CHATT HILLS NEWS
Photo by Chris Montesinos
MAYOR TOM REED
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
For twenty years, I have had the privilege of serving this community, first as an organizer as we came together as a community to create the City, then as a volunteer, and finally as your Mayor for four terms. I cannot fully express the appreciation I feel for the trust that journey represents. I have now made the difficult decision to step aside from elected office and finally, really retire at the end of my current term this December. It has been an honor to help guide Chattahoochee Hills through its formative years and into a promising future that reflects our shared values.
Together, we accomplished something extraordinary: building a new city from scratch, making it financially sustainable, and creating strong police, fire, administrative, and public works teams. Our staff rivals that of cities ten times our size in professionalism, efficiency, performance, care, and grit. We have crafted a nationally recognized, conservation-based zoning model that will ensure the permanent preservation of over 70 percent of our community and our land in a rural condition; something no one else near us is even attempting. We have proven that low-impact, well-buffered growth and land preservation can work hand in hand, and that a community committed to its vision can set an unmatched standard of preservation for the region and the nation.
We have also strengthened the city’s financial foundation, increasing our budget and operational capacity while lowering the millage rate by more than 20 percent. We get so much done with so little! Along the way, I have been fortunate to work with and rely upon that amazing staff, our regional partners, and the passionate citizens, dedicated council members, and countless volunteers and friends who gave so much of their time and energy to make our city stronger. To all of you, I offer my deepest thanks.
Most of all, I want to thank my wife, Karen, and my kids, who have stood by me every step of the way. Their support has been constant, even when the demands of this role so often pulled me away from them. I could not have met this call to service without their love and patience.
As I step away from office to focus on the growing family that this role has taken so much time away from, I do so with confidence that the foundation we have built will endure. The next Comprehensive Plan update is on the horizon, and I am excited to see the city preparing come together once again to update, strengthen, and reaffirm this uniquely thoughtful and forward-looking program. The beautiful story of Chattahoochee Hills is still being written, and I believe its best chapters are yet to come.
Thank you again for the trust you have placed in me, and for the countless moments of friendship, collaboration, and shared purpose. I look forward to continuing to support this community—not from the mayor’s seat, but as a neighbor and friend who loves this place deeply. I love Chattahoochee Hills!
With so much gratitude and senduring optimism, thank you,
Mayor Tom Reed
OUR COMMUNITY
Little Bit Farm
We are Mike and Rachel McBurnett of Little Bit Farm. Our home was built in 1840 and, in more than 150 years, has only been owned by three families: the Smiths, the Gullatts, and now the McBurnetts. Long before we were born, we believe God was already working on a plan—one that would eventually connect the Gullatt and McBurnett families.
That plan led Mike McBurnett to meet James Gullatt, and through that connection, we are here today—blessed to live and work on a historic cattle farm. We are a small family owned and operated business. We raise cattle to be processed and sold directly to the public, providing families with locally raised, quality beef.
We consider it an honor to continue the legacy of farming this land, and we strive every day to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
After living on the farm for a few years, we felt a pull to share its beauty and peace with others. That dream became reality with our first Corn Maze in 2024—an idea we had from the time the farm became ours —a family-friendly event designed to let people of all ages enjoy the farm, and make memories together.
The corn maze was planned to be a family friendly outing on a farm for all ages. We decided to use one of the hayfields to plan out our 3 acre corn maze. We wanted to open our farm to people that wanted to experience being on a farm. We offer a hayride that will take you through our 200 acre cattle farm. On our hayride you will see cattle, horses, pastures, old barns, and beautiful rolling hills.
Some of the things we offer during the fall are the corn maze and hayrides and our home made teeter totters (for all ages) and other fun activities. We enjoy giving people the opportunity to see tractors and farm equipment we use on the farm. We will have Pumpkins for purchase. We also sell snacks and drinks.
We will be open: Sept. 27- Nov. 1, Saturdays 10AM - 6PM Sundays 1PM - 6PM
Weekdays we are available for private openings (schools, churches, Special events) Call Rachel McBurnett (404)5575319 to schedule your event. If you would like to know more about our story visit littlebitfarmtotable.com
Come out, explore the maze, ride the hayride, and make lasting family memories.
We look forward to seeing you at the corn maze!
With last year being our first maze, we were pleased with the success of the maze. We enjoyed getting to meet so many people, we would like to thank all of you that came out to Little Bit Farm and made our maze successful.
Come on out to: Little Bit Farm, 7805 Jones Ferry Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268.
Photo by Chris Montesinos
OUR COMMUNITY
Chattahoochee Hills History Exhibit
By Chris Montesinos
Stop in and see this at the City Hall.
