Chatt Hills News ~ October 2022

Chattahoochee Hills is Now a Bee City USA! City of Chattahoochee Hills

Congratulations! Bee City USA® is pleased to inform you that Chattahoochee Hills has met the standards for certifi cation as a Bee City USA affiliate. We are so happy to have you on board.

About Native Bees

Bees transfer pollen between flowers, enabling the incredible diversity of plants on our planet to flower and fruit. Pollinators are a keystone species in essentially every ecosystem on earth, enabling the reproduction of over 85% of all flowering plants and 67% of agricultural crops. In addition to the well known honey bee (Apis mellifera), a species brought to the United States from Europe, there are more than 20,000 described species of bees globally, and around 3,600 species of bees native to the United States. While bees are the most important pollinator, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, bats, and hummingbirds also contribute to pollination.

Pollinator Decline

Research has shown significant declines in native pollinator population sizes and ranges globally with up to 40% of pollinator species on earth at risk of extinction in the coming years as a result of habitat loss, the use of harmful pesti cides, and climate change.

About Bee City USA

Thinking globally and acting locally, Bee City USA provides a framework for communities to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesti cides. Bee City USA and Bee Campus USA are initiatives of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Leave The Leaves! Leave The Leaves! These Invertebrates Depend On It.

When the temperature starts to drop and flowers close up shop for the winter, it’s normal to wonder where all the little creatures have gone. For most invertebrates, the answer is that they’re still right next door.

Your garden’s wild residents benefit immensely when you practice good neighbor relations, leaving things a little messy and wild with a variety of leaves, hollow stems, brush piles or dead wood, soil, and flower heads available for winter shelter. That’s not to say you can’t do any tidying up – we have tips for thoughtful autumn cleanup that still leaves space for nature.

By simply doing fewer chores in the fall (and say, enjoying a steaming cup of spiced cider instead, courtesy of pollinators), your garden will reap the rewards of abundant pollination, natural pest control, and food for visiting birds and wildlife next spring. Below, we’ve shared just a few of the fascinating invertebrates who may call your leaf litter and garden debris home.

Visit our website https://beecityusa.org to learn more about pollinators, sign up for free webinars, and connect with other affiliates!

Warm wishes, The Bee City USA Team

I’m so pleased to be able to give my space this month to the Bee City group, which has helped Chattahoochee Hills become an official "Bee City!" Many thanks to all involved!

Mayor Tom Reed

MAYOR TOM REED

Hidden in the rolling hills of South Fulton County lies Cochran Mill Park. The park serves as a crossroads for road, gravel, and mtb cycling in Georgia. Cochran Mill Park is located 25 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta and is a gem of a park that offers cycling opportunities for every type of cyclist. When visiting the park, one finds it difficult to accept that the park is in Fulton County. The 800acre park features waterfalls, forests, creeks, fields, wildlife, and topography normally found in North Georgia.

More than eighteen miles of mountain bike trails are located at the park. The trails provide a pro gression of options for cyclists of all skill levels. Beginners often start off on the 5.7-mile yellow trail. The trail offers countless switchbacks and flow sections and is one of the most popular mtb trails at the park. Upon mastering the yellow trail, cyclists may move on to the 6.1-mile red trail. The trail provides challenging climbs and technical rock sections. The yel low and red trails run parallel to each

other along opposite sides of the picturesque Bear Creek. Three and a half miles down Bear Creek one finds Henry Falls, one of the most beautiful and remote areas of the park.

The Dirty Sheets gravel route cuts through Cochran Mill Park via Upper Wooten Road. The road is gated and closed to through traffic and crosses the park from East to West towards Rico Road. Like Cochran Mill, one may find it surprising that a nearly continuous twenty-mile loop of gravel roads is even available in Fulton County. The Dirty Sheets loop also offers other surprises including the Barn Quilt Tour. The mountain bike trails at Cochran Mill Park do close to bike traffic after excessive rain. The good news is that the Dirty Sheets Gravel loop never closes, so cyclists always have an alternate option in case of rainy weather.

The Silk Sheets road cycling route cuts through the park at the park entrance along Cochran Mill Road. The 29-mile road route has been pop ular for cyclists for many years and cuts through the rural areas of South Fulton County. The Silk Sheets Route is utilized for a number of annual

century rides including one of the largest events in Georgia, the MACC One Love Century. The Velocity Atlanta Century Ride also takes advantage of the Silk Sheets Cycling Route. The route is quite popular on the weekends as well as 10 months out of the year given the Chatt Valley’s great weather.

Tips for cycling at Cochran Mill Park: Cochran Mill Park is open 365 days a year dusk to dawn. A $5 park pass is required to enjoy the park and is available at a kiosk at the park. While the park is a great starting point for road and gravel cycling, cyclists may also start from Serenbe or the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall. Co chran Mill Park has grown in popu larity for cyclists, hikers, equestrians, and sightseers. The park is busiest on weekend mornings throughout the year. Looking for somewhere to go af ter your ride? Cochran Mill Brewery is located 15 minutes away in Fairburn, Georgia and is a welcoming spot for cyclists visiting the area.

For more infomation visit: https:// chattvalleycycling.com

Article Courtesy of Chatt Valley Cycling

Murphy Makes Good!

By Maribeth Wansley

Murphy Wansley loves people. He wants to get to everyone he can to lay his head on their lap! His human mom saw soon after he was adopted that he had a special gift that needed to be shared. Getting certified as a therapy dog became a goal in 2019 and was an uphill challenge thanks to COVID. Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, located in New Jersey,

agreed to certify him remotely. With the selfless help of our local rescue, Coco’s Cupboard, he was observed while being put through a lot of paces. After weeks of work and with Coco’s Cupboard’s recommendation, BBTD certified, licensed, and insured Murphy!

He’s been representing Coco’s Cupboard at a senior facility in Peachtree City, and he visits another facility in Atlanta where his human grandfather lives. Visiting a school in

"Dogs of Chatt Hills" is in the works! By Marcia Romanuck

Curated by designer Marcia Roma nuck, with photography donated by Dave Gallagher, Stephanie Richard son, Joy Quick, Rob Brinson and Marcia Romanuck, among others.

This book has been in the thoughts and hearts of many over the last couple years, and I am honored to bring it to life. We hope to raise enough through donated photography sessions, ad revenue, and book purchases to be able to donate some profits to Coco’s Cupboard

This hard cover coffee table book will be available for purchase in the next couple of months. We are hoping for a winter holiday delivery, or for Valentine's Day. In addition, we hope to plan a Chatt Hills City Hall Exhibit.

Currently photo shoots are continuing into the beginning of October, and the deadline to submit your own highres photography will be October 15th.

You can find details about photo shoot opportunities at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/dogs-of-chatt-hillsphoto-shoot-tickets-419568008207

Stephanie Richardson (photogra pher and previous Serenbe res.) will shoot from 9am-12pm and 2-5pm, and Sunday October 2nd from 9am-12pm. Serenbe res. artist Rob Brinson will shoot at his studio on 837 Middleton Way from Sunday October 2nd. 2-5pm.

There will be a few pages

Tyrone begins in October, and some future opportunities are on the horizon for this sweet boy. If you are interest ed in Murphy visiting an organization in which you are involved, please send an email to mbwansley@gmail. com. He would love to meet you!

available at the back of the book for businesses to advertise their products or services. Space is limited.

We also encourage “shop dog” shots. For owners, managers of neighbor businesses – feature your GOOD dog in your store or place of business. Pay for ad and photo shoot, and we will feature in both main section of book along with an adver tisement at the back of the book.

For questions contact Marcia Romanuck by text at 404-918-1006 or email to marcia@tdcatlanta.com.

Georgia Trust Fall Ramble to Include Chatt Hills

The rich history and architecture of Newnan and Chatta hoochee Hills will be showcased during the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble, Oct. 14-16.

