Official Publication Issue 7 of the City of Volume 1 Chattahoochee Hills, GA www.chatthillsga.us CHATT HILLS NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Features Events Arts in Chatt Hills Search and Rescue
Our Community Events are starting up! What are our Artists Lost in the Barrens Page 2 Page 8 up to? Page 22 Page 15
Biophilia Poster Contest BOUCKAERT FARM CoRUNa 5K
YOUR NEWS Chatt Hills News shares the joy of living, working, and visiting in our unique city that is Deliberately Rural. Supported through a partnership of resident writers, businesses, and local government, the newsletter includes stories that feature a slice of country life; events, shopping, activities, and places to visit; and municipal news that informs the community.
If you would like to submit a story or event for consideration, please email us here, HERE.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 1 Trending Topic BOAT RAMP
OUR NEW BOAT RAMP! Chatt Hills will have its first superb water access point on the Chatta- Just a quick note this month about hoochee! some really great news I’ll be discuss- We’ve also finally signed the ing further next month. paperwork and are so close to being If you haven’t seen it already, able to make another outstanding an- take a moment to look at the fantastic nouncement about a new 260+ acre drone video of the new boat ramp park further down the river in Chatt installation at Campbellton Park! (You Hills. It is a project I’ve been working can find the video here: https://www. on for years, and it’s finally about to youtube.com/watch?v=mDUF1ox- pay off. Full details will follow soon, G7qs.) but it’s a really big deal, one that will This boat ramp is being built in soon allow us to have two access partnership with Georgia DNR. The points on the river. You will be able to project is the result of the unfailing put in in Campbellton, paddle down not-going-to take-no-for-an-answer the river, and take out—all inside of attitude of our Parks Commission Chattahoochee Hills—and we’re even Chair Diana Wilson, along with the talking to outfitters about a shuttle amazing support she receives from service! her fellow Parks Commission mem- bers, the Chatt Hills City Council, and Watch this space for more details most of all, the Public Works Director coming soon! Darold Wendlandt and his awesome Mayor Tom Reed staff. When the ramp is completed,
2 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic SWEEP THE HOOCH
SWEEP THE HOOCH VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP AT CAMPBELLTON PARK
Eighteen volunteers from the Cities of Chattahoochee Hills & South Fulton participated in “Sweep the Hooch” at Campbell- ton Park in Chattahoochee Hills on August 29. Working together, they collected 48 bags of trash, and 4 tires. The event is hosted by the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper at 40 clean-up locations throughout the 100 miles of the Chattahoochee River and tributaries. In the past nine years, 5,600 volunteers have picked up more than 113 tons of trash. Diana Wilson, Chatt Hills Parks Commission Chair, coordinated the event at Campbellton Park for the third year. Volunteers included: Roland Alston, Tom Blum, Kelli Edwards, Felicia Green, Trinity Green, Dave Hanson, Maria Hanson, Shelley Lange, Kay Long, Camille Lowe, Nichole Orogun, Hannah Penn, Tom Reed, Robbie Rokovitz, Joe Schoofs, Laurie Searle, Faith Simpson, Diana Wilson.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 3 Trending Topic COMMUNITY BRICKWORKS
DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS BID FAREWELL By Laurie Searle, Chatt Hills Citizen Reporter
Seated on a back porch, enjoying sparkling water and conversation, Sandy Simblist and Diane Hautt paint the idyllic picture of country life. Neither is originally from the country, but both took similar paths that brought them to the same place in Chattahoochee Hills. On a recommendation and a whim, each visited the Serenbe community at different times with their husbands. Sandy Simblist and Diane Hautt are thankful for their opportunity to Sandy and Ron visited in 2006. Their friend, Angie Mosier, serve Chattahoochee Hills through Community Brickworks. who had been in charge of the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop, said they must have an oatmeal raisin cookie. From the Williamson and Pastor Donna Bailey, realized the impor- Daisy, out of curiosity, they went to the sales office. There tance of filling the gaps like home schooling, tutoring, and they found that the vision for the community was so cultural enrichment programs. The idea came to them that appealing, particularly the arts, they made a deposit on a they could provide the “missing bricks” and help build a piece of property and began to build in 2007. Diana and stronger foundation for the community. And with that, they Bill visited in 2010. After lunch at the Daisy, they eventually filed a certificate of incorporation with the State of Georgia purchased a townhouse at the urging of their Atlanta son on October 12, 2006, for their nonprofit organization, and family. The couples laughed when they later learned Community Brickworks. that the unofficial slogan of Serenbe is, “Come for lunch, and buy a home.” Sandy and Diane’s Journey In 2012, the two friends began traveling down another By 2012, Community Brickworks was well-established. Its path together that led them to volunteer at Community ever-growing library filled two rooms and a hallway, and it Brickworks. Little did they know this would lead them on a pulled double-duty as space for homeschooling, tutoring, journey of the heart. crafts, and the budding food pantry. A few smaller rooms served as storage, more tutoring space, and other purposes. The Story of Community Brickworks While Judy had several volunteers, Community The year was 2006 when resident Judy Henderson set her Brickworks always needed more help. Mayor Tom Reed mind to rescuing the soon-to-be-closed Rico Recreation happened to mention this need to his Serenbe neighbor facility (now Chatt Hills City Hall). She contacted Fulton Bess Heiberger, who in turn offered to help recruit some County and volunteered to keep the facility open as a neighbors. Cultural Center, providing arts & crafts, recreation, and “We came with Bess and were a bit clueless when other programs run by volunteers. The County agreed, and we first started,” Sandy said. “So, we’d just show up and before long Judy had the keys and began recruiting help. lend a hand wherever help was needed. Initially we both Judy asked the County about bringing its Book Mobile helped process the new books, but overtime we moved into to the center and was told it would cost (her) $86,000. positions that were so suitable to our skills and desires.” At the same time, the head of the Fulton County Library Diane was especially excited to volunteer in the library. “I suggested Judy start her own library, and so they sent two had volunteered in an upstart community library for years collections of books to get her started. while living in Austin Texas,” she said, “and by the time I had With the Rico Cultural Center well under way, Judy left, they were in the process of building a state-of-the-art enlisted the help of two close friends to formalize a public library. It was so gratifying to be a part of its develop- nonprofit. Judy, who had not yet retired from her teaching ment.” career, realized the importance of providing programs As Diane continued working in the Brickworks library, that supported education. Her two friends, Pastor Joyce the need for expanded record keeping became obvious.
4 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic COMMUNITY BRICKWORKS
Grocery shopping for the food pantry. Jana Swenson, Sandy and Diana load items for the food pantry.
