CHATT HILLS NEWS
Chatt Hills First Day Hike at Riverlands Park - Photo by Chip Denton
Hello Chattahoochee Hills,
Winter weather reminds us how much Chattahoochee Hills depends on a strong network of people and partners to keep our community safe, informed, and moving forward. As mayor, I really appreciate the preparation and quiet, behind-the-scenes work that happens long before a storm arrives.
Our City Manager, Robbie Rokovitz, has emphasized that one of our most critical winter responsibilities is maintaining safe travel on both paved and gravel roads throughout the city. That work begins well in advance of storm conditions and requires coordination.
Chattahoochee Hills participates in AFCEMA (Atlanta–Fulton County Emergency Management Agency), which allows us to receive timely, accurate information as weather events develop. Locally, Fire Chief Greg Brett plays a central role in ensuring City Hall stays informed and prepared. Our Emergency Operations Plan includes provisions for sheltering, staffing, and logistics…all designed to support residents and city employees when conditions are challenging.
During the week of January 18, after the Governor declared a State of Emergency ahead of Winter Storm Fern, I walked through City Hall and saw Chief Brett carrying frozen lasagnas into storage for staff who might be working through the storm. That moment stuck with me. As the new Mayor, he also made sure I was briefed on the planning process. Leadership isn’t only about response plans and checklists; it’s also about making sure the people doing the work are cared for and supported.
Our Public Works Director, Darold Wendlandt, and his team work tirelessly before and during winter events to prepare roads and respond as conditions change. Many of us have seen the team salting and clearing roads, scraping, and removing downed trees so residents can get where they need to be safely.
In the midst of the winter months and during any weather-related situation, I want residents to know how much planning and dedication go into keeping our community safe.
We also regularly receive updates from our regional partners, whose coordination is essential:
• GreyStone Power has crews on standby to respond quickly to outages.
• GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) pretreats state roadways with brine when icy conditions are anticipated and stages crews and equipment.
• MARTA implements inclement weather service plans to support safe regional travel.
As mayor, I believe strong cities are built on relationships with our own staff, our neighboring jurisdictions, and our regional partners. No city operates alone, especially during emergencies, and I’m grateful for the collaboration that helps Chattahoochee Hills navigate winter weather safely and responsibly.
Thank you to our city employees, police, first responders, utility partners, and regional agencies who work long hours so the rest of us can stay safe. And thank you to our residents for being patient, prepared, and thoughtful neighbors during these events.
Until next month, be safe and be well.
Mayor Camille Lowe
MAYOR CAMILLE LOWE
Photos by Chip Denton
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Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary Elevates Student Innovation Through EPIC Program, Showcasing Georgia Agriculture on a National Stage
Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary (7850 Rico Road) is proud to announce its participation in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) program, a nationally recognized initiative connecting students with real-world workforce experiences in high-growth industries, including agriculture and food systems.
This effort was delivered in collaboration with Georgia Life Sciences, which piloted multiple EPIC challenge tracks across Georgia. More than 60 high school students statewide participated, working in teams with industry mentors to tackle applied challenges. One standout team—homeschool students from the Georgia Black Home Educators Network (GBHEN) sponsored by Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary—was selected to present their work at the EPIC National Convening on June 24 in Washington, D.C., hosted at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Through immersive site visits and applied learning, students participated in daily farm operations, interacted with livestock, and explored conservation-focused land management practices. The program offered a clear window into modern agriculture technology, livestock ranching, and food system innovation—bridging classroom learning with practical workforce skills. As part of the EPIC model, students earned credentials for their work, demonstrating real-world readiness and career awareness.
“This program gave students meaningful exposure to how agriculture, innovation, and business intersect,” said Dr. Phil Gibson, Executive Director of Georgia Life Sciences. “It also gave industry partners a powerful new way to engage with—and help shape—the future workforce.”
The Blue Heron–sponsored team focused on the EPIC challenge category “Innovative Solutions in Food Production.” At the invitation of Georgia Life Sciences, Blue Heron owner Hillery Goodgame, a former college educator, designed and led a multi-week curriculum grounded in organic and regenerative agriculture. Students gained firsthand exposure to pasture-raised and grass-fed, USDA-processed livestock systems, sustainable farm business models, and the realities of building a profitable agricultural enterprise aligned with environmental stewardship.
Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary’s leadership extends beyond the farm gate. Ms. Goodgame has represented Chattahoochee Hills and Georgia agriculture on national and international stages, including participation in a USDA trade mission to Morocco, where she promoted Georgia agricultural products and pasture-raised livestock. She also serves on national USDA committees and boards, cultivating partnerships with local, national, and international organizations and universities to advance sustainable agriculture and workforce development.
This collaboration reflects Blue Heron’s mission to serve as a living classroom—where land, learning, and community converge. As Georgia’s agriculture and life sciences sectors continue to grow, programs like EPIC play a vital role in building early career awareness, strengthening talent pipelines, and positioning students to meet future workforce demand.
For more information about Blue Heron Urban Farm & Sanctuary or future educational partnerships, please visit [www.BHUFS.org] or follow Blue Heron on social media.
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"Keeping the Chattahoochee"
By Peter Biello
Sally Sierer Bethea is a retired riverkeeper and author of the new book, "Keeping the Chattahoochee".
The Chattahoochee River is an essential part of the state’s ecosystem. Running from the North Georgia mountains all the way to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, its river basin straddles three states and sustains more than 5 million people in the metro Atlanta area alone. It’s also sensitive to drought and vulnerable to contamination.
Riverkeepers have been fighting for three decades to maintain its health and push for policies that protect it. Sally Bethea served as riverkeeper for two decades before she retired in 2014, and her new book, Keeping the Chattahoochee is part-love letter to the river, part call-toaction for those who want to protect it. Recently she spoke about her work with GPB’s Peter Biello at the banks of the Chattahoochee.
Sally Bethea: Today, the river is fairly low because you can see all the rocks poking out. The river itself, where the fast-moving water is in the middle there — I mean, that's the center of the flow. And we see some ducks enjoying the sunshine and the water, clean water. So fabulous.
Peter Biello: The only perspective I've had on the river so far has been driving over it on the highways.
Sally Bethea: Most people look down — "oh, there's the river" and it's either like, "Oh, it looks good today" or "Ooh, it's muddy" because it rained. One thing in the book and in all of riverkeepers' work that we've focused on is emphasizing the connectivity and helping people think about [and] visualize where the river starts on this little, tiny spring and how it travels 546 miles down to the Gulf of Mexico [and] ends up with a different name, the Apalachicola. But it's the same water.
Peter Biello: You wrote this book to help people understand the river. I wanted to ask you to explain why it's important to understand it, especially if someone never sees it, except when they're driving over it on the highway. Or maybe if they live miles and miles away from it. Why is it important to understand the river?
Sally Bethea: Rivers are essential to our lives in so many ways, as we know that each one of us is 60% water. And this river here sustains 5 million people, at least, with drinking water and so much more. So there's the aspect of self-interest. You know, where does my water come from? And I wanted to write a book that helps explain that.
Peter Biello: You write in this book about the watershed for the metro Atlanta area. I'm not going to get the wording exactly right, but it was something about it being relatively small for the size of the metro area. And I'm wondering if that's alarming to you? So many people depending on a relatively small watershed when compared to other cities.
Sally Bethea: I do worry about the fact that we have such a small watershed, and we have a metropolitan area focused like laser on keeping as much water in Lake Lanier upstream to allow Atlanta intakes to function during droughts. That's when the problem is, during droughts. But I wonder about all the communities, people and ecosystem downstream. You know, we've got to figure out a way to share, to equitably share this river. Given the geography, the geology that we have, it's what we've got. And so working together is key. And that's tough when it comes down, particularly, to moneyed interests.