Early History of the Chattahoochee Hill Country (1715-1828)
Long before white settlers arrived, the Chattahoochee Hills region was home to the Creek Indians descendants of the Mississippian culture and part of the larger Muskogee-speaking tribal confederacy. After the Yamasee War of 1715 near the Savannah River, many Lower Creek groups migrated westward to central Georgia and the Chattahoochee River valley near the Georgia-Alabama border. This area offered strategic advantages in trade and natural defense, but their new homeland was far from secure.
Conflict escalated due to pressures from expanding white settlements and the Red Stick Uprising a pan-Indian movement influenced by Shawnee leader Tecumseh. The Creek Wars of 1813–1814 displaced many Coweta and Hillabee clans, pushing them further into west Georgia. The Chattahoochee River formed a natural boundary between the Creek and their rivals, the Cherokee, and became a contested frontier. Here, the Creek established key settlements and trade hubs, including Standing Peachtree and Sandtown, which would serve as points of cultural exchange and ultimately, of displacement.
Strategic Creek Towns and Territorial Conflict
Standing Peachtree, established at the confluence of the Chattahoochee River and Peachtree Creek, became an essential outpost and later a military installation known as Fort Peachtree. To the south, Sandtown originally Oktahasasi was positioned near Utoy Springs and Buzzard’s Roost, forming a frontier community that engaged in trade with both settlers and neighboring tribes. These towns symbolized the Creeks' adaptability and resilience but also stood on ground increasingly coveted by Georgia settlers.
By the early 1800s, Georgia intensified efforts to remove Native American nations from its territory. Under the Compact of 1802, Georgia relinquished western land claims in exchange for a federal promise to remove all Native Americans within the state. As white settlers poured in fueled by land hunger, economic ambition, and the 1828 discovery of gold public and political support for Creek and Cherokee removal reached a peak. Though some Creek leaders resisted, others, like Chief William McIntosh, sought to negotiate on their own terms.
Treaty of Indian Springs and McIntosh’s Fate
In 1821, Chief William McIntosh, a Coweta leader of mixed Creek and Scottish ancestry, signed the First Treaty of Indian Springs. In doing so, he ceded five million acres of Creek land stretching from the Chattahoochee River to the Ocmulgee and Flint rivers to the United States. These lands were promptly divided into counties and distributed by land lottery, a system that rapidly facilitated white settlement. McIntosh believed accommodation might help his people adapt, but many Creeks viewed the decision as betrayal.
In 1825, McIntosh signed a second treaty, surrendering all remaining Creek land in Georgia. This act sealed his fate. Less than three months later, a group of Upper Creek warriors outraged by his defiance of tribal law prohibiting unilateral land cessions executed him at his home near present-day Whitesburg. Despite his death, the federal government ratified the treaty, and Georgia established Coweta and Carroll counties, cementing state expansion and accelerating Native American displacement
Echoes of Resistance and Cultuural Survival
Although the U.S. government enforced removal policies, some Creek people defied relocation orders and remained in Georgia. Local legends tell of Upper Creeks who assimilated with colonial settlers and continued to live discreetly in the Chattahoochee Hill Country. A deed dated to 1860 references “Indians living near the waterfall,” likely referring to land now within the Serenbe community. Such stories suggest that not all Indigenous presence was erased by forced removal.
These oral histories offer a counterpoint to the official narrative of total displacement. While the Trail of Tears marks a tragic chapter in Native American history, the persistence of these communities illustrates cultural endurance. Even in the face of overwhelming pressure, Indigenous peoples adapted, hid in plain sight, or intermarried to avoid detection. The Chattahoochee Hills landscape may still hold traces of this hidden heritage.
Cherokee Resistance and Legal Battles
As the Creeks were being pushed out, the Cherokee Nation faced similar threats. Georgia nullified Cherokee laws and claimed jurisdiction over their lands, prompting Cherokee leaders to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1831, the Court ruled in Cherokee Nation v. Georgia that the Cherokee were a “domestic dependent nation” and lacked standing to sue. Though the ruling acknowledged their right to remain on their land, it offered no legal recourse for enforcement.
This decision set a dangerous precedent. By refusing to uphold federal treaties that recognized Cherokee sovereignty, the ruling effectively cleared the path for Georgia’s encroachment. It also weakened the broader legal status of Native nations within U.S. borders. The Cherokee’s legal strategy failed, and public sentiment turned against them amid pressure for expansion. Without protection from either state or federal authorities, the Cherokee found themselves increasingly vulnerable.
Indian Removal Act and Final Dispossession
The consequences of the Supreme Court ruling came swiftly. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, authorizing the forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi. The Cherokee, Creek, and other southeastern tribes were subjected to violent removals, broken treaties, and long, deadly marches culminating in the infamous Trail of Tears. Thousands perished from disease, starvation, and exposure.
Despite this forced exodus, the cultural footprint of the Creek and Cherokee remains embedded in the landscape of Chattahoochee Hills. Place names, oral histories, and archaeological remnants offer echoes of a once-thriving Native presence. Though largely invisible in today’s built environment, their legacy persists carried in stories, local memory, and the very rivers and trails that once sustained them.