“We needed a portable data system which could go home after, Brickworks received a grant that helped fund its Food with whomever was working on a project,” she said, “so I Pantry. Today, Brickworks receives food from Midwest Food developed a simple system of binders to manually record Bank in Peachtree City, donations from the Palmetto Food- information.” Spending time with Brickworks patrons each bank, church food drives, and grant funds. week enabled Diane to maintain information on growing needs in the community. The Binder system proved invalu- A Journey of the Heart able over time, especially during holidays when Brickworks While volunteering for Community Brickworks has been a volunteers prepared food bags and toys for families in need rewarding experience, Diane and Sandy say the heart of throughout the community. Volunteers could simply look their work has been getting to know their patrons, working in the binder to see who received what last year, and plan with other volunteers, and having the privilege of support- accordingly. ing their community. As they both prepare to embark on Both Diane and Sandy also helped with the food pantry, their next journey (coincidentally, they are both moving to but eventually it became Sandy’s responsibility. Sandy new cities within the next few months), they leave with both recalls that early on the food pantry was no more than a sad—and happy—hearts. few shelves of food located in the same book cases as the Diane said, “When I think about moving, I wonder library books. When more donations were received, they how I am going to leave this part of my heart behind? This were added to the shelves. Another volunteer was respon- community and Brickworks has meant so much to me. It’s sible for the pantry until he started a new job. At that point, been a privilege to serve, and in turn, I have received such Judy asked Sandy to take that responsibility. a loving gift. It’s a comfort knowing Brickworks will contin- As the need for a more organized space became appar- ue in many very capable, talented hands. ent, a room with an abundance of space was cleared and Sandy said, “I am so grateful for where Community filled by several Serenbe volunteers, and the Food Pantry, Brickworks is today. Through Judy’s vision, and her and as it is known today, was born. Sandy was soon (unofficially) the Board’s leadership, Brickworks seems to just grow and crowned the Dollar Tree Queen for her many thrifty shopping thrive organically. Serving the community and Brickworks trips to keep the pantry stocked. has been the best part of my 12 years here in Chatta- One other turning point for Brickworks was when it hoochee Hills.” expanded its board of directors. Bess’s husband, Joe Heiberger, came on as treasurer, and working together with board member Don Fedor, they helped prepare the organizational records so they could apply for grants. Soon
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 5 Trending Topic COMMUNITY
CREATING A PATCHWORK TRAIL OF BARN QUILTS IN CHATT HILLS By Laurie Searle, Chatt Hills Citizen Reporter
I’ll admit it. I wasn’t all that excited about my husband’s plan to build a yard shed in the back corner of our pasture. “We’ll see it from our kitchen table,” I complained. “It will spoil our view.” But 40 years of marriage and knowing which buttons to push gave him an idea. “Why don’t you paint a barn quilt?” he suggested. And just like that, my frown was turned upside down. Laurie Searle painted a compass design for her first barn quilt. Sewing the Seeds of My Quilting Obession My love for quilting got a late start in life. I made my first quilt The Art of Painted Quilts in 1975, but believe you me, it was no masterpiece. Having In addition to quilting, I loved other crafts including painted just taught myself to sew, my quilt consisted of 12-inch-wide furniture, decorative wall finishes, and stenciled floorcloths, strips of fabrics sewn at the sides, stuffed with batting, then but it had never occurred to me to paint a quilt, until we woven in and out like a basket, and secured with knots of took a road trip to visit my family. yarn. It was pretty— pretty rough, that is. We were on our way to Chicago, approaching our Quilting left me totally uninspired until years later when stopping point for the day near Paducah, Kentucky. I was we stopped by a roadside shop in West Virginia called in a hypnotic daze, burry-eyed from our 12-hour drive, Tamarack. It featured retail artisan products by juried when something caught my eye on the side of a barn. It Appalachian artists, including handmade quilts that were was a painted quilt! Miles down the road we saw another, works of art. Their geometric designs and bold colors, their then another, and then a quilt sign that pointed the way to tiny hand-stitched quilting layering art upon art – those the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. magnificent art quilts cast a spell on me like love at first We stopped at the Museum for a visit. While I was sight. I purchased two, and vowed to someday make quilts blown away by the exhibits inside the building, it was the as beautiful as those. painted quilt on the outside of the building that drew my attention. I asked the tour guide about the painting and Quilt Heritage in Chatt Hills about those quilts I saw on the nearby barns. She said Years later, after moving to Chattahoochee Hills, I discovered Paducah has a Barn Quilt Trail that features 32 barn quilts. art quilts of a different nature. Stored in barns and attics She offered a brochure that included the history of barn and covered on beds and laps were beautiful quilts stitched quilts. together by family members as functional works of art. The Quilt Block Trail project began in Adams County, During a visit to Charles & Thelma Jackson’s farm, I saw Ohio, when Donna Sue Groves, field representative for a large quilt displayed in their barn and a picture of ladies in Ohio Arts Council, decided she wanted a quilt square the Goodes Community back in the day at a quilting bee. At painted on her barn to honor her mother, a lifelong quilter. a Rico Community historic gathering, Ken Langley showed Donna Sue shared her idea with friends in the community a friendship quilt autographed by the ladies who stitched it who offered their help. They decided if they were going to together. At a church mission trip, Betty Ann Lyle and Dessie paint one quilt square on a barn, they might as well paint Kinser gifted the many lap quilts they had made to residents twenty and create a driving tour to attract tourists to their in a nursing home. These quilts, and many more, inspired rural community. me to take quilting classes and learn from others, so I could Since those humble beginnings in 1989, more than make quilts that were both artful and functional. 9,000 barn quilts have been created in 49 states, organized
6 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS on his outbuilding painted by his father. And Annella & Henry Branan have a sampler barn quilt he painted for their workshop.
Barn Quilts 101 On Your Own - If you’d like to try painting a barn quilt, I recommend taking a class, such as the one offered by Muletown Designs on October 10 in Carrollton. (see: https://www.muletowndesigns.com). I attended one of their classes last month, and in a matter of hours, I made a beautiful small barn quilt. All of the materials are provided, and the instructor walks you through the steps which include: 1. Select and prime the board into 120 Barn Quilt Trails, making this one of the fast- 2. Select a quilt pattern est-growing grassroots public art movements in the United 3. Draw the pattern on the board (it’s easy after drawing States. grids) 4. Tape sections of the pattern as you paint (there are a What Exactly is a Barn Quilt Trail? few tips) According to Barn Quilt Info, a barn quilt trail is a collection 5. Paint each section, one color at a time of painted quilt blocks on a series of barns that are on a 6. Hang and display your painted quilt walking or driving trail. The quilt patterns don’t have to be on barns, though. The quilt designs can be on the side of Join the Trail - If you’d like to be a part of a Chattahoochee any buildings the quilter sees fit to put them on. Hills Barn Quilt Trail, there are many ways you can partici- The barn quilts are generally chosen from a family’s pate: own colorful quilt pattern that has been passed down 1. Serve on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail committee through the years. Then the family’s quilt pattern is turned 2. Apply to a have barn quilt on your property into public art on their own barn or other building, and it 3. Help paint barn quilts becomes part of a quilt trail. Barn quilt sizes range from 4. Help install barn quilts 8x8 feet for those on barns to smaller barn quilts for sheds 5. Help raise funds for the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail and porches 6. Attend the meeting at City Hall on September 25 at According to the barnquiltinfo.org, the purpose in 6:30 p.m. developing a quilt trail in your community is to: 7. Contact Laurie Searle to learn more • Honor the quilting tradition Phone: (770) 463-5169 • Honor farming traditions Email: [email protected] • Beautify the community • Promote cultural heritage tourism • Promote quilt-related crafts
Barn Quilts in Chatt Hills After painting the barn quilt on our shed, I wondered if others might be interested in starting a Barn Quilt Trail in Chatt Hills. I drove around the city to see how many barns and points of interests might be included. Do you know what I discovered? There are already a number of barn quilts in Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail Community Meeting Chatt Hills—and each has its own story. September 25, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd Beverly Coggin painted some barn quilts to sell at craft fairs, and she displays one inside her sewing room *Please wear a mask, and please check and several on her property. Brian Gross has a barn quilt city’s website for updates due to COVID-19
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 7 Trending Topic BIOPHILIA
International Biophilia Poster Competition & Exhibition
Sept. 10–Oct. 4 Free and Open to Public
Displayed in the woods along nature trails and suspended between trees, this outdoor, open-air exhibition will feature 100+ poster finalists by artists and graphic designers from across the world who are inspired by bio- philia, the innate connection between humans and nature. Organized by BrandCulture and PosterTerritory, the Biophilia Poster Competition launched in February 2020 and received more than 3,500 submissions from 165 countries. Barkin Oktay, Turkey, Nature and Human Samantha YueYue, Pei-Wen-Cheah, Malaysia Biophilia expresses a human’s innate connection to nature and traveling exhibition. Debuting at For more information on the contest comes at a time when people are Serenbe on September 10, it will be and organizers please visit: generally separated from the natural on view in the woods for 4 weeks be- web: brandculture.com world. Biophilic design – designing fore traveling to Ponce City Market in blog: brandculturetalk.com with this relationship in mind – can mid-October. The series will then be benefit both the health of the planet showcased at Helms Design Center and people. When parks, buildings, in Los Angeles and Poster Territory in Chatt Hills Artist Co-op Members and spaces are designed with nature Barcelona, Spain. Included in the Exhibition in mind, people tend to feel restored The outdoor exhibition is free The Chatt Hills Gallery members and more balanced. and open to the public and will give included are: Adrienne Anbinder, “There’s been a renewed appreci- people plenty of space to appreciate Morgan Boszilkov, Christina Blum, ation for poster art and graphic design design while also respecting social Logynn Ferrall, GH Harper, Bob given the ubiquity of digital media,” distancing. The exhibition will be Lederman, Julie McKinney and Judy says Jon Hutson, Managing Director located in the Mado neighborhood Walker. at BrandCulture. “During this time, we of Serenbe, off Prom Field Road and think it’s great to think about nature along nature trails. To help guests If you are interested in joining the and how it affects lives, our wellbeing and employees remain in compliance co-op email: [email protected] and sustainability for the future.” with health and safety guidelines, face A jury of internationally distin- coverings are encouragee to be worn www.Chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com guished design and biophilic experts, while viewing the exhibition as well as including Serenbe’s esteemed land social distancing of at least six planner Dr. Phill Tabb joined Elizabeth feet. Calabrese, Bill Browning, Lisa Babb and David Carson, to select 100 poster finalists to be featured in the
8 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic SERENBE SHOWHOUSE
Announcing 7th Annual Atlanta Homes & “The concept for this particular custom home was to Lifestyles Designer Showhouse maximize the use of space across one level inside a mod- est-sized footprint. By securing all three bedrooms to one The 2020 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Serenbe Designer side, we had the advantage of creating interesting nooks Showhouse will be everything we need right now: beautiful, and varying ceiling heights to enhance a very generous collaborative, creative, and most importantly, safe. Set in open living area,” says Dray. “The drama continues to the Mado neighborhood of Serenbe, this year’s house may the rear screened porch to make this home very ‘social’. have a few extra safety precautions, but it will still be just Different from past show homes, there is no distinct view of as fabulous as ever. a wooded forest or bucolic pasture but rather social con- The 7th Annual Designer Showhouse is a custom nectivity of a gallery of neighboring homes and sidewalks three-bedroom home designed by Serenbe Planning & to the front and rear. Because the surrounding architecture Design and built by award-winning builder South Haven of Serenbe is special, I believe this is an added bonus.” with interior selections by Lorraine Enwright of Intuitive The showhouse will be open for tours September 10 Dwellings, lead showhouse designer. “This project is the through October 4, Thursday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm with result of a fantastic group effort with the builders. We’ve Private Tours available for bookings on Tuesdays and collaborated with South Haven on previous homes in the Wednesdays. Advanced tickets will offer a 3-hour window neighborhood and have always enjoyed working with that we encourage you to arrive within, and guests may them,” says Steve Dray of Serenbe Planning & Design. arrive ANY TIME between the hours of 10am-4pm for on- Eight of Atlanta’s top interior designers will be featured site tickets. We encourage buying tickets early, as pricing is throughout the home, from the quintessential covered front $20 online before September 9th and $25 thereafter online porch, through the expansive foyer with lightfilled ceilings, and at the door. TICKETS to the screened back porch.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 9 Trending Topic SEPTEMBER EVENTS
REDWINE PLANTATION Late-Summer Session with Keith Robinson SEPT 2, 9AM-2PM Redwine Plantation Creating a Beautiful Buffet
RedwineLATE Plantation LATE For each session attendees will depart armed with the menu (complete with recipes), a food item created in SUMMER SUMMER the class, and a floral/decorative component. A carefully 2 curated selection of housewares (platters, bowls, SESSIONSESSION andaccompanying decorative items) will be available for you to add to your collection at the end of each session. WithWith Keith Keith Robinson Robinson 13125 Hutchenson Ferry Road, Palmetto, GA 30268 Email: [email protected]
CreatingS sion a Beautiful ree Buffet
es Th
Of course we all know a buffet to be a meal presented such that everyone can prepare their own plates from the selection of foods on offer. From the simplest of elements to the most sublime, a buffet can offer flexibility in the execution of your event. Breakfast, brunch, luncheon, or dinner, a buffet can be a beautiful way to create a memorable meal using a myriad of shortcuts and tips from my years of event execution.
