHATT HILLS GALLERY Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Jessica Ashley, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Christina Blum, Logynn Ferrall, Gail Foster, Hope Harrison, Mary Hollis, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, and Judy Walker.
ARTIST CO-OP Exhibit runs through March
Every two months the local artists of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op completely change it up in the Gallery at 9057 Selborne Lane at Serenbe, right between Serenbe Real Estate office and the Blue-eyed Daisy. Hours are Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11-3, or by appointment, call 818-434-5436. Come see these Chattahoochee Hills artists work in person or see their work online HERE. CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
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Arts Section ART STUDIO & CLASSES
PAINT SPACE Art Studio Space for rent & painting classes with Malinda Lively-Arnold
The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op has just opened the Paint Space is working studio where artists can leave their work and materials set up, and paint when they choose. They are currently giving community oil painting classes taught by Malinda Lively-Arnold who will work out teaching time per student, or in small groups. She can be reached at 310.902.5358 or email at malinda@hippranch.com. The Paint Space is also Partnering with the Serenbe Institute and offering our space for small events. So far the Space has been used for the AIR Serenbe Programs, community events for Hills & Hamlets Bookshop, The Night School program with UWG and local theatre rehearsal. For more information or to rent a permanent Artist Studio Space, or have a small event, contact Judy Walker at 818.434.5436 or email at heyjwalker@gmail.com. The Paint Space is located at 10625 Serenbe Lane Suite A, Serenbe right next to Hills & Hamlets Bookshop. 16
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Logynn Ferrall
HEALTHY
SARAH DAVIS Sarah Davis is our Chatt Hills area tea and tonic maker on Rico Road. Sarah is also known for teaching gardening in raised beds. Her new venture, Hildegard Herbs, will offer teas, tonics and salves. Here is her story of how she came to love herbs from a long family lineage of tea lovers. “I love cooking and caring for my family and to have the knowledge to help them when they are sick or tired, is very empowering as a mother and a woman. I started attending a long standing woman’s herbal conference and had amazing experiences learning from women of many backgrounds and different ethnic traditions. They taught me how to apply it to my own life and my community. With my 18 years of learning about herbs, I have created my small company to help others benefit from these gifts.” My company name is in honor of my favorite medicine woman, Saint Hildegard of Bingen, a pioneer in the healing traditions. I respect all of the women that came before and after her. I love sharing my experience and knowledge of herbal healing…let me tell you about my favorite Herb Nettles. Nettles Nettles offers many benefits for the body. It is a tonic for our lymph, glandular, respiratory, skin, urinary, and cardiovascular symptoms. So we put this herb into the category of toniyfing herbs. Tonifying herbs possess nourishing, supplementing and strengthening abilities. This wonderful herb is filled with chlorophyll, minerals and protein. It is also a good addition for natural calcium and silica so it is a natural for healthy bones and joints. Many women use Nettles to provide natural calcium which in turn offers bone support. Athletes that might need nourishment for tissues and joints can include this perfect partner to support their endurance. In the kitchen, add Nettles to a stir fry or sauté it on its own with some butter, salt and pepper. Nettles are full of Iron so as a food it is easy to digest to build the blood. Drinking tea made of Nettles is a wonderful habit in all seasons, and in the warmer months you can drink it chilled. For more on this multi-tasking herb tea talk to Sarah about her tea and recipes, you can contact her here beesarah01@gmail.com.
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Community
OUR CHURCHES
Faith-Based Organizations in Chatt Hills
Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd
Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd
Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/groups/1964824926878340/
Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com
New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org
Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd
March 18 at noon Providence Baptist Church is the host for the March Community Luncheon at City Hall Everyone is welcome! Bring a side dish or dessert to share if you would like to help out!
The Community Luncheon, hosted by Community Brickworks, offers friends, families, and City staff an opportunity to visit with one another over a delicious meal. Community Brickworks provides the main dish, and a local church typically provides the sides. Those who attend are invited to bring a side or desert, if they like. The Chatt Hills Public Works team enjoys their lunch break at the Community Luncheon.
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Trending Topic
MEMORIAL
For Lt. Mike Voit
Served in law enforcement for over 30 years. He was an asset to the community and a well-respected officer.
A Memorial to Lt. Mike Vogt on the 10th Anniversary of his Final Watch The City of Chattahoochee Hills honored Police Lieutenant Mike Vogt with a memorial service on February 15, marking the 10th Anniversary of his Final Watch. Mayor Reed welcomed guests and gave the opening remarks. He recalled this day 10 years ago when the community was stricken by the tragic news: Chattahoochee Hills Police Lt. Mike Vogt had been shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle parked on a dirt road in the city. Mayor Reed said it was a mournful time. Residents reacted as if Lt. Vogt were a family member, offering food and comfort to the investigators, city staff, and Vogt’s family. The extended public safety family honored Lt. Vogt with a funeral befitting a fallen hero. Police Chief Jim Little said the purpose of gathering today is not to mourn Lt. Vogt’s death but to honor his service and sacrifice to our community. He said, “Lt. Vogt was a son, husband, father, and a 30-year law enforcement veteran. He had served the newly formed city of Chattahoochee Hills for 14 months. This department and this community will
never forget the sacrifice Mike made for us. We will honor his service in our prayers and in our actions every day of the year. This memorial we stand in front of is a reminder to be vigilant and honorable in our service, as Mike was, to the community.” Dr. Eugene Tyer, pastor of Providence Baptist Church, gave inspirational remarks and the closing prayer. He reminded us that that the hallmark of a life well-lived is to be kind to one another. At the close of the ceremony, uniformed personnel lowered the flag to half-mast while taps played. After the final salute, the officers collected the framed photo of Lt. Mike Vogt and returned it to its place of honor in city hall; and they gave the bouquet of flowers to Lt. Vogt’s widow, who thanked the city for the memorial service.
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City Government 2020 Complete Count Census Committee Forming City Council members Ruby Foster and Laurie Searle are forming a Complete Count Census committee to help Chatt Hills be counted in the 2020 Census. The Complete Count Committee will: • Increase the self-response rate for households responding online, by phone, or mailing back their questionnaire through a focused, structured, neighbor-to-neighbor program. • Utilize the local knowledge, expertise, and influence of each committee member to design and implement a census awareness campaign targeted to their communities. To volunteer for the committee, contact Ruby at Ruby.Foster@chatthillsga.us (770) 361-2986 or Laurie at Laurie.Searle@ chatthillsga.us (770) 463-5169.
About the Census The U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 2) mandates a headcount every 10 years of everyone residing in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas of the United States. This includes people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens, and noncitizens. The first census was conducted in 1790 and one has been conducted every 10 years since then.
How is Census Data Used Census data are used in many ways. Some examples include: • Distribution of more than $675 billion annually in federal funds back to tribal, state, and local governments. • Redistricting of state legislative districts. • Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population. • Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans. • Assisting federal, tribal, state, and local governments in planning and implementing programs, services, and emergency response. • Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
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Will the 2020 Census be the same as 2010? There are some important changes in 2020: • The Census Bureau is building a more accurate address list and automating its field operations—all while keeping your information confidential and safe. • For the first time, you will be able to respond online, by phone, or by mail. • The Census Bureau will use data that the public has already provided to cut down on in-person follow up visits to nonresponding households.
Where to Get More Information There are two opportunities to learn more about the Census. •
Townhall Meeting with Fulton County Commissioner Joe Carn Thursday, March 12 / 6:30 p.m. Chatt Hills City Hall - 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills, GA See the new voting machine, and learn about the county’s budget and the 2020 Census.
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Every Vote Counts Event Thursday, March 26 / 5:30 p.m. Palmetto Library 9111 Cascade Palmetto Hwy Palmetto, GA 30268 See the new voting machine, register to vote, and learn about the 2020 Census.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
Three New City Council Members Elected in Chatt Hills Three new city council members were sworn in at the January 7, 2020, city council meeting: Ruby Foster, Dist. 1; Laurie Searle, Dist. 3; and Troy Bettis, Dist. 5. Over the next few months, the new council members will be attending state-mandated Newly Elected Officials training to help build their foundation of municipal knowledge. We asked them to take a break from their busy schedules to share a little information about themselves by answering the following questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Where did you grown up? How long have you lived in Chattahoochee Hills? What would you like to do to contribute to the success of our city? What is the best way for residents to contact you? Do you have a social media presence?