The Ramble will feature exclusive tours and social events on historic properties not usually open to the public. Tours of historic homes and buildings are self-guided, and guests provide their own transportation. Maps and pro grams are provided at packet pick-up. Catered meals are offered as part of registration packages; however, there are tour-only (no meals) options as well.

Highlights of the itinerary are included on the website and below, with several more tentative locations expected to be added soon.

Friday, October 14

Nicknamed the “City of Homes,” Newnan is home to some of Georgia’s most beautiful historic houses. Explore the city’s stunning historic homes and commercial buildings

By Laurie Searle

in the Downtown Historic District, laid out in 1828, and the Greenville-LaGrange Historic District, a residential neighborhood that was once home to many of Newnan’s prominent citizens.

Ramblers will also have the opportunity to explore the College-Temple Historic District, a planned neighborhood of tree-lined streets, formal gardens, and parks that accent the wide range of architectural styles in the picturesque district.

End the day with Dinner and Cocktails at the Newnan Historic Train Depot, a beautifully restored historic building that originally served as the freight and passenger depot for the Atlanta and West Point Railroad in the 1850s.

Saturday, October 15

Discover the Neoclassical, Italianate, Classical Revival, Romanesque, and Victorian homes of Newnan’s six Nation al Register historic districts. Discover stunning homes in

McRitchie-Hollis Museum, a beautifully restored 1937 Neoclassical style house and headquarters of the Newnan Coweta Historical Society.

the College-Temple Historic District, where you will have the rare opportunity to tour the Topol-Martin House. The interior was designed by Stan Topol, one of America’s preeminent decorators, who has also designed a residence for Elton John.

Make your way to the Platinum Point Historic District, a neighborhood that boasts a collection of fine houses built by wealthy Newnan citizens. Nestled in a park-like setting, Platinum Point emerged with the increased use of the automobile and has an excellent and diverse array of Revival style architecture popular in the 20th century.

End the day with Dinner and Cocktails on the pictur esque grounds of the University of West Georgia Newnan Campus, a Georgia Trust Preservation Award winner.

Sunday, October 16

Begin the day with a delectable brunch at Cherry Hollow Farm in Chattahoochee Hills. Cherry Hollow Farm is a unique complex comprised of remnants from turn-of-thecentury mills, power plants, and farmsteads from across the South, many of which no longer exist.

Tour the beautifully restored Dunaway Gardens on Roscoe Road, once the theatrical training ground for performers, producers, and directors during the 1930s and 1940s.

Ramble through historic properties in the idyllic coun tryside of Chattahoochee Hills, one of the last undeveloped and rural areas in Metro Atlanta. Visit the historic Wilkerson Mill circa 1860, the last remaining water grist mill in Fulton County. Ramble a short distance to historic Campbellton, once the county seat of Campbell County, and visit the John F. Beavers House and the Campbellton Masonic Lodge. Then make your way to Serenbe, a community with

Topol-Martin House. The interior was designed by Stan Topol, one of America’s preeminent decorators.

historic-inspired architecture set among preserved forests and meadows. The area features rolling hills, forests, and farms along with a rich history and a dedication to the preservation of its natural beauty.

REGISTRATION

For tickets and information, visit Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation: https://www.georgiatrust.org/tours-events/ fall-ramble/

Wilkerson Mill, circa 1860s, is the last remaining water grist mill in Fulton County.

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OUR COMMUNITY

BEAR CREEK NATURE CENTER TEAMS WITH COMMUNITY OUTREACH

By Laurie Searle

A team of enthusiastic staff, volunteers, public officials, and service providers welcomed guests to the free Chatt Hills Resident Day at Bear Creek Nature Center on August 27.

The event was co-hosted by Bear Creek Nature Center and the Chatt Hills Community Outreach Team as a way of introducing residents to the Nature Center and connecting them to their public officials and services in Fulton County.

Community Outreach Welcomes Guests

Outside on the ample covered deck of the Nature Cen ter’s lodge, a variety of informational tables were staffed by knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Chatt Hills councilmembers Ruby Foster (1) and Laurie Searle (3) welcomed guests at the check-in table, which included information about the city’s newsletters, free give aways with the city’s contact numbers, and snacks and water. Parks Commissioner members Chip Denton, Clifford Blizzard, and Diana Wilson were also there to support the event.

Chatt Hills Community Brickworks Library Director Nan McGuffey offered an overview of the all-volunteer library, a sample of favorite children’s books, and a list of upcoming craft workshops.

Chatt Hills Fire & Rescue members were on hand with their fire and rescue vehicle to provide safety support, if needed. As it turned out, they received a call from else where in Chatt Hills and demonstrated their quick response.

Fulton County was well represented with staff from the Department of Behavioral Health & Development Disabili ties, who offered program information and updated loca tions for COVID-19 vaccine sites; the Department of Voter Registration, who offered information about voting and poll workers’ registration (they signed up six volunteers to work Chatt Hills polls); Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman, the current representative for district 6, who offered information and about the Fulton Fresh Mobile Market initiative as well as free produce giveaways; and Marvin Arrington, Jr, who will become the district 6 repre sentative in 2023 once the re-districting takes effect.

Nature Center Welcomes Guests

Bear Creek Nature Center Director Norma Lewis greeted

Residents explored the many service providers at the informational tables.

visitors and public officials with Southern charm and a sense of pride in the Nature Center. She said the Nature Center opened in 2020, but due to the pandemic it was a “soft-opening,” so many citizens were unaware that the Center had opened. When Councilmember Foster approached her about hosting a residents’ day, Norma saw that as a way to introduce the Nature Center to residents.

Commissioner Arrington said his children had visited the Center often when they were younger and he recog nized the benefit of connecting kids to nature at a young age. He informed Norma of several county programs that might benefit the Center, as well as grants that might support the Nature Center’s programs.

Commissioner Abdur-Rahman toured the live exhibits inside and encouraged by a friendly and knowledge volunteer, got up close and personal with a resident snake.

Several families and their young children visited the Nature Center for the first time. The children grew wideeyed at the exhibits of snakes; but grew ear-to-ear smiles at the adorable Axolotls – one of the Nature Center’s newest resident amphibians.

Bear Creek Nature Center and the Chatt Hills Commu nity Outreach team thank the 70 staff, volunteers, public officials, and residents for participating in the Chatt Hills Residents Day at Bear Creek Nature Center.

Visit: https://www.bearcreeknaturecenter.org/

Councilmember (1) Ruby Foster, Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. (6), Bear Creek Nature Center Director Norma Lewis, Councilmember (3) Laurie Searle, Councilmember (4) Camille Lowe.

CHATT HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL

Working Together – Hand in Hand

By Laurie Searle

The start of the school year brings much excitement for students and parents alike. But for staff and nearby resi dents of the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School (CHCS) it also brings a few weeks of traffic headaches as parents learn – or relearn – the ABCs of picking-up and drop ping-off their children.

Chatt Hills City Manager Robbie Rokovitz said he recognizes there are always some growing pains and chal lenges that surface at the start of the school year. With that in mind, he asked CHCS Principal Patrick Muhammad for a meeting to discuss how the city and school could work together to ease the traffic concerns. Principal Muhammad invited Robbie and Councilmember Laurie Searle to visit the CHCS campus during the arrival and dismissal periods to see how the school “pulls off a miracle twice a day.”

A Walk & Talk Tour of the Campus

The city manager and I arrived 45 minutes prior to the dismissal time for a guided walk & talk tour. Principal Muhammad described many of the recent improvements to the campus.

Beautiful iron gates have been installed for added security and security guards are stationed at the gates during arrival and dismissal periods to aid in traffic control. The parking area, previously a bit of a first-come, first serve hot-mess, has since been organized into assigned spaces well-marked with numbered signs for staff.

Farm animals have been moved from the pens near the classrooms to the hillside farm area where they can be better integrated into class lessons.

A new state-of-the art green house has been added to give every child on campus hands-on experience growing a plant from a seed. When the plants mature, they are transplanted to the hillside garden where students raise and harvest the crops to help meet the school’s goal to grow 70% of the food consumed

Security gates are closed during school hours and staffed by security personnel during arrival and dismissal times.

on campus.

Eight new colorful murals adorn the classroom build ings, illustrating the school’s tri-focus on agriculture, arts, and science. Two sidewalk murals illustrate life in nature –one showing the wildlife attracted to a peach tree, the other showing wildlife in a stream. Near the classrooms, outdoor hammocks invite students to read a book during breaks, and vertical gardens add to the lessons on agriculture. The campus seems ideally suited to the CHCS mission - to inspire all children to the highest levels of academic achievement through a rigorous curriculum that integrates the wonders of the natural world. Parents of the 543 students would likely agree, as would those of the 300 students on the waiting list.

The Traffic Plan

As the time approached 3:00 p.m., Principal Muhammad readied his team with all of the skill of a football coach. Security guards were positioned at the gates and staff stood at the ready to assist in the staging areas.

Principal Muhammad explained the game plan. “Stag ing has been our biggest problem,” he said. “We used to start staging the vehicles at 3:30 p.m., but now that we have approximately 360 vehicles picking up the children, we’ve moved the staging time to 3:00 p.m. to better accommodate our 3:30 dismissal time.”

He said that by 3:00 p.m., the first group of vehicles to arrive lines up in two single-file lines on a gravel area that parallels Rivertown Rd just west of the school’s main

Trending Topic OUR COMMUNITY

A student learns about seed germination in the new greenhouse.

Trending Topic OUR COMMUNITY

entrance. When the gates open at 3:00 p.m. these vehicles are guided through three staging areas where staff checks the parking passes displayed in the vehicles and announc es the students’ name over the PA system. The students then leave the building one-by-one and are guided to the appropriate vehicle. The vehicles are directed to the final line where they exit the campus onto Rivertown Rd.

Addressing Additional Problems

As we observed the impressive traffic plan in action, the city manager asked if there were any problems that still need addressing.

Principal Muhammad asked if the speed limit could be reduced in front of the school during arrival and dismissal times to slow thru traffic. The city manager said he had sent that request along with others to the GA Department of Transportation over two years ago. GA DOT required a traffic study, which the city completed, but the work orders are still delayed due to pandemic work slow-downs. The city manager said he will follow up.

Principal Muhammad asked if the city might support the school in building the shoulder into an access lane to help get vehicles off the roadway on the Cochran Mill side. The city manager said he would look into that. The last problem discussed was the complaints about vehicles that turn around in residential driveways or make illegal u-turns on Rivertown and Cochran Mill Roads. Principal Muhammad said the school hands out the dropoff / pick-up policies well before the first day of school but it seems to take a few weeks before the policies run smoothly. City police have been a helpful presence during

this period to remind drivers to obey the law. I wondered if temporary signs placed at the inter section next year might be helpful. The principal said the problems seem to have subsided now.

The following Monday, I monitored traffic at the inter section of Cochran Mill and Rivertown Roads between 7:20-8:20 a.m. to see if the problem had actually subsided. Of the 176 vehicles that passed through this intersection, the CHCS parking pass was visible on about 30 of them (there may have been more but that is all I could see). There were no u-turns or turn-arounds in residential driveways during this period and the traffic flow went smoothly.

The Chattahoochee Hills Charter School seems to have made vast improvements in the handing of its school traffic, as well as the on going improvements of the school’s campus. The Charter School continues to be an asset to Chatt Hills, and I thank Principal Muhammad and City Manager Robbie Rokovitz for their mutual support and for working together.

The CHCS has developed a process for efficiently dropping off and picking up.

HYBRID DEVELOPMENTS

Three Chatt Hills Subdivisions (initially) approved under Fulton County Zoning

By Laurie Searle

In a perfect world, all developments in Chattahoochee Hills would follow our carefully-crafted zoning to create beautiful mixed-use and residential hamlets and villages, with thousands of acres of land set aside for conservation. However, by the time our city incorporated and adopted its Compre hensive Plan and Zoning, three developments had already been approved under Fulton County’s zoning. The good news is that these three developments started, then quickly stopped due to the 2008 economic downturn. The better news is that these properties have since changed hands and have recently restarted with improved plans. Here’s a look at their plans and progress.

1. Heatherwood Manor located on Cedar Grove Rd near Creel Rd. 99.57 Acres / Zoned RL / 60 Residential Homes / Traditional Subdi vision. Homes built by Jeff Lindsey Communities in the $500,000 range Status: Sold Out.

2. Bear Creek Hamlet located on Wilkerson Mill Rd and Jenkins Rd. 256.83 Acres / Zoned HM-MU / 256 units on 133 parcels / Mixed use hamlet, Includes 187.66 acres total open space, 10.97 acres civic space. Single family detached, townhouses, and multi-family and flats, in 3 Phases. Status: Phase 1 infrastructure roads and utilities are pre-existing. Building is estimated to begin spring 2023.

3. Cedar Grove Estates on Cedar Grove Rd and Hwy 154 Phase 1: 72 Acres / Zoned RL / 34 Residential lots Phase 2: 69.14 Acres / Zoned HM-R / 28 Residential lots, Status: Phase 1 infrastructure roads and utilities are pre-existing, Phase 2 has no infrastructure yet. Homes to be built by Jeff Lindsey Communities in the $600,000$700,000 range. Building is estimated to begin in 2023.

3. Cedar Grove Estates

2. Bear Creek Hamlet

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OUR COMMUNITY

CERES is a Community with a Purpose By Dominique Love

Memorial Day 2021 - I spoke the words that make my friends and family shiver with fear and delight: "I have an idea."

That idea came one step closer to fruition as I received approval from the City of Chattahoochee Hills.

It's public knowledge now, so I thought I should share details myself.

Please meet my latest creation: CERES (see-reez)

Named for the Roman goddess of agriculture and the harvest and the protector of farmers, CERES embodies a universal nourishing that permeates everything we touch and are touched by. CERES also represents women through the various transitions in our lives.

CERES is more than a neighborhood; it is a community with a purpose.

We have designed CERES as a culinary-centric or food-forward community that will feature that more than 100 residences, 30,000 ft of commercial space, an inn, and a variety of culinary offerings from restaurants and small watering holes to a cookery school, gardens, orchards, a fishing pond, nuttery, hennery, and a 5-acre truffle grove. CERES will also contribute to the economic growth of

Chattahoochee Hills and create opportunities for small farmers in the community to flourish.

Through our incubator program we will transform talented chefs into successful entrepreneurs or restaurant owners. The 18- to 24-month program enables chefs to develop their concepts - fast casual to fine-dining - while also training them on business fundamentals.

Graduates of our program will open their restaurants within a 10-mile radius of CERES, filling the greater Chat tahoochee Hills area and ultimately turning our city into a destination for food and drink lovers.

Our incubator will also help enterprising farmers develop their own businesses and to build long-term relationships with our chefs.

In addition to building an ecosystem that will help chefs and farmers become more successful, we want to offer a beautifully-designed, hospitable, and inclusive community where residents and guests feel nurtured and can live deliciously.

Stay tuned for more!

Karen Hattaway Invites You to Live Life Beyond the Room

IATA-accredited travel concierge

WHAT WE DO

It’s simple! Meaningful, sustainable, and exceptional travel that preserves culture and tradition!

Our unique itineraries emphasize local foods, wellness, adventure, art, and culture and ensure that your impact is positive.

At LBR, we encourage our travelers to step off the beaten path and discover places unknown to most tourists. Our emphasis on practical language skills, sustainable travel, and partnerships with local craftsmen create a truly authentic experience you will never forget.

We have expanded beyond Italy, to France and Costa Rica, and currently offer:

- Custom Itineraries

- Curated Small Group Trips

- Corporate Retreats

- Honeymoons

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Our guides and partners are not just professionals doing their job; they are people with a deep love for their country and passion for their craft. You meet as a guest and leave as a friend.

Our appreciation for our country and our people allows us to create custom sensorial experiences with a focus on preserving and sharing our roots and traditions.

In addition to curating experiences around your unique interests, our local coordinators are available 24/7 during your stay to ensure your every need is met.

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

“Once again, Karen and the people at Life Beyond the Room exceeded my every expectation during our trip to Sicily. The accommodations, activities, and the food were outstanding! It was obvious to everyone in our group that our total comfort and satisfaction with all aspects of the trip were the only things that mattered to everyone at LBR. No detail was too big or too small. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed the trip, and I talk about it often to anyone who is thinking about travel. I can’t imagine booking a trip and not using Karen and the people at Life Beyond the Room.” Dennis, NH”

“You won’t find this kind of trip anywhere else. With LBR, you won’t just see Italy, you will experience it! Thank you to Karen and the staff at LBR for giving us a fantastic and forever memorable trip - it truly was the trip of a lifetime!"

Mike & Marcia, OH

We truly loved it all. Each destination was uniquely beautiful so each of those experiences were pleasantly memorable. We were very grateful, and impressed, at the timely co ordination of it all. We never felt "lost" and this was vitally important to us being in a country we weren't familiar with. Chris and I both agree that we may never have such a well run European vacation again!! If we are lucky enough to return to Italy we will definitely look to you!

Chris & Michelle, MI

For more information visit: www. lifebeyondtheroom.com To view the video https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=2JQ0I vnVVwo&t=1s

ENZO Steakhouse & Bar Opens at Trilith

Welcoming guests to dine and imbibe, ENZO Steakhouse & Bar is now open in the Town at Trilith. The new chef-driven dining concept by chef Andrea Montobbio and fashion industry veteran and Serenbe resident Carmine Noce combines Northern It aly-inspired cuisine with the comforts of a modern steakhouse and vibrant bar. Diners are invited to revel in a warm and sophisticated atmosphere while exploring Montobbio’s menu of signature and seasonal offerings boasting bold flavors, hand-made pastas and sauces, choice cuts of steaks, chops, fresh seafood, plantbased dishes and more. An impres sive wine, cocktail, and beer program along with impeccable design, and rotating works from local artists are among the thoughtful details that round out each experience at ENZO.

Working with the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op in Serenbe and Dogwood Gallery & Framer in Tyrone, ENZO is committed to supporting local artists by displaying distinct pieces through out the restaurant that are available for purchase.

“ENZO gives us the opportunity to showcase our love and passion for Italy, architecture, dining, and art,” says Noce. “When creating the concept, it was important for us to

find ways to show our support and celebrate the local art community and community at large.”

Changing quarterly, the inaugural exhibit features 18 works of original art from 11 artists: Adrienne Anbinder, Logynn Ferrall, Stephanie Hernandez, Travis Love, Jason McGrady, Lea Ann Slotkin, Vanessa Snyder, Paula Susarte, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, and Jane Whitehurst.

“When Carmine reached out about featuring works from local artists at ENZO, I knew this was going to take a greater art community to realize his vision,” adds Judy Walker, Founder and Director of the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. “Not only are we thrilled to collaborate with ENZO, but we have partnered with Greg Blair, owner of Dogwood Gallery & Framer, and Chatt Hills Gallery member Logynn Ferrall to organize and curate the current exhibit, with help from Peter Clemens, a former art director and set designer for film.”

ENZO Steakhouse & Bar

ENZO Steakhouse & Bar is open for dinner and weekend brunch. It will be open for lunch beginning in mid-October. Located in the Town at Trilith at 300 Trilith Pkwy, Suite

230, Fayetteville, GA 30214, visit ENZO Steakhouse & Bar at enzo-itl. com or call (770) 756-9188 for more information or to make a reservation. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @enzoitl.

www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com www.dogwoodgallery.net

Andrea Montobbio-Executive Chef, Carmine Noce-President, and David Gibbs-Chef de Cuisine.

Samford University Names Eden JonesHinds Learning for Life Honoree

Eden Jones-Hinds Ed.D., Head of School at Acton Academy at Serenbe, has been named a 2022 Learning for Life honoree by Samford University. The Learning for Life Award honors outstanding education alumni that have made a significant impact in the lives of others.

In celebration of its 100th anniversary in 2015, Sam ford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education established the Learning for Life Award to honor graduates who exemplify leadership in the classroom, school administration, church es, mission organizations, nonprofits, businesses, volunteer organizations, and more. Although their career paths may be different, recipients are all similar in the way that they have made a notable influence in their respective fields of study, their local communities, and the world.

Jones-Hinds found her passion by teaching bible school classes at 16 years old and never looked back. In her first year as an educator at Erwin Elementary, she won the Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award for the state of Alabama. In her second year, she was selected Teacher of the Year for her school. Jones-Hinds continued to explore her quest of learning in many education roles from classroom to administration and on to helping communities build schools from scratch. She is currently the CEO/Head of School at Acton Academy at Serenbe located in Chatt Hills, Georgia.

Hinds-Jones was honored at the Learning for Life Awards Dinner along with five other recipients on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at The Club in Birmingham, Alabama. For a complete list of this year’s honorees or for more information, visit Samford.edu/education/learning-for-life. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Acton at kacton@samford.edu or 205-726-4224.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Harvest Festival October 15 at Town Green

Christmas in Chatt Hills December 3 at City Hall

For more information contact: Robert Rokovitz, City Manager, robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us 770.463.8881 or Ruby Foster, ruby.foster@chatthillsga.us - Chatt Hills Community Outreach

Baptist Church

Eden Johnes-Hinds pictured in the center.

Trending Topic EVENTS

Saturdays in Oct., 9:00am - 1:00pm

Farmers Market

July - October 29, 2022

Saturdays, 9am-1pm, Selborne Green in Serenbe Serenbe Farmers Market is proud to bring Chatt Hills resi dents and visitors the best local produce, meats, prepared foods, and artisans.

The mission of the Serenbe Farmers Market is to sup port the development of the local agricultural economy and to provide a platform in which to support small businesses to sell their products. Serenbe Farmers Market offers a variety of healthy food and artisan goods on a large green space surrounded by magnificent tall trees, giving you an immunity boost that you just won’t find in an asphalt parking lot.

If you’re interested in becoming a Serenbe Farmers Market vendor, CLICK HERE to read the guidelines and apply.

Sat & Sun, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Weekend Wine Flights at The Wine Shop at Serenbe

9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA

Excited to announce Weekend Wine Flights at the wine shop! Each week 3 new wines will be featured and paired with light bites. Served Saturday and Sunday, 2-5pm, $30 per person, no ticket or reservation needed. Stop by and see us!

Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm

Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks

On The Porch

10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Free

The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from The Farmhouse Bar and enjoy the ambiance of warm weather and live music on the wrap around porch.

Saturdays , 4:00pm

Wine Tastings at the General Store

10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Join me to taste wines from around the globe every Satur day $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.

Trending Topic EVENTS

Sept 23-Oct 16, Thurs.-Sun., 10am-4pm

Serenbe Showhouse Tour

10503 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Tickets $30: https://bit.ly/3c8zQdF

The Serenbe Showhouse is open to the public for self-guided tours beginning September 23, 2022. Your ticket is to select the day, and you can arrive at any point between 10am-4pm (and take as long as you like to look around!). Same-day return visits are allowed as space permits.

There is no need to print your ticket; the docent at the door will be able to look you up by your name to check you in. You may attend on a different day than your ticket! Make sure to tell the docent your original date, and they will be able to look you up and check you in.

Private Tours: Private group tours available MondayWednesday by appointment, starting at $350 for up to 10 people. Must reserve at least 24 hours in advance. Email showhouse@serenbe.com for details and to reserve your spot.

Tickets are non-refundable; can be transferred to another date/time or person.

Oct 2, Sun., 6pm

Art Over Dinner with Lyall Penley

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Tickets $130: https://bit.ly/3Ac9xev Limited seats avail able, must purchase tickets in advance

Meet the recipient of the 2022 Decorative Arts Fellowship and learn more about his process over a delectable meal created by Chef Nicolas Bour and paired with exquisite wines.

The Decorative Arts Fellowship invites a Southeastern artist in their early-to-mid career to feature their work in the Serenbe Designer Showhouse. The artist will make objects for the interiors of buildings and/or interior design - spe cifically textiles, furniture, lighting, ceramics, or metalware - and be chosen by the editorial staff of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine, the lead designer for the Serenbe Designer Showhouse, and by Serenbe.

The 2022 recipient of the Decorative Arts Fellowship is Lyall Penley, a wildlife and landscape photographer in Atlanta, Georgia. Having grown up the son of two pro fessional artists, he began his lifelong passion for art and photography early on. Drawing and painting since he could hold a pen, he has developed a keen sense of perspective, composition, and an eye for detail. After a trip to Wyoming in 2019, his love for landscape and wildlife photography was born. Since then, and many trips back to Wyoming and Montana since, he is proud to offer memorable images of the American West.

20 Years of Chatt Hills Overlay Commemoration Talk + Toast

Thursday October 6th 3pm

The Inn at Serenbe

Join the leadership team and & hear about the vision and work that went into creating the historic land overlay.

Steve Cover, Director of the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development in Arlington, Virginia; Robert E. Reed, III, Senior Director of Regenerative Places and Spaces at Southface; Shannon Kettering, Charrette Facilitator and Community Planning Consultant; and Steve Nygren, Serenbe Founder & CEO

Free and open to the public, register at https://bit.ly/3ReBdpF

Narrated and featuring Woody Harrelson, Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis. Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems, and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle.

Gates of Serenbe Farms open with Compost Station #1 tour at 6:00 pm

Sat, Oct 8, 6:00-10:00pm

Kiss the Ground Film: Outdoor screening and tour of new compost station

The Farm at Serenbe 8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd., Chatta hoochee Hills, GA, 30268

Tickets $10-20: https://bit.ly/3DpshdU

Introduction and discussion begins at 7:00 pm Movie screening starts at 7:30 pm

The gates at Serenbe Farms open at 6pm for a tour of new Compost Station #1 and to learn how you and your family can participate in community composting to make a difference! Art Farm at Serenbe Environment Council, Serenbe Farms, and Serenbe HOA have collaborated to lead and grow this initiative.

Watch Trailer

https://www.raycandersonfoundation.org/rayday/

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre presents Lore, an outdoor dance experience. An audience favorite, Lore weaves a tale of familial legacy and expectations. Gather around the fire for a visually rich, Romani-influenced production that follows two siblings as they experience the collected heritage of their community.

VIP tickets available! Includes one drink ticket and premium seating closest to the dancers' performance.

Dates | Times

Fri. October 21, 2022 @ 7:30 PM

Sun. October 23, 2022 @7:30 PM

Fri. October 28, 2022 @7:30 PM

Sat. October 29, 2022 @7:30 PM

Sun. October 30, 2022 @ 7:30 PM

Trending Topic EVENTS

Oct 22, 7:30pm

The Sea The Sea

WILD FERN RANCH

12000 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268

Tickets $25: https://bit.ly/3QDR4Og

INDIE FOLK-POP DUO WITH DAZZLING VOCAL HARMONIES

Chuck E. Costa and Mira Costa, is an Upstate New York-based indie folk-pop duo featuring what Bob Boilen (NPR’s All Songs Considered) calls “excellent harmonies” & Huffington Post calls “Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.” The group’s 2020 release, Stumbling Home, dubbed “other worldly” by Rolling Stone marks the duo’s third full-length album, and the duo’s first primary recording / engineering credits on one of their albums, as well as that of co-pro ducers—teaming up with recent Grammy and Tony award winner Todd Sickafoose (Hadestown, Anais Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird).

“Two of the loveliest male-female voices you might ever hear this or any other year.”

— Huffington Post “...ready to take their place among the best young male/female duos now performing” — Larry Groce, Mountain Stage

October 22, 5:00-10:00pm

Terminus Presents: Lore VIP All Access Ticket

10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd. Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $120: https://bit.ly/3S3GYXX

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre presents Lore, an outdoor dance experience. An audience favorite, Lore weaves a tale of familial legacy and expectations. Gather around the fire for a visually rich, Romani-influenced production that follows two siblings as they experience the collected heritage of their community.

ALL ACCESS TICKET includes the following: Pre-Performance Reception | 5:00PM Garden reception with lite bites and cocktails

Exclusive Performance of Lore | 7:30PM Wildflower Meadow at Serenbe

Fireside Party with the Cast Join the dancers on stage after the show for libations and a fireside celebration.

Arts SectionArts Section

Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Greg Blount, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, GW Harper, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Ken Shepard, Karin Slaton, Lea Ann Slotkin, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, Renae “R.D. Simmons” Walker, and Eileen Wilson

Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com

Robert Lederman

Karin Slaton

Eileen Wilson

Julie McKinney

Judy Walker

Ken Shepard Adrienne Anbinder

Brandon Murphy

Vinayak Godbole

BJ GlickGW Harper

Mary H Johnson

Lea Ann Slotkin

Tom Swanston

Malinda Lively

Gail Foster

CHATT HILLS NEWS - OCTOBER 2022 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS22 Renae Walker

Arts Section

“Serenity for Shango”

Art Farm at Serenbe is excited to announce that it will be the guardian of the public art sculpture “Serenity for Shango” by Curtis Patterson which is now in its permanent home in Deer Hollow at Serenbe. Curtis Patterson is a world-re nowned sculptor whose large-scale works invite participa tion and curiosity.

Serenity for Shango incorporates several elements which are designed to capture the imagination of viewers and pay homage to the lineage of African American culture. Several elements within the piece draw from key cultural centers of Africa from which many African Americans are descended. It embraces the iconography of African art and the significant contribution and profound impact it has had on modern and contemporary art. Additionally, it’s meant to convey a message of empathy, inclusion, and belonging.

Many of Curtis Patterson’s sculptures have been exhibited at sites both nationally and internationally, which include shows in the United States, France, Nigeria, and Sweden. His intrigue with the manipulation of threedimensional space and objects is clearly evident in many of his massive works, which by virtue of their unique design, invite participation and promote curiosity.

Deer Hollow is located at the corner of Atlanta Newnan Road and Selborne Lane. Parking is available in the nearby Crossroads neighborhood or in the lot at the corner of Selborne Lane and Augusta Lane.

Arts Section

Local Author Kara Kihm Releases Discovering My Wings

"Perfect" Wife to an Untethered Life, Kara takes control of her life's narra tive. From suburban Virginia to wild Alaska, the desert at Burning Man to the lush Sacred Valley of Peru, Kara's trip is a nonstop adventure and a deep dive into the depths of her soul. Travel with Kara from her devastating divorce to selling every thing and setting off in a van driving from Virginia to Alaska with her two dogs. Kara's journey isn't just a cross country road trip, it's constant deconstruction and redefining of identity—from the perfect southern woman, to a gritty, fierce, intuition-following adventurer.

https://www.undergroundbooks.net/images/upload/under ground-books-catalogue-one-online.pdf

Arts Section

October Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books:

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe devel opment of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.

Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is open Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm, and we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and www. bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@hillsandhamlets.com

New in Dystopian Fiction: Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

From the #1 bestselling author of Little Fires Everywhere, comes one of the most highly anticipated books of the year–the inspiring new novel about a mother’s unbreakable love in a world consumed by fear. Our Missing Hearts is an old story made new, of the ways supposedly civilized communities can ignore the most searing injustice. It's a story about the power—and limitations—of art to create change, the lessons and legacies we pass on to our children, and how any of us can survive a broken world with our hearts intact. Release date: 10/4, signed copies available in-store only!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593492543

New in Nonfiction: Deer Man by Geoffroy Delorme

In this sensuous and moving memoir, a young man forms a powerful connection with deer while living alone in the woods for seven years. Geoffroy Delorme is a nature pho tographer, writer, and deer expert. At the age of sixteen, he began visiting the roe deer near his home in northern France. Struggling under the weight of the human world's expectations, he left civilization behind at nineteen to live among them for seven years. When the deer's habitat was destroyed due to clear cutting, he left the forest. Now, he shares the insights he gained from them with the world. Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781771649797

New in Middle Grades: The Stars Did Wander Darkly by Colin Meloy

This suspenseful and atmospheric horror set in 1980s Oregon is perfect for young fans of Stranger Things, Neil Gaiman, and Margaret Peterson Haddix, from New York Times bestselling author and the Decemberists’ lead singer/songwriter Colin Meloy. Out now! Signed copies expected, in-store only. For ages 8 and up.

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063015517

Community OUR CHURCHES

Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd

Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com

Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/

New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd

Memorials

Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd www.pbcrico.org

Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd

Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd

Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd www.sardisbaptistch.com

Southside at Serenbe

915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! If you have ques tions contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@ remax.net or 404-456-6347.

Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentU UFellowship/

Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.

Nida Childers

Joanne Gayland Jones

Joanne Jones, age 88, of Newnan, GA passed away at home on September 11, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 28, 1933, to the late Charles Sanders and Madeline Meade Sanders. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband Dale A. Jones; and sons, Russell Alan Jones and Barry Lee Jones.

She was a housewife extraordinaire with many talents, including cooking, gardening, sewing, and renovating houses.

She was a city girl who took on the challenges of rural life with her husband and three small children in 1955. The house was primitive with no running water. Heat was from a fireplace and a wood burning cook stove. The only electricity was from bare light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. They had a pioneer spirit and created a homestead that embraced freedom plus the satisfaction of hard work.

She loved all animals but especially the Siamese cats she raised.

Joanne is survived by her daughters, Bridget Jones Arrington (Perry), Anita Jones Wallace (Jon), and Laura Jones Richards; grandchildren, Dana Chastain, Jennifer Tutton, Rebecca Bradley, and Kristin Montgomery; great grandchildren Brandyn Walker, Syble Tutton, Sydney Tutton, Caeden Greer, Graham Greer, and Albry Brown.

Nida Childers,age 84, of Palmetto, Georgia, passed away on August 4, 2022, in Andrews, North Carolina.

The seventh of ten children, she was born in Kingsport, Tennessee to Ira and Erma Blevins. She married Larry Moore in 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia, and had three children whom she loved fiercely. After Larry's passing in 1977, she met and married Frank Childers in 1979. Nida had a passion for landscape design and was known to spend countless hours in her yards in Andrews, North Carolina and Palmetto, Georgia. Going antiquing, junking, dancing, singing karaoke, enjoying a ripe tomato, and taking care of her beloved stray cats were some of her other favorite things.

Nida was preceded in death by her father, mother, six older siblings, and husbands Larry Moore and Frank Childers. She is survived by her children, Greg Moore, Cindy Ogletree (Jim), and Karen Saut (Rich); grandchildren, Brennan Ogletree, Emma Ogletree (Megan), Jacob Saut, Ethan Saut; great-grandchildren, Miles Ogletree, Blake Ogletree, and Tucker Bryson; sister, Diane Kirshner; and brothers, Mike and Ricky Blevins; and many loved relatives and friends.

Please donate to a pet rescue of your choice.

Community BRICKWORKS REPORT

Community Brickworks

Our new website is up and running, CommunityBrickworks.org. Residents will be able to easily view all of the events we have available. Payment and donation is easy with our link to Eventbrite. One stop shopping! You can sign up and pay at the same time.

Library:

We had a great September crafting time. Our Crochet/Knitting will be ongoing with a new session starting October 6th at 4:00-6:00 in the library.

Toddler Tuesday will be October 4th at 10:00. We had six toddlers in September and read a book on counting and sang counting songs. October will be shapes and colors.

Painted Pinecones class will be on October 12th at 7:00; the cost will be $10.00 and this includes materials.

Chair Caning class will start October 5 through November 9th, this is a 6-week class, at 6:00 in the Commu nity Room.There is a $10.00 non-re fundable sign-up fee, the deadline to sign up is September 22.  The cost of the class is $80.00 and includes materials.

Go to CommunityBrickworks.org to see class descriptions, sign up and pay for classes. They will be listed under the events section.

Tutoring:

Kids have fallen behind in school during Covid lockdowns? Brickworks will be offering free tutoring for elementary students at the library on Tuesdays from 4-5:30. We begin on Oct. 4th and will continue throughout the year. The kids will be given a healthy snack, and our vol unteer tutors will help kids with their weekly homework packets during that time. We have available tutoring for up to five children.

We will assess needs for middle and high school students during this semester. If there is need we will offer tutoring on Sat. mornings next semester for those age groups. Edu cation Major students from West GA will be used for tutoring on Saturdays.

Please contact us on our FB page, Chattahoochee Hills Community Brickworks, if you are interested in accessing this program for your child.

Food Bank:

We have acquired new clients during this difficult time, while continuing to help those already registered with us. Thank you to all who have donated food and provisions. The food bank is always looking at new ways to help!

Our Christmas elf lists will begin in October for food bank clients' chil dren’s needs.

Thank you to all who are donating food.

Lisa Remley Community Brickworks CommunityBrickworks.org

Community Brickworks 6505 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268, 770-463-6600

City Government

One of the city’s primary sources of revenue is property taxes. With very little commercial development, property taxes are mostly generated by residential properties. According to our audited financial statements for fiscal year ending June 2021, the City of Chattahoochee Hills collected $2,200,244 in property taxes. That makes up roughly 54% of the General Fund, which was $4,075,019.

The next largest source of revenue to help fund opera tions is the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST). In FY2021, we collected $777,123, which was 19% of the total revenues collected for the General Fund. As you may recall from Mayor Reed’s article in the July City Newsletter, these LOST reve nues are what the city stands to lose if all the cities in Fulton County cannot agree on how these funds are distributed.

You have probably seen some of the press releases and data we have been sharing regarding the negotiations with Fulton County leaders. These press releases are designed to get you engaged and reach out to your County Commissioners. This article is being written to express just how significant this can be to our taxpayers if Fulton County chooses to go against all fifteen cities. Most if not all cities will have to raise their millage rates or cut services to offset this loss in revenue. My opening paragraph provides what we collect in property taxes. Our current millage rate to generate that source of revenue is 9.46. (Note: I am using our latest audit numbers and previous millage rate even though the Council reduced the millage rate from 9.46 to 9.00 mils in this fiscal year.) Essentially, one mil will generate $233,383. In order to make up for a reduction in revenue should the Local Option Sales Tax not get renewed at the end of this calendar year, the City may be faced with raising the millage rate to 12.79—an increase of 3.33 mils. How would that impact a property owner?

If you are 65 and under and own a house with an assessed value of $300,000, you currently pay about $993

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

in city property taxes. That tax bill could go up $350 to $1,343 if the City loses its LOST revenue. If you are 65 and under and own a house with an assessed value of $600,000, you currently pay about $2,129 in City property taxes. That tax bill could go up $749 to $2,878 if the city loses its LOST revenue. I can do the math on any assessed value, and the results will be the same: you could be paying more taxes if we lose this significant source of revenue.

The intent of this article is not to tell our citizens that their taxes may go up. The intent is to let our taxpayers know that they need to reach out to their County Com missioners to let them know that allowing this sales tax to expire at the end of the calendar year without a reasonable agreement will place a significant burden on local budgets and the delivery of services. The delivery of services includes but are not limited to police, fire, planning and development, streets and roadway repair and maintenance, and parks facilities repair and maintenance, none of which is funded by the County or the millage rate municipal citizens pay to the County.

While you are paying 9.46 mils to the city for our direct services listed above, all City residents are also paying ad valorem taxes at the rate of 9.33 mils to Fulton County. County officials will tell you it is for the services they pro vide such as cultural arts, library services, courts, jail, 911, animal control, etc. However, all cities in Fulton County are still contractually required to pay for our inmates we transport to the jail, 911 services, and animal control. The fees the cities pay for these services are in addition to the millage rate the municipal citizens are paying in county taxes. As you can see, it can be challenging to see what incorporated citizens are getting from Fulton County for this 9.33 millage rate being provided.

Make no mistake about it, we have very good relation ships with our Fulton County leaders and looking forward to maintaining these relationships. We work together on many things to make sure our citizens are taken care of and service needs are being met. But the City of Chatta hoochee Hills and the other fourteen cities in Fulton County cannot afford to lose our Local Option Sales Tax revenues that we use to offset the tax burden to our citizens. There fore, stay tuned to current events and use your voice to help us and all other cities in Fulton County reach the most reasonable and just outcome.

City Government

Fulton County Hosted Ground-Breaking Ceremony for New Sewage System

From Fulton County News: Fulton County hosted the ground breaking ceremony for the new Atlanta Newnan Road and Little Bear Creek Pump Stations and Force Main Project on Tuesday, September 13, in the Crossroads Subdivision of Chatta hoochee Hills.

The $22,578,835 investment in sewer infrastructure in South Fulton will ensure continued sewer capacity to serve a growing residential and business community. During the design phase, which was completed in June 2022, the Department of Public Works finalized plans for pump stations and force main that would be constructed within the City Limits of Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, and South Fulton as identified in the recently completed South Fulton Wastewater Capacity Study.

Breaking ground on this project is a great example of the ongoing work this department is doing to ensure that our customers receive the highest level of water services.” said Fulton County Department of Public Works Director David Clark. “We are excited to move to the next phase of this project.”

Through collaboration with the Reeves Young & GMC design team, the project will consist of two new pump stations, and approximately 46,000 linear feet of force main. The additions will serve existing Serenbe development, Cedar Creek sewer basin, and surrounding areas. The Little Bear Pump Station will serve the existing Crossroads development and surrounding areas. This project will

A host of public officials and partners participate in the groundbreaking ceremony on September 13, 2022.

remove the existing Little Bear Water Reclamation Facility adjacent to the existing subdivision after acceptance and placing into service a new Little Bear Pump Station.

At the Groundbreaking Ceremony

By Laurie Searle

A host of public officials, dignitaries, and partners attended the ground breaking on Sept. 13. Fulton County (FC) Deputy Director of Wastewater Roy Barnes opened the program by describing this new project. He said it features 21st Century new technol ogies, which will serve as a model for years to come and will lay the founda tion for utility development.

FC Commission Chair Robb Pitts said this $22 million project is part of the larger $500 million investment in Fulton County.

FC District 6 Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman said she is proud of the collaboration that made this project happen, and it was much needed because everyone has a right to environmental equity.

Palmetto Mayor Clark Brodie said, “What a difference a day makes.” He

acknowledged several partners and the importance of relationships.

Chattahoochee Hills Mayor Tom Reed welcomed the guests to “God’s Country” (as residents affectionally call Chatt Hills) and the prettiest sewage plant and planning on a 100-year horizon. He said his city has worked hard to preserve its character, and he invited guests to come back in 50 years to see what Chatt Hills will be. Mayor Reed thanked Richard Paxton and his Veolia team for their work in running the existing plant in Crossroads for many years.

FC Manager Dick Anderson thanked the staff for establishing a business case for this project and for their efforts in implementing new technology since 2019, which have reduced waste water spills over 90%.

FC Tax Commissioner Dr. Arthur Ferdinand said he lives in Chatta hoochee Hills, which is one of the most beautiful parts of Fulton County, and he hopes to leave it a better place.

A representative from Reeves Young said they will continue building strong relationships as they progress

through the construction phase.

A small delegation from Chatt Hills also attended the groundbreaking to celebrate this new project including: Robbie Rokovitz, city manager; Mike Morton, community development director; Darold Wendlandt, public works & parks director; and Laurie Searle, city councilmember.

Q&A on the New Sewage System

Fulton County’s Senior Construction Project Manager, Cherise Smith, attended the groundbreaking and offered to answer questions about new sewage system. Our questions & answers follow:

Q1. Would you explain the terms: gravity systems, forced main, lift station and pump station as related to this project? Sample diagram from Sudbury MA.

A1. A gravity system collects waste water from individual properties and the wastewater flows downhill using gravity to move the wastewater stream towards a lower elevation. A force main is the connection between the lift station and either the waste water treatment facility or another gravity line. Lift stations are typically installed at a low point of a drainage basin where the facility collects the flow from the gravity system and the flow is pumped to another basin at a higher elevation. For wastewater systems, the words “lift stations” and “pump stations” are often used interchangeably. These stations move the wastewater from a lower elevation

to a higher elevation under pressure.

Q2. Would you describe the Ono Road station?

A2. The Ono Road Pump Station is an existing station that collects wastewater from developments within the City of Palmetto and near the Creekside High School/Bear Creek Middle School campus. The flow that collects at the Ono Road station is then pumped along Ono Road and Rivertown Road to the intersection of Rivertown Road and Saint Jude Drive (Legacy at St. Joseph’s subdivision) where it connects with a gravity sanitary sewer system that flows towards the Camp Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Q3. How do the current systems work to process/transfer sewage from the Crossroads Subdivision and Serenbe Hamlet to the Ono Road station?

A3. The Crossroads subdivision has a small, stand-alone wastewater treatment plant that serves the wastewater that is generated from the homes within the Crossroads Subdivision. This small plant is owned and operated by Fulton County that is permitted under the direction of the Environmental Protection Division. The treatment process is biological in nature very similar to the process that occurs at the Camp Creek facility –just on a much smaller scale.

The Serenbe hamlet has its own wastewater treatment facility that collects wastewater from the homes and business within the develop

ment. It is owned by the developer and not Fulton County. How that facility is changed once the new Atlanta Newnan Road pump station is operational will be up to the discretion of the developer.

Q4. Since the Crossroads Subdivision and Serenbe Hamlet already have existing systems, why was this new system created?

A4. These two new pump stations are being constructed to accommodate the anticipated growth within the areas. The existing facilities (both at Crossroads and Serenbe) are too small to treat increased flows from future developments.

Q5. Will this new system only be available for these two developments, or will future developments be permitted to tap in? If so, will the developments be required to pay to access the system?

A5. All developments that drain to Ce dar Creek will be allowed to connect to the lift station. The developments will typically be required to install the gravity outfall system to collect their wastewater from their property and convey the flow to the Atlanta Newnan Road or Little Bear Creek pump stations. The developments will be required to pay the standard sewer connection fees for treatment at the Camp Creek Water Reclamation Facility.

Q6. Will residents be allowed to tap into this system? If not, why not?

A6. No, existing individual residential houses will not be allowed to tap into the system. But new homes within planned developments will be

permitted to do so. The force main is a pressure system when pumping and if an existing home tied into the line, the pressurized flow can force its way

Fulton leaders refuse cities' transparency efforts on sales tax talks

The 15 cities of Fulton County recently presented its plan for renewing the Local Option Sales Tax for the next 10 years in open session while county officials argued its case to the mediator behind closed doors. The cities have offered the county an additional $51 million to cover the healthcare services. The county, meanwhile, is insisting on a massive increase of $380 million without offering any details on how the commission would spend that money –a cost that would come at the expense of city taxpayers.

Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul presented the cities’ offer, stating that it had the unanimous support of all 15 mayors, including that of the City of Atlanta.

Andy Welch, a lawyer representing a majority of the cities, argued the cities’ case before the mediator, in a presentation that was livestreamed and open to media.

“We want the facts about this negotiation open to the public, because we’re confident our arguments win the support of Fulton County residents,” said Andy Welch, an attorney presenting the cities’ opening statement. “The county has every right to keep their presentation private, but from the perspective of the city, the stakes are so high we need to provide transparency for taxpayers.

Under the current plan, Fulton County receives 4.98 percent of the LOST revenues, and the cities split 95

through the residential system and pump raw sewage into the house.

Q7. If residents want access to public sewage, would their only option be for the city of Chattahoochee Hills to cre ate its own sewage system and then somehow tap into Fulton County?

A7. Yes, that is the approach that all of the cities in South Fulton County have adopted.

Q8. When will work begin and end on this project?

A8. The project handout below shows construction start date of 9/14/22 and estimated completion date of 12/6/23.

Q9. Where is the route of the sewage line?

A9. See handout above.

percent based on several factors.

“The county’s position is, either the cities transfer hundreds of millions of dollars they depend on to provide services such as police, fire and parks and to lower prop erty taxes or else we’ll let the tax expire at the end of the year,” Welch said. “Their offer is absurd. If Fulton County lets this sales tax expire, the cities and county would lose at least $3.8 billion over the next decade – at least $1.8 billion of that comes from people who live outside Fulton County. If the county carried out its threat, it would shift a tremendous tax burden from people who are visiting the county to people who live in the county. This hurts our shared constituents.”

More than 99 percent of the 1.1 million Fulton residents live in cities, while less than 1,000 people live in unincor porated areas. Following this week’s well-attended town hall meeting in Roswell where residents aired their views, residents of south Fulton held a forum Sept 23.

City Government

Call to Order Members present: Reed, Schmidt, Searle, Lowe, Member(s) absent: Foster, Bettis

Review and Approval of Agenda

Amended as follows:

1. Add Agenda Item 22-049, Approval of tree removal, grading and gravel for additional parking at Cochran Mill Park.

Passed 3-0

Approval of Minutes

1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 2, 2022

2. Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of August 18, 2022

Passed 3-0

Presentations / Proclamations (None)

Staff Reports

Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz

Fire Department Report: Greg Brett

Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton

Public Hearing

1. Item 22-032: Public Hearing on an Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for motion picture or sound recording facility in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes – property is 1,668 acres on several tracts including 8401 Campbellton Redwine Road, 8255 Campbellton Redwine Road, and 7965 Campbellton Redwine Road. Withdrawn by the applicant. No action will be taken.

2. Item 22-033: Ordinance for a variance to the rules governing the maximum building height in the RL (Rural) District – request is to increase the maximum building height from 40 feet to 80 feet. The property is 1,668 acres located on several tracts including 8401 Campbellton Redwine Road, 8255 Campbellton Redwine Road, and 7965 Campbellton Redwine Road. Withdrawn by the applicant. No action will be taken.

Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills

September 6, 2022 / 6:00 p.m.

3. Item 22-034: Public Hearing and Action on an Or dinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to rezone 69.14 acres from the Rural (RL) District to the HM-R (Residential Hamlet) District and for variances to the district size minimum and to the maximum amount of required open space allowed to be transferred off-site in the HM-R (Residential Hamlet) District – property located to the north of Cedar Grove Road behind Phase 1 of the Estates at Cedar Grove. Passed 3-0

4. Item 22-035: Public Hearing and Action on an Ordi nance for a variance to the rules governing required open space in the HM-R (Residential Hamlet) District – request is for property located to the north of Cedar Grove Road behind Phase 1 of the Estates at Cedar Grove so that required open space may be located on parcels also used for residential purposes. Withdrawn by applicant.

5. Item 22-041: Public Hearing and Action to consid er an application for a Full Pouring Alcohol Beverage License – Distilled Spirits, Wine, and Mail Beverages. The name in which the license is to be issued – Halsa, LLC/Licensee – Garnet Nygren. The location of the business is 295 Prom Field Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. Passed 3-0

Unfinished Business (None)

New Business

1. Item 22-042: Approval of a Concept Plan for Estates at Cedar Grove Phase 2 – property located to the north of Cedar Grove Road behind Phase 1 of the Estates at Cedar Grove. Passed 3-0

2. Item 22-043: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 110.88 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District and for a Variance to the minimum required District Buffer in the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District – property consists of three parcels on the west side of Watkins Road connecting to Hutcheson Ferry Road and three parcels on the east side of Watkins Road. First read only. No action will be taken.

City Government

3. Item 22-044: Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for a School, Pre-K through 12, Large, in the HM-MU (Mixed-Used Hamlet) District and for all other purposes related hereto – the application is for six parcels located in the Serenbe Hamlet. First read only. No action will be taken.

4. Item 22-045: Approve proposal from MG Systems, Inc. for audio and visual equipment and installation in the Council Chambers for a cost not to exceed $48,422.87. Passed 3-0

5. Item 22-046: Resolution authorizing the adoption of the 2022 Fulton County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan pursuant to the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. Passed 3-0

6. Item 22-047: Approve a contract with Christopher Edens MD for the provision of Medical Director Ser vices. Passed 3-0

7. Item 22-048: Approve the purchase of a Fire Engine/ Tanker in an amount not to exceed $355,635.

8. Item 22-049: Approval of tree removal, grading and gravel for additional parking at Cochran Mill Park. Passed 3-0

Adjourn Meeting

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.

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City Government

City Hall Art Room Renovation Update

The Bridge Group has started the final face lift. Peter Clemens organized the volunteers; Joey Mitchell, Greg Sudmeier, Ishmael Holoman, George Danusis, and Chris Jones who did an amazing amount of work on the room. Local interior designer, Mary H. Johnson, reached out to Benjamin Moore and their distributor at Village Paint, located at 935 W Lanier Ave #2000, Fayetteville, GA 30214, is donating the paint for the project.

The Chatt Hills Artists Group is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, so we can receive qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from an IRA.

The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op Inc. (CHAC) is organizing this fundraiser. We are member-supported and consist of The Chatt Hills Gallery at Serenbe and The Paint Space. After attaining nonprofit designation in 2018, we immedi ately embarked on a mission to help Chattahoochee Hills residents explore their creativity and express their own voices through art.

Your tax-deductible financial contribution can make all the difference. The completed renovation will provide an artistic space that will offer a variety of art classes and workshops for Chattahoochee Hills residents.

Just $3,000 to go! We can do it! https://donorbox.org/ chattahoochee-hills-city-art-room-renovation

Trending Topic

Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us

City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us

Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org

Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com

Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory

Event

We will be scheduling Special Called City Council meetings as dictated by circumstances. These will be virtual and open to the public.

The City will take the following safety precau tions:

• The City Council room will be set up so that the council and staff are all at least 6’ apart.

• Any citizen attendees who 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.

City Council Meeting - Tues., Oct. 7, 6:00 pm

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Historic Commission Meeting - Mon., Oct. 10, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Oct. 11, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Oct. 13, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

City Council Work Session - Thurs., Oct. 27, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

About Chatt Hills News

The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.

Email Subscriptions:

To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us

Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcon tactpages.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

2022 PARKING PASSES NOW AVAILABLE

The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are now available. Visit City Hall for your application. The fees are as follows:

• Residents – free

• Annual car/truck - $25

• Annual 3+ axels - $35