OUR COMMUNITY
Tuesday Night Music at Cedar Grove –Celebrating 20 Years of Community and Song
Chattahoochee Hills, GA — For more than two decades, Tuesday nights at the Cedar Grove Community Center have come alive with the sound of music, laughter, and friendship. Every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., local acoustic musicians and community members gather at 9285 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn (within the City of Chatt Hills) for an evening of shared talent, potluck treats, and warm camaraderie.
Open to all, the tradition invites players of every skill level to sign up on the whiteboard, join in from the audience, or simply tap their feet and sing along. Attendees often bring an acoustic instrument and a favorite dish for the potluck—or offer a small donation to keep the music going.
“This is the good life. I wish that you were here,” sang one performer recently, capturing the spirit that keeps neighbors and new friends coming back year after year. Whether you come to play, sing, dance, or just listen, Tuesday Night Music at Cedar Grove offers a welcoming stage and a seat at the table for everyone.
Contact:
Cedar Grove Community Center 9285 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn, GA 30213 (Located in Chatt Hills)
Red Clover Farms — Weddings & Events
At Red Clover, we take great pleasure in hosting a variety of events, including weddings, rehearsals, bridal showers, office gatherings, meetings, conferences, and much more. Our dedicated team is here to assist you in customizing the space to suit the specific needs of your event, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with your vision.
Red Clover Farms covers 120 acres of stunning grounds, providing a beautiful setting for your event. Enjoy lush meadows with colorful wildflowers, calm ponds, and tall oak trees. We specialize in unforgettable events, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or any celebration. Our farm is easily accessible from the airport, downtown, and major highways, making it ideal for both social and corporate gatherings. Choose Red Clover Farm for private Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, corporate events, fundraisers, team-building activities, and holiday parties. Every event promises to be a memorable experience in a peaceful atmosphere. Our skilled team will ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on enjoying the moment. Trust Red Clover Farm to create the personal experience you've always wanted.
4450 Cochran Mill Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30213
Questions & Tours: Please contact us through our website to schedule an appointment to view the venue and property. Tours are by appointment only. Info@redcloverfarms. com +1 (404) 441-6045, Call between 9 AM - 6 PM EST only, https://www.redcloverfarms.com.
Local Groups Rally to Protect Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area from Budget Cuts
ATLANTA, GA – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) have joined forces to defend the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) as looming federal budget cuts threaten the park’s future.
Stretching 48 miles of river and 7,000 acres across metro Atlanta, CRNRA welcomes more than 3 million visitors annually. But proposed FY26 federal budget cuts—including a $1.2 billion reduction to the National Park Service, nearly 40% of its funding—would place additional strain on already-limited resources, staffing, and maintenance.
“This park has long been underfunded. If the budget shrinks further, it will only get worse,” said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of CNPC.
Additional federal actions—such as hiring freezes and the potential loss of Inflation Reduction Act funding—add pressure as visitation continues to rise. With CRNRA already understaffed, groups warn that conservation, research, and basic park operations are at risk.
To raise awareness, CNPC has launched chattahoocheeparks.org/updates with information and volunteer opportunities. CRK has created a letter-writing tool making it easy for the public to urge Congress to fully fund NPS.
Recent advocacy shows impact: public pushback, aided by Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, successfully reversed the termination of the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center lease—protecting vital stream gauges used to monitor the Chattahoochee’s water quality.
“We know advocacy works,” said Jason Ulseth, CRK’s Riverkeeper and Executive Director. “Now we need to keep the momentum going to protect CRNRA and the rangers who care for it.”
How to Help:
• Speak Up: Use CRK’s letter-writing tool to contact Congress.
• Support the Park: Donate, volunteer, or become a member at CNPC.
“CRNRA belongs to all of us,” said Jones. “By working together, we can ensure it stays safe and enjoyable for generations.”
About Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
CNPC is the official nonprofit partner of CRNRA, supporting the park through community engagement, projects, and volunteerism. Learn more at www.chattahoocheeparks.org
About Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
CRK works to protect and restore the Chattahoochee River watershed through advocacy, water monitoring, and public engagement. Learn more at www.chattahoochee.org.
Sweep the Hooch!
By Roland Alston
Chattahoochee River Keepers (CRK) have done 3 paddle cleanups in Chatt Hills this summer. Sweep the Hooch at the two parks, a paddle cleanup from 166 to Campbellton and a paddle cleanup from New Riverlands to Moores Bridge, concentrating on the section in Chatt Hills. Combined we have picked around 1000 lbs of trash this summer in Chatt Hills.
Water recreation on our corridor has been successfully activated.
OUR COMMUNITY
Zucchini and
Ricotta Galette
By Mary Collins-Shepard
Serves 6
Yet another way to use that overabundance of zucchini from the garden! The secret to the most flaky, tender crust ever is the parmesan cheese. Try it once and you’ll never make a savory crust without it.
Savory Pie Dough:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
10 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces and chill again
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
1 large or 2 small zucchini, sliced into ¼ inch thick rounds
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
1 medium garlic clove, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
½ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup (about 1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup (1 ounce) shredded mozzarella
1 tablespoon slivered basil leaves
Glaze:
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Make dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, salt, sugar and cheese. Sprinkle the cut butter over dough and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, with the biggest pieces of butter the size of tiny peas. Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing in between until the dough comes together. Remove to a floured board and form into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Make filling: Spread the zucchini out over several layers of paper towels. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let drain for 30 minutes; gently blot the tops of the zucchini dry with paper towels before using. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil and the garlic together; set aside. In a separate bowl,
mix the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon of the garlicky olive oil together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare galette: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 12-inch round. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet (though if you line it with parchment paper, it will be easier to transfer it to a plate later). Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the bottom of the galette dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Shingle the zucchini attractively on top of the ricotta in concentric circles, starting at the outside edge. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of the garlic and olive oil mixture evenly over the zucchini. Fold the border over the filling, pleating the edge to make it fit. The center will be open. Brush crust with egg yolk glaze.
Bake the galette until the cheese is puffed, the zucchini is slightly wilted and the crust is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with basil and let stand for 5 minutes. Slide the galette onto a serving plate. Cut into wedges and serve hot, warm or at room temperature.
WEEKLY
Tues. 4-6pm | Serenbe Farm Stand 10625 Serenbe Ln, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 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 pm Spring Kids Gardening Program at Serenbe Farms
Thurs. 4:45 pm BioCharger Happy Hour at Creek Retreat 11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chatt Hills (Free) includes Kava Seltzer (15 min / $22)
Tues.-Thurs. 5-10pm & Fri. & Sat. 5-11pm
Austin's Cocktailery & Kitchen 9110 Selborne Lane, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Fri. 1pm Elevated BioCharger Stacked Session
11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chatt Hills, (25 min / $20 per person) More information available at CreekRetreat.com 404-907-1914.
Fri. 4-6pm Serenbe Farm Stand 10640 Serenbe Lane Chatt Hills
Fri. & Sat. 5-8pm Blue Eyed Daisy Burger Night & Dinner 9065 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Mon. - Fri. 8am - 3pm, Mon. Burger Night 5pm - 8pm, Fri. & Sat. Dinner Service 5pm-8pm, Sat. & Sun. 8am - 3pm. Call ahead for takeout: 770.463.8379
Fri. 6-8:30pm Farmhouse Music on the Porch
10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Reserve a table HERE
Sat. 9am-1pm Farmers Market
Grange Green, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Sat. 10-11am Goat Yoga
The Inn 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills
Reservations required, $45 per person, for more info and reservations visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/serenbe-yoga-bodyworks-17254316632
Sat. 10:30am Story Time
Birdhouse Coffee Room, 10625 Serenbe Ln Hills & Hamlets Bookshop & Birdhouse Coffee
Sat. 11am-3pm Open Model Home Tours Mado/Overlook
Sat. 11:11am Community BioCharger Session at Creek Retreat (Free) 11134 Serenbe Lane, Suite 100 Chatt Hills
Sat. 1:30pm Wine Flights at the Wineshop
9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Each week new wines will be featured and paired with light snacks. $40 per person, reserve a seat today for our 1:30pm or 3:30pm seating. https://serenbewineshop.com
Sat. 3:00pm Farm Tour at Serenbe Farms
Sat. 4:00pm Wine Tastings - General Store
10642 Serenbe Lane, Chatt Hills
Join Nadine to taste wines from around the globe every Saturday; $35/person with tasting notes and small bites. Email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with questions.
Sat. 9-11pm Austin's Jazz Nights 9110 Selborne Lane Suite 120, Chatt Hills Contact for more information and reservations: https://shorturl.at/JN2Ix
Serenbe Farms - Fall Kids Gardening Program
August 27–October 30 | Wednesdays or Thursdays, 3:30–4:30pm | $300
This 10-week gardening program for ages 3–8 teaches kids gardening skills while nurturing their own growing space.
Each week will cover a different topic relating to soil health and vegetable production. The younger kids can expect an exploratory farm experience while the older kids will be doing more hands-on gardening activities. Everyone will have an opportunity to plant a seed and nurture it to harvest. Every lesson is developed to engage each student in exploring scientific and mathematical practices as well as creative activities such as building, crafting, storytelling, etc.
For more information: https://serenbefarms.com/ kids-gardening-program/10-week-kids-spring-gardeningprogram-j9y2m-7p3yt
Fast Bananas Trail Race
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 15, and experience the Fast Bananas Trail Race at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills. Choose from a 5K, 10K, or a fun 1-mile kids’ run, and enjoy a scenic course winding through the beautiful wooded trails, along the river, past the waterfall, and up and down the rolling hills. After crossing the finish line, stick around for a lively celebration with local businesses offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unique finds in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Age group winners will earn awards from Big Peach Running Company—plus, take advantage of early bird prices through September 30th and make it a day to remember with friends and family. If you’re a local business and would like to sponsor, please reach out to Presley@fastbananas. com. For more race info: https://www.fastbananas.com/ fastbananastrailrace
Photos by Alan Lam
This fundraiser assists women who are experiencing domestic violence by providing help with utilities, gas, or just to escape from the abuse in a short time frame.
Birdhouse Coffee Room
Thursday Tastings – $12, 12 – 1pm
Sat. Story Time (with Hills and Hamlets Bookshop) 9:30 - 10:30am
Birdhouse Coffee Room
470 756 5894, source@birdhousemarket.info 10625 Serenbe LN 30268, www.birdhousecoffeeroom.com
Film Showcase Weekend: Parrot Kindergarten Saturday, September 13, 2025
An inspiring documentary screening followed by a Reel Conversation with director Amy Herdy and special guests. https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/parrot-kindergarten-film-showcase-weekend
XANADU is coming to The Art Farm at Serenbe! Oct 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19 | Wildflower Meadow
The Art Farm is kicking off the season with XANADU, directed by the brilliant Eric Quang Gelb and starring a cast of world-class NYC performers!
This outdoor roller-skating musical adventure combines Greek mythology with 80s glam — all set under the stars at our Wildflower Meadow stage. You’ve never experienced theatre like this.
For Tickets: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/ xanadu-a-roller-skating-musical-comedy-adventure
Jazz Night with Rhonda Thomas Friday, September 26, 2025, 7:30 pm
A captivating evening with one of jazz’s most powerful vocalists. https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/jazznight-with-rhonda-thomas
The Soirée at Serenbe: A Great Gatsby-Themed Fundraiser Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 6:00 pm
A glamorous night under the stars supporting Art Farm— with live music, immersive performances, and elegant hors d’oeuvres. https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events/ the-soiree-at-serenbe-a-great-gatsby-inspired-fundraiserunder-the-stars
Spiritual Wellness and the Built Environment
By Phillip James Tabb
Spiritual Wellness and the Built Environment is a sequel to the previous book Wellness Architecture and Urban Design which was based on research with the Global Wellness Institute. Imagine a world where buildings and cities actively nurture our well-being, not just physically, but spiritually. There is a growing awareness of the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to wellness strategies in everyday life. This book explores spiritual wellness as a foundational attribute to urban planning and design. Chapters reflect the beginning of this evolving movement in home and community design that tackle our uniquely modern problems of sedentary lives, unhealthy diets, stress, social isolation, pollution, nature deprivation, and inaccessibility to spiritually nurturing places. The attributes of spiritual wellness are presented as defining characteristics informing design strategies. These specific planning and design strategies are presented through case studies from around the globe that highlight the importance of spiritual wellness considerations at all scales of the built environment from rooms to cities.
This class welcomes beginners, returning practitioners, part-timers, and experienced artists.
Arts Section
September Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books
Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a beautiful, warm, and welcoming neighborhood bookstore in Serenbe’s Grange Hamlet. All titles are lovingly curated, with an emphasis on books about nature, wellness, and the arts. A great children's section adds fun along with fiction, food, history, science, architecture, travel, gift books, and more!
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.
New in Inspirational Nonfiction: Lessons in Hope by Juliet Cutler
Serenbe neighbor Juliet Cutler presents a stunning testament to a group of Maasai women who are claiming their voices and shaping a future of lasting change. In this inspiring collection of interviews and portraits, over twenty Maasai women share the ways education has transformed their lives by giving them the tools to overcome poverty and empowering them to make profound differences in their communities. As graduates of the first school for Maasai girls in East Africa, these thriving leaders now hold positions in education, health care, nonprofits, government, and business. Their stories reveal a cadre of Maasai women working toward positive change within their own culture and offering a compelling, optimistic vision for the future. Proceeds from the sale of this book support education for Maasai girls. Out Sept. 9th!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/114322/9781647429584
New in Dark Academia Fantasy: Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
Recommended by H&H bookseller Josh: “Get in, Dante—we’re going to Hell, and R.F. Kuang is driving! But it’s not all doom and gloom. Katabasis is a playfully clever descent into the underworld of contemporary academia, complete with enemies-to-lovers tension, razor-sharp satire, and a surprisingly deep dive into the nuances of grief, regret, guilt, shame, and the haunting, hollow shallowness of ambition and pride.” Out now! Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/114322/9780063021471
New in Middle Grades: The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell & Ashley Mackenzie
Return to the magic of the Archipelago in the dazzling sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Impossible Creatures, hailed as “an instant classic” by Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan! Katherine Rundell’s second thrilling installment in the Impossible Creatures series involves castles, dragons, and revenge— the things of which great stories are made. The splendors within are brought to life with more than fifty illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures. Out Sept. 11th, for ages 10 and up!
Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/114322/9780593809907
Arts Section
Artists Featured at Southern Crescent Gallery at
Trilith Guesthouse
rEN Dillard • Mary Holman Johnson • Logynn Ferrall
350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214
For inquiries and purchase, contact Logynn Ferrall at (281) 658-5036, or logynnbferrall@mac.com
Art at ENZO NEW Exhibit Celebration!
Van Bixler • Ren Dillard • Cristina Easterbrook • Brenda Erickson • Olivia Fields • Laura Gfelner • Pamela Kamor • Robert Lederman • Natalie McIntyre • Olga Mosina • Dale Niles • Amber Stidham
To purchase: Greg Blair 770-774-3524, gblairpaintings@yahoo.com 300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214
Artists Featured at Dogwood Gallery
Malinda Lively-Arnold • Avi Deshmukh • Brenda Erickson • Corinne Galla • Vinayak Godbole • Jenni Horne • Julie McKinney • Michael Montgomery • Martin Pate • Malin Roghelia • Mary Collins-Shepard • Ezra Thompson • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst
105 St. Stephens Ct. Suite E Tyrone, https://www.dogwoodgallery.net/
Arts Section
Featured Artist ~ Cyndi Perry
Local self-taught artist Cyndi Perry invites viewers into a vibrant world of color, creativity, and heartfelt storytelling through her acrylic paintings. Known for her bold use of bright hues and a touch of whimsical Southern charm, Cyndi’s work captures the beauty of nature, the joy of imagination, and the warmth of rural life.
A longtime resident of Chatt Hills, Cyndi has spent most of her adult life on a picture-perfect small farm with her loving husband, Dennis. Surrounded by the beauty of the countryside, she finds endless inspiration in the flowers, fields, and wildlife that define her surroundings. Her children, Shane and Amber, have been constant supporters, encouraging her to share her gift with the community.
Cyndi’s love for art began decades ago, when she served as Director of the Rico Recreation Center in the 1980s. There, she not only showcased her own work but also nurtured the creativity of local children through hands-on craft projects. Today, she continues that spirit of joy and community in her art, offering paintings that bring happiness, warmth, and a burst of color to any space.
Her subjects range from lively octopuses to sundrenched fields of flowers, each piece brimming with personality and charm. Whether depicting a whimsical underwater scene or a blooming Southern meadow, her paintings invite viewers to pause, smile, and savor the beauty of everyday life.
Cyndi’s art is a celebration of southern spirit, family, and the simple joys that make life beautiful.
Community OUR CHURCHES
Campbellton Baptist Church, 8660 Church Street, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Friendship Baptist Church, 6090 Cochran Mill Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268 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 www.sardisbaptistch.com
Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/
Southside at Serenbe, 9:15 & 11:00am, 10640 Serenbe Ln., southside.org.
Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd., Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Providence Baptist Church’s Senior Adult Trip, held August 11–14, 2025, took members to Nashville, TN, for the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. The group enjoyed a fun-filled trip of music and fellowship!
Michael Dempsey Memorial BBQ
Providence Baptist Church Saturday, October 4, 2025 Fellowship Center - 11 AM-til Proceeds benefit Scholarship Fund.
Opening of the Chatt Hills Library
Photos by Ryan Scovell
Community BRICKWORKS UPDATE
Food Pantry
Our food pantry served 57 families (125 adults and 99 children) and welcomed 10 new families in July. We saw an increase in the total number of clients served in June, and another increase in July.
We completed our backpack drive and giveaway, distributing a total of 75 backpacks filled with essential, grade specific school supplies, to K-12 children in our community. Thank you to all our donors, especially Southside Church, Providence Church and the families of Serenbe.
Library
It’s official! We are open and so pleased to be able to serve the community!
The renovation of the Chatt Hills Library is a beautiful example of a community coming together to complete a job! From the early days, when Judy Henderson founded the library and pantry, it was a labor of love. It is our desire to honor Judy and her spirit by focusing on service to our community. We are grateful to the City of Chattahoochee Hills for providing a grant that allowed us to paint, and to purchase new shelving. Additional furniture was donated by the Remley family. The ROMEOS generously gave many hours to assemble both the library and pantry shelving. Steph Hendrix, and her daughter Lucca, painted our new mural in our Children’s Corner. A veritable army of volunteers showed up week after week to process and shelve books, clean windows, hang artwork, plan programs, paint, and so much more. We are so grateful to all of the people who came together. It is true that many hands make light work.
We are incredibly excited to be more than a place to check out books. We are here to highlight the many talented members of our community. Our Local Author collection holds more than twenty titles by more than twelve local authors. Our Local Artist Wall features the photographs of our very own Chip Denton. Chip signed on early by providing access to his beautiful collection of photos from around Chatt Hills. Please let us know if you or someone you know would like to be featured in one of our future exhibits.
If you haven’t stopped by yet, please do!
Up and Coming!
Chair Caning Class with Richard Mahjong Class for Beginners Toddler Tuesday (every Tuesday at 10:00 am)
These are popular classes and space is limited. Please visit the Community Brickworks Events page for more information and links to sign up.
Saturday, October 4th - 2pm
- Author Talk with Juliet Cutler
Local author, Juliet Cutler will share stories from her latest book (available for purchase on September 9) Lessons in Hope. You won’t want to miss this!
To reserve a seat, click here: Author Talk with Juliet Cutler or visit the Community Brickworks website for more information.
Saturday, November 8 - 2pm - Author Talk with Phill Tabb
Local author, Phill Tabb will discuss his latest book, Spiritual Wellness and the Built Environment. Sign up coming soon!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Neighbors Helping Neighbors! CommunityBrickworks.org
CITY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS VOTERS ATTENTION
Only voters who reside in the City of Chattahoochee Hills – specifically those within Fulton County and a portion of Coweta County – are eligible to vote in the City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Contest.
ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Coweta County - City of Chattahoochee Hills Voters
Two separate Ballots for the Public Service Commissioner General and City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Election.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE DURING ADVANCE VOTING:
• Public Service Commissioner General Election – Coweta County voters will report to a Coweta County Advance Voting location to cast their ballot. Please visit the Secretary of State GA My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov for early voting locations or Coweta County’s Elections Voter Registration page at https://cherokeegavotes.com/
• City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Election – Coweta County voters may report to any of Fulton County Early Voting locations. Please visit Fulton County Early Voting Locations page at www.fultoncountyga.gov/earlyvoting for early voting locations and hours.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY:
• Public Service Commissioner General Election – Coweta County voters will report to their Coweta County assigned Election Day Location to cast their ballot
• City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Election – Coweta County voters will report to their assigned Municipal election polling location – Chattahoochee Hills City Hall
• To confirm your election day polling location please visit the Secretary of State GA My Voter Page.
Fulton County Voters - City of Chattahoochee Hills Voters
One Ballot - Public Service Commissioner General Election and the City of Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Election are on the same ballot.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE DURING ADVANCE VOTING:
• Fulton County Voters may report to any of Fulton County Advance Voting locations to cast their ballot for both elections.
IF YOU CHOOSE TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY:
• Fulton County voters (Precinct CH01/B & CH02 & CH03 & CH04A & CH05/A) will report to Chattahoochee Hills City Hall to cast their ballot for both elections.
To confirm advance voting locations and your election day polling location please visit the Secretary of State GA My Voter Page at mvp.sos.ga.gov.
To view your sample ballot and confirm your assigned Election Day polling location, visit the Georgia Secretary of State My Voter Page website before heading out to vote. https://mvp.sos.ga.gov
RUNOFF ELECTION: TUESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2025
City Government
Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Elections
The Municipal Elections for the City of Chattahoochee Hills will be held on November 4, 2025, for the seats of Mayor, District 2 and District 4 Councilmembers.
The following candidates have qualified (listed alphabetically):
Mayor:
- Camille Lowe
- Richard B. Schmidt
District 2:
- Angela Addison
- David McElreath
District 4:
- Timothy D. Southard
- Mitchell Wolff
Residents wishing to vote in the November 2025 elections, must be registered by Monday, October 6, 2025. https:// georgia.gov/register-vote
Advance voting will take place at any of the Fulton County Early Voting locations and will be held Tues., October 14 –Fri., October 31, 2025.
The polling place for all Chattahoochee Residents (including those who live in Coweta County) voting in the November 4 election is Chattahoochee Hills City Hall – 6505 Rico Rd. Polls. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
If you can’t vote in person – either early or on Election Day – you also have the option to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail.
For more information, and to check your voter registration go to: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/
2025 PARKING PASSES AVAILABLE
The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are: Residents – free; Annual car/truck - $25; Annual 3+ axels - $35
City Government
Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:06pm by Mayor Reed. A quorum was established and all were present.
Review and Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Councilmember Schmidt and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approved the minutes from the Special Called Meeting on June 30th and the Regular Meeting on July 1st. Motion passed unanimously.
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
Public Comments: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Item 25-041 - Council Consideration of Adopting a Resolution & Approving a Project Assignment Authorizing Acceptance of the Recreational Trails Program Grant for “Wheel Beautiful RiverLands Scenic Universal Access Trail” from Georgia DNR. (Economic Development)
It was moved by Councilmember Schmidt and seconded by Councilmember Lightsey to approve Item 25-041. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Item 25-042 – Council Consideration to Approve the Concept Plan for Terra School (Community Development)
It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and seconded by Councilmember Foster to approve Item 25-042. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Item 25-043 – Council Consideration to Approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Coweta County and authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary documents. (City Manager/Finance)
Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills Tuesday, August 5, 2025 ~ 6:00pm
4. Item 25-040 – Council Consideration of Adopting an Ordinance to set the 2025 Millage Rate for Fulton and Coweta Residents of Chattahoochee Hills at a rate of 8.2 (City Manager/Finance)
FIRST READ ONLY
5. Item 25-035 – Council Consideration of Adopting on an Ordinance to Revise and Amend Appendix A – City of Chattahoochee Hills Unified Development Code and for all other purposes related thereto. (Community Development)
It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Lowe to Adopt Item 25-035. Motion passed 3-2; Councilmembers Schmidt and Lightsey voting Nay.
6. Item 25-036 – Council Consideration of Adopting an Ordinance to Amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 7,848.25 acres from RL to HM-MU for DMB Development, LLC on behalf of Cosmos Stock Holdings, LLC; GAIA, LLC and Oracle Fulton Land, LLC. (Community Development)
It was moved by Councilmember Foster and seconded by Councilmember Peek to Adopt Item 25-036. Motion passed 3-2; Councilmembers Schmidt and Lightsey voting Nay.
It was moved by Councilmember Lowe and seconded by Councilmember Foster to Adopt Item 25-036 with the additional conditions. Motion passed 3-2; Councilmembers Schmidt and Lightsey voting Nay.
7. Item 25-044 – Council Consideration of Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the Development Agreement for the Bouckaert Farm Hamlet (Community Development) It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Foster to Approve Item 25044. Motion passed 3-2; Councilmembers Schmidt and Lightsey voting Nay.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (When an Executive Session is required, one will be called for the following issues: Personnel, Litigation or Real Estate)
ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Councilmember Peek and seconded by Councilmember Lowe to adjourn the August 5th Council meeting at 10:26pm. Motion passed unanimously.
City Government
Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM
Welcoming Fall and Reflecting on a Summer of Progress
As the long days of summer begin to shorten and the first signs of fall appear, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and look ahead to the opportunities this new season brings for our city.
Summer is always a special time in our community. It is a peak season for farmers. Fields are planted and tended with care, gardens grow rapidly, and early harvests begin to come in. The hum of tractors in the distance, the smell of fresh-cut hay, and roadside stands bursting with local produce are all familiar signs that the season is in full swing. With school not in session, families often pitch in together such that work and home life tend to blend seamlessly.
Behind the scenes, summer has also been a productive season for city projects. We have made progress on one of our several key initiatives, which is the paving of the parking lot at City Hall. This project is part of a larger TSPLOST project which will include the paving of the Crossroads subdivision, a portion of Watkins Road and a portion of Sardis Road. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for all who live and work here.
As we turn the page to fall, our focus shifts slightly. September brings the return of the school year, and with it, a renewed emphasis on safety in our neighborhoods. As many know now, we have traffic cameras on Rivertown
Road near the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. I encourage all drivers to stay alert, slow down, and watch for students walking or biking to class.
Fall is also critical time to prepare rural infrastructure for the winter months. This includes repairing potholes and grading gravel roads before freezing weather arrives, clearing debris to prevent flooding from autumn rains, and tree and brush trimming which reduces fire risk and improving road visibility as vegetation dies back. Not to mention better visibility for those deer that like to dart out from the forested areas to leave their mark on our cars and insurance policy premiums. Please be patient with any road work or maintenance projects happening in your area.
Finally, as we approach the anniversary of September 11th, we pause to remember a day that profoundly shaped our nation. This was a day marked by tragedy, sacrifice, and extraordinary acts of courage we should never forget. Across the country, all Americans came together to support one another, to grieve together, and to begin the long road toward healing. Let us also recognize the continued service of our own local first responders, public safety personnel, and military members. Their commitment to protecting and serving others reflects the very best of who we are as a community.
Thank you for your continued partnership in building a strong, vibrant community. I look forward to what is in store for this fall with other capital improvement projects coming your way.
Trending Topic
Community & City City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268, Phone: (770) 463-8881, www.chatthillsga.us
City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us
Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Terra School at Serenbe: https://www.terraatserenbe.org
These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.
Historic Commission - Mon. Sept. 8, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Work Session - Tues. Sept. 9, 4:30-6 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
City Council Meeting - Tues. Sept. 9, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Parks Commission - Tues. Sept. 16, 7:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Planning Commission Work Session - Thurs. Sept. 18 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268
Chatt Hills News Article / Event Submissions:
If you have a story, event, or suggestion, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your info by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: Judy Walker, heyjwalker@gmail.com.
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: www. chatthillsga.us, Or subscribe directly at this link: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA
About Chatt Hills News Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall: (770) 463-8881.