Ruby Foster: I was born in Russell County Alabama and love working with numbers. I’ve lived in Chatt Hills for 20 years. I am about Community Engagement. I would love to get the citizens more engaged in our City so we can build a strong Community by working together because everyone matters: Youth, Seniors, Family. Email: Ruby.Foster@chatthillsga.us. Facebook: Councilwoman Ruby Foster
Laurie Searle: I was born in Chicago Illinois and left when I turned 18 to join the U.S. Army as a musician. I’ve lived in Chatt Hills for 18 years. My primary focus is on improving the quality of life for residents in the rural district by addressing their needs for broadband Internet and senior services. Email: Laurie.Searle@chatthillsga.us Facebook: @chatthillsdist3 Website: www.chatthillsdistrict3.com Troy Bettis: I was born in the Rico Community (of Chatt Hills). I’ve lived in Chatt Hills for 51 years. My platform is to create a viable tax base that doesn’t infringe on our way of life. That includes seeing us into Coweta County. Email: Due to the nature of my business, calling me on my mobile phone is the best way to reach me. Phone: 678-462-5056
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City Government
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
City Government City Manager’s Report Staff News Please join me in congratulating City Clerk, Dana Wicher, for completing all the courses and requirements to earn her Government Finance Officer Level I Certification from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG). Please join me in welcoming Judy Walker to our Public Information team. Judy will be doing our monthly newsletter which will be available via email or online. Printed copied will be available at City Hall and other public locations where visitors can be found. Under special circumstances, printed copies may be mailed to Chattahoochee Hills residents. We are saying farewell to one of long-time and very respected firefighters, Mike Allen, who is retiring. Mike started with the City in May of 2013 after serving with the Fulton County Fire Department since 1994. He has positively impacted the lives of many people while serving the City of Chattahoochee Hills and will be missed. Community Development The proposals for the Campbellton Historic Crossroads Village Master Plan funded by the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant were due last month. The proposals, in no particular order, came from the following organizations: • CPL Architecture, Engineering and Planning • Pond & Company • Sizemore Group • TSW • Wood Environmental & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
The Committee consisting of representatives from both Chattahoochee Hills and the City of South Fulton are recommending Pond & Company to be awarded the contract for this master plan. Public Works Gravel Road maintenance has been completed on Pace, Capps Ferry and Rico Tatum Roads. As soon as the roads dry out from the recent rains, maintenance will continue on Jones Ferry, Hamilton, Garretts Ferry, Kite and Whiteside Roads. Public Works recently installed a customer service window at the Court/ Police Department at City Hall. This will allow customers to remain outside these officers for security and integrity reasons and requirements through GCIC. Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Greg Brett recently gave a CPR class in Serenbe. Approximately 30 residents attended and they are scheduling more classes. While there, Chief Brett learned that the Community Collaborative @ Serenbe is raising money to the purchase of the mechanical Cardiac Resuscitator. Those interested in donating may visit https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/ campaign/lucas-cpr-device. Police The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation recognizing Lieutenant Dyer and Officer Wood for their assistance is apprehending a suspect from their State with outstanding warrants for multiple felony indictments. Read the letter in this issue to learn how these two officers represented our deCHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020
partment in an extremely positive and professional manner. Other News Staff has been working diligently with the preparation of a contract to present to the organizers of Imagine Fest which will be brought before the City Council for discussion on March 10th at 3:00pm and for consideration on March 10th at 6:00 pm. This contract will be vetted by our City Attorney prior to coming before the City Council. Should Imagine Fest organizers meet all the conditions and requirements set forth by staff, there could be a recommendation for Council consideration for approval with some benchmarks they will have to meet. Should the organizers not be able to meet the conditions and requirements set forth, staff could recommend denial. Should the latter happen but the City Council moves to approve the contract, we would recommend that the conditions not met be added as part of the Council approval. This is a very fluid process right now as we are conducting our best due diligence knowing the magnitude of this event.
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Trending Topic
Community & City
For more community events, check out these Chatthoochee Hills Websites:
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 Date Event
Monday, March 9, 6:30 p.m. Date Change
Historic Commission Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
TBD
City Council Work Session City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Thursday, Planning Comission Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Planning Comission Meeting & Town Hall Meeting with Commissioner Joe Carn City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 p.m. Date Change
Parks Commission Meeting City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
If you have a story or suggestions 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. Also, if you would like to have a copy of this mailed to you, let us know. Email: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2020