Peter Biello: The second part of that question had to do with growth and the growth in the Atlanta area. The population here is expected to increase quite a bit. Is the Chattahoochee watershed prepared for that? And if not, I mean, what happens to communities downstream, Columbus, you know, all the way down to Florida?
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Sally Bethea: We, in the recent years, we've had a lot of rain and people seem to forget what it was like back in 2006 to 2009 when we had an exceptional drought. That will happen again. Now, many decision makers, leaders at all levels have tried to put together some plans to better deal with that eventuality, but they have still not come to a result, an outcome that I think will ensure everyone up and downstream is adequately protected, including the river itself. A lot of partisanship — of course, this river basin straddles three states. So you've got fights — Alabama, you've got Georgia, you've got Florida. And we have the capacity to be more careful with our water and more thoughtful. And I'm seeing metro leaders slipping back on some of the really good measures they made in the last, let's say, 10 to 12 years. There's a complacency again. You know, you've got a drought, people work to preserve, protect the water. And then you've got a lot of water? People forget about it.
Peter Biello: We heard recently about a bacterial contamination in the Chattahoochee. And anyone who reads your book will learn that this is far from the first time something has contaminated the water. There have been sewage spills, untreated wastewater. You write about witnessing a spill yourself. What does it take to heal a river when something like that happens? Is it all human intervention? Does the river to some extent heal itself over time? What happens in the healing process?
Sally Bethea: Rivers are amazingly resilient if you don't overuse and abuse them too much. If you're looking at bacterial pollution, untreated sewage going into a river, that bacteria will die within three or four days. It's looking for warm-bodied mammals to live in, and cold rivers are not where the bacteria like to live. So you stop the sewage spill and, you know, the river is going to take care of that. What we've seen recently was an ongoing — a chronic problem with Fulton County's Big Creek sewage plant. They're still trying to figure out what happened there. So with bacterial contamination, you stop the source. The river can, for the most part, heal itself. When you're talking about toxic chemicals, things even like DDT and chlordane, which have been banned for decades and decades, they're still persisting in the fish tissue, in some of the fish in this river. You can't just magically clean things like that up.
Peter Biello: So is there a concern that this river may get something dumped in it that just makes it beyond healing for human use?
Sally Bethea: No, that's not going to happen to the Chattahoochee River, I don't think. We're not going to let that happen.
Peter Biello: You're retired as riverkeeper in 2014. You've been an informal adviser to your colleagues who are still caring for the river since then. You've been writing. You've got this book out. Is there any one thing in your career that you feel has made the biggest impact on the health of this river?
Sally Bethea: You know, I mean, I think the biggest impact on the river and it's not just me, but it's the small group of people who started the organization Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. I feel like the growth of that organization, the fact that it is still thriving to this day, it is still helping speak truth to power, monitor the river, helping people enjoy the beauty of the river. And we're just one riverkeeper or river organization. But in my life, for this river, I think creating and help sustaining that organization is what I look back on as my biggest impact.
Peter Biello: Well, Sally Bethea, the book is Keeping the Chattahoochee. Thank you so much for taking me to the river. And thanks for speaking with me.
Keeping the Chattahoochee
Sally Bethea: Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
PETER BIELLO
Keeping
Reviving by Sally Sierer
DESCRIPTION
Sally Sierer “riverkeeper”—a accountable. joyous and an endangered through a forest and kinship
Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River by Sally Sierer Bethea
All Things Considered Host on GPB.
DESCRIPTION
Hardcover, 9780820364322, $25.95
eBook, 9780820364346, $25.95
https://www.gpb.org/ news/2023/07/12/retired-riverkeeper-reflects-on-keeping-the-chattahoochee
Hardcover, 9780820364322, $25.95
eBook, 9780820364346, $25.95
eBook, 9780820364339, $25.95 Paperback, 9780820374512, $20.95
Date: July 2023
Pages: 232
eBook, 9780820364339, $25.95
Paperback $20.95
Date: July 2023 Pages: 232
For two decades, provides drinking and water for South. Pairing readers into world—and memoir. Offering water, Bethea polluters. They the great river
Sally Sierer Bethea was one of the first women in America to become “riverkeeper”—a vocal defender of a specific waterway who holds accountable. In Keeping the Chattahoochee, she tells stories that joyous and funny to frustrating—even alarming—to illustrate what an endangered river. Her tales are triggered by the regular walks she through a forest to the Chattahoochee over the course of a year, finding and kinship in nature.
For two decades, Bethea worked to restore the neglected Chattahoochee, provides drinking water and recreation to millions of people, habitat and water for industries and farms as it cuts through the heart of the South. Pairing natural and political history with reflective writing, she readers into her watershed and her memories. Betheaʼs passion for world—and for defending it with a strong, informed voice animates memoir. Offering lessons on how to fight for our fundamental right water, Bethea and her colleagues take on powerful corporate and polluters. They strengthen environmental policies and educate children, the great river from a century of misuse.
AUTHOR/EDITOR BIOGRAPHY
AUTHOR/EDITOR
SALLY SIERER Riverkeeper. and continues also publishes lives and writes
SALLY SIERER BETHEA is the retired founding director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. She served as executive director and riverkeeper for and continues to assist Chattahoochee Riverkeeper as a senior advisor.
Apply for a Farm Sign in Chatt Hills
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Chatt Hills Farm Signage Program, made possible through newly approved funding to support our local farms and encourage agritourism. A limited number of farms in our community will receive high-quality, city-approved signage (see example design!) and be featured on the official agritourism map—AT NO COST to participating farms. APPY HERE, https://tinyurl.com/yk7rrzy3
You may be eligible if you:
• Actively farm or sell agricultural products
• Host visitors (farmstand, U-pick, tours, events)
• Steward a historic farm property
If you grow food, welcome visitors, or steward historic farmland, we encourage you to apply. The selected farms will be notified by The Chatt Hills Conservancy Board in late February. Questions? Email nicolle@ chatthillsconservancy.org
New Georgia Gin Distillery Coming from Carter & Laura Williamson By Carter Williamson
Unanimous approval tonight from the Carrollton, Georgia Planning Commission to grant modification to the Hudson Mill mixed use plan and recommendation to issue a special use permit for the WORKHORSE venue, future home of the Georgia Gin Distillery, right next to the amphitheater and the Brown Dog restaurant in the heart of the central business district! Hoping to transform the old 1906 horse stable building into something epic and wonderful for the City of Carrollton! Next month, the proposal goes before the Mayor and City Council, and then we believe we are off to the races! Go Georgia Gin!
Postmark Delay The Brookings Institution
A quiet USPS rule change means postmarks, which have long served as evidence of when ballots, tax returns, and court filings were mailed, no longer show when mail was sent. New research from Elena Patel explores the unintended consequences of this change and what risks it poses for institutions that depend on postmark-based deadlines. Explore her findings: https://brook.gs/44YhdBk
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Bouckaert Farm Schooling Shows 2026
Bouckaert Farm in Fairburn, GA, will host several schooling shows and recognized events in 2026, including dates for their popular Equestrian Schooling Shows (like Feb 9, Apr 6, Jul 13, Sep 14) and other competitions such as USEA Eventings (e.g., March 28-29) and Hunter/Jumpers. Specific 2026 schooling dates be-
Bouckaert Farm Announcement
With appreciation, Carl and Suzanne
yond the general schedule are best confirmed on their website (bouckaertfarm.com) or the the GDCTA (Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association) site. You can find detailed schedules and entry info on
their official site and through the USEA events calendar.
2026 Schooling Show Dates:
February 14
March 27
June 6
Carl Bouckaert and Suzanne Sitherwood are thrilled to share some very exciting news! Bouckaert Farm will continue to host all equestrian events at our stunning equestrian facility through 2026, and we will also continue throughout the 2027 season.In that spirit, we want to share with you that we are working on a permanent solution for all equestrian events. So, stay tuned! We are deeply committed to equestrian sports, especially its history on Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills.
For those that are interested, we wanted you to also know that we will continue to welcome our returning guests
July 18 September 12 Dec. 6, Finals
bouckaertfarm.com 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213 (770) 892-2117
and new guests, such as film producers and a variety of other gatherings throughout the 2027 season. We will also have a permanent solution for all past, present and future guests.
We will do our best to keep you informed about upcoming changes and announcements. As many of you may have heard through social media and other sources, there are plans for the development of our expansive 8,000 acre property, consistent with the green space requirements of Chattahoochee Hills. This approval provides us plenty of opportunity to reimagine our guest visits. For those who have visited Bouckaert Farm for years, we thank you for your continued support. For our newer visitors, we hope you enjoy Bouckaert Farm and will visit us for years to come.
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Rekindle the Spark: A Mindful Approach to Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day often brings a familiar pressure… At Soberish, we believe that the most meaningful connections aren't fueled by liquid courage, but by presence, clarity, and intention. This February, we’re inviting you to explore a different side of intimacy by swapping the alcohol & hangover inducing wine for functional, plant-based alternatives designed to help you feel your best. Soberish is here to help you find a new way to savor a good moment. We offer the best curated collection of drinks, tinctures, gummies, chocolates and more to help set the mood for any occasion. Our products can meaningfully support connection by reducing anxiety or tension, increasing body awareness, and helping you stay present. Effects vary by dose, delivery method, and individual endocannabinoid response, but we can help you find calm, focus, or uplifting herbs - whatever the moment calls for.
Expert Curation for Your Best Self
Our highly trained staff is here to guide you. Every product at our Atlanta and Serenbe locations has been rigorously vetted for quality and taste, ensuring you don't have to compromise on any part of the experience. Whether you’re interested in adaptogens, functional mushroom-based blends, or even CBD and THC-infused products, we have everything you need to cultivate your new (favorite) way to celebrate.
Ready to unwind? Drop in for our FREE weekly tastings every Saturday at both store locations - Atlanta and Chattahoochee Hills. Let us help you unlock the resources for your most mindful Valentine’s Day yet.
New In Store!
For those moments when you want to feel relaxed, connected, and fully present, Alchemy Naturals’ CBD Intimacy Gummies offer a gentle, plant-based way to set the mood. Thoughtfully formulated to help ease tension and support a calm state of mind, these gummies compliment intimacy
rather than cloud it. Less buzz, more awareness can be a subtle ritual that fits beautifully into an evening focused on intention, sensation, and genuine connection.
1277 Mado Loop, Suite A, Chatt Hills, GA 303268
Follow us: @BeSoberish on Instagram
Sole Health Therapy By Julia
Reyburn
The Psoas muscles are critical to keep your hips and back in good shape, but...when they get restricted fascia covering them it leads to pain. Allow me to manually release them and get you back to feeling good. Book today at: www.solehealththerapy.com
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The City of Chattahoochee Hills Is Applying for Bird City Georgia Designation
Chattahoochee Hills has long prioritized conservation-based land use, habitat protection, dark-sky policies, park stewardship, and environmental education as core community values. We believe the Bird City framework aligns strongly with our existing policies, partnerships, and on-the-ground investments, and we are excited about the opportunity to document and expand this work through the Bird City program.
The City has assembled an initial local team representing municipal staff, conservation partners, educators, and community stakeholders, and we are ready to proceed with the application process. Stay tuned for more information.
Apply now for new senior homestead exemptions! If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for significant reductions in school property taxes. Don’t miss out—applications are due by April 1, 2026. Learn more at fultonassessor. org.
Bread Mobile ~ Every Saturday 9am - 1pm Next to the General Store at Serenbe
Do you want to sleep in, or have other things going on Saturday morning, and still enjoy your favorite breads and pastries? Pre-order here: https://www.biancacavandi.com/ bianca-cavandi-products. We recommend placing your order by Thursday.
Thank you for helping us to plan ahead. It truly supports our artisan bakery and ensures you get exactly what you're craving!
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Women in the Arts: From the Cultural Corridors of China to the Stages of Columbus, Lee Foster Brings a Global Vision to RiverCenter
Selections from and Interview by Carrie
Beth Wallace
Lee Foster’s journey to arts leadership spans continents, disciplines, and decades, shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep belief in the power of live performance to unite communities. This fall, Foster brings that expansive perspective to her role as Executive Director of the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts in Columbus, Georgia.
“I came to the arts in kind of a backward way,” Foster says, reflecting on a career that began not onstage but in international cultural exchange. Though always a singer and performer, her academic focus on Chinese Language placed her at the center of a pivotal historical moment following President Jimmy Carter’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China. Working with the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, Foster helped introduce American audiences to some of the first major Chinese art exhibitions ever presented in the United States.
That global outlook deepened when filmmaker Sue Yong Li invited her to China as part of the documentary series Cities in China. Serving as a researcher and production assistant, Foster traveled throughout the country during a time of rapid change, later assisting with post-production in New York City. Evenings were spent immersed in Broadway. “We saw 35 shows,” she recalls. “We just lived inside the arts.”
Afterward, Foster entered the cruise industry, working in sales and marketing for international cruise lines specializing in Asia travel before digital marketing existed. Extensive travel across the western United States taught her the power of experiential storytelling—an approach that would later shape her arts leadership.
That synthesis of business and creativity came fully into focus in California, where Foster encountered Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City. Over the next 16 years, as Executive Director, she transformed the once-struggling venue into a thriving institution, expanding its budget from $300,000 to
over $1 million and establishing robust theatrical and youth conservatory programming.
Seeking deeper artistic grounding, Foster earned an MFA in Vocal Performance with an emphasis on directing and acting, leading productions of Ragtime and The Color Purple. “Those projects changed me,” she says, recalling moments of profound connection between cast, story, and community.
Her later work in Atlanta included leadership roles at Theatrical Outfit and Georgia State University’s Rialto Center for the Arts. There, she helped navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID era by embracing livestreaming and national broadcast partnerships, ensuring artists and audiences remained connected even when theaters were dark.
Now in Columbus, Foster sees the RiverCenter as a civic anchor. “RiverCenter, along with the Springer, sits at the beating heart of this city,” she says. “It’s a place of unity.”
Grounded equally in data and empathy, Foster is building collaborative partnerships across arts organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. “The arts teach compassion,” she says. “In a world that feels increasingly divided, shared experiences matter more than ever.”
For Foster, the RiverCenter is not merely a stage—it is a gathering place where community becomes visible. “Art moves our hearts,” she reflects. “And when that happens, everything else falls into place.”
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Black Forest Victoria Sponge Cake
By Mary Collins-Shepard
A classic Victoria Sponge Cake is vanilla cake with a layer of strawberry (usually) jam and vanilla whipped cream sandwiched between the two layers. Since it Valentine’s Day month, a chocolate version seemed more appropriate. Enjoy!
Serves 8-12
Dry Ingredients
1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
1 cup buttermilk or half & half
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
For the filling and frosting
1 jar cherry pie filling
1 ½ cup heavy cream, cold
2 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. granulated sugar
½ tsp. Diamond Chrystal or ¼ tsp.
Morton salt
For the cake:
Preheat oven to 350F. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper discs. Whisk all the dry ingredients together well in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients EXCEPT the coffee.
For the frosting:
1 ½ Tbsp. instant vanilla pudding mix
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Once incorporated, add the hot coffee, and mix everything until there are no pockets of dry flour left. The batter will be very thin.
Divide the batter between the two cake pans, and bake for 35 minutes until risen and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out without wet batter clinging to it. Allow the cakes to partially cool in the pans, then turn out onto a cooling rack to completely cool before frosting. The cakes can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the refrigerator before frosting.
Whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, instant vanilla pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt in the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed until medium-firm peaks form (it’s okay if there are tiny lumps of pudding mix; they’ll be imperceptible), about 4 minutes. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl and fold gently to ensure mixture is uniform.
Assembly:
Place 1 cake layer, right side up, on a cake stand or large plate. Dollop half the whipped cream over and spread evenly all the way to the edges with an offset spatula. Top with ½ to ¾ cups of the pie filling, leaving a ¼" border around the edges. Place second cake layer, upside down, on top and press gently to adhere. Spread or pipe the remaining whipped cream on top along with the remaining pie filling.
Nourish From Within
Join our Health & Healing Workshop Series, featuring hands-on classes focused on gut health, immunity, and traditional food remedies rooted in seasonal wisdom. Join us for one class or deepen the experience by attending both.
Building Immunity with Fire Honey
Thurs. Feb. 5th, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Gainey Hall, $35 per person
Warm, soothing, and deeply nourishing, Fire Honey is a traditional remedy made by infusing raw honey with powerful healing spices. In this one-hour, hands-on class, participants will learn how to create Fire Honey and explore its role in supporting immunity, circulation, and seasonal wellness.
Unlike fire cider, which requires weeks of fermentation, Fire Honey is ready to use immediately—making it a simple and delicious way to support the body during cold and flu season. Participants will create their own jar and learn how to use Fire Honey in teas, meals, or as a daily wellness tonic.
This class is part of our Health & Healing Series, offering practical tools for building resilience and warmth from the inside out.
The
Chatt
Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch
Registration for the Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch 2026 is Open. Check communitybrickworks.org for registration details and updates. Open to ages 3–14. The season begins Saturday, March 14-May 16, at Rico Park. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, contact Jennifer England at jengland923@gmail.com.
Fermented Daikon Radish for Gut Health
Thurs. Feb. 19, 6:30 - 7:30pm
Gainey Hall, $45 per person
Discover the power of fermentation as a daily wellness practice. In this hands-on class, participants will learn how to ferment daikon radish—transforming a simple root vegetable into a probiotic-rich food that supports digestion, gut balance, and overall vitality. We’ll explore the role of beneficial bacteria in digestive health, learn simple fermentation techniques, and prepare one jar of fermented daikon radish to take home. This class offers an approachable entry into fermentation, grounded in tradition, intention, and nourishment from within. Part of the Health & Healing Series, this class invites you to slow down, trust the process, and support your gut naturally. Purchase Tickets: https://square.link/u/9Vbn7rGz
Sun., Feb. 15, 10-2pm Chatt Hills City Hall6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills,
We’re excited to announce the very first Chattahoochee Hills Meal + Market, taking place Sunday, February 15 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Inspired by the outreach efforts of Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) and hosted by Birdhouse Market, this event will offer a meaningful opportunity for neighbors to gather, connect, and enjoy time together.
Our vision is to create a warm, family-friendly gathering where local farmers, artisans, and makers can showcase and sell their goods, while residents come together to share a meal, build relationships, and support one another. This event celebrates the strength of our community and the power of connection in a shared space.
The goal of Chattahoochee Hills Meal + Market is to grow into a monthly community event, featuring local farmers and makers alongside a shared community meal.
• Local food
• Handmade goods
• Community meal
• Shared table, shared support
• Rooted in Chatt Hills
Interested farmers and makers are invited to contact us at ChattHillsMealNMarket@gmail.com to learn more about participation, criteria, and next steps. #chattahoocheehills
https://native-bloom.com
A Two-Night Celebration of Film, Culture, and Conversation
Fri. Feb. 6, 6:00pm Wine Dinner with the Director, The Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, 30268
Sat., Feb. 7, 5:30 Neighbor’s Social & 6:30pm – Film Screening & Reel Conversation 10640 Serenbe Lane - Gainey Hall, Chatt Hills
Join us for the return of Film Showcase Weekend, at Art Farm at Serenbe, a two-night celebration of film, food, and cultural conversation. The weekend begins with an intimate wine dinner featuring Ailey director Jamila Wignot, Ailey legend Nasha Thomas, and wines from Brown Estate. On Saturday, enjoy a screening of the award-winning documentary Ailey, followed by a powerful live panel discussion led by author Rebecca Walker. This inspiring weekend honors the life and legacy of Alvin Ailey through storytelling, cuisine, and community connection. Tickets: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/ailey---film-showcase-weekend
Sun., Feb. 15, 3:00 PM Valentine’s Day Classical Concert Featuring Julie & David Coucheron
The Oak Room at The Inn at Serenbe, 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, 30268
For Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=308951
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable afternoon of music at The Art Farm at Serenbe. On Sunday, February 15th at 3:00 PM, internationally acclaimed siblings Julie and David Coucheron will perform an intimate classical concert in The Oak Room at The Inn at Serenbe. David, Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Julie, a celebrated pianist and professor, have performed on the world’s most prestigious stages. This elegant one-dayonly performance offers guests a rare chance to experience world-class artistry in a romantic countryside setting. Tickets are $50 for general admission or $150 for a VIP table for two, which includes a bottle of wine or champagne.
Trending Topic
OUR COMMUNITY
Fri. Feb. 13, Sold Out. Soul Barn Sounds
Margot Bingham Soul Barn, 9237 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills $275 per person
Join us for a special Film Showcase Weekend at Art Farm at Serenbe, celebrating the powerful bond between horses and humans through the award-winning documentary RESCUED HEARTS. This intimate two-day experience brings together film, storytelling, and community in collaboration with Soul Barn at Serenbe and Zorro’s Crossing Horse Sanctuary.
Inspired by a life-changing moment when a 7-year-old child diagnosed with autism spoke his first words while interacting with a horse, filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton explore the science, mystery, and emotional truth behind equine-assisted healing. Through moving personal stories and expert insight, RESCUED HEARTS reveals how healing unfolds in the presence of horses—for humans and animals alike. https://soulbarnatserenbe.com/store/ols/products/ soul-barn-sounds-a-cozy-intimate-concert-experience
Sat. Feb. 14, 2:00p-3:30pm Small Group Reiki Session Soul Barn, 9237 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills
Sat. Feb. 14, 4:00pm February Wine Tasting |
Love & the Vine The General Store, 10642 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills
Wed., 18, 6:00pm Winderlea Wine Dinner
The Farmhouse, 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
Sat., Mar. 14, 5:30, 6:30pm Film Screening & Reel Conversation Gainey Hall, 10640 Serenbe Lane, Chatt Hills
A powerful night of film and shared reflection. The evening begins with our Neighbor’s Social, featuring cocktails, wine, and gourmet dinner selections available for purchase. Guests will then gather for a screening of RESCUED HEARTS, followed by an interactive Reel Conversation with filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton, exploring the film’s themes of healing, connection, and transformation. Mature audiences recommended. The film contains sensitive themes within the healing journeys shared.
5:30 PM – Neighbor’s Social
6:30 PM – Screening + Reel Conversation
$50 per person
Weekend Bundle Ticket – $315
Includes access to both the Evening with the Filmmakers and Saturday Screening + Reel Conversation. Limited availability – reserve early.
https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/rescued-heartsfilm-showcase-weekend
WEEKLY
Trending Topic EVENTS
Tues. 4-6pm | Serenbe Farm Stand 10625 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, 30268
Tues. - Fri. 4-6pm The Hill Happy Hour 9110
Selborne Lane Featuring $5 Eats, $3 Beers, $10 Cocktails, and half-off Select Glasses of Wine
Wed. Farm Volunteer Day at Serenbe Farms
Wed & Thurs. 3:30-4:30 pm Spring Kids Program at Serenbe Farms Students will be taught gardening skills including but not limited to garden planning and prep, seeding, transplanting, compost making, wildlife identification and observation.
Thurs. 4:45 pm BioCharger Happy Hour at Creek Retreat 11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chatt Hills includes Kava Seltzer (15 min / $22)
Tues.-Thurs. 5-10pm & Fri. & Sat. 5-11pm
Austin's Cocktailery & Kitchen 9110 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills, 30268
Fri. & Sat. 5-8pm Blue Eyed Daisy Burger Night & Dinner 9065 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills, 30268
Open daily 8am - 3pm, Mon. Burger Night 5pm - 8pm, Fri. & Sat. Dinner Service 5pm-8pm. Call ahead for takeout: 770.463.8379
Fri. 6-8:30pm Farmhouse Music on the Porch 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, 30268 Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Reserve a table HERE
Sat. 9am-Noon Farmers Market
Gainey Hall, 10640 Serenbe Lane - Gainey Hall, Chatt Hills, 30268
Sat. 10:00-10:30am Story Time
Birdhouse Coffee Room, 10625 Serenbe Ln, 30268
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop & Birdhouse Coffee
Sat. 11:00 am Community BioCharger Session at Creek Retreat (Free) 11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chatt Hills, 30268
Sat. 1:30pm & 3:30 Wine Flights at the Wineshop
9135 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills, 30268
Each week new wines will be featured and paired with light snacks. $40 per person, reserve a seat today for our Sat. 1:30pm or 3:30pm seating. https://serenbewineshop.com/
Sat. 2:00pm Farm Tour at Serenbe Farms
Sat. 4:00pm Wine Tastings - General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chatt Hills, 30268
Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. https://www.generalstoreatserenbe.com
Sat. 9-11pm Austin's Jazz Nights 9110 Selborne Lane Suite 120, Chatt Hills, 30268 Contact for more information and reservations: https://www.austinsatserenbe. com
Birdhouse Coffee Room
Thursday Tastings – $12, 12 – 1pm
Sat. Story Time (with Hills and Hamlets Bookshop) 10:00 - 10:30am
Birdhouse Coffee Room 470 756 5894, source@birdhousemarket.info, 10625 Serenbe LN 30268, www.birdhousecoffeeroom.com
Sat., Mar. 7, 7:00 PM The Art of Experimental Music, Gainey Hall, 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills For Tickets $35: https://artfarmatserenbe.app.neoncrm. com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F31549
Step into an immersive evening where experimental music, spatial sound, and live visuals converge. This one-night performance transforms Gainey Hall into a living instrument, with sound moving through the room and visuals responding in real time.
Featuring Kyle Smith, Ishaan Jagyasi, Brian King, Lilly Patterson, Dr. Alexandria Smith, and Ryan Baker, the performance brings together piano, trumpet, guitar, live electronics, generative AI, and robotic sound. Artists collaborate with systems that listen and respond, blurring the line between performer and technology.
Ideal for adventurous listeners, creatives, and curious minds. No two moments are the same.
We’re excited to share Episode 6 of the Art Farm Podcast, featuring a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Shawn Watwood on leadership, vision, and the future of community-rooted arts organizations.
In this episode, Shawn reflects on the professional, artistic, and personal experiences that have shaped his leadership philosophy—and how those experiences inform the way he builds teams, makes decisions, and guides organizations through periods of growth and change.
Together, we explore what it takes to create a strong operational and administrative foundation for a sustainable arts organization, including: Governance, budgeting, and staffing, Systems and internal communication, and Balancing artistic excellence with financial sustainability
Shawn also shares his approach to building an integrated performance ecosystem—one that supports music, dance, theater, film, and environmental arts while remaining deeply connected to the community.
The conversation highlights the importance of arts education and youth engagement, with insights on partnering with local schools and educators to expand access and deepen impact. We also discuss building trust and collaboration among board members, donors, artists, and the broader Serenbe community.
We close with a forward-looking discussion on priorities for the first 12 months, offering a glimpse into the milestones and strategies shaping the next chapter of Art Farm https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org
Arts Section
February Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop
Here at Hills & Hamlets, we’re looking ahead to an exciting season of winter and spring releases. From powerful middle-grade adventures and thought-provoking literary fiction to dark mythic retellings, high-stakes mysteries, and adrenaline-fueled sci-fi, the coming months showcase stories that challenge, surprise, and linger long after the final page.
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is now open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm every week, and we’re open 24/7 online at Bookshop.org/shop/ HillsAndHamlets.
The Lions Run - Sara Pennypacker
Suited for ages 8 to 12, The Lions Run follows French orphan Lucas DuBois as he searches for justice during the Nazi regime. One day he meets Alice, the daughter of an English horse trainer. She's in hiding with her filly, who is set to be enlisted into battle. Together, they form an alliance. But as Lucas uncovers secrets from members of his village, he must decide how much he's willing to risk in order to make the most courageous rescue of all.
Yesteryear – Caro Claire Burke
Yesteryear tells the story of Natalie, a woman who lives a performative traditional lifestyle with her husband and six children for a team of producers and her 8 million followers. One day, she wakes up and realizes something isn't right. Her life appears the same as yesterday, but electricity has been replaced by candlelight, her children look dirty and strange, and her husband has become a competent farmer. An electrifying novel, Yesteryear explores womanhood, faith, tradition, and fame.
The Fountain – Casey Sciezka
Vera Van Valkenburg hasn't revisited her childhood home in one hundred and eightyeight years. Now, she decides to return and investigate what has kept her forever twenty-six—and how to reverse it. But upon arriving, she learns that a mysterious, well-funded company is racing to find the source and re-produce it for the masses. Vera must discover what caused her condition before they do.
The Fountain explores what it means to be human and how we are sometimes forced to create our own definition of humanity.
We will have copies of all the above titles in store, but you can also support us through Bookshop and Libro.fm.
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/shop/hillsandhamlets Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/hillsandhamlets
10625 Serenbe Lane, Retail Unit B, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 (470) 488-0330 | Tuesdays – Sundays / 11am – 5pm
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GREYSTONE CONNECT
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Arts Section
Featured Artist Steve Jarvis
Steve is an artist, designer, and fabricator, primarily driven by situational problem solving. He has lived in Chattahoochee Hills since 2012. Currently he teaches a course called Art in Use: Exploring Functional Sculpture at Blue Merle Studio. A teaching space that he and his wife Susan Krause operate in Avondale Estates.
These forms are a departure from anything he has made before for a variety of reasons.
The first is the collaborative process used to create the texture for the exterior of the forms. During a pumpkin carving workshop for Blue Merle Studio students in late October of 2025, the granddaughter of one of the students set the top of her in progress pumpkin on the ground for the chickens that had gathered around waiting for handouts. In the process of eating the strings and seeds from the pumpkin top, the birds began to peck away at the flesh of the pumpkin creating an amazingly complex texture. Steve took note of this intriguing texture and decided to see what might be possible.
Over the next month or two, multiple soon to be discarded pumpkins and gourds were collected and cut into different configurations and offered to the chickens as a treat to carve. The feathered studio assistants worked well together and seemed to understand prompts to concentrate on specific areas of the surfaces that needed more attention.
The textured inside of the pumpkins and gourds became molds, filled with plaster at a variety of depths, thickness and textures.
Surfaces treatments as decoration are another departure. The surface treatments are loose reference to feather color palettes on the exterior with a combination of green, black, and ruddy red along with steel oxidizing paint that will change patina over time depending on environmental conditions and surface contact. The interiors of the bowls are treated with loose reference to eggshell colorations and silver leaf in contrast to the matte and flat exteriors.
Making a group of bowls and platters would never have crossed Steve’s radar until he saw the young pumpkin carver hand off the top of her pumpkin for chickens to clean up. The entire process of creating this work was a similar endeavor with constant revisions. “What if I did ______?” and “how can I get this to work?” Trusting the process to suggest itself as thing progressed. Trusting the process relinquishing control.
You can contact Steve at: stevejarvis321@gmail.com
Arts Section
Discover the art of storytelling that bridges the personal and the universal. This workshop invites writers of all levels—to transform life experiences into powerful narratives. Through memoir, fiction, and theater, participants explore how fact and imagination can work together to shape compelling stories, guided by an empathetic and experienced coach.
Bob Hughes helps writers uncover the essence of their experiences and translate them into evocative prose. Participants learn practical tools of narrative craft, including point of view, structure, dialogue, character development, and the flow of time. Individual one-on-one sessions are central to the workshop, offering tailored guidance that builds confidence and strengthens each writer’s unique voice.
Join us in Assisi this summer for a creative experience that is both rigorous and inspiring. More than a class, this workshop is a journey into your own storytelling potential. Bob has helped journalists, memoirists, playwrights, and essayists gain fresh perspective and move forward in their work. For information: https://www.artworkshopintl.com.
Bob Hughes, formerly of The Wall Street Journal, is the author of Late and Soon, praised for its elegant prose and rich characters by writers including Adriana Trigiani and Edmund White. He is also a playwright, currently developing A Constant Life, and splits his time between New York and Paris, where he writes about French life on his blog, Parisian on Purpose.
Local Chatt Hills resident and artist C. Findley is an organizer of, and instructor at the Art Workshop International. https://www. iamfinley.com
Memorials
Obituary for John “DANIEL”
Thompson April 30, 1974 - Jan 8, 2026 John “DANIEL” Thompson, known to many as “DT” passed away on Wednesday afternoon, January 8th, surrounded by the sound of love and laughter from his family and friends. Born on April 30, 1974, to parents John (Oggie) Frank Thompson III and Virginia (Ginger) Valentine Hancock in Newnan Georgia. He grew up working for his family timber business and loved to tell you about being a “lumberjack.” Daniel was one of a kind and could light up any room that he entered. He never met a stranger and was sure to ask every person that he met, where they were from and what football team they pulled for. For him, “The Dawgs” was the only right answer. Daniel was UGA football’s biggest fan, and could tell you the final score in any football game the Dawgs played in his lifetime…and some even before that! Daniel knew how to love. His heart was big and he cherished his family and
Raymond “Butch” Ralph Lee, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on September 2, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ray lived a life marked by dedication to his family, community, and country.
He proudly served his nation as a member of the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he continued his commitment to public service by joining the City of Atlanta Fire Department, where he worked diligently for ten years. Afterward, Ray transitioned into the field of commercial construction, serving as a superintendent for Caliber Construction, where he was respected for his leadership and expertise.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Raymond Lee, Sr. and Opal Lee; his sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and David Hattaway; and his niece, Davina Koehl.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Ruth Moody Lee, who stood by his side through life’s many seasons. Ray leaves behind two cherished daughters, Crystal Colburn (Darrell) and Tiffany Carroll (Wayne), who will forever hold his memory close. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Dr. Devin Colburn (Marcel), Sydney Hagan
friends and showed them by always reaching out to talk to them. He was never shy about telling them all he loved them. His joy for life will live on in the stories that we have to share about him for all the years to come.
Daniel was proceeded in death by his beloved father Oggie Thompson, his grandparents; John and Estelle Thompson, and John and Becky Valentine, his uncles Andy Thompson and Larry Copeland, stepmother Etta Thompson, stepfather Danny Hancock, mother-in-law Peggie Dennis and stepbrother Clay McCleod all of which played huge roles in his life.
He is survived by Jami, his loving wife of 6 years, his stepchildren, Tyson and Maci Wall, his mother Ginger Hancock, sister Amy Thompson, brother Luke Thompson and stepbrothers Brent (Dawn) and Shawn Stiehl, Adam (Rachel) McCleod, stepsister Erin McCleod, Uncle Mark (Becky) Valentine, Aunts Donna Copeland, Heidi (Kevin) Hearn and Sheila (Terry) Williams, Suzanne Thompson, in-laws, David Dennis, Robin (Lisa) Dennis along with many sweet and cherished cousins and extended family.
(Drennan), Dalton Colburn (Katelin), Colton Carroll, and Colby Carroll, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Ray is also survived by his sister-in-law, Esther Morris; his niece, Holly Kanner (Scott); his nephew, Danny Koehl; and his great-nieces and nephews, Addie Koehl, Bonnie Kanner, Molly Kanner, and Lincoln Kanner, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Community
OUR CHURCHES
Campbellton Baptist Church, 8660 Church Street, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Friendship Baptist Church, 6090 Cochran Mill Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 https://www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com
New Hope United Methodist Church, 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 www.pbcrico.org
Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Rivertown United Methodist Church, 9325 Rivertown Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Crossroads Church at Chattahoochee Hills, 8400 Sardis Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 crossroadsonline.org
Southern Crescent
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Southside at Serenbe, 9:15 & 11:00am, 10640 Serenbe Ln., Chatt Hills | Southside Church
Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Valentine’s Day chili cook off
Friendship Baptist Church is hosting a Valentine’s Day chili cook-off on Feb 14, at 6 pm. Local police will judge the event, and firefighters are expected to assist. Community members are welcome to attend and may enter their chili as well. All are welcome to attend. 6090 Cochran Mill Rd. Palmetto.
Community BRICKWORKS UPDATE
Brickworks 2026
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Food Pantry. In 2025, our core group of 15 volunteers logged over 3,500 service hours. Their hard work helped us provide more than 60,000 pounds of food and other essentials to our neighbors in need.
Every hour spent volunteering means more families have food on their tables. Whether it’s greeting clients directly at the curb, loading trunks with groceries, or working behind the scenes to purchase food, weigh and stock donations from organizations, businesses and individuals, or packing client orders, this group comes together each Wednesday to help our neighbors through difficult times.
We’re truly grateful for the involvement of other community members in the success of our mission. The Chatt Hills firefighters arrive on the first Wednesday of each month to unload the 1400 pounds of food we receive from Midwest Food Bank. In June, they provided the muscle to relocate our industrial refrigerator and freezer to our new pantry room.
We’re also in debt to so many who donate their time to special events throughout the year. The women who supply birthday bags so everyone has a cake to celebrate their day. The city staff who make sure we receive our deliveries. Farmers who bring eggs to share with our clients. The couple who brings fresh fruits and vegetables nearly every week. Neighbors who helped school kids pick out this year’s backpacks and school supplies. Special thanks to those who found precious hours to give us over the busy holiday season: organizing food and clothing drives; sorting and
helping parents and children pick out winter coats; packing Thanksgiving food boxes with care; Christmas elves who connected 85 kids in need to families in the community.
Like the Pantry, the Chatt Hills Library is wholly run by Community Brickworks volunteers. Each week, a committed group of sixteen volunteers, plus a few substitutes, work to keep our shelves organized, process new book donations, and to schedule special events, such as our upcoming Author Talk with Phill Tabb.
In additions to all of the volunteers who keep our library running, we are grateful to all of the community members who have shared generously to add to our shelves. During 2025, we received hundreds gently used, recently published, hard boundbooks to add to our collection. Additionally, we received monetary donations which have allowed us to purchase books, library supplies, tutoring materials, and craft materials for our weekly Toddler Tuesday program.
Community BRICKWORKS UPDATE
We couldn’t do our work without each and every one. We are grateful for your time and commitment to Brickworks’ mission of Neighbors helping Neighbors. For opportunities to volunteer, please check the Volunteer tab on our website. For upcoming events, please check out the Community Brickworks Events Page.
Up and Coming
Mahjong Free Play - Thursdays at 1:30pm our tables are set so come by to play. You will find a sign up on our the Events page of our website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0544ADAE2FAAFEC16-60685079-beginner
Toddler Tuesday - Meets on Tuesdays at 10am for stories, crafts, and time for parents to relax and socialize. New comers are always welcome!
Between the Lines Book Group - Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 in the Library Join us on the 13th in the Library to discuss Frozen River and to plan for the year ahead. All are welcome!
Author Talk with Phill Tabb - Feb. 7 at 2pm. We are very excited to hear from local author, Phill Tabb. He will discuss his latest book, Spiritual Wellness and the Built Environment
Chair Caning with Richard - All Tuesdays in March6 - 8pm - Join us for this hands-on class where you will learn the traditional art of chair caning. You can bring a chair that is in need of a new seat, or Richard can provide one at cost. Space is limited! https://www.eventbrite. com/e/1629063967179?aff=oddtdtcreator
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Neighbors Helping Neighbors!
City Government City Government
Call to Order Mayor-Elect Camille Lowe called the meeting to order at 4:07pm and all members of council were present.
ADMINISTRERING OF THE OATH OF OFFICES: City Attorney Rick Lindsey administered the Oath of Office for:
Mayor Elect – Camille Lowe
District 2 Councilmember Elect – Angela L. Addison
District 4 Councilmember Elect – Timothy Southard
RECESS: It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to recess at 4:16pm and to reconvene the Regular Council Meeting at 6:00pm . Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Lowe called for a motion to reconvene the Regular Council Meeting. It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Foster to reconvene the Regular Council meeting at 6:05pm.
ROLL CALL: A quorum was established.
Review and Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: Council Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of December 4, 2025. It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed unanimously.
COMMISSION REPORTS / UPDATES:
Historic Commission
Staff Reports
Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz, City Manager Fire Department Report: Greg Brett, Fire Chief Police Department Report: Kevin Digou, Police Chief Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt, Director Community Development Report: Mike Morton, Director Economic Development Report: Chris Montesinos, Director
Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills Tuesday, January 6, 2026 ~ 6:00pm
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Item 26-001 – PUBLIC HEARING - 2026 Comprehensive Plan update – the purpose of the hearing is to brief the community on the process to be used to develop the plan, opportunities for public participation in development of the plan, and to obtain input on the proposed planning process. No action will be taken.
Public Comments: Tiffany Towns – 346 Lowbrooke Court
NEW BUSINESS:
Item 26-002 - Council Consideration to Elect a Mayor Pro Tem (City Clerk) It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Addison and Southard to elect Councilmember Ruby Foster as Mayor Pro-Tempore for a term of two years. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Item 26-003 – Council Consideration to Approve a Resolution of Support for a $20k Grant Application from Fulton County Arts & Culture and a 50/50 City Match (Economic Development) It was moved by Councilmember Lightsey and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve Item 26-003. Motion was passed unanimously.
3. Item 26-004 - Council Consideration for Approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for South Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan (Economic Development) It was moved by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Councilmember Southard to approve Item 26-004. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Item 26-005 - Council Consideration to Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Chattahoochee Hills-Palmetto Local Food System Plan (Economic Development) It was moved by Councilmember Southard and seconded by Councilmember Peek to approve Item 26-006. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Item 26-006 - 1st Read Only - Council Consideration to Revert the Zoning of a 1.1-acre Parcel on Watkins Road from HM to RL (Community Development) No action was taken.
City Government
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (When an Executive Session is required, one will be called for the following issues: Personnel, Litigation or Real Estate)
It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to recess at 7:48pm into Executive Session for a legal and personnel matter. Motion passed unanimously.
It was moved by Councilmember Peek and
seconded by Councilmember Addison to reconvene into the Regular Meeting at 8:57 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 8:57pm. Motion was passed unanimously.
District 2 Angela L. Addison
Mayor Elect Camille Lowe
District 4 Timothy Southard
Congratulation to Mayor Camille Lowe, Councilmembers Angela Addison and Timothy Southard on being sworn in by our city attorney Rick Lindsey, to represent their districts and the City of Chattahoochee Hills. Photos by Chip Denton
Rick Lindsey swearing in Councilwoman Ruby Foster as Mayor Pro Tem.
Councilmen Scott Lightsey, Timothy Southard, Councilwomen Ruby Foster, Angela L. Addison, Mayor Camille Lowe and Councilman Rodney Peek.
City Government
Chattahoochee Hills Named 2026 Visionary City Award Recipient
The City of Chattahoochee Hills has been named a recipient of the 2026 Visionary City Award, a statewide honor recognizing cities that demonstrate bold leadership, long-term vision, and measurable community impact. Chattahoochee Hills is one of only nine cities across Georgia selected for this distinction.
The award recognizes the city’s nationally unique conservation-based planning model, which requires that 70 percent of all land remain in permanent greenspace. Since incorporation in 2007, this approach has preserved more than 32,000 acres of farms, forests, and river corridors while directing growth into compact, walkable hamlets that support economic vitality, public health, and quality of life.
Chattahoochee Hills will be formally recognized at the 2026 Cities United Summit Awards Luncheon, to be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
City representatives attending the awards luncheon include Mayor Camille Lowe, Councilmember Ruby Foster, Councilmember Angela Addison, and Economic Development Director Chris Montesinos.
“This award affirms that conservation, culture, and economic development are not competing priorities—they are mutually reinforcing,” said Mayor Camille Lowe. “Chattahoochee Hills demonstrates what is possible when a community plans intentionally for the long term.”
The Visionary City Award honors not a single project, but a sustained commitment to stewardship, civic engagement, and collaboration. The city’s success has been shaped by residents and strengthened through partnerships with organizations such as Serenbe, the Chattahoochee Hills Parks Commission, and the Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy.
Today, Chattahoochee Hills is recognized statewide as a living model for conservation-first growth—one that transforms preservation into a powerful economic and community development strategy while safeguarding the region’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information about the Visionary City Award, visit www.chatthillsga.us or @ChattHillsGA.
City Government
Stewardship, Safety, and Planning Ahead for Spring
February is often a quieter month on the surface, but for the City of Chattahoochee Hills it is a time of careful stewardship, preparation, and planning. While winter brings fewer public events and less visible activity, it is during this season that much of the groundwork is laid for the safety and sustainability of our community in the months ahead.
One of our most important responsibilities during the winter months is maintaining safe travel on both paved and gravel roads throughout the city. Chattahoochee Hills’ rural character is one of its greatest strengths, but it also presents unique challenges when it comes to road maintenance, particularly during cold, wet, and freezing conditions. Our approach is guided by the same values that shape all of our decisions: protecting the land, maintaining safety, and planning thoughtfully for the future.
On paved roads, winter maintenance focuses on monitoring conditions, addressing drainage issues, repairing surface damage, and responding quickly to hazards created by freezing temperatures. Cold weather can expose weaknesses in pavement, and winter inspections allow us to identify areas that may need attention before spring rains and heavier traffic accelerate deterioration.
Gravel roads require an equally thoughtful approach. Winter moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and traffic can lead to rutting, potholes, and soft spots. City crews work to maintain proper grading, address drainage, and stabilize road surfaces while minimizing unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding landscape. These efforts help preserve the functionality of our gravel roads while respecting the natural environment that defines Chattahoochee Hills.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we ask residents to remain mindful during winter driving conditions. Slower speeds, increased following distances, and awareness of narrow roadway especially on gravel roads go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. As we continue to evaluate options such as improved signage, strategic pull-offs, and targeted maintenance, community awareness and cooperation remain essential.
February is also a critical planning period. Staff uses this time to assess winter maintenance outcomes, prioritize spring projects, and align upcoming work with long-term goals. This includes planning improvements that enhance
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
safety without compromising the rural character residents value, and ensuring that growth is supported by infrastructure that is appropriate, durable, and environmentally responsible.
As we look ahead to spring, I want to thank our public works staff for their dedication and our residents for their patience and partnership. Thoughtful stewardship does not always draw attention, but it is what keeps Chattahoochee Hills safe, resilient, and true to its character.
We look forward to a productive year ahead and appreciate your continued engagement as we work together to protect what makes our community special.
Photo Peter Clemens
City Government
Marquis Who’s Who Honors Ronald Johnson Jr. for Distinguished Expertise in Public Administration
Ronald Johnson Jr. is a dedicated leader in the field of urban planning and public policy, founder and principal of West Georgia Planning, and currently deputy community development director for the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
Ronald Johnson Jr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Johnson has established a distinguished career in urban and community planning, marked by a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life in small towns and rural communities. Since March 2025, he has served as deputy community development director for the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. In this capacity, he manages long-term planning initiatives and geographic information system services, co-leads the development of the city’s comprehensive plan and reviews plat applications for new hamlets. He ensures that all projects align with the city’s founding vision and upholds legal requirements. His responsibilities also include shepherding new development through the Form-Based/Tranquility Code, protecting the Chattahoochee River corridor and more than 40,000 acres of conserved land, and assisting landowners in utilizing conservation easements to sustain farming and forestry.
In 2023, Mr. Johnson founded West Georgia Planning, where he serves as principal consulting planner. Through his firm, he assists small towns west of Atlanta by developing unified development ordinances and long-term planning strategies tailored to communities with limited budgets. His work embraces the New Urbanism approach to classic city planning, emphasizing walkability, mixed uses, heightened architectural standards, historic preservation, and conservation. Mr. Johnson and his firm are distinguished in the Atlanta region for crafting easy-to-understand, illustrated form-based zoning codes that standardize progressive concepts in communities throughout West Georgia including downtown mixed uses, incremental housing options such as accessory dwelling units, incentivized and flexible zoning
requirements, and encouraging inviting public spaces that foster vibrant community connections. In 2025, Mr. Johnson’s firm completed the first citywide rezoning for the City of Bowdon, Georgia, complete with a public-facing interactive zoning map.
Prior to these roles, Mr. Johnson was community development director for the City of Dallas, Georgia, from 2024 to 2025. There, he led a citywide rezoning effort that marked a significant transformation for the community. From 2019 to 2022, he served as planning and zoning specialist for the City of Villa Rica, Georgia, before being promoted to planning and zoning administrator, a role he held until 2024. During this period, he co-authored the city’s zoning ordinance, administered the city’s land use boards, designated numerous districts and sites historic, and oversaw all development applications during the largest growth in new development in the city’s history, managing over 60 projects over five years. Of those projects, notable is the Villa Rica Town Center, a key 56-acre mixed-use project in Villa Rica designed to link the masterplanned golf-course Mirror Lake neighborhood with the expanding downtown district and features premium retail and residential components, including a grocery anchor, diverse dining and shopping options, a mix of single-family and multifamily housing, and a multi use trail connecting the area.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Johnson served as zoning officer for the Township of Cranford, New Jersey, from 2017 to 2019 and for the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, from 2013 to 2017. His tenure in Plainfield was particularly notable; in 2015 he founded the Downtown Plainfield Alliance, a nonprofit organization created to secure grants unavailable to municipalities due to their status. Under his leadership, the alliance obtained funding from TD Bank in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 94 trees downtown, a project that involved local volunteers and bank staff. He also played a pivotal role in rezoning downtown Plainfield and the Netherwood train station area for transit-oriented development, which earned Plainfield the 2015 New Jersey Smart Growth Award. He also served on the City of Plain-
City Government
field Planning Commission and Shade Tree Commission.
Mr. Johnson began his professional journey as a planning intern with the City of Plainfield from 2012 to 2013 after serving as a finance department intern earlier that year. He also gained experience as an intern with the Housing Authority of Plainfield in 2012 and worked as student coordinator II at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey from 2011 to 2012.
Among his most significant achievements is his leadership in the Bouckaert Farm rezoning project completed in October 2025, the largest rezoning by land area in Georgia’s history at over 8,000 acres. This initiative envisions a new walkable hamlet with 10 miles of river trails connecting regional trail systems. Mr. Johnson’s expertise was critical in shaping this plan alongside colleague Mike Morton. The project will feature 8,384 new housing units, 315,500 SF of office space, 65,000 SF of grocery store space, 177,500 SF of retail and restaurant space, a 200-acre golf-course, a 600 student elementary school, and a 1,000 student high school, all while preserve 5,450 acres in one of the fastest growing regions of the Southeast for the enjoyment of future generations.
His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Arts in city, urban, community and regional planning from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in New Brunswick, earned in 2013. Mr. Johnson also holds several professional certifications: certified planner from the American Planning Association, supervisory management development from Georgia Municipal Association, Stormwater Level 1A (Blue Card) from the NPDES Training Institute, and zoning official certification from Center for Government Services at Rutgers. These credentials have underpinned his ability to deliver high-quality planning services across diverse communities.
Mr. Johnson’s approach is deeply influenced by his upbringing in Plainfield and surrounding areas, where his parents prioritized exposure to diverse environments—an experience that fostered strong communication skills and an appreciation for multiple perspectives. This background has proven invaluable during council meetings and public engagement efforts throughout his career. His inspiration for urban planning also originated during childhood after discovering urban planning simulator games, a formative experience that revealed the complexities behind city government and development. A subsequent move from
walkable New Jersey neighborhoods to sprawling suburban metro Atlanta heightened his awareness of urban design’s impact on daily life and mobility.
An active member of both the American Planning Association and the Georgia Planning Association, Mr. Johnson has been recognized through several honors, including an NAACP honoree proclamation from the Office of the Mayor in Plainfield in 2013; the Youth Leadership Award from the Plainfield NAACP in 2013; and scholarships from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the Kean University Foundation. Mr. Johnson was selected as an ARCUS Leadership Fellow in 2019 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a prestigious program funded by American Express that provides emerging leaders in historic preservation with advanced training, online coursework, and networking opportunities to strengthen the field.
Outside of his professional commitments, Mr. Johnson pursues personal interests including spending time with family and friends, reading, exploring family genealogy and historical research. Looking ahead, he aims to further advance West Georgia Planning while continuing to provide world-class planning services to financially constrained communities throughout West Georgia, helping them achieve healthier, more connected futures through thoughtful people-centered strategies.
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These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
Historic Commission - Mon. Feb. 9, 6:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission - Tues. Feb. 10, 4:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Work Session - Tues. Feb. 10, 4:30 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues. Feb. 10, 6:00 pm
City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Commission Work Session - Thurs. Feb. 19, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
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Chattahoochee Hills Awarded State Grant to Elevate Universal Access Trail with Groundbreaking Green Technology
The Parks Commission has received notice from Georgia DNR that we have been awarded the EPD Grant for the Wheel Beautiful Trail. The new trail surface uses SmartMIX™, a Georgia-developed rubber asphalt technology praised for its strength, flexibility, and long-term environmental benefits.
The enhanced project now totals $487,329, with the Georgia EPD grant covering the full cost of the green surface upgrade.
2026 PARKING PASSES AVAILABLE
The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are: Residents – free with an annual parking pass sticker they may pick up at city hall. Parking Pass rate from $5 to $10 per vehicle daily and from $50 to $70 annually.