Lecture: “The Ingredients” d Occasion d Menu d Beverage d Location d Setup d Presentation d Floral/Decor d Theme
Practicum: Hands on creation of a buffet including styling, building a buffet, executing a simple floral decor, team execution of menu elements, and finishing the buffet
Lunch: Luncheon served will include elements of the buffet menu
10 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic SEPTEMBER EVENTS
10 14 19 The Greenspace 7th Annual Atlanta Experience Homes & Lifestyles Serenbe Designer September 10-October 4 Showhouse Tours An exhibition celebrating Sept. 14-30, 10am-4pm 100+ poster finalists Thursday-Sunday exploring the relationship TICKETS $20 of nature and the living, built-world through graphic design. Tickets are $20 per person before September 1st and Rico Scout Hut Clearance This national poster exhi- increase on September bition opens September 1st to $25 per person both Sept. 19, 8am – Noon 10th and will be set within online and at the door. All At the corner of Rico Rd & Upper Wooten Rd the woods of Serenbe, tickets purchased in-per- We’re cleaning out the Scout Hut in preparation for its next displayed from the trees son must be paid for with adventure. and along the nature trails a CREDIT/DEBIT card. No of the Mado neighborhood. cash will be accepted at All items inside are free for the taking. The exhibit will be a short the door. Sharing of tickets walk from Halsa restaurant is prohibited. Bring your facemasks, work gloves, and a flashlight. and coincides with the 7th Annual Serenbe Designer Tickets are non-refundable; Also bring your suggestions for the next use of this historic Showhouse tours. Self can be transfered to anoth- building. Park at Rico Park across the street. guided tours will be avail- er date/time or person. able dawn to dusk with special programming is to be announced.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 11 Trending Topic Trending Topic SEPTEMBER NEW BUSINESSES EVENTS
Typo Market 9133 Selborne Lane
Everything from paper goods to candles to gardening supplies, whether it’s a gift for you 21 or someone else. Nygren Placemaking Conference https://www.typomarket. com/ September 21-23
Experience, explore, and discuss the unique aspects of Serenbe. Learn the nuts and bolts of planning and building a walkable com- munity where residential, retail, and farming thrive. Discover how Serenbe’s unique features better con- serve natural resources and provide greater financial returns for the developer Chai Vegan Spa Collec- The Brainery Studio 13 Pilates and the home owner. tion + Salon 11134 Serenbe Lane 11126 Serenbe Lane 11110 Serenbe Lane This seminar will supply These chiropractic phy- Their full-service Pilates best practices for facts Chai means “life” in sicians have curated a studio provides a peaceful and figures. Lab sessions Hebrew, and Chai Vegan healing space for mind, and restorative environ- will provide a look at the is dedicated to the life of body, and spirit, so that ment for you to cultivate amenities that make this your hair and skin. Their your body can effortlessly deep wellness while a flourishing development products are free of harsh move between states of nurturing your mind, body, that has enjoyed growth chemicals, mineral oil, balance and dynamic and spirit. during the recession. petroleum, and parabens, change. and they are cruelty free. https://www.studio13s- CONFERENCE: $1,195, https://thebraineryatl.com/ erenbe.com/ ALL MEALS INCLUDED. https://www.shopchai.com/ For further information please contact kara@ serenbe.com.
12 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Trending Topic LOCAL BUSINESS
Do you have musical talents? I play claps! Truth is, I have a lifelong passion for music, especially jazz since as a teen seeing Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald and other greats. I became active in the Atlanta music scene in the mid-90s, when I realized musicians were often not being treated fairly or compensated CHATT HILLS MUSIC Ron, we are sad to see you and properly. So I formed a collaborative Interview by Sam Harrison Sandy leave the community and called “In The Spirit,” and our artists Chatt Hills Music. won several awards and were twice Whether it’s jazz, classical, rock, Leaving is bittersweet, but Sandy on the main stage of the Atlanta Jazz Americana, you name it, Chatt Hills and I plan to say involved with Chatt Festival. Music, under the direction of Ron and Hills Music. And our 501c3 non-profit In a late-night jam session after a Sandy Simblist, has brought many will continue to bring music to the festival, I discovered 20-year-old vo- outstanding musicians and perform- community as well as Acton Academy calist Lizz Wright and got her signed ers to Chattahoochee Hills. From at Serenbe and Chattahoochee Hills to Verve Records. I also managed the first concert in 2008, featuring Charter School. Grammy nominee Rene Marie and The Brubeck Brothers in Hutcheson George Danusis and Judy Walker several other performers who are now Ferry Park, to the performance of the will continue to be part of the lead fairly high profile. legendary Colonel Bruce Hampton team that keeps the music playing that closed down Selborne Lane with in perpetuity here in Chattahoochee How can residents continue to dancing in the streets, Ron and Sandy Hills. keep Chatt Hills Music alive? have arranged unforgettable musical Attend events and also make a experiences for everyone, both young How have you able to attract such tax-deductible contribution to Chatt an old, in the Chatt Hills community. remarkable talent to our somewhat Hills Music www.chatthillsmusic/ Ron not only found and attracted remote community? donate. these wonderful musical artists We pay musicians well—in many to Serenbe, he and Sandy usually cases, more than they earn at clubs in We wish you and Sandy all the best. lodged, fed, and entertained them Atlanta and elsewhere. We treat them We are happy to leave behind the while they were here. Now the fairly, house them and feed them. The legacy of Chatt Hills Music as we Simblists will be leaving the area in vibe of the wonderful people in this drive off to begin a new chapter in our October to undertake the next chap- area does the rest! highway of life. ter of their lives in North Carolina. We recently spoke with Ron about his involvement with Chatt Hills Music.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 13 Trending Topic LOCAL BUSINESS
Pick Your Muscadines & Scuppernongs right here in your Chattahoochee Hills community.
Come to the Tangled Vines Muscadine Farm at the corner of Hutcheson Ferry & Watkins Rd. (8450 Watkins Rd, Chatt Hills.) You will find several varieties of muscadines and scuppernongs in a beautiful and easy-to-pick area. If wine making is your interest, this is the place to be! Carols and Dixie Red for white wine and Noble Black for Red. Don’t miss out; the season is only 6 weeks long! Tangled Vines Farm is open for picking beginning August 30. Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm. Call Susan Edmondson for more information, 678-469-5649.
14 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Arts Section
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, created by Josh Niesse and Megan Bell, the couple behind Underground Books in nearby Carrollton. Currently closed to browsing due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we’re open 24/7 online at www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and at info@hillsandhamlets. com.
September Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books: New in Nature: Vesper Flights by Helen Macdonald “An essential writer on nature, humanity, and loss. Macdonald fills her narratives with vivid descriptions of the wildlife that surrounds us.”—Time
Fans of Helen Macdonald’s bestselling debut H Is for Hawk will rejoice, as will any lover of first-rate nature writing. In her new essay collection Vesper Flights, Helen Macdonald plumbs the depths of the meanings man has spun around animal life. Buy here: https:// bookshop.org/a/45/9780802128812
New in Nonfiction: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson In this brilliant book, Isabel Wilkerson gives us a masterful portrait of an rarely studied phenomenon in America as she explores, through an immersive, deeply researched narra- tive and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings.
Beyond race, class, or other factors, there is a powerful caste system that influences peo- ple’s lives and behavior and the nation’s fate. Linking the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, Wilkerson explores eight pillars that underlie caste systems across civilizations, including divine will, bloodlines, stigma, and more. Beautifully written, original, and revealing, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is an eye-opening story of people and history, and a reexamination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of American life today. Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593230251
New in Books for Kids: Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey The next great Dog Man adventure from the worldwide bestselling author and artist Dav Pilkey. You’ll howl with laughter!
The Supa Buddies bamboozled the baddies, but all’s not right in the world. Dog Man has a new problem to pound, and he’s going to need his entire pack to help him. Will he go barking up the wrong tree? Buy here: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781338535624
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 15 Arts Section
Nancy Harwick Nancy is a native of Atlanta, having grown up with connections to the woods of North Georgia and the beaches of St. Simons Island. She received a BFA in painting and draw- ing from the University of Georgia and has lived on St. Simons Island, Geor- gia and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She recently returned to Georgia from New Mexico to live in Chatt Hills. Nancy’s is a life-long love of the arts, an appreci- ation fostered by her grandfather, who was the first President of the Atlanta Arts Alliance. Having been adopted at a young age, she discovered later in her life that her love of art was inherit- ed as well, for her biological father was an architect, sculptor, and illustrator; and her great-grandfather an instructor at the Art Institute of Chicago.
“There is a wonderful simplicity to the paintings of Nancy Harwick. She captures the atmosphere with minimal value change and color that creates compositional shapes. Her paintings reflect her love of color and natural soundings. Somehow you can feel the air vibrating with promise.” –Judy Walker
16 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Arts Section
Karin Slaton Adrienne Anbinder
9057 Selborne Lane Robert Lederman For Appointment: 818.434.5436
Judy Walker
Malinda Lively
Logynn B Ferrall Christina Oros Blum Wanda Hughes
Co-op members are: Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Janice Barton, Morgan Boszilkov, Christina Oros Blum, Logynn B Ferrall, GW Harper, Gail Foster, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Amy Peterson, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker. www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 17 Logynn Ferrall HEALTHY
Food, Water, and Relaxation!
Tangerines (raw) so patients should check with their doc- - Nutritional fitness score: 0.67 tors before consuming whole grapefruit or - Known for being: Rich in carbo- grapefruit juice. hydrates - Price per 100 grams: $0.29 Spinach (frozen) Originating in Tangier, Morocco, - Nutritional fitness score: 0.64 tangerines are a cousin to the - Known for being: Low-calorie mandarin orange, but they are - Price per 100 grams: $1.35 smaller with softer skin. Like While fresh over frozen is often the first most citrus fruits, they are high in choice, frozen spinach contains more vitamin C, as well as folate and nutrients than raw spinach. Spinach con- beta-carotene. Less sweet than denses when cooked or frozen, so a small oranges, they have a stronger container of frozen spinach has a higher flavor and work well in salads or volume and therefore more nutrition. Aside can be peeled and eaten as a from salads or sandwich toppings, frozen healthy snack. spinach works in nearly any recipe that Food. Not just any food, but the most calls for fresh and is an easy addition to nutritious food helps to promote good Red cabbage (raw) soups, dips, or baked main dishes. health. Water. Not just any water, but the - Nutritional fitness score: 0.65 From beet greens to spinach, just cleanest water you can drink hydrates - Known for being: Low-calorie add some produce to your program, and and heals the body inside and out. And - Price per 100 grams: $0.12 you will be boosting your nutrition like a relaxation, not just any state of being, Red or purple cabbage is a cruciferous champ. Use each the way the notations but the state of peaceful feelings reduces vegetable grown all over Europe, Asia, instruct: “raw“ could mean simply add to all-around stress and improves vitality and and Africa. It contains essential nutrients a smoothie with some blueberries, and longevity. such as vitamins A, D, and K, along “cooked” could mean just sauté, such as with folate, niacin, and fiber. Cruciferous spinach with young green onions, an easy Beet greens (raw) vegetables may lower the risk of some favorite of mine (so is is adding watercress - Nutritional fitness score: 0.70 cancers, including breast cancer and or dandelion greens to a salad, a quick - Known for being: Low-calorie colorectal cancer. and interesting way to get an added dose - Price per 100 grams: $0.48 of iron!). All these vegetables and fruits The leafy top of the beetroot plant, beet Pink and red grapefruit (raw) provide high-density nutrition. Good greens have more nutritional value than - Nutritional fitness score: 0.64 eating, everyone! the root itself. They are high in vitamins - Known for being: Rich in carbohydrates A, C, and K, flavonoids, B-carotene, - Price per 100 grams: $0.27 and lutein, which may help in cancer Like their paler siblings, pink and red prevention. They can be found at farmer’s grapefruits are full of nutrients and markets and groceries year-round and can antioxidants. But this colorful fruit also has be added raw to salads and smoothies or the bonus of the carotenoid phytonutrient Logynn Ferrall, 281 658 5036 eaten baked or sautéed. lycopene, which is thought to help prevent [email protected] certain cancers. Grapefruit can sometimes my.doterra.com/logynnbferrall have a countereffect when interacting with Logynn Ferrall teaches healthy, natural medications, especially those used to ways to improve the quality of your life. treat high blood pressure or cholesterol,
18 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Taking Care of You!
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 accu- rate 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: Census GiveAway https://my2020census.gov
Chattahoochee Hills City Councilmembers Ruby Foster & Laurie Searle joined a host of public servants in the 2020 Census GiveAway at the Palmetto Library parking lot on CDC
August 26. Get the latest The public services helped residents complete their Coronavirus (COVID-19) census and then offered free chicken sausages, milk, information HERE. bread, cookies, and face masks. Many thanks to those who served including: Joe Carn, Fulton County Commissioner Dist. 6; Mandisha Thomas, State Representative Elect Dist. 65; Teresa Smith and Tara The State of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline. Miller, Palmetto City Councilmembers , Ms. King, and If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms others not pictured. 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
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 19 Sandra Wright, PhD (470) 588-1986 [email protected] Southern Comfort & Grace http://www.sandracollinswright.com
Sometimes “big dreams” fall apart, so that position, because I care and wanted to make a change Bigger Dreams can come together in this community for the children. I once heard a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that said, “No one cares how much Welcome again to Southern Comfort and Grace! It’s still hot you know, until they know how much you care.” Isn’t that and humid and over 80 degrees! As a G.R.I.T.S (Girl Raised certainly a quote worth comparing to Grace? in the South), hot and humid and a few showers go hand in Even during this quarantine, so many of you supported hand. The rain is truly grace unfolding. Besides, I’ve been my efforts for this run; you gave me such encouraging given even more grace and mercy because September is words, financial support, too—no matter how small! You my birth month, the beautiful Indian summer month! cared and showed so much grace! I did not yield the Well, since the last issue of my article, I have been results that I wanted, but you were there! shown a huge amount of grace and have given out just as “Okay, Doc,” you may be thinking, “how can I find much. You see, I was a candidate for a school board race Grace for myself?” For many people that is hard to find. in this district. Wow, it was a grueling and tedious under- Perhaps overcoming the guilt trap can help. Stop allowing taking, and it physically and mentally swamped me. So the enemies’ voices to rent space in your head: evict them many times during this undertaking I was given Grace just immediately! Give yourself the same kind of forgiveness by having the sun not shine so brightly when I was holding and kindness you would a BFF! Finally, Grace can JUST up yard signs at polling places. Many times I was drenched BE, so stop overthinking every single thing! with sweat only to have a cool breeze occur! My, oh my, Again, tell me your recipe for Southern Comfort, and let what a relief! God certainly looked down on my team and me know how Grace has impacted you! said possibly, “Let me give this woman some shade before I hope you’ll find something to make your life a little she passes out from yelling and screaming, ‘You can’t go easier…And we hope you’ll join me soon for a cocktail. wrong if you vote right!’” I had quite a “big” team—a team Here’s my monthly Southern Comfort recipe: of three! Yep, one, two, three! Yes, that was Grace! I was given even more Grace when I looked at my campaign September Slammer finances, and I heard a voice say inside of me—Silly Rabbit The September Slammer is a classic cocktail recipe tricks are for kids! This is no trick—I got you! Whew! featuring Southern Comfort. It’s also got amaretto, orange As I thought about this, I thought about a TV series that I juice and sloe gin, so it’s a sweet, fruity drink that’s hard loved, Ally McBeal! Ally would always have these songs not to love. and voices inside of her head—and so did I! However, my voices are always uplifting! Ingredients I know my team showed a lot of Grace during the • 1 ounce Southern Comfort campaign when we were yelling out my campaign slogan • 1 ounce amaretto and folks shouted, “I’m not going to vote for you, I’m • 1 ounce sloe gin going to vote for ___! I mustered up so much Grace it was • 2 ounces orange juice ridiculous! You see, I’m a G.R.I.T.S., and we don’t show our tail, as my momma used to say! “Don’t go out there and Instructions embarrass me,” is what she meant, so I didn’t. I’m a Lady 1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway and a true D.I.V.A.A. (Divinely Inspired, Victorious, and with ice cubes. Always Authentic)! 2. Pour in all the ingredients and shake well. Again, Grace has the power to do something that 3. Fill a highball glass with ice. nothing else can do: transform you at the causal core 4. Strain the mixture into it. of who you are as a human being, your heart. My heart 5. Garnish with a cherry and an orange wheel. allows me to care about my community and the children within this community as I bestow a large amount of love and grace on them. That was my focus for seeking this
20 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Community OUR CHURCHES
Campbellton Baptist Church Providence Baptist Church Southern Crescent Unitarian 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd Universalist Fellowship www.pbcrico.org www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentU- Friendship Baptist Church UFellowship/ 6090 Cochran Mill Rd Rico United Methodist Church www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com 6475 Rico Rd Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe Rivertown United Methodist Church www.facebook.com/ 9325 Rivertown Rd OTHER CHURCHES IN CHATT HILLS Many groups/1964824926878340/ churches have suspended services and Sardis Baptist Church activities due to the COVID-19 precau- New Hope United Methodist 8400 Sardis Rd tions. Please check with the individual Church www.sardisbaptistch.com churches to get an update on their 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd schedules.
Community WELCOME NEW PASTORS
Sardis Baptist Church Welcomes New Pastor Sardis Baptist Church would like to welcome our new pastor Rev. Craig Brown and his wife Pamela. We are excited to see what God has in store for Pastor Craig as he leads Sardis to an exciting future. Please come meet Rev. Craig Sunday Mornings for Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. (all health and safety guidelines are being followed). They will be living in Chattahoochee Hills. Craig joined the staff at Sardis in August of 2020. Prior to Sardis, Craig served as a Student Pastor, Lead Pastor & Church Planter. He has a passion to help people discover their true identity in Christ as well as connecting them into Rev. Craig Brown and his wife Pamela community and helping them find the best place to serve others with the gifts and abilities God has given them. Craig is a gifted communicator with a unique blend of theology and humor. Craig attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA. (Go Cowboys!) Craig and his wife Pamela love to renovate! Whether it’s houses, cars, or boats, they love fixer-uppers! They have been married since 1985 and have a son Corey & wife Christina, who live in Covington, LA and a daughter Heather & husband Kellum, who live in Avondale Estates, GA.
New Hope United Methodist Church Welcomes New Pastor Abby Norman lives on the east side of Atlanta with her husband of 15 years, their two daughters, and a very bad dog. In addition to pastoring at New Hope, she also is a teacher at Georgia Cyber Academy. Abby loves to paint and write and is excited about her new book coming out in May. This is her 4th year pastoring in the NGUMC, and she loves nothing more than to get to know a new church. Abby is very much looking forward to the barbeque in October! Rev. Abby Norman
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 21 City Government
Lost in the Barrens: Search and Rescue in Cochran Mill Park
The darkness of the deep woods closed in around the three hikers. A few night peepers called above the sound of rushing water from Henry Mill Falls. Fatigue had long since joined forces with a stormy downpour causing enough desperation for the father to phone 911. Now, he and his two daughters waited.
This story plays out in Cochran Mill Park more often than you may know. Not exactly like Farley Mowat’s novel Lost In the Barrens, but some aspects get close. For Cochran Mill Park, a search and rescue typically starts with a 911 phone call reporting lost or injured park guests; what follows is a response plan initiated by Chattahoochee Hills Public Safety departments. Hikers, bikers, first-time visitors, veteran outdoor enthusiasts, families, horseback riders, adults, children—the variety of persons and needs is more than can be listed here. Most have one thing in common: their enthusiasm for enjoying Cochran Mill Park has run afoul of safety and they need help. Presently, Chattahoochee Hills Fire Rescue responds to an average of three search-and-rescue incidents month- incidents can be very dramatic, involving considerable ly in Cochran Mill Park (although a recent July weekend rescuer knowledge of the park and its environs to facilitate alone had three incidents). Many skills are required to positive intervention by rescue operators. facilitate safe recovery during such incidents, in addition The story described above is an actual incident that to the physical toughness required to deal with terrain and began to unfold at 6:30 PM on a Friday. A father and two transport. Search and rescue operations can occur at any daughters hiked deep into the park and became disorient- hour of day or night, they can take place anywhere in the ed during a thunderstorm; darkness added to their confu- park and frequently several miles into the park’s trail sys- sion. Fortunately, the three hikers were at higher elevation tem, and operations often involve difficult terrain or water and able to phone 911. They didn’t phone for help until hazards such as the rushing water of swollen streams or just before 10PM. Likewise, good fortune was on their side even steep falls. when a savvy Dispatcher was able to secure a latitude/ Knowledge of the park trail system is essential for all longitude location from mobile phone data. A Fire/EMS first responders, whether Fire/EMS personnel or Police search team reached the hikers quickly, but only after a Officers. GPS units, mapping, and radios play a big role rigorous hike through rough terrain and a swift water cross- in effective response, but training plays the biggest role in ing of Bear Creek. Equally difficult was the challenge of search and rescue. Search teams may be composed of extracting the rescued hikers from the park, since retracing one Fire/EMS person and one Police Officer, but at other steps through the hazardous areas and injury complicated times two Fire/EMS personnel make up search teams, and progress. The hikers were recovered to a nearby roadway Police assist with Command functions like communication and received medical attention just after midnight. and orienteering. Each incident has its own set of dynam- Search and rescue (SAR) training and proper equip- ics; some incidents require minimal intervention or effort ment are the cornerstones of good incident outcomes. by rescuers on behalf of those being rescued, while other Fire/EMS crew members receive expert training on the park
22 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA City Government [email protected]
park,” Chief Brett says. “Some- how our parks have become more popular during the pandemic. It takes mental focus, better tactics, and the right ‘tools’ more than ever before to maintain our edge. We’re getting pretty good at it. When we add a drone with infra- red camera and an all-terrain-ve- hicle we’re hoping for, the only remaining piece will be improving cellular communication throughout the park.” Chief Brett offers these helpful tips for outdoor visitors who intend to explore the trails of Cochran Mill Park: • Download the “Park in the Palm” app at http://cochran- millpark.com/#download-ios-section (an android phone version is coming soon). • Get printed maps at the Cochran Mill Park kiosk, the City’s website, or at City Hall. • “Be real” about your hiking experience and outdoor skills: don’t go beyond your capabilities. • Starting a hike early is more advisable than later in the topography and its hazards, as well as on the necessary day. tools and equipment. SAR packs with special inventory, • Check the weather forecast before you hike. medical packs, and lightweight patient litters are vital since • Don’t waste mobile phone battery power; you may most incidents are undertaken completely on foot. Further, need it later. training involves using land navigation tools and tactics and also involves coordinating with Dispatchers at Fulton’s Emergency Services dispatch center in downtown Atlanta. Some incidents even require the use of a helicopter or tracking dogs. “Just knowing exactly where the hikers think they are located is not so easy,” explains Fire Chief Greg Brett. “Add darkness, weather, and injury into that formula and things get pretty dicey sometimes. All in all, we overcome the odds. Fortunately, the percent- age of really bad outcomes is kept very low.” Chief Brett describes the variety of incidents as a “mixed bag of tricks.” Chattahoochee Hills’ public safety teams have handled everything from lost persons, child drownings, biker injuries, traumatic accidents in water- ways, and wandering Alzheimer patients, to injured pets and everyday “boo boos.” “Sometimes it’s local folk who get turned around in the
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 23 City Government
Coweta County Boundary Change Over the course of time, there have been at least three You may have seen signs from a group called the ‘Chatt efforts to make that happen here in the area that is Chat- Hills Coalition” about moving to Coweta for better schools tahoochee Hills. Or at least the part of Chattahoochee and wondered what that was about, the idea of the City Hills that was going to be Chattahoochee Hills before the leaving Fulton County and joining Coweta County instead. city was formed, which actually included more land than it The Mayor and Council addressed the issue in the most does now. Those efforts basically went the same route that recent Work Session this past Thursday; we share that this one is going. A bunch of people in the community got conversation here. Please note, the following text was together and started looking into this, started talking to the transcribed from the audio recording of the City Council politicians on both sides of the line about how that would work session on August 27. It is marked (audio unclear) in happen. Again, 20 years ago—actually longer than that places where the speaker could not be understood. now—it happened, and a lot of the people in the communi- ty that worked on that are still involved with it. Mayor Tom Reed—Overview of Coweta County Bound- And then after the City was formed, after the city vote ary Change happened, we looked at it again, the Mayor and Council The next thing on the Agenda was a conversation about and me in my role as the President of the Civic Association. the Chatt Hills Coalition. I know that everybody has seen In the previous efforts, at some time it became obvious at the signs going up, and I’ve gotten a ton of calls, as I’m some point in the process that one of the counties or the sure everybody has, asking, “What’s that about?” And, other was not going to accept it, and those efforts didn’t go before we talked about it, I wanted to offer a little bit of through the whole process. This is a conversation that has historical perspective. been bubbling in the city ever since, and it’s a conversation There is a section in the code of Georgia about how I’ve had with people on a regular basis since then. boundary alignments can be changed between counties. There is a new citizen’s group that has formed (called The way it is written, it looks like it was made for things like the Coweta Coalition) that is pushing that forward again. At when a river changes course or whatever, and results in a least a couple of the council people and I have had meet- need to change the county line. But it allows changes in ings with some people, helping to inform the conversation, county boundaries, period. And there’s an involved process and that is the very high-level background of this effort. by which that happens. A petitioner, that owns land in the The most common argument, and the one that easiest area that wants to be changed, petitions the courts in both for people to relate to, is the idea that the schools are the county they’re wanting to leave and the county they better in Coweta County—that’s a fact. Another one is that want to come into. It’s a legal process. Basically, you’re services would be easier to get to. Newnan is much easier filing a legal pleading to make that change. to get to than Atlanta, because we shop there anyway. And There’s a requirement that both of the counties impanel that’s kind of the very high-level overview. a grand jury that hears that case. There’s an application We have talked a lot to the City Attorney about this, (filed by the petitioner) to make the arguments about why it and the way that this process works, it’s inappropriate for makes sense to do this thing, and both of those grand ju- the City to get involved with this in any way. So any work ries hear it, and they have to agree that that makes sense, that is to be done needs to be done at a personal level, and it must pass by a two-thirds vote. The grand juries in and the City has not taken a position on this issue. And each of the counties has to hear that, and then once the that’s all I’ve got. I know Troy and Richie probably have grand juries have signed off saying it’s in the public interest some things to say as well. for this to happen, then the County Commissions in both of the Counties also need to sign off on that. And then it just happens. The State of Georgia makes the appropriate changes, sends that information back to the counties, and it’s done.
24 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS COUNCIL DISCUSSION Say, that we’re all in, and this thing (the boundary change) may take a couple of years, and it happens. Then are we Councilmember Troy Bettis - It’s not clear what I can in this limbo for a while, while we transition into Coweta and can’t say. But it looks good. That’s what I’m hearing County? If we’re not in Fulton County, and we don’t have a from them. Paul Pool is a friend of mine; we eat breakfast plan anymore, and Coweta’s already done their plan. I have together periodically (he is a commissioner in Coweta those kinds of operational questions, how that transition County) (audio unclear). So things look good. works.
Mayor Reed – It feels important to me to help people get Mayor Reed – Those are the kind of questions I’m trying good data, without again, (personally) taking a position on it. to answer. I’m talking to Fulton’s school superintendent, Coweta’s, etc., because there are a lot of technical ques- Councilmember Richie Schmidt – The City is in a better tions around losing TSPLOST, LOST, and the question is: situation than last time, when Coweta didn’t want us. how quickly you can resolve that impact? If you think back (Audio unclear.) My personal opinion is that Chattahoochee to when the city as formed, it took us a couple of years to Hills cannot grow in Fulton County. Our census data proves get into the tax programs that other people were getting. that. (Audio unclear). Another good reason is the COVID-19 We just didn’t have access to those funds. But those im- (Fulton County not distributing a rightful share to its munic- pacts are all questions that have answers, and we’re trying ipalities for reimbursement). Bottom line is that I’d rather be to get those answers together, so that it’s a fully informed in a place we can grow in. The twenty-year census shows conversation. we can’t grow in Fulton County. Councilmember Schmidt – (Audio unclear.) This conver- Councilmember Betis – One of the concerns is with sation is nothing new. This is a continuation of previous (Chattahoochee Hills) staff. I want you to know our staff conversations. The only thing that has changes is the city will not be affected. You all’s positions are not in jeopardy. is on more level ground (audio unclear). Yes, there is a gap, This community loves you all. There is no way that anyone we’ll miss out on TSPLOST. But TSPLOST is not figured in would even propose anything. I don’t think there is a better our budget. (Audio unclear.) fire department in the state of Georgia. I mean, you call Greg (Fire Chief Brett), and he’s there. And the Chief of Mayor Reed – To Richie’s point, people are irate about Police, he’s great too. I’ve heard people say that you all Fulton County spending the CARE funds and not distribut- might not understand that. (Audio unclear.) ing them equitably. None of the cities are getting what they want out of this deal. The (COVID-19) testing facilities they Councilmember Schmidt – The only change I understand, did and all that; that was all good. People got tested. But Troy, is that we re-draw the Commission line. that’s a small part of the money. They’re doing things like giving stuff to jails and things like that. Councilmember Laurie Searle – I did want to mention And the biggest issue we’ve had, the one we’ve been that at our Dist. 3 Town Hall meeting next month, we did going back and forth around, is this: you know the CARES invite someone from that Coalition to come answer ques- act law assumed that all of your public safety spending tions. It might be best for Tom to give that generic legal during COVID was COVID related—that all of your CARES kind of thing. And then whoever, I think Rebekah, is going act money can go toward funding regular operations of to come answer questions. However we decide to do that your public safety. And for a city like ours, that’s losing is OK. A question I have about, as a councilperson, I want money through Local Option Sales Tax and TSPLOST to learn more about it. But as I have questions that deal right now, which has an impact on our budget we need with city stuff, I’m not quite sure it’s really not appropriate to off-set, some of that using that money will have been a for me to go to those committee meetings. Like for tonight, huge benefit to filling that gap. A city like Roswell that has we just had that whole presentation on the Transportation a lot of money has different needs than we do – we should Plan, and I heard Ms. Kerri say, if you’re not in this, if the have been able to make those decisions locally. We’re just eight cities don’t agree to it, it doesn’t move forward. And if throwing all (of our) money at our roads. It proves a point (your city’s) not in it, you’re not eligible for federal funding. (about Fulton County) for sure.
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 25 City Government
September 17, 2020 District 3 6:00 PM Townhall Meeting Chatt Hills City Hall 6505 Rico Rd Hosted by City Council Member Laurie Searle Chattahoochee Hills
Come learn the latest updates about the City of Chattahoochee Hills and your District 3. Topics of Discussion will include: Staff Updates: • City Finances: Budget results of COVID, Property Taxes • Public Safety: Strengthening your Neighborhood Watch, Crime Prevention • Fire & Rescue: Burn Bans, Fire Hydrant Release, Health Services • Public Works: Gravel & Paved Roads Maintenance • Parks: New Boat Ramp, New River Park, Cochran Mill Park Update • Community Development: New Construction, Subdivisions in Chatt Hills Hot Button Issues: • Internet Services in Chatt Hills • Citizen-Led Initiative to move City’s Boundary into Coweta County • Carroll County Rock Quarry Update on What’s Happening Near You • Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail • Cedar Grove Community Center • Garretts Ferry Bridge • Rico Scout Hut
City Hall meeting room will be set up to allow for social distancing. Facemasks are recommended. Meeting will also be available via ZOOM. Please check City’s Website prior to attending www.chatthillsga.us. For more info: Laurie Searle at (770) 463-5169 or [email protected].
26 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS Robert T. Rokovitz, City Government MPA, ICMA-CM
Update from the City of Chatt Hills tahoochee Hills, GA on August 27th, 2020 at 6:00 PM. The final Each year, the board of tax assessors for Fulton County adoption of this millage rate was is required to review the assessed value for property tax after this third and final public purposes of taxable property in the county. When the hearing at City Hall, 6505 Rico trend of prices on recently-sold properties in the county Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. indicates there has been an increase in the fair market This tentative recommendation will result in a millage value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is rate of 10.00 mills. Property taxes are based on 40% required by law to re-determine the value of such property of the assessed value less any exemptions and then and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment. multiplied by the set millage rate. The proposed tax The City of Chattahoochee Hills does not play a role in how increase for a home with a fair market value of $125,000 properties are assessed. The City has to adopt a millage is approximately $15.00 and the proposed tax increase for rate that provides the mechanism for the County to collect a non-homesteaded property with a fair market value of the property taxes based on the assessed value. $300,000 is approximately $36. The City of Chattahoochee Hills Mayor & Council held The City offers a homestead exemption of $15,000 a public meeting in advance of setting its 2020 millage which must be filed prior to April 1st of the respective tax rate. The current millage rate which has not changed in the year. There are additional exemptions for seniors aged last three years is 10.00. According to the Fulton County 65 and older and aged 70 and older. Seniors in those age Tax Commissioner’s Office, the Net Digest increased 10% brackets may also qualify for additional exemptions up to from $192,868,744 to $211,748,965. This increase yielded and including a full exemption after age 70 under certain a rollback calculation of .29 mills from 10.00 to 9.71 to income restrictions. remain “revenue neutral”. However, the recommendation is to maintain the current millage rate. Even though that is the current rate, the increase in property values creates a 2.99% difference in millage rates between 10.00 and 9.71. By law, this requires three Public Hearings. All concerned citizens were invited to two public hear- ings on Thursday, August 20th at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. The third public hearing was held at a regularly advertised City Council meeting at City Hall, 6505 Rico Road, Chat-
CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS 27 Trending Topic City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, Community & City 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 City Council Meeting - Tues. Sept. 1, 6:00 pm meetings as dictated by circumstances - these will City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 be virtual, and open to the public. Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Sept. 8, 6:00pm The City will take the following safety precau- City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 tions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Sept. 10, 6:30 pm council and staff are all at least 6’ apart. City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 • Any citizen attendees that want to attend in person will also be separated by at least 6’; Historic Commission Meeting - Mon., Sept. 14, 6:00pm capacity will be limited to the number of seats City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 that can fit in the room under those conditions. • The meeting will be streamed live. Check City Council Work Session - Thurs., Sept. 24, 6:00 pm details on the City’s website. City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
About Chatt Hills News The official newsletter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Chatt Hills News, is published monthly. This publication is compiled from submissions from the community and is available in public locations around the City, at City Hall, or via email subscriptions.
Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA
Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.
Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: [email protected]
28 CHATT HILLS NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2020 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS