Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
CHATT HILLS NEWS
Issue 3 Volume 1 www.chatthillsga.us
MAY 2020 Features
2020 Graduates
Arts in Chatt Hills
Local Churches
City Orders for Covid-19 Page 2-5
Congratulation to our local graduates Page 6-10
What are our Artists up to? Page 14-15
Contact your churches for their online services Page 18
CONGRATULATIONS, 2020 GRADUATES (see Page 6)
HEALTH CDC Get the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) information HERE.
The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. CALL THIS HOTLINE: (844) 442-2681
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MAYOR TOM REED
A Hopeful Message This past month has been such an odd and unprecedented time. I never realized how much I would miss the long hours of in-person meetings with our local and regional contemporaries, our residents, the Council, our staff, and all of the other folks the Mayor interacts with. Handshakes have been replaced by conference calls, face masks, and hand sanitizer. I can’t wait for the days of real face-to-face contact to fully return! That said, this COVID-19 “event” has created some real opportunities for learning. We’re all much more aware of how to safely interact during a health crisis (and have become expert hand-washers, mask-wearers, Zoom-conferencers and homeschoolers!). We are certainly learning how easily viruses can be transmitted (“keep a 6-10’ distance, cover your mouth, wash your hands!”). But more importantly, this time has reminded us of the value of simple time spent at home with our family. Are we missing loved ones we haven’t been able to see? Have we had to learn how to get along with less? Have we had to go in to our “essential” jobs in what felt like scary circumstances? Have we had friends or relatives get sick? Have we worried about a neighbor’s health? Have we had to make tough calls on what is safe and what is not? Have we had to come up with new plans for school, work, or our financial future? I’d imagine that the answer to many of these questions is “yes” for most of us. Our experiences now, for good or bad, mark a new division in our lives, a watershed moment: life before Covid or after Covid. For some of us it might be just an odd interlude; for others, it may well change the whole trajectory of our lives. I think of people with family in nursing homes, of people who are out of work, or of my youngest daughter just finishing college – a lot of people’s lives and plans have been changed. Hopefully, in the face of these challenging times, we’ve all had time to reflect, to be thankful we live where we 2
do, and to remember some truths about who we are. We have hope. We can do the hard things. We’re tough. We’re resilient. We look out for each other. We will bounce back. I can’t imagine a better place to be “socially distancing” than Chattahoochee Hills, and am so grateful for this community, where difficult times seem to bring out the best in people. We’re doing what we always do, quietly going about the business of keeping each other safe and helping each other out. We have many, many residents who work in essential businesses, keeping us healthy; making sure that the things we need get to us safely, stocking the grocery shelves, donating to and feeding our neighbors in need, ensuring that our roofs don’t leak; our contributions large and small all matter. We’ve quietly followed the advice of our healthcare professionals, putting our needs (and even jobs) aside temporarily to protect ourselves and others with our thoughtful behavior. And your whole City team has been working non-stop to make sure every eventuality is prepared for and our citizens are safe. Keep in mind that this is all temporary (even if it seems like it’s been going on forever). We’re dealing with some hardships now, but our community will come out of it stronger than ever. And know that I am so, SO looking forward to seeing all of you again – in person – soon! Be safe; be well. Mayor Tom Reed
Please Complete the 2020 Census Questionnaire As the nation adjusts to a new normal with COVID-19, the 2020 Census remains as important as ever. An accurate count directly determines equitable representation as well as the federal funding the City of Chattahoochee Hills receives. Stand up and be counted. To complete the 2020 U.S. Census online, visit: https://my2020census.gov
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Community
CITY NEWS Community Emergency Response Team Dear Chatt Hills Neighbor, The COVID-19 pandemic and recent storm threats demonstrate the urgent need for a local emergency response plan. As part of that plan, I am organizing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to respond to local emergencies. The purpose of the following survey is to collect a pool of volunteers to serve on this team. As a volunteer, you might be called on to set up and operate a shelter during a natural disaster such as a tornado, or you might provide limited medical care or distribute supplies and information during an epidemic. Your help might also be needed simply to assist our city’s emergency responders or public works personnel. As you complete the survey, please be aware that you may be called on in the near future. Here are some of the volunteer role categories that may be needed. This list is intended to provide you with ideas of how you might serve. Of course, these categories are subject to change. Also note that leadership roles are not listed but may be applied for. Site Operations (work in Emergency Operations Center, shelters, interim care facility, etc.) 1. Registration (interviews, forms, volunteer role assignments, visitor assignments, etc.) 2. Documentation (data entry, records & control, etc.) 3. Communications (phone calls, radio, website, email, texts, pamphlets, website, posters, etc.) 4. Security/Safety 5. Food service (preparation, serving, cleaning, food supply control, curbside/food bank service, etc.) 6. Shelter (greeters, sleeping area control, child care, etc.) 7. Medical (triage, first aid, screening/testing, medical inventory control, data & records, etc.) 8. Facilities (set-up, take-down, organization, cleaning, etc.) 9. Counseling 10. Procurement and supply (ordering, receiving, distribution, warehousing, inventory control, etc.) 11. Finance & donations (financial transactions, record keeping, fundraising, etc.)
Field Operations (engaged in field activities mostly off-site) 1. Incident/scene assessment and reporting (inspecting damage, shelter referral, record keeping, etc.) 2. Traffic and safety (directing traffic, scene security, safety equipment, etc.) 3. Public Works support (site & road clearing, equipment operation, repairs, etc.) 4. First responder support (rescue, first aid, medical referral, etc.) 5. Transportation (deliveries, passenger transport, etc.) 6. Animal care (rescue, first aid, transport, lodging, etc.) Click on this link for the survey: https://forms.gle/X1uXcGTJM2y7RL8e9 Please direct your questions or comments to tedwansley@ gmail.com. Ted is helping me with recruiting. He can also be reached at 678-481-5274. Sincerely, Gregory C. Brett Chief of Fire/EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA
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Trending Topic
ANNOUNCEMENT
Expanded Testing for COVID-19in Georgia Revised Testing Criteria and Increased Number of Test Sites Atlanta, April 15, 2020 – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is increasing the number of specimen collection sites statewide for COVID-19 testing, and is revising the current testing criteria to accommodate more testing of Georgia residents. Effective immediately, all symptomatic individuals will be eligible for COVID-19 testing. Health care workers, first responders, law enforcement and long-term care facility residents and staff will still be prioritized for testing regardless of whether they are or are not symptomatic.
Wash your hands – use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) if soap and water aren’t readily available.
Referrals are still required; however, there are now two ways to be referred to a DPH specimen collection site:
For more information about COVID-19 https://dph. georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus or https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Local Health Department Individuals who meet COVID-19 testing criteria may now be referred to DPH specimen collection sites by contacting their local health department. They will be screened by appropriate health department staff and referred to the closest, most convenient specimen collection site. Contact information for local health departments can be found on the DPH homepage at https://dph.georgia.gov/, under COVID-19 in Georgia.
Wear a mask – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the use of face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19, especially where socials distancing is difficult to maintain (grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.), and especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
For updates on the COVID-19 situation as it develops, follow @GaDPH, @GeorgiaEMA, and @GovKemp on Twitter and @GaDPH, @GEMA.OHS, and @GovKemp on Facebook.
Health Care Provider Referral Health care providers and/or physicians can and should continue to refer patients for COVID-19 testing. People should not arrive unannounced or without a scheduled appointment at a specimen collection site, hospital, emergency room or other health care facility. Only individuals who have been evaluated by public health or a health care provider and assigned a PUI # number will be referred to these drive-thru sites. Together we can stop further spread of COVID-19 in our state and save lives. Stay home – the Governor has issued a shelter-in-place Executive Order that should be observed by all residents and visitors.
We are providing free COVID-19 testing at several of our clinics using our mobile medical unit. You must call to schedule an appointment. No physician order is required to obtain this free test.
Practice social distancing – keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other people.
For Testing Times and Locations in May visit: https://www.yourtownhealth.com/covid-19-testing/
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YourTown Health COVID-19 Testing
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MINIMUM BASIC OPERATIONS TO REOPEN GEORGIA FOR BUSINESS Effective April 24, 2020 by executive order of Governor Brian Kemp Questions or Concerns? Contact the Office of Governor Brian Kemp Constituent Services at 404-656-1776. 1. Screen & Evaluate Workers who exhibit signs of illness, such as a fever over 104˚, cough, or shortness of breath 2. Don’t Come to Work Sick Require workers who exhibit signs of illness to not report to work or to seek medical attention 3. Enhance Sanitation of the workplace as appropriate 4. Require Handwashing & Sanitation by workers at appropriate places within the business location 5. Provide Personal Protective Equipment as available and appropriate to the function and location of workers withing the business location 6. Prohibit Gatherings of workers within the business location 7. Permit Workers to Take Breaks and meals outside, in their office or personal workspace, or in such other areas where proper social distancing is attainable 8. Implement Teleworking or all possible workers 9. Implement Staggered Shifts for all possible workers 10. Virtual Meetings Hold all meetings and conferences virtually, whenever possible 11. Deliver Intangible Services Remotely whenever possible 12. Avoid Shared Use Discourage workers from using each other’s phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment
Wender & Roberts Pharmacy of Palmetto Offers Free Delivery While always offering delivery, we are introducing a new TOUCH FREE DELIVERY Service 5 days a week that is FREE of charge. How It Works: — Call Wender & Roberts Pharmacy of Palmetto and request your refills as usual. You may also have your provider call in new prescriptions for you. If your prescriptions are at
13. Prohibit Handshaking and other unnecessary person-to-person contact in the workplace 14. Encourage Hand Hygiene by placing notices at the entrance to the workplace and in other areas where they are likely to be seen 15. Suspend the use of PIN Pads, PIN entry devices, electronic signature capture, and any other credit card receipt signature requirements to the extent such as suspension is permitted by agreements with credit card companies and credit agencies 16. Enforce Social Distancing of non-cohabitating persons while present on such entity’s leased or owned property 17. Provide Alternate Point of Sale outside of buildings, including curbside pick-up or delivery of products and /or services if an alterntive point of sale is permitted under Georgia law (Retail & Services) 18. Increase Physical Space between workers and customers 19. Provide Disinfectant and sanitation products for workers to clean their workspace, equipment, and tools 20. Increase Physical Space to at least six (6) feet between workers’ workspaces
another pharmacy, just let us know and we can easily call and transfer them to our pharmacy for this new delivery service. — No matter how you choose to get the prescription to us, just call and ask for this touch free delivery service. — You will pay by a credit card over the phone. Once ready, the driver will call, and let you know he’s on his way. He will come to your home or other secure location
designated by you, and drop off the sealed bag by your door, touch free. We think this service will drastically limit patients’ contact with other patients who are potentially sick. And when this pandemic ends, you can continue to utilize our home delivery service or pick up in store or drive through as usual. Wender & Roberts Pharmacy Palmetto: 770-463-4031 West Paces Ferry: 404-237-7551 Roswell: 770-992-4111
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Chatt Hills
GRADUATES
The Class of 2020
Chatt Hills Green Ribbon Celebration
Chatt Hills Green Ribbon Celebration In Chatt Hills, we will be honoring our students in the Class of 2020 with a Green Ribbon Celebration. Throughout the month of May, celebration banners will be displayed around town. The community is invited to take a green ribbon, available on the covered porch at City Hall, and tie it around a tree in their yard or display it on their front door. Graduates are also invited to write a “living history” story about their Class of 2020 experience to share on the Chatt Hills History website. To kick-off the celebration, we’ve asked a few Chatt Hills graduates to share their stories for our City newsletters. Meet the Chatt Hills Charter School graduates, Zack Whitley, Addie Koehl, and Sam Smith.
Celebrating the Class of 2020 in Chatt Hills When school closed in March, as required by Governor Kemp’s executive orders to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, students assumed it would be an extended spring break. But when successive orders extended the closure through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, reality began to set in. There would be no traditional graduation celebrations: no prom, no class trip, no walk across the stage in cap and gown to receive a diploma, no parties with extended families and friends. Instead, some school are offering virtual celebrations, delayed celebrations, or no celebrations at all.
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Chatt Hills
GRADUATES
Zack Whitley attends Liberty University Online Academy, an accredited K-12 private school in Lynchburg, Virginia. ZACK WHITLEY, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR For Zack Whitley, home is where the heart is, and his classroom is wherever he takes his laptop and beloved guitar. Today, it’s the sun-filled kitchen in his country home. Tomorrow it might be another room, or even outside on his family’s 10-acre homeplace in Chatt Hills. It’s not just the COVID-19 restrictions that has Zack schooling from home these days. He has attended an online school since the 7th grade to help fulfill his dream of becoming a professional musician. A Song in His Heart Zack started taking an interest in music when he was three years old and began taking guitar lessons when he turned eight. As soon as he learned his first song, his father brought him to the community music night at the Cedar Grove recreation center. When Zack stepped up to the mic and played “I Saw the Light,” the Cedar Grove musicians adopted Zack as one of their own. As Zack’s love for music grew, his family planned a vacation to the capital of country music, Nashville, Tennessee. Zack said that trip was a life-changing experience for him. “We visited Tootsies Orchid Lounge, a famous honkytonk that hosts live local talent each night. Seeing and hearing all of those Nashville musicians was an incredible experience. When the entertainment manager asked me to play, I couldn’t believe it. I was only 12 years old! That’s when I knew I wanted to be a professional musician. I asked my mom to homeschool me, so we’d have time to go back and forth to Nashville.”
The Class of 2020
Homeschooling with a Twist In searching for homeschooling options, Zack’s parents found the perfect fit at Liberty University Online Academy, an accredited K-12 private Christian school located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Its school year consists of two 18-week semesters. The curriculum is self-paced with completion based on student ability and daily assignment completion. A full-time student should complete the 180-day school year in 10 months. The program at Liberty University enabled Zack to complete his school requirements early, leaving three weeks to return to Nashville each year. Living the Dream Over the next few years, doors opened for Zack in the musical world. In Georgia, he continued playing with the Cedar Grove Musicians, the Country Pride band at the Hollonville Opry House, and the Williamson Music Barn. In Nashville, he was hired to play at Tootsies Orchid Zack Whitley’s first Extended Play Lounge, and he also album, “Sawdust and Rust” will be played on nine televireleased on May 9. sion shows. In his senior year, Zack applied to Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, just 30 minutes from Nashville. He was accepted and awarded the MTST Presidential Scholarship. Zack will be studying the recording industry and songwriting while continuing to play guitar in Nashville. Like other students, Zack’s graduation ceremony has been postponed due to COVID-19. But he decided to keep that original date special, so he is releasing his first Extended Play album, “Sawdust and Rust,” on May 9. The album features five of Zack’s original songs sung by him and accompanied by celebrity musicians. For more information visit “Zack Whitley-Music” on Facebook.
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Chatt Hills
GRADUATES
Addie Koehl attends Northgate High School in Newnan, Georgia.
ADDIE KOEHL, HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood at Addie Koehl’s country home in Chatt Hills. With the lush April foliage serving as a backdrop, Addie paints a pretty picture in her striking white cap and gown. But pretty as it is, it’s not the official school photo she was hoping for. Those have been put on hold due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Embracing the High School Experience If Addie had kept a journal of her school experience, it would have been filled to the brim with positive stories of her four years at Northgate High School in Newnan, Georgia. The initial entry might have recorded her excitement at being able to attend Northgate. Since her mother works for the Coweta County School System, Addie is allowed to attend a school in that county. From then on, the journal pages might have captured her academic growth and achievements as she was accepted into the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, and the Beta Club, a national organization that promotes the ideals of academic achievement, character, and leadership. Addie shared one of her stories in the Chatt Hills newsletter last year. “I was looking for a service project to meet requirements for the Beta Club, and the CORRAL (Coweta Organization for Riding, Rehabilitation, and Learning) came to 8
The Class of 2020
Addie volunteered at CORRAL in 2018 as a service project for the Beta Club. my mind. I had loved horses ever since the first time I was put in a saddle when I was five years old, so I thought this volunteer position would be a perfect service opportunity for me.” Addie helped set up the classes and assisted the instructors as needed, and was delighted to see the improvement of the students over time. She completed her service project at the CORRAL last year. End of 2020 School Year If there was one “let down” to Addie’s happy high school experience, it was the mandatory closing of all public schools due to COVID-19. “It came so suddenly; it caught us all off guard,” Addie said. “We went to school on March 12, and that evening we got the word that school was closing the next day. We didn’t even get to say good bye to our friends or teachers.” The school quickly made provisions for the students to continue their schoolwork online. The transition was made easier because students already had school-issued laptops. Fortunately for Addie, she only had a few classes – photography, economics, and work-based learning – and since she carried a high grade-point average and had completed 99% of the assignments, her school work was done. A New Beginning The day after her school closed, Addie received her acceptance letter from Kennesaw State University. She hopes to study education and one day return to Northgate High School as an English literature teacher.
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Chatt Hills
GRADUATES
Sam Smith is a senior at the University of West Georgia. He attended UWG under Georgia’s free tuition program for students 62 years or over. To date, 68 senior citizens have graduated from UWG using this program. SAM SMITH, COLLEGE SENIOR (X 2) The term college senior applies to Sam Smith in more than one way. He is currently a senior at the University of West Georgia (UWG) in the Piano Performance Degree program. He is also a senior citizen who utilized Georgia’s free tuition program for students 62 years or older to pay for his college education. When Sam was asked what prompted him to return to college at this stage in life, he responded, “Temporary insanity!” “I had a music degree in composition from way back in the 70s, but never really did anything with it. When I turned 50, I wanted to get back in touch with my creative side, so I took art lessons in Carrollton and studied piano with a wonderful teacher in Fairburn. I had heard about Georgia’s free tuition program for seniors, so when I turned 62, I thought I’d jump on it and study piano at UWG.” Sam’s Encore Education Since most of Sam’s previous college credits transferred to his UWG program, he only had to take a few core classes: anthropology, US history & constitution, speech, and art appreciation. “These were the least fun,” he said, “especially art appreciation. I don’t think we looked at a single piece of art that was pleasing to look at during the entire class.” The music classes were a different story. Sam enjoyed all of them, including piano performance, music theory,
The Class of 2020
The highlight of Sam’s program at UWG was his senior piano recital. One of his selections featured his wife Laurie Searle, on the clarinet. and technology in music composition and improvisation, a class that hadn’t been offered when he previously attended college. Sam’s biggest challenge was playing in piano recitals. Students are required to play for each other throughout each semester. Then in their junior and senior years, they play a graded recital for their professors followed by a public recital, with up to 60 minutes of memorized music. “It’s the one thing I really wanted to do,” Sam said, “but I was a little scared to play in front of people.” He thought others might feel the same way, so he formed a Piano Buddies support group and hosted monthly playdates for students and friends to play piano for one another. Improvising the Final Semester Sam’s music program was still on track in February. He played his juried recital on February 13, and his senior recital on March 1. All he had left were a few piano lessons and class assignments to finish his degree requirements. Then on March 11 the college closed its facilities in response to the Governor’s Executive Orders for COVID-19. “It took our department a while to figure out how to continue,” Sam said. “The traditional online tools for conferencing just don’t work well for live music ensemble playing. But the professors and students improvised solutions so we were able to complete our final semester work.” Like other schools, UWG has postponed its commencement ceremonies. Sam says he feels sorry for the other students, but he personally won’t miss the pomp and circumstance. “Participating in the UWG music program at this stage of my life is reward enough for me,” he said.
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Chatt Hills
GRADUATES
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020
The Class of 2020
CHATT HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL 8th GRADE CLASS
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020 – CHATT HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL 8th GRADE CLASS CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020 CHATT HILLSHills, CHARTER The Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, located on Rivertown Rd in Chatt celebratesSCHOOL the end of8its GRADE 8th grade CLASS TH
school with a Bridging Ceremony. Please congratulate the students the8Class of 2020. th Theyear Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, located on River in The grade class traditionally celebrates the end of The Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, located on Rivertown Rd in Chatt Hills, celebrates the end of its 8th grade town Rd in Chatt Hills, is dedicated to inspiring children in their school year with a Bridging Ceremony. Please conschool year with a Bridging Ceremony. Please congratulate the students in the Class of 2020. grades K-8 using the arts, agriculture and the environment.
Talon Baker Lindsey Blackwell Talon Baker Jacob Boyce Lindsey Blackwell Sean Chavez Jacob Boyce Jace Ferguson Sean Chavez Jadea Green Jace Ferguson Hezekiah Jordan MorganJadea LucasGreen Darren Hezekiah McKinnonJordan Morgan Daniel Miller Lucas Darren McKinnon Faith Neely Daniel Miller Asia Price-Hinton Neely Robert Faith Richmond Asia Price-Hinton Roye'l Rollock Joseph Robert Slack Richmond Roye'l Rollock Kennedy Venable Joseph Slack Rayna Wynne Kennedy Venable Rayna Wynne
gratulate the students in the Class of 2020.
Asia Benthall Trevon Blanchard Asia Benthall Nasir Carney DeVon Trevon Clark Blanchard Nasir Zion Fields Carney DeVon Clark Alexander Hepburn Zion Fields Dale Justice Alexander Hepburn Sean McCoy Dale Justice Kyleak McLaurin Sean McCoy Niaja Mitchell Kyleak McLaurin A'Mon Parham Mitchell ShamarNiaja Ragsdale A'Mon Parham Rhyen Riggins-Brown Shamar Ragsdale Jade Scott Rhyen Riggins-Brown Jonah Smith-Onate Scott AntwanJade Willis Jonah Smith-Onate Antwan Willis
Kayla Benthall Asa Boddie AaliyahKayla Carr Benthall Boddie KaydenAsa Colbert Aaliyah Marsalis GarnerCarr Colbert Harper Kayden Holloman Marsalis Kayron Keller Garner Harper Holloman Levi McDonald Kayron Keller Taariq Miles LeviMuhammad McDonald Amatallah Taariq Miles Jayla Porter Muhammad AmayahAmatallah Richardson Jayla Porter Jason Riley Amayah Richardson Jamoi Simmons Jason Riley Christian Venable DayshaJamoi Wise Simmons Christian Venable Daysha Wise
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020 CLASS FRIENDSHIP CHURCH MEMBERS CONGRATULATIONS, OF 2020BAPTIST – FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH CONGRATULATIONS Friendship Baptist Church reportedCLASS OF 2020 Friendship Baptist Church reported the folthe following high school students are lowing high school students graduating Friendship Baptist Church are reported graduating from various schools. from various schools. Please congratulate the followingthe highstudents school students are Please congratulate in thegraduating students infrom the class of 2020. various schools. the Class of 2020. Please congratulate the students in the Class of 2020.
FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH MEMBERS
Andrew Baldwin
Edward Berry Andrew Baldwin Colton Carroll Edward Berry Nicholas Hargis Colton Carroll Addie Koehl Nicholas Hargis Jared Rhyne Addie Koehl Jacob Shaeffer Jared Rhyne Jacob Shaeffer
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Jared Rhyne is graduating from Omega Private Academy.
Jared Rhyne is graduating from Omega Private Academy. Jared Rhyne is graduating
from Omega Private Academy. CHATT HILLS NEWS - MAY 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
Local
RESTAURANTS Restaurants ~ call for hours, ordering, and pick up 613 Main Restaurant
Franks Family Restaurant
(678) 545-6343
(770) 463-5678
613 Main St
1188 Collinsworth Rd
Palmetto, GA 30268
Palmetto, GA 30268
https://www.613mainrestaurant.com
Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery
Halsa
(770) 463-8379
(678) 345-0999
9065 Selborne Lane, Serenbe
11090 Serenbe Lane, Serenbe
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
http://blueeyeddaisy.com
https://halsarestaurant.com
Casablanca Burger Co.
The Hill
(770) 629-5399
(770) 463-6040
400 Carlton Rd
9110 Selborne Lane, Serenbe
Palmetto, GA 30268
Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268
https://www.zmenu.com/casa-
https://thehillserenbe.com
blanca-palmetto-online-menu/ China Queen
Lucy Mexican Restuarant
(770) 463-8688
(770) 463-0754
500 Ballard Place B,
575 Main St
Palmetto, GA 30268
Palmetto, GA 30268
Don Nacho’s
Supermercado La Bendicion
(678) 884-5838
(678) 961-7633
500 Ballard Place
544 Main St
Palmetto, GA 30268
Palmetto, GA 30268 https://supermercado-la-bendicion.business.site
The Farmhouse (770) 463-2622 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd Serenbe, Palmetto, GA 30268 https://serenbefarmhouse.com
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Chatt Hills
GROCERY STORES
What’s open and what are the hours?
The General Store at Serenbe 10642 Serenbe Lane Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 The General Store at Serenbe is a gourmet grocery, offering curated food, wine, and craft beer. Its cityin-the-country vibe is perfect for your everyday needs, local delights, grab-and-go baked goods, coffee, lunch, and dinner. We are offering curbside pick-up and limited delivery for Neighbors. Feel free to call or email order inquiries: 770-463-2222 Nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com Current Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Smith Grocery Store
Nadine Bratti, owner/operator of The General Store at Serenbe, here to help the community.
6400 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chatt Hills GA, Phone: (770) 463-3750 Facebook: Smith’s Grocery - Rico, GA. @smithsgroceryrico Smith Grocery Store, in the Rico Community of Chattahoochee Hills, is a true country store. Known for its personalized and friendly service, the store carries a wide selection of fine steaks & meats, fresh produce, and grocery staples. It also offers hardware items, ice, propane, and Diesel fuel (no alcohol or beer). Owned and operated by Kenny Smith, the store has been in the Smith family and has served the community for over a century. During the COVID-19 restrictions, Kenny has worked hard to keep the store opened and well stocked. He even has high-demand items like ribeye steaks and paper products such as toilet paper, but he says these items sell out quickly so check back often. 12
Kenny Smith, owner/operator of Smith Grocery Store, provides service with a smile.
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Chatt Hills
GROCERY STORES
What’s open and what are the hours?
Bradley’s Piggly Wiggly Express 506 Center St Palmetto, GA 30268 Bradley’s Piggly Wiggly Express is a full-service grocery store. Its wellstocked shelves and friendly employees are reason enough for a visit. But it’s the “shelves above the shelves” that adds a touch of country charm. The upper shelves are filled with historical photos and community-donated memorabilia that tell the story of this beloved community store. Its lineage dates back to 1873 when Arthur Hutcheon opened a mercantile on Main Street. In 1948 the Bradley Brothers took over ownership, moved the store to its current location, and renamed it Bradley’s Red Dot. In 2015, Don Hayes and Pam Hembree purchased the store and renamed it Bradley’s Piggly Wiggly Express. For a trip down memory lane – and the best groceries in town – why not visit Bradley’s?
Supermercado La Bendicion (678) 961-7633 544 Main St Palmetto, GA 30268 https://supermercado-la-bendicion. business.site Supermercado La Bendicion has a wide range of Mexican food specialties, along with a fresh vegetable section, and a meat market. They also have an eat-in area with a wide variety of fresh food that can also be take-out. If you have a large order for take-out, call ahead for full Mexican meals. This is a wonderful small market, so stop in soon.
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Arts Section
Dianne Cutler Working with Nature
Clockwise: Dianne Cutler with her latest commission in stained glass; Eco print on silk; eco print on watercolor paper; and plaster relief of botanicals.
My journey as an artist began while my husband and I were living in Arizona. At the time I was working as an oncology nurse manager. I was rapidly becoming burned out and needed an outlet for my work related stress. I embarked on a yoga certification that required a final project and this is when I started working with glass. For many years, my focus was on creating mandalas in stained glass. This gave me a creative outlet outside my regular job. Soon after moving to Serenbe, I dove into a new medium and this is when I discovered the beauty of working with plaster. Inspired by the natural world around me, I embarked on capturing the essence and personality of plants and flowers in plaster castings. Currently, I am trying to capture the same spirit of nature in eco prints on watercolor paper and fabric. I am grateful our home resides in the City of Chattahoochee Hills. To be able to live in an area where the arts are fostered and nature is protected is quite special. I believe this unique community draws other creative types like me into the area and from that lies a deep well of inspiration to continue my evolution as an artist.
“I am a self-taught artist on a never ending journey to create something unique that speaks to your heart and adds beauty to your home.� If you would like to visit me at my studio, please feel free to call and make an appointment. Cell: 480-734-1193. You can also view a portfolio of my work online at: www. diannecutler.com as well as on Instagram. Thank you for supporting my work! 14
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Arts Section
It’s a great exhibit, open by appointment call 818.434.5436, 9057 Selborne Lane in Serenbe, www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe. com. Also if you are interested in becoming a member of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, EMAIL HERE. Located in Serenbe, between Serenbe Real Estate office and the Blue-eyed Daisy.
Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Jessica Ashley, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Christina Blum, Logynn Ferrall, Gail Foster, Gigi Harper, Hope Harrison, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, and Judy Walker.
www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com CHATT HILLS NEWS - MAY 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS
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Logynn Ferrall
HEALTHY Staying Healthy & Hydrated Water counts and so do hydrating foods!
Thirst isn’t a helpful indicator of hydration. In fact, when you’re thirsty, you could already be dehydrated, having lost as much as 1 to 2 percent of your body’s water content. And with that kind of water loss, you may start to experience cognitive impairments — like stress, agitation, and forgetfulness. In theory, a liquid that boosts mood, helps the body function properly, and gets rid of excess toxins should be the go-to strategy for better health. But despite the fact that it’s essential to survive — and that the body is made up of 60 percent of it — water often becomes a forgotten nutrient. Want to know if you’re hydrated? Check your urine. Experts say a quick urine check could be the most effective DIY way to tell how hydrated you are. Simply look at the color of your urine. If it’s pale yellow, you’re hydrated. If it’s a darker yellow, it’s time for a glass of water (or two). The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink 15.5 cups of water a day, and women drink 11.5 cups a day. But this is just a guideline. How much water you need depends on a number of factors, such as what you eat and the way you move your body. Adequate hydration can even change based on climate and what the weather is like on any given day. But figuring out how hydrated you are is only a part of the hydration 16
equation. Upping your water intake takes practice — and consistency.
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These simple steps can help you to find a habit for lifelong hydration. 1. Take notes Nix that 12-cup-a-day goal. Instead, start small and set attainable goals — such as observing your current water intake. You won’t know how to improve if you don’t know where you’re starting. Spend a day taking notes, keeping a pen and paper or a tracking app close by. Track the beverages you drink, the foods you eat, and how you feel throughout the day. 2. Pick one method to try There are many tricks people use to drink more water. Start by picking one method to try today and take notes to compare. • Keep it visible. Try bringing a water bottle with you when you leave the house, or place a note to drink a glass of water on your fridge. • Give it flavor. Try adding lemon or other fruits to sweeten your drink. It will add extra nutrients to your sip, which can boost your bill of health beyond hydration. Winwin! • Eat water-dense foods. As much as 20 percent of a person’s daily fluid intake can come from food. Raw foods such as berries, celery, and cucumbers can be a
•
•
main source. Set a sip time. Humans are creatures of habit. Make it a routine to take a drink of water before a meeting, a meal, or whenever you start a new activity throughout the day. Drink before you eat. Meals provide an easy opportunity for extra water, so try to sip through the meal or drink a glass of water before you start. Thirst is often misinterpreted as hunger, so this trick could even help slim your waistline. Repay what you owe. You’re constantly losing water — through perspiration, urination, and even breathing. Try taking small sips throughout the day, and add a glass after any exercise or outdoor activity in the heat.
3. Focus on progress After you’ve experimented with these hydration strategies — or a few of your own — look through your notes. What do you notice? If a certain tip didn’t help, simply adjust your plan and try again tomorrow. Remember, drinking just a few more ounces of water today is more (and better) than you did yesterday. Vitale’ Essential Wellness Group Logynn Ferrall, 281 658 5036 logynnbferrall@mac.com my.doterra.com/logynnbferrall Logynn Ferrall teaches healthy, natural ways to improve the quality of your life.
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Community
For the Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team, who need a Lusas 3 Chest Compressions System lifesaving device.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Me goal of $19,600 Go Fund Me Go goalFund of $19,600 The Serenbe Community Care Network along with The Serenbe Community Care Network along with The Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy The Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy request your help to purchase a lifesaving device for the Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team, the Lucas 3 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 and Rescue handles emergency calls to all Please help usFire reach our Team goal Chest Compression System. The Chatt Hills Fire and Rescue Team handles emergency callsNOW. to all Chatt Hills residents. The Lucas 3 Device will manage CPR while the Rescue Team is handling difficult Chatt Hills residents. The Lucas 3 Device will manage CPR while the Rescue Team is handling difficult cardiac incidents during advanced care transports. cardiac incidents during advanced care transports. We have received $10,912 from 39 donors you may make a charitable contribution* here: Lucas is a mechanical chest-compression device that delivers CPR to any patient regardless of size, Fund Me at Lucas is a mechanical chest-compression device that delivers CPR Go to any patient regardless of size, gender or age. Lucas is an Emergency Medical First-Responder's best friend because Lucas.... gender or age. Lucas is an Emergency Medical First-Responder's best friend because Lucas.... - does not get tired or distracted - does not get tired or distractedhttps://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/lucas-cpr-device - frees up hands to do other things - frees up hands to do other things - improves CPR quality during transport - improves CPR quality during transport or by check to Chatt Hill Country Conservancy with memo “Lucas Device.” Please donate now to help savetothe livesMerrill, of your560 friends neighbors! Through the generosity of the Send checks Alan Tabband Way, Chatt Hills, Please donate now to help save the lives of your friends and neighbors! Through the generosity of GA the 30268 Serenbe Community Collaborative and Serenbe Community Care Network, $3,012 has already been or Serenbe to makeCommunity gifts of stock*, Merrill lwmerrill@gmail.com Serenbe Community Collaborative and Carecontact Network,Lynn $3,012 has at already been raised toward our goal of $19,600. Please help us reach our goal as quickly as possible. raised toward our goal of $19,600. Please helpcheck us reach goal quickly as for possible. *Please withour your taxasconsultant tax deduction information
Lucas is almost here!
You may make a charitable contribution* on Go Fund Me or by check You may make a charitable contribution* on Go Fund Me or by check to the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy, a 501c3, By Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management, City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA - Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us to the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy, a 501c3, and mark the memo “Lucas Device.” Send checks to and mark the memo “Lucas Device.” Send checks to Alan Merrill, 560 Tabb Way, Chatt Hills, GA 30268. Alan Merrill, 560 Tabb Way, Chatt Hills, GA 30268.
Lucas, an automatic, mechanical chest-compression *Please check with your tax consultant. *Please check with your tax consultant.
device that helps medical first responders perform CPR, is 55% funded because of local generosity. Just $8,688 remains before our Fire/EMS crews can rely on this incredibly effective “helpmate” at the scene of a cardiac arrest. Here is an unthinkable statistic we experienced recently in February … during the span of 11 days our department responded to six (!) local cardiac arrests—since then we have responded on two more. Each time we initiated manual compressions and rotated out three or four persons during CPR (after two minutes of forceful CPR exertions the average person becomes 60% less effective in their compressions and focus on the patient). Here is where Lucas comes in!
Lucas delivers a high quality rate of CPR compressions without tiring. There’s no doubt a person in cardiac arrest has a better chance of survival when Lucas is utilized. Even though the odds are stacked against the patient, Lucas improves their chances because medical personnel’s hands are free to initiate other life-saving steps and because Lucas is so dependable. Everyone in Chattahoochee Hills deserves Lucas if such a moment should occur in their lives. Thank you for all you do so we can better serve our communities. “If your bank account is sufficiently stimulated (before a federal stimulus payment or afterwards), perhaps you could stimulate the Lucas GoFundMe project,” said Lynn Merrill
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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
OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many churches have suspended services and activities due to the COVID-19 precautions. Please check with the individual churches to get an update on their schedules.
Happy Birthday, Ginny Jarrard! Members of Providence Baptist Church surprised Virginia (Ginny) Jarrard with a 90th Birthday Parade on April 21, including Chatt Hills Fire and Police! Photos by Kay Long.
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Trending Topic
EVENT RESCHEDULE Sweep the Hooch Rescheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2020
Our annual Sweep the Hooch cleanup
•
Report a problem. If you see an over-
Clean water is key to helping people
is rescheduled for Saturday, August 29,
flowing manhole, muddy water running
stay healthy. We’re staying busy and
2020. Registration for Sweep the Hooch
off a construction site, or any other
maintaining our commitment to protecting
will re-open in early July, at which point
problems near your local waterway,
this vital resource so that you and millions
we ask that everyone, including those
know that our lines are always open.
of others can continue to depend on it for
that have already registered, sign up once
You can report problems online here,
hand washing and more. If you are able
again to help clean up the Chattahoochee
or contact Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth at
to at this time, please visit our website or
julseth@chattahoochee.org.
text CRK to 41444 to make tax-deductible
Hold a solo or family cleanup. While
donations toward our work.
ways to help us work toward a clean,
CRK’s group cleanups are postponed,
healthy, trash-free Chattahoochee:
staff is still getting out in the water-
pandemic seriously and exercising all
watershed.
•
Until then, there are still plenty of
•
While we are taking the COVID-19
shed and cleaning up sites where we
precautions, we are staying true to our
Support your favorite spot along the
can. You can do that too - grab some
mission. CRK staff is practicing social
river. In celebration of Sweep the
trash bags, and pick up trash in your
distancing while in the field to identify and
Hooch turning 10 years old, we’re
neighborhood or your favorite park
locate sewer spills, clean out trash traps,
offering a new way to show your
along the river after checking that it’s
deploy real-time water quality monitors,
support for a clean river. Think about
open. Take some pictures or video of
and continue our work to connect more
your favorite site along the Chatta-
your efforts and share them with us on
people to the water we all depend on.
hoochee River and share why you
social media by tagging @crkeeper on
love it with friends and family. Then,
Instagram and Twitter, or @chatta-
campaign MyHooch, created in an effort
collect donations to help us reach our
hoocheeriverkeeper on Facebook.
to grow CRK members from 10,000 to
•
Check out our first ever membership
Take action. While the Georgia
15,000 and help even more people get
Stay in touch. Our staff will continue
legislative session is suspended,
closer to the waterway we all share.
to protect the watershed, but will be
bills that address timely issues like
MOXIE, a marketing solutions agency,
doing so from home and outdoors, not
removing coal ash in our groundwater
provided the research and design work for
our office, until further notice. If you
and protecting rural property rights will
the MyHooch campaign to CRK pro-bono.
have concerns about water quality in
be considered as soon as the General
your community, you can reach staff
Assembly reconvenes. You can stay
involves making decisions to protect our
via email. You can also stay up to
involved and contact your elected
staff and volunteers while ensuring the
date on all things CRK on Facebook,
officials about important environmental
health and safety of the communities that
Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
issues through Protect Georgia, our
support our work. In these unprecedented
Be careful what you flush. People are
online advocacy system that puts you
times, we hope all of you are taking the
using disinfecting wipes more than
directly in touch with lawmakers.
necessary precautions to stay healthy
$10,000 goal.
•
•
Our work continues, but it now
ever. While some of these and other
and to protect your loved ones and your
wipes are advertised as “flushable,”
community. If you think you may be sick
they do not degrade in the sewer
or simply want the latest information, the
system and frequently cause pumps to
Georgia Department of Public Health is
fail and clogs to form, which can result
compiling resources here.
in sewage spills. Never flush so-called “flushable” wipes. Only toilet paper should be flushed!
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Trending Topic
UPCOMING EVENT
September 17-20, 2020 At Bouckaert Farm ATLANTA MUSIC SCENE BLOG April 16, 2020
By Melissa Ruggieri For the next chapter of the annual electronic-dance-focused Imagine Music Festival - a venue change. Festival creators Glenn and Madeleine Goodhand (aka Iris Presents) announced on Thursday that the 2020 edition – Sept. 17-20 – will take place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills. The site is a familiar one to EDM fans, as TomorrowWorld staged three years of its U.S. version on the sprawling terrain. In recent years, the still-growing Imagine Festival has taken place at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But, citing “several challenges and setbacks” at the location, the decision was made to move the event to the scenic nature location. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and older event. Tickets for the three-day weekend start at $169 (general admission) and $269 (VIP), along with numerous options for bundles of tickets and camping passes. Last year’s lineup offered top EDM names including Seven Lions, Diplo, REZZ, Above & Beyond, Alison Wonderland, Zeds Dead and Marshmello.
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The announcement presented details about enhancements made to the site, such as: • Newly paved roads • Car camping and RV Camping (primitive camping available as well) • On-site day parking- Rideshare drop off and pick up on site • On-site shuttle pick up and drop off- Communication and coordination with city officials to ensure a smooth arrival and departure • Condensed site plan for your convenience For more ticket information, visit www.imaginefestival.com.
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Coca-Cola Bottling Company Donation Benefits First Responders “Together we can!” Coca-Cola’s mantra during the current pandemic speaks volumes … and Coca-Cola’s bottlers are making it so. A recent phone call from former Chattahoochee Hills resident Sandee Cosper, who works for Coca-Cola Bottling United, resulted in donated product to help our City’s first responders during their daily “front line” jobs. Sandee and team members from Coca-Cola Special Events recently delivered 30 cases to the City Hall and Fire Station 51. “We are so grateful for this support from our friends at Coke,” said Fire Chief Greg Brett. “This donation is being shared among all our community responders—Fire, Police and Public Works personnel. This kind of support goes a long way toward boosting morale during such stressful times. Thank you, Coca-Cola Bottling United.”
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21
City Government City Manager’s Report FY 2021 Budget
Citizens of Chattahoochee Hills, it is that time of year again, when the Mayor and Council approve the fiscal year budget which begins July 1 of each year and ends June 30th of each year. While we are in the month of May and the Council will officially adopt the FY2021 Budget in June, the Mayor and I have been strategically projecting revenues and allocating anticipated expenditures for operations and capital projects for several months. Usually, by this time in the budget process, the rest of the Council have been able to meet with the Mayor and me to provide their input on our fiscally conservative forecasts and recommendations. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented impact on how we all do business and live our lives, delayed our in-person meetings. However, the Council has been provided with the entire F2021 Budget document and are currently providing feedback. We had a Council Work Session on the FY2021 Budget on April 30th. The plan now is to have our first Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 2nd, and the second required Public Hearing at a Special Called Meeting after the June, 27th Council Work Session. The following information is designed to share some of the sound fiscal recommendations we have made based on current trends and some forecasting. We still anticipate and expect some changes as we continue this fluid process to the end of this fiscal year and know more about where we stand with regard to fund balance. The total General Fund is recommended to be $3,259,137. That is a reduction of $80,615 (-2.5 %) from last fiscal year which was $339,752. Debt Service has been reduced slightly from $161,845 to $138,734 (-16.7%). This is due to paying off some vehicles that were financed though the Georgia Municipal Association. The Hotel Motel Fund is expected to take the biggest hit as a result of COVID-19. While the FY2021 Budget is being set at $165,000 for this Fund, only $75,000 is considered new revenue. The remaining is the current fund balance that will be allocated for Tourism Development related expenditures as required by law. Of that $165,000 being budgeted, $55,895 is being transferred to the General Fund, $60,000 is being used in the parks as Tourism Development Product (TDP), $25,000 is being allocated to wayfinding signage and $24,105 is being allocated to the 22
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
Atlanta Convention and Visitor’s Bureau as required by statute. The Grants Fund amount will show a -65% decrease from $761,642, last fiscal year to $263,801 this fiscal year. This is because we received three years of our arrears conservation fund grant plus the current year from the State which totaled $651,540. We do anticipate an increase in Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) funds based on the mileage certification (increased from 92 lane miles to 115 lane miles) received by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The LMIG required match of 30% ($41,640) is being reflected in the Capital Fund. The Capital Fund is being strategically reduced by approximately -39.4% this fiscal year from $1,447,785 to $877,944 due to the anticipated loss in revenue as a result of COVID-19. As it stands today, and today only, the fund balance transfer into the Capital Fund (which is the FY2020 Fund balance) is $986,860. This will absolutely change over the next few weeks as we incur expenditures before the end of this fiscal year. We currently have $252,061 unspent from the FY2020 Capital Budget. That provides a total of $1,221,921 that could be in this fund. However, we must make every effort to allocate 17% of the General Fund ($554,053) for reserves. We are currently budgeting $536,304 (16%) leaving only $685,617 for Capital. Due to a revenue shortfall being projected, we must also transfer some of this balance to the General Fund. We are projecting a transfer of $205,242. That leaves $480,375. We also allocate monies in this fund for Debt Service since those purchases were Capital Expenditures. That amount is $138,734. This only leaves $341,641. From this remaining amount, we must allocate our LMIG match of 30% which is $41,641 leaving only $300,000 which is currently designated under Public Works for roadway maintenance. Like the Hotel/Motel Fund, we anticipate a reduction in Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) revenue especially over the remainder of this fiscal year as well into the next fiscal year, since these funds derive revenue primarily through sales taxes. When nothing is selling, no taxes are generated. Typically, we generate around $40,000 per month in TSPLOST revenue.
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City Government We are going to anticipate a reduction to about $30,000 per month and budget $350,000 for FY2021. We also expect to have a fund balance around $308,305 by the end of this fiscal year. But that is subject to change and will be lower as we close in on June 30th. So this fund is being budgeted at $658,305 for FY2021. The combined total for all funds for FY2021 is $5,307,027. That is a -19.4% reduction from the FY2020 Amended Budget of $6,584,078. Please note that the amended budget for FY2020 was higher by $651,540 as a result of the State Conservation Grant we received for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. That was an anomaly we will not experience again. Our goal has been and remains to always be transparent with the budget and where monies are allocated. While there are always some anomalies that change the course of the budget, which is where Council approved budget amendments are required; we pride ourselves on using measured and sound accounting practices while being honorable stewards of taxpayer dollars.
DON’T FORGET—
“Burn Ban” begins May 1 lasting until September 30, as required by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division
SPECIAL NOTE: If you aren’t receiving FREE emergency alerts from the City of Chattahoochee Hills, please email CHEMA@chathillsga.us to initiate a registration—include full name, address, email, and mobile phone number and your preference for text, phone call and/or email alerts.
Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us
UPDATE from Chattahoochee Hills Emergency Management Agency (CHEMA) I can’t predict where the current pandemic will lead us, what I can tell you is we are 110% ready to serve you. So much has happened since the COVID-19 pandemic began to influence us all in January 2020. Allow me to offer information that speaks to your safety and the City’s efforts to respond to this unique time in our lives … Our emergency medical preparations actually began in November 2019 when the flu season started in earnest. Extra personal protective equipment (face masks, gowns, gloves, etc.) was acquired immediately. Safety measures for all City employees were implemented to keep everyone safe while all critical operations continued. Safety protocol for Fire, EMS, and Police have been adjusted to provide the safest, most effective support possible. Additional EMS staffing and units are in place to handle any “surge” that might occur leading up to April 30th or longer, if needed. Daily (and sometimes hourly) there are phone conferences with Georgia and Fulton health officials to hear, interpret, and apply the most current information to our emergency and routine operations, these conferences and/or the resulting information include many of your City officials from Mayor Tom Reed to City Council members to department directors. Partnerships with surrounding municipalities, the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA), the Fulton Board of Health and even connectivity to top officials in our State’s government have been cemented and used to your advantage. What will happen in the coming week(s) as we attempt to further “flatten the curve” and re-open our community and country? I am not sure, but we will continue striving to serve in your best interest around the clock.
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Trending Topic
Community & City
City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory
Event
We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances - these will be virtual, and open to the public.
City Council Meeting - Tuesday, May 5, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
The City will take the following safety precautions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart. • Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’ – capacity will be limited to the number of seats that can fit in the room under those conditions. • The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
Historic Commission Meeting - Canceled City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Canceled City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - May 14, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Work Session - May 28, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
About Chatt Hills News The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News is published monthly. The publication is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions. Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881. Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us Newsletter Editors Amber Lightsey amber.steele.71@gmail.com Scott Lightsey lightsey.scott@gmail.com
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CHATT HILLS NEWS - MAY 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS