Chatt Hills News - February 2024

Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Issue 5 Volume 2 www.chatthillsga.us

FEBRUARY 2024 Features

Events

Arts in Chatt Hills

City Government

Our Community Page 3

What’s Happening Locally?

Page 18

Local Artists Page 24

Stay Informed Page 31

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Hello, Chattahoochee Hills!

Pictured is Palmetto (new) Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith addressing retiring Fire Chief Henry Argo (far left) with incoming Fire Chief Tim Shore at his side. Argo's Fire career spanned 47 years and six departments, he will now serve as Palmetto's City Administrator.

MAYOR TOM REED A couple of weeks ago I was privileged to be invited to Palmetto Fire Chief Henry Argo’s retirement event at the old Palmetto Depot. I've always been impressed by the way the fire department handles retirement; it's indicative of the level to which the whole group is a family. It makes sense too, that if you're a part of a team where life and death are part of the job, where you really must be able to rely fully on the person standing next to you, someone’s departure for whatever reason is particularly worthy of attention. When Chief Argo walked into the room and saw so many people there from so many different parts of his fire career, there weren't many dry eyes in the house.

We heard stories from many of the people who had worked with Henry over the course of his long career, and particularly from the many people that he had mentored, including our own Chief Brett. The depth of friendship and respect between those two chiefs was so impressive. And the ceremony of a fire department retirement is so moving, particularly the final call when the Fulton County dispatcher notifies all the local fire departments on open air of the retiring firefighter’s last call, and every single station sends their well wishes prior to the final sign off.

And of course, our Chief played a major role in pulling together the event and in bringing people from Chief Argo’s various roles in fire service throughout the state to pay homage. During his forty-seven years of fire service, chief Argo touched a lot of people’s lives, and many of whom were there to give thanks. It was especially lovely to watch his wife bask in the praise that her husband received. It speaks volumes that he's willing to step away from that frying pan into the fire of a much more politically charged service role as the new city administrator in Palmetto. The whole thing also had me thinking about teamwork and family, not just in the context of the fire department, but also with regard to our whole city.

As your Mayor, I've witnessed firsthand a level of 2

synergy within our Fire Department which goes far beyond the call of duty. In the context of firefighting, teamwork is a symphony of trust, coordination, and mutual respect.

In emergency situations, where every second counts, the team operates like a single entity. They rely on each other's strengths, cover each other's weaknesses, and communicate with an almost telepathic understanding.

This unity not only ensures their safety but also maximizes their efficiency in protecting our community. They train together relentlessly, preparing for every conceivable scenario. They learn to anticipate each other's moves, understand each other's thought processes, and support each other both emotionally and physically. It's this bond that enables them to enter the fiercest fires with confidence, knowing the team has their back.

And it’s not just our Fire Department that works in an environment of deep teamwork; the whole City staff does.

I’m often able to call it out during Council Meetings, from the way the Public Works Team and Fire Department work together during bad weather, to the way that everyone in the building comes together to review a development project, and so, so many more examples. These good people have each other’s support and trust, and it shows.

Leadership plays a huge role, of course. People like Chief Brett and City Manager Robbie Rockovitz exemplify that, and their teams constantly evince the results. It’s the single thing I’m proudest of as Mayor: the team that the Council and I have been able to assemble during my tenure is the best in any small city in the region, and I’m proud to be a part of that family.

Best wishes to all of my Chatt Hillian friends. I hope that you and your family are staying warm and safe.

Mayor Tom Reed

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Beginning 2024 on the Right Foot in Campbellton Park By: Pat Lesko Photographs by: Laurie Searle and Cyndi Perry Blue skies and crisp winter temperatures greeted 22 hikers and 3 dogs on the morning of January 1, 2024. They gathered at the boat ramp parking lot of Campbellton Park, at the northern tip of the City, for an event organized by the Chatt Hills Parks Commission. Some came to hear about the history of Campbellton, formerly the seat of Campbell County (1828-1931); some came to learn about the new amenities that will be built in the Park in 2024; some came to see alpacas and llamas; and some came simply to start the new year on the right foot by enjoying the “First Day Hike” exercise and camaraderie.

The walk started by crossing the meadow that runs parallel to the river, where removal of invasive species and restoration of native species is currently in progress courtesy of the Trust for Public Land and Birds Georgia (formerly Georgia Audubon.) Surveyor’s tape marks the sites in the woods above the meadow where the soon-tobe-built restrooms and primitive campsites will be located.

The group then climbed up a rather steep former roadbed through the woods to the Beavers-Lee House.

Laurie Searle, as our local history expert, gave a brief talk about the Beavers-Lee House and Campbellton. The historic home, built sometime in the early 1800s, is the last remaining residence of the once-thriving Campbellton

First Day hikers gather at the Campbellton Park boat ramp

town square. Today the Beavers-Lee House, the Masonic Lodge, and the Baptist Church are all that remain of the town that originally included the Campbell County Courthouse, a city well, a jail and prison grounds, a hotel, a Methodist church, the Campbellton Academy, a doctor’s office, many homes, and the Campbellton Ferry which crossed the Chattahoochee River. The Beavers-Lee House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and was acquired by the City of Chattahoochee Hills in 2016. It is currently closed while the City seeks resources to restore and preserve it.

Laurie Searle, who conceived of and implements the Chatt Hills Quilt Trail, also described how the patterns were selected for the barn quilts displayed on the Beavers-Lee House garage and the Fountain Family Barn across the road.

Next, Diana Wilson, Chair of the Chatt Hills Parks Department, described the new park amenities that are being built by Trust for Public Land as part of its 48-mile Camp + Paddle trail along the Chattahoochee River. The Camp + Paddle trail will be a 4-day, 3-night paddling, hiking, and camping experience between Peachtree Creek in Atlanta and McIntosh Reserve in Carroll County. As one of the overnight stopping places, Campbellton Park will gain restrooms, a picnic pavilion, and primitive campsites.

The group then proceeded back down the hill via Cochran Road and continued farther upstream along

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Park Commissioners Diana Wilson and Roland Alston

Park Commission Chair Diana Wilson talks about the new amenities coming to Campbellton Park. The historic Campbellton Baptist Church is in the background. the road to Kelly and Glen Vann’s alpaca farm. The farm boasts the third barn quilt we saw that day. Glen Vann kindly brought the alpacas and llamas up close to the fence where we could see them and answered our many questions. We learned that these two types of domestic camelids are distinguishable by size (llamas are generally larger), by the shape of their ears (llama ears are longer and “banana” shaped, alpaca’s are shorter and pointed), and alpacas tend to have more of a forelock, called a “mop,” on their foreheads. All were very curious, extremely cute and fun to watch. We also learned what they eat (grass, hay, commercial llama feed) and about the personalities of the ones in his herd.

As we returned to our cars, all agreed the morning hike had been a great way to begin the year. Once we were back at our vehicles, those who could stay a bit longer were treated to hot coffee, tea, and cocoa by Parks Commission member Roland Alston, who set up a well-provisioned coffee bar on his tailgate. The Parks Commission looks forward to leading a First Day Hike in a different city park on January 1, 2025.

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If you go to Campbellton Park: Park Location – 8655 Cochran Road SW, Fairburn, GA, 30213 [GPS directions: the park is indeed in the City of Chattahoochee Hills] Park Hours – the Campbellton Park boat ramp area is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Parking – the boat ramp area has 8 parking spaces for trailered vehicles, 5 additional spots and an ADA parking area Amenities – Currently there is an 18-foot-wide concrete boat ramp and a Life Jacket Loaner Station. Several primitive campsites, restroom facilities, and a picnic pavilion are scheduled to be built in 2024.

Activities – In addition to providing public access to the Chattahoochee River, Campbellton Park is a favorite spot for local birders, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. The area offers a combination of riparian, meadow, and woodland habitats. The area also contains 3 of the 48 barn quilts on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail.

Additional Information – This and additional information about all the city parks can be found on the city’s website: chatthillsga.

US.

Two happy hikers, Birgit Bolton and Birdy

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Norma Lewis shows children the bats.

Terra School at Serenbe students receive a history lesson on the porch of Bear Creek Nature Center.

School History Trip brings Chatt Hills Heritage to Life

By Laurie Searle, Chatt Hills News & History Contributor Normally I’d jump at the chance to share the history and rural heritage of Chattahoochee Hills with others. But when Larisa Wilson from the Terra School at Serenbe asked me to lead a history trip for their first- and second-grade students (ages 5-7 years old), I was stumped. How could I share our history in an interesting and meaningful way for young children when I’m not a parent or educator?

An article on teachwire.net suggested that good local history enables the students to discover the people that lived in their community in the past and how their lives may be similar and different to their own. While that was sage advice, I also wanted the students to see that history doesn’t end in the past – it continues to the present, and that each one of them is a part of our living history.

With those thoughts in mind, I collaborated with the Bear Creek Nature Center, The Good Place Farm, Community Brickworks, and the city of Chattahoochee Hills to offer a school history trip to their locations. I would give a two-minute history talk and connect the place’s heritage to Chatt Hills, and the hosts would engage the students in its living history.

Bear Creek Nature Center – Learning Meets Nature The Nature Center awoke from its holiday slumber on January 4th as Director Norma Lewis and Environmental Educator Amber Shaheyderri greeted 19 enthusiastic students and 8 adults from Terra School at Serenbe.

I began the history lesson by asking the students how many have walked in the woods near their school or homes and seen deer or birds or squirrels along the way? After all hands went into the air, I said you may not know it, but you were experiencing nature.

After a flurry of comments and shared stories, I was thrilled to see that the children clearly understood nature.

Next, I said all of this was nature before people moved here more than 100 years ago. Over the years, as more people came and cleared space for their homes, there was a little less space for nature. In 1968, our county created Cochran Mill Park to make sure there would always be nature here for people to enjoy. Then in 1987, a group of residents who loved nature decided to create this center to teach school children and others about nature. They volunteered their money and time to build the Nature Center, and they asked others to volunteer too. As a result, volunteering and the love for nature became a part of our Chatt Hills heritage.

We ended the talk with examples and stories about volunteering and nature and how shared values become our heritage.

Inside the Nature Center’s lodge, Norma and Amber engaged students in its living history by introducing them to the live animal exhibits. The kids were captivated by the bats and turtles. When Amber introduced the “kid friendly” bearded dragon, she instructed them to pet the dragon with two fingers and guess why the dragon has spiky skin.

The tour ended outside at the Bear Claw Barn Quilt and a description of the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail.

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Students and parents from Terra School at Serenbe begin their tour by meeting a baby goat.

The Good Place Farm – Where Heaven is a Place on Earth “Mama B” welcomed the Acton students and adults to The Good Place Farm with a surprise tucked inside her warm jacket. When a fuzzy-faced critter emerged, everyone swarmed like paparazzi for a closer look at the star of the show – an adorable baby goat.

About the size of a small puppy and 10 times cuter, the baby goat received cuddles enough to last her a week.

Before Mama B continued with the tour of her farm, I took two minutes to share the history and heritage of farming in Chatt Hills.

I began the history lesson by asking the students how many had ever been to a farm? Most raised their hands, having been to the Serenbe organic farm before. Next, I asked if they had seen the vegetables being grown or farm animals like cows or pigs being fed. Fewer hands went up this time. I said when people first lived here more than 100 years ago, they had to provide their own food which they raised on family farms (and supplemented with hunting).

As more people moved here, they shared or sold their food in exchange for services, like milling the corn into flour for making bread, or selling their cotton crops to make clothes.

This area was mostly all farm land until a bug called the boll weevil destroyed the crops. Without farming, many people turned to other ways of making a living.

Today, we still have a few families who have farmed the land for generations – that means their parents or grandparents farmed the land. We also have a few families who moved here and started farming as the first generation in their family. The Good Place Farm is one of those first-generation farms.

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Mama B continued the farm tour and talked about its living history. She used to live in a city that had lots of buildings and lots of noise. When she visited our community, she thought it was Heaven on Earth, so she and her family moved here to raise a few animals and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Her farm started with three animals and as her friends found out, they donated more animals until she had more than 70 animals including chickens, pigs, goats, donkeys, and cows. When I learned about her farm, I offered to paint a set of barn quilts representing four of their farm animals in honor of their farm’s heritage.

As the tour came to a close, I heard one student talking with Mama B about becoming a farmer. Mama B said, “It’s a good job if you want to stay in one place, because you can’t really travel around while taking care of the animals.”

The student said, “I don’t want to travel around, I want to be a farmer.”

City Hall Building – The Heart of the Community The last stop on the History Trip was the Chattahoochee Hills City Hall Building. I gave an abbreviated history of the building, which I’ll expand here for this article.

The building’s history began as the Rico Elementary School which operated from 1933-1980. When the school closed, the county repurposed it as a recreation center. It became the social center for the community with residents giving and receiving classes. When the county announced it would close the center in 2006, a resident volunteer named Judy Henderson petitioned to run the center with volunteers.

The county agreed and the building transitioned into the Rico Cultural Center. Judy soon formed a non-profit called Community Brickworks, which established an all-volunteer library. When the city of Chattahoochee Hills incorporated in 2007, it acquired the building from Fulton County for its city hall. The city partnered with Community Brickworks to continue its volunteer library service. The lessons learned from this building are that community support has become a part of our Chatt Hills heritage, and that we value and find new purpose in our old buildings from our past.

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Chatt Hills City Manager Robbie Rokovitz shares information about the municipal operations.

Community Brickworks Library Director Nan McGuffey reads the book, “Luna Loves Library Day.” Community Brickworks – Neighbors Helping Neighbors Library Director Nan McGuffey greeted the Terra School students and adults and shared information about the food pantry and library. She asked the kids if they knew what the food pantry was, and to her delight, they all did. In fact, the Terra School adults in the group said the donations they brought today were all paid for by money collected from the students. Nan talked about the library and introduced a new word “check-out.” She said that means you can borrow books and take them home to read them. You can also come to the library and read them here, work on the computers, and participate in the crafts. She further described the library by reading the book, Luna Loves Library Day. Chattahoochee Hills Municipal Operations – Serving the City of Chattahoochee Hills The Terra School group then ventured to the other side of the building where they met Chattahoochee Hills City Manager Robbie Rokovitz. In my short history introduction, I said the city is governed by the mayor and city council who are elected by the residents. And the city manager is like the school principal where he manages the operations and staff.

Robbie gave them a tour of the administration offices, which generated many questions from the students such as: What are all of those file cabinets for? What does the city clerk do? Does the city council really have to read that

big notebook?

Robbie conveyed that the purpose of our city government is to serve its residents in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner.

Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail It was a pleasure leading the school history trip for the 19 students and 8 adults from Terra School.

As a parting gift, I created a gift for each student – a Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Coloring Book with the quilts they saw on the trip and additional heritage information for the adults.

Bear Creek Nature Center www.bearcreeknaturecenter. org, https://youtu.be/hYlCbnKTJmw?si=ufEDDL8mVdMDTDg6 The Good Place Farm 7770 Barnes Road, Chatt Hills, GA, 678-644-8323 Self-serve farm stand open all day, every day. Self-pay honor system. Venmo, Zelle, Paypal and cash all accepted!

Community Brickworks (left side of building) https://communitybrickworks.org 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills, GA, 770-463-6600 Chattahoochee Hills City Hall www.chatthillsga.us 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills, GA, 770-463-8881 Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail www.chatthillsbarnquilttrail. com Includes trail map with locations. Contact: Laurie Searle 770-463-5169 Lsearle@bellsouth.net Chatt Hills History www.chatthillshistory.com

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OUR COMMUNITY Remembrance of TDR legislation passage on 20th anniversary year.

By Steve Nygren Nov. 20, 2023

In an effort to share the history of Chattahoochee Hills, I have committed to commemorate the journey on the 20-year anniversary of critical events. Last year I shared the community effort to analyze the potential threat that unplanned and scattered development could have on the 40,000 acres that make up the most southern tip of Fulton County. The neighborhood coffees and public meetings resulted in the overlay passed in 2002 which is the framework for the zoning that exists today.

Clustered development is the principle tool to preserve open swaths of non residential & commercial land that can remain agriculture zoned land. This concept is rare for land on the edge of a sprawling urban center such as Atlanta.

Land owners with less than 100 acres who are not interested in partnering with neighboring land for a master plan are many times forced to sell due to events that trigger a need for funds or a death that results in mixed wishes from the people who inherit the land.

Phill Tabb, who lead one of the early charrettes, invited Jennifer Vecchi, a planner from Longmont Colorado who talked about the use of Transfer Development Rights to protect land in Boulder County, Colorado. What a small world. I was born in Longmont, and three branches of my family helped settle Bounder County in the mid-1890s.

Boulder County was one of the early adopters establishing a Transfer Development Rights program to manage sprawl development in 1976. I remember my cousin Charlie and his wife Melanie being one of the early sellers of development rights from their farm north of Boulder in 1994, thus protecting their view of the rocky mountains and financially benefiting for doing so. Some Serenbe residents might remember Charlie and Mel, from the period when they owned a second home in Swann Ridge.

While this was a great idea, how could we use this tool in a property rights southern state where the state law didn’t provide for this tool and most property owners were not accustomed to multiple land rights with values? In the West, this was understood as just another value associated with land, in the same way landowners sell mineral rights and water rights.

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More to come next week on the journey that lead to Fulton County being the first county in the Southeast United States to enable TDR legislation for the 40,000acre Chattahoochee Hill Country which is now the city of Chattahoochee Hills.

Attached is an image of a 440-acre site in north Atlanta that was cut up for 308 lots.

If the area had TDRs or cluster zoning, the same land could have been developed with moving the development rights to 30% of the land or selling any portion to a TDR bank and leaving the full farm in agriculture zoning.

In 1998 the Georgia Legislature amended Title 36 (Local Government) of the Official Code of Georgia entitling the use of Transfer Development Rights in Georgia. The legislation defined development rights as baseline development potential for an area and called for sending and receiving legislation. The legislation also states there must be local enabling legislation to enact this program.

In 2001, no county in Georgia had written enabling legislation and some of the language in the state legislation was problematic. We turned to Dr. Laurie Fowler, who was head of the Land Use Department at the University of Georgia, for help in understanding what our options were under the law. She then engaged Jamie Roskie, a professor in the

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Law School, to assist in the research.

For greater understanding of two successful programs in the United States and to educate ourselves as well as state and local officials, we used some of the early funds for the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance to host a one day seminar on TDRs. We wanted to engage with government leaders from other states who managed TDR programs in their areas.

The Fulton County Office of Environment and Community, The Nature Conservancy, and the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance collaborated in scheduling a oneday seminar in June of 2001 on Tools for Sustainable Development. Speakers from Boulder County, Colorado; Howard County, Maryland; and the University of Georgia donated their time for this program. Attendees included: Fulton County staff, the Georgia Conservancy, South Fulton landowners and developers, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Atlanta Regional Commission, Oglethorpe Power, the National Park Service, the Southern Company, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, and the Association of County Commissioners in Georgia.

We learned a lot and became aware of the challenges ahead. There was also great enthusiasm because we were ushering in a new concept for land preservation in Georgia and the entire Southeast. Following this meeting the work plan was started to make TDR legislation real for the Chattahoochee Hills area.

The University of Georgia conducted further research to determine language necessary for a TDR ordinance with

specific local enabling language that would allow the CHC area to use this tool. University of Georgia Land Use Clinic wrote the suggested amendment to Georgia’s Title 36 (Local Government) Official Code.

Ross King, from the Association of County Commissioners in Georgia (ACCG), attended the one-day seminar and realized how TDRs could be transformative for land conservation in the state. As a result, ACCG took the lead in finding a sponsor in the Georgia Legislator to introduce the modification to the states TDR legislation. ACCG also made TDR legislation part of their legislative agenda in 2003 and the modification bill was successfully passed on April 22, 2003, making TDRs available to any county that adopts enabling TDR ordinances. The Fulton County Board of Commissioner’s unanimous adoption of the TDR local enabling ordinance made the Chattahoochee Hill County the first eligible area for TDR transactions in the state of Georgia and the entire southeastern United States.

The one-day seminar and the passing of the TDR legislation prompted State officials to think about TDS as a state program for land preservation. Governor Barns' administration pledged One Million Dollars to establish a TDR bank for the Chattahoochee Hill Country to create a model that could be rolled out in future years as a state program.

Following the state's pledge, the Woodruff Foundation pledged to match the state's donation, and two additional foundations and a local landowner pledged a third million dollars. Plans were drafted for the newly-formed

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OUR COMMUNITY Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy (CHCC) to act as the TDR bank to manage the funds and TDR purchase program.

The CHCC was awarded $40,000 from the Turner Foundation to support the TDR program. These funds were used to hire Georgia Tech to complete a land assessment report to guide the CHCC on prioritization of TDR purchases. The result was a list of potential green space parcels, including ownership and land value information, prioritized by their importance: • Watershed and habitat protection • The preservation of agricultural and pasture lands • The preservation of cultural and historic resources • The preservation of scenic view sheds.

The CHCC launched a TDR education program for all landowners in the Chattahoochee Hill Country area. Land owners were invited to apply to be part of the early sellers of TDRs. Twenty-eight landowners were approved with 10

acreage that ranged from 15 acres to 60 acres.

We were ready. The University of Georgia drafted the legal documents for the development right severance and the deed that would hold them as well as to process. On a drive to Athens to review this legislation, we learned on the radio that there had been an unexpected upset in the governor's race and Governor Barnes was not reelected.

Without the state’s funds, the three foundations pulled out. The individual who pledged money for the bank met her pledge, and with those funds two transactions were completed. Nine TDRs were severed and purchased from the Monk/Indis property at Cochran Mill and Rivertown due to the high score for viewshed, agriculture, and historic significance. Twelve TDRs were severed and purchased from Trella Dickerson due to the high score as an ecological site.

The actual purchase of these 21 TDRs helped work out all of the final kinks to make Transfer Development Rights a reality for our city and for the state. The Chattahoochee Hill Country Conservancy holds those TDRs. The loss of a multi-million dollar bank to purchase development rights and the 2008 recession stalling development halted the development of this program. Now, 20 years later, there is hope that development will move past the stage of entitlement, and a demand for development rights will become a reality. In the meantime, a TDR purchase program could be established. Funding could come from a percent of increased tax revenue and donations from foundations and individuals. It is the hope that our community, working with the city, will find a way to fund a bank to purchase development rights to help guarantee that the area remains rural for future generations. The combination of zoning for hamlets and villages coupled with a vigorous TDR purchase program will result in 70% of the land remaining open land with agriculture zoning.

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OUR COMMUNITY What's in Your Future?

By Christina Trifero

Christina Trifero is a certified psychic medium that comes from a long ancestry of gifted intuitives.

She communicates with your unique spirit guides who have passed on, and she can see, feel, and hear your past, present, and future selves in order to guide you to clear answers about any area of your life. Besides channeling messages from the beyond for people all over the world for decades, she volunteers with incarcerated men at San Quentin Prison, is a brand creative writer, and voice actor.

In a virtual online psychic medium session, she works with individuals, couples, groups, and company events. In person, she works to clear homes of unwanted energies, makes adjustments to your home for the best energetic harmony, and hosts intuitive workshops.

It is her highest purpose and deepest honor to open this sacred channel of communication, and leave with you tangible next steps to safely connect with these spirits— and your truest yourself. She is a new resident to Serenbe, and now accepting local clients from the community and the surrounding areas, and welcomes referrals. Read more reviews, book a virtual session, or purchase a gift certificate at calendly.com/christinatrifero. To get in touch directly, email christina.trifero@gmail.com.

“My reading with Christina was so profound. In less than an hour, she was able to read my aura, confirm where (and why) I had pain in my body, validate my mission on earth, and connect with my grandmother (she even knew about my grandmother’s gold rings I had inherited!). We healed generational family wounds , and she somehow knew about and confirmed a specific major life decision my husband and I were recently deliberating. She gave me actionable

tools to help me move forward and guided me through the whole process making me feel comfortable, safe, and at ease. If you’ve ever considered having a reading, just do it.

10 out of 10 recommend Christina. I definitely will be back for more readings! Thank you Christina for sharing your abilities with the world!!” - Amanda P “I’ve had many readings before. But I’d never experienced a reading or anything to do with my spirit guides. In my very first reading with Christina, my dad energetically entered the space to tell me he was no longer in pain. There’s no way she could have known, but she correctly told me that my father died of stomach cancer 7 years earlier. That rocked me. The unexpected chance to communicate with him was so emotional and special, it helped me along my grief journey in ways I didn’t even know I still needed. In my second reading, I asked Christina to focus on my cards. I was at a crossroads in several important relationships and her message once again brought me to tears. Fueled by her words of comfort and encouragement, I followed my heart and took a big leap of faith into the unknown. In the 8 months since then, my life and relationships have completely transformed. I’ve never been surrounded by more love. Christina, your psychic gifts are so beautiful and pure.

I can’t thank you enough for sharing them with me.”

“I’m a real estate agency owner who recommends Christina to all our listings. When we can’t sell a house or have reports of stuck spirits in a home, we call her in to clear it. It has a palpable and immediate effect on our business (and our sanity!). Plus, she’s fun to hang out with. I highly recommend her, you won’t regret it!” - Sharon C

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OUR COMMUNITY Hippotherapy Program to Launch this March at Zorro’s Crossing

By Birgit Bolton

Zorro's Crossing is scheduled to launch a new program using hippotherapy this March 2024, appropriately named The Wonder Program. Hippotherapy is an innovative equine-assisted physical therapy that uses the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input. The Wonder Program, inspired from the Natalie Merchant song "Wonder," about children with special needs, "with love, with faith, and with patience," will focus on children with special needs through carefully tailored sessions supervised by certified physical therapist, Sue Soha.

Hippotherapy uses the inherent connection between humans and horses to address physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Therapy on a horse offers so much for a child. There’s the empowerment a child feels when they’re able to make a horse walk. There’s also the opportunity to bond with an animal who can sense the vulnerabilities of a child and provide a loving interaction that therapy on a floor mat cannot offer.

The Wonder Program is coming full circle in two important ways for founder and owner, Jennifer Astrop, whose own son took hippotherapy sessions from Sue Soha at Chastain Park and experienced the "wonders" and results that have been life changing for him. Jennifer Astrop explains, “Hippotherapy was prescribed by our son's neurologist, and I witnessed how being on a horse transformed his mental and physical wellbeing. I truly believe in the healing powers of the horse and the benefits of the horse and human connection. This experience had a profound impact on our family and provided the groundwork for launching this program. It’s also life changing for the rescue horses who were once discarded for slaughterhouses because they now have a purpose. They are intuitive creatures who respond to kindness and empathy which makes them perfect for the hippotherapy program.”

The Wonder Program at Zorro's Crossing prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility and welcomes children with diverse special needs and understands that the cost of therapy can be prohibitive for many. There are grants and scholarships (with Incommunity: https://www.incommu12

nityga.orga.org and Boddy Dodd: www.bobbydodd.org) that parents can apply for that might offset the expense.

Sponsorships and donations are also welcome. If you’re interested in learning more, enrolling your child in The Wonder Program, or have questions about cost and funding, or would like to donate to Zorro’s Crossing and The Wonder Program, please contact Jennifer Astrop at 404-536-1448.

Stay tuned for the March article where we will highlight the volunteers and rescue horses who make this program possible, and the April article spotlighting some of our clients and children.

Located at: 8655 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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More than 400 volunteers helped to fund and build the 6,000 square foot Nature Center Lodge.

Reflections on Cochran Mill Nature Center: A historic podcast honoring its legacy and Ray Hannah

By Laurie Searle

Ripples dance, Reflecting stories untold.

The pond remembers.

In this brief haiku, the poet captures the essence of a pond's reflective nature. The ripples on the water's surface become a metaphor for the memories and stories hidden within the pond's depths.

In 2016, three founding members (Ray Hannah, Dieter Franz, and Louie Deaton) shared their reflections on Cochran Mill Nature Center and their vision to bring environmental education to the Southern Crescent of Atlanta.

However, a tragic event closed the Nature Center before that story was shared.

In 2020, Bear Creek Nature Center opened as a new non-profit in the same location to carry on the legacy of environmental education. Throughout its history, founding member Ray Hannah was instrumental in building – and rebuilding – the Nature Center. With his passing in December 2023, the Nature Center honors his memory and the legacy of Cochran Mill Nature Center with the sharing of the 2016 podcast at: https://youtu.be/hYlCbnKTJmw?si=ufEDDL8mVdMDTDg6 The podcast transcript, history, and photos are available at: www.chatthillshistory.com/nature-center.html.

The podcast’s forward and Ray Hannah’s interview by Terri Clark, are provided below.

The historic podcast honors the legacy of Cochran Mill Nature Center, now Bear Creek Nature Center, in Chattahoochee Hills, GA. Haiku poem is from Short Poems about Ponds: https://poemverse.org.

FORWARD In the late 1980s, a small group of local residents with a shared passion for the environment, believed they could strengthen their Atlanta Southern Crescent community through environmental education and conservation.

Together, they secured a 45-year lease on approximately 50 acres of privately-owned land adjacent to Cochran Mill Park, an 800-acre nature preserve owned and managed by Fulton County [now owned by the city of Chattahoochee Hills]. This property has become the home of Cochran Mill Nature Center, a private, non-profit organization providing environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation services.

The ongoing support and commitment of the community has made it possible for the Nature Center to provide year-round educational programming since 1991.

Inspired by the Nature Center’s mission and goals, volunteers worked with staff and board members to expand the capacity and reach of the Nature Center. Together, they built a 6,000 square-foot lodge, the Nature Center’s first permanent facility, and a one-acre wildlife pond. The new lodge, complete with new exhibits and programming, opened to the public in 1994. In addition to the construction of the lodge, volunteers and donors generously aided CMNC in the building of a handicapped-accessible boardwalk and dock, a pavilion, and the Helen Selman memorial garden.

After more than 20 years of service, the Nature Center was recognized as Atlanta's Southern Crescent Region’s premier environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation.

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RAY HANNAH How did the nature center come about?

Buddy Spencer, who was an employee of the Fulton County Parks and Recreation Department, had the idea that a nature center at Cochran Mill Park could help improve the conditions there.

The park at one time had been a wonderful place for families and other groups to gather, but it had become vandalized to some degree, and Buddy thought having young people out here would draw a better crowd and perhaps push out the bad elements.

So, Buddy had the idea, and he approached John Ripley Fords who was president of the Natural Science for Youth Foundation. They got together and talked about it, and then they approached me to see if I would put together a local group of people to consider putting a nature center out here. That’s how it all came about.

So, you got involved from that point on?

Yes, they came to me and I talked with them. I was familiar with Cochran Mill Park because we used to bring scouts out here for camporees, and Louie Deaton and I were together in scouting; he was a scout master. We brought people out here and had a lot of fun. My wife had youth groups from church who would come out on occasion and I was familiar with it and after looking at the situation decided that we really should move forward with it.

You’ve certainly moved forward with it, and you’ve been involved with us for 20-30 years now? What kept you committed?

I grew up in a state park and learned to love the wilderness. This was a big part in Mississippi where my father was a superintendent of the park, and it had some of the biggest deep woods that you could imagine. And I liked the outdoors, I liked the outdoor environment. Also, I knew the importance of teaching kids about the environment and preserving what we had. And when you put those two things together, it was just natural that I think I would want to get involved in a project like that.

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Tell us about the Nature Center itself. How did it get started as far as being a not-for-profit?

Well, the original committee that we put together, were mostly local folks. Dieter Franz is still on our board today.

He was an environmental engineer and had done some work in this area and was familiar with Cochran Mill Park.

Larry Welsh was the plant manager of the Owens Corning Facility in Fairburn. Fran Hatsonbuller was a naturalist, I guess you’d call her. They were interested in it so we put together a committee and decided after studying the situation that, yes, we would move forward.

We said we’d move forward with three objectives: 1. That we would establish a nonprofit organization.

2. That we would have it on private land because we felt it was better to try to raise funds for the building if we were on private land than if we were on public land.

3. We wanted to get a use permit with Fulton County so that we could do our environmental education on the county property.

And we did all those things. I think it was about 1986 or 1987. Once we were able to do that, we moved forward with incorporating. I believe that was early 1987, but I may be off a little bit there. We had a few more people join us on the board. And because we had said we wanted to be on private property, we started looking for property that adjoined the park. We were able to find the property that was owned by the Reemtsma Family Foundation out of Germany, and we approached them. Fortunately, the family was very environmentally orientated. They met with us and agreed that they would give us a long-term lease for the property – it was a 45-year lease. We were to pay them $100 per month as a lease for the property, but money was rather in short supply, so they actually waived that and it went to $1 a year, and we never paid that. Were about 30 years, maybe 25 years into the lease now, and we’ve never paid them a penny, and they are now donating the property to us at no charge. We’ve had a very good relationship we’ve had with the Reemtsma Family.

So now we’ve got our land, we’ve got our lease, we need a building right, so how did that happen?

Once we were organized, we got a grant from Fulton County for a little over $15,000 that allowed us to hire a naturalist. We brought that person on board, put a trailer up in Cochran Mill Park, and began doing programing. Most of it was in the schools, but we did have a few activities going on within the Park. The trailer was our headquarters. And that’s how we got started.

And then we had a bigger board. I don’t remember all of the people we brought onto the board, but we had a

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bigger board and we decided that we’d raise the funds and we started doing that but I think we really need to recognize the people who stepped forward early on.

There were just people who, before there was anything done here on the Nature Center property, said yes, they would help. Strack Engineering, Joe Strack out of Fairburn, came forward with his crews and they dug us a pond and they cut us the road and that was the first thing that happened. We sort of laid out with the master plan, which the board had approved, where we wanted these things, and Joe just sent his people out here and they did all that work at no charge for us. Then there were some people from Falcon, Ross and Davison Merrill. Those people donated almost $50,000 in crushed stone for us. I think we wound up spending $2,000 on crushed stone for the road and the foundation and it all came from local donations.

Once Corning, again Larry Welsh was on our board, once Corning stepped forward and provided all the insulation and roofing materials we would need and so it was quite a group effort that took place there.

Obviously, there were a lot of people doing other work. When it came to the actual building, it was volunteer labor primarily. And we were very lucky to find a company that would supply the building materials, the log that we used. And they sent a work crew down here down here for two weekends to train people. And we were so fortunate we had Dieter Franz and Louie Deaton who were here just about every weekend supervising all the people that showed up to do the work. And from some of the photographers I’m sure you may have looked at you saw some larger number of people here. Well Dieter and Louie were the ones who were really handling that. We all pitched in, we all learned how to put up a log building and it was a lot of fun and a lot of work.

Do you have a found memory back then or even now that you want to share?

I do have a lot of fond memories, especially the day we cut the road in. It was exciting to come in and actually see something start to take shape and especially when they started cutting the pond. We had to get to get a professional company to put the dam in, but all the other work – the hogging out of the lake and all – was all done by Strack Engineering so that was a very good memory.

And then there were the days we spent here putting the building up. The comradery of the people who were involved; there was one lady, Margot Carroll, I think her name was, she was a volunteer and she spent days and hours and hours calling people getting volunteers for this weekend and that weekend. And then there was Dieter and

Louie who were actually here to supervise and make sure everything was going right. Again, very good memories there, and then the day we actually opened the facility. The grand opening if you will, was a wonderful day. We had a large crowd of people. A lot of people who came just out of curiosity but saw what we were doing and then became volunteers to help us in other projects. A lot of good memories from that part of the project. And the Reemtsma Family, I think Mr. Reemtsma himself, the senior, I think was here that day, but some of the rest of the family was definitely here to see us opening up. And that’s when we had the conversation with them, eventually would they donate the property to us, and they said they could consider that, and they have now followed through with that.

What about the future for the Cochran Mill Nature Center I think the future is very bright. We have had a long struggle to get where we are but we have a wonderful staff of people. And I think the credit goes to Maribeth Wansley for a lot of the success that we’ve had. She came on board as a director and a volunteer and eventually became an employee, handling outreach programs, then became the staff manager, if you will, and now she’s serving in a volunteer position again as president. And I think that under Maribeth’s leadership we have been very successful.

I see the future as being very good for us. The board we have now is top notch. There are a lot of good people, we have a lot interest from the City of Chattahoochee Hills. We have a lot of interest from the people who live in Serenbe.

And I think we really have just scratched the surface now on what we can do.

What about your legacy? What do you want to be remembered for, here in the center?

I think financing of the nature center is very important, and we’ve made some great strides over the years. We’re solid now and are successful, but I think that the needs that we have now, going forward with our new building project, are going to be much greater than we had in the past. I think if I had a legacy, I’d like for it to be the fact that we will be financially stable.

The Podcast features two other founding members instrumental to the creation of Bear Creek Nature Center.

Their recollections about Ray Hannah follow: Dieter Franz Ray deserves great credit for getting this whole thing going. First of all, when we first started out, he was the one that made sure we got all the formalities out of the way. We needed to incorporate and get the corporation going, we

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Dieter Franz was active in the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and became active in the Nature Center as part of the Chamber’s southside growth strategy.

Louie Deaton was a forestry commission professional and a scout leader with Ray Hannah. He was instrumental in the development of the Nature Center.

needed to get the 501C3 designation for Internal Revenue, and really starting a business and that’s really not all that easy. Ray was really good at all the formalities and getting the paperwork straight. I also must say, Ray chipped in more money than the rest of us, he brought some substantial checks sometimes to get us going. The entire board sometimes had to come up with money to meet the payroll.

Ray really provided the leadership to get this going. When we got off the path, he would bring us back. And even today Ray is still there with the leadership role and advice.

to start with that way. We were both scout masters. He was Cub Scout master, and I was Boy Scout master eventually.

Ray and I talked about going on trips together, and when we went on trips he’d say, what do you think about a nature center we could just camp out right next to it, since we live right here in Fairburn? So, I guess we just came out, and he went to it, and I was still working. He was still working too but he had the idea, I think, and he just expanded on it. He got background from some of his business associates and what they did was offer money for him, and he got donations up. He really went the first mile, you might say.

Louie Deaton Ray and I used to be scout leaders and we got interested in Cochran Mill Park because of camping and cleanup committees, we had a project to go clean up this area for about four years. We saw the possibility of working out with Fulton County Parks. They had bought the land and we were cleaning it up for them so we’d have a place that was clean to come out and camp. We got involved I guess,

The Legacy Lives On Thanks to Ray Hannah, Dieter Franz, Louie Deaton, and the many, many professionals and volunteers who shared their passion and talents, Cochran Mill Nature Center was built, and its legacy continues to live on in the Bear Creek Nature Center. (See: https://bearcreeknaturecenter.org) brother, Tommy McCoy.

Ceres Chatt Hills By Dominique Love I’d love to introduce you to my latest vision, Ceres Chatt Hills. Named after the Roman Goddess of agriculture and the harvest, Ceres Chatt Hills is creating a new paradigm of residential development by making food an amenity and the foundation for “wellth” - healthy, sustainable, connected and abundant living.

As William H. Whyte, Author, The Social Life of Small Urban Places, says it best: “If you want to seed a place with activity, put out food. Food attracts people who attract more people.”

My partner Park Royal Capital and I are thrilled to welcome you to CERES and to share the exciting news that we’re breaking ground in the next few months! For more information, visit: www.cereschatthills.com.

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Terra School at Serenbe We are thrilled to announce our new name - Terra School at Serenbe! Terra School at Serenbe is founded on Montessori practices, placing emphasis on student-centric learning that nurtures independence, creativity, and a deep love for learning. Early childhood education emphasizes child-centric learning in a carefully prepared environment, fostering independence, creativity, and a foundational love for learning. As learners progress into the upper school experience, our guidance remains rooted in the belief in their potential to make a positive impact on the world. We promote curiosity and foster real-world problem-solving while employing a self-paced, multimodal curriculum aligned with national standards, all showcased in dynamic learner profiles reported through the Mastery Transcript Consortium.

Terra School at Serenbe opened our new campus in August, 2023 with state-of-art 1500 square foot classrooms each with outdoor learning spaces attached. As a community-based STEAM school we serve families from a range of cities and towns in Fulton, Coweta, Caroll and Fayette counties. Terra School at Serenbe offers programs spanning from 8 weeks through 12th grade, extending a warm welcome to all families in search of a school dedicated to challenging lifelong learners. Our goal is to nurture students who thrive in a diverse and ever-evolving world, equipped with resilience, intellectual humility, an ethical compass, and boundless curiosity.

We are currently in our enrollment process for the 2024-2025 school year (need-based scholarships available), and are taking all inquiries from ages 8 weeks through 18 years. We are also growing and will be hiring more educators for the 2024-25 school year. To learn more visit terraatserenbe.org

TERRA SCHOOL AT SERENBE 255 Prom Field Road Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 770.463.0081 terraatserenbe.org

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Tyree Smith - @curatedbywolf Alafia Nicole Sessions - @thesweetyogini Barry Duperon - @barryduperon Eugene Byrd - @byrdeyeview Mirage Vanguard - @miragevanguard Opin - @opincreatedyou

Every Wednesday, 7 - 9:00pm

Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!

StudioSwan llc | 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Email you are coming to: info@studioswan.com.

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3rd Thursday of each month

Saturdays, 4:00pm

Wine Tastings at the General Store

Sommelier Guided Wine Education Class 9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA

10642 Serenbe Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Cochran Mill Brews are now at the General Store.

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.

Friday's at the Farmhouse, 5:30-8:30

Music on the Porch

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills Live Music Friday's at The Farmhouse! Live on the Farmhouse porch from 5:30pm-8:30pm. We have the flame heaters pumpin and the beats are a bumpin.

Join the Wine Shop at Serenbe on the 3rd Thursday of each month for a professionally-guided wine education class with Sommelier Camille Balboa. Each class will be an in-depth exploration of fine wines throughout the world. We'll taste 5 premium wines that will be paired with a custom-made charcuterie board. Each month will have a new focus.

Limited availability. Tickets $100. https://bit.ly/3BeIksx

Healing the cultural divide one conversation at a time!

The Bridge Meeting 2nd Thursday Every Month Men & Women

Casablanca Restaurant, 7NW Broad Street, Fairburn "Breaking Bread Together"

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February-April Southern Crescent Gallery Premier Exhibit in Trilith Guesthouse Hotel 350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA 30214, 866-791-7417 The newest gallery south of Atlanta is the Southern Crescent Gallery. The opening exhibition includes the work of the following artists: Scott Areman, David Boyd Jr., Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall and Judy Walker.

Feb. 10, 11, and 18

Zorro's Crossing

8655 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Feb. 10 - Valentines Read to Rescues Feb 11 - Yoga Feb 18 - Fireside Meditation

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Feb. 10-17, 2024

Goddess Awakening Retreat

Playa el Coco, Nicaragua. Base Package $1,899 per person Restore, revitalize, and realign with your higher self.

Art Farm is proud to announce our first-ever workshop series. Tuition for each workshop includes six hours of instruction Monday through Thursday with a half day on Friday, a welcome dinner in a private Serenbe home, 12 meals, access to the classroom after dinner, as well as a restorative yoga class, guided labyrinth meditation, and a nature walk + sound bath. Workshop attendees will enjoy a 25% discount at The Inn at Serenbe when booked through Serenbe Inn reservations.

This winter, please join Michelle Fleming & Dr. Laura Tadd for a week of healing and transformation on the beaches of Nicaragua. Daily yoga, delicious local food, meditative practices, astrology, creative catharsis, and more await you.

Laura Tadd PhD is an internationally known psychological astrologer. Working in an advisory capacity (both in-person and virtually) with individuals, couples and organizations, her astrological consultations help create a deeper understanding of self, life experiences, and potential.

Consultations can address unanswered questions, goals, issues and so much more.

Her experience with astrology, psychology, and her doctoral education set her apart from the lion share of astrologers today. Astrology goes far beyond the form of astrology found in the back pages of a fashion magazine. She supports clients as a guide (spiritually and emotionally) to help experience awakening and liberation from behaviors and attitudes that no longer serve you.

February 18 – 23 Join Janisse Ray, author of the classic Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, in a memoir writing course to get your family and personal stories down on paper while having fun in the process. Your stories are your legacy. Leave a lasting legacy— wealth of a different kind—to your children and grandchildren, passing along your wisdom, experiences, and love.

In this week-long course on writing, writer Janisse Ray will guide you into putting pencil to paper in order to say what needs to be said. Topics to be covered include how to decide which stories to choose, how to write in scene, how to structure a writing practice, how to keep going, what to do when you’re stuck, and how to publish or collect the stories.

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The Art of iPhoneography led with Stephanie Calabrese March 17 – 22 Learn everything you need to know about shooting and editing images using a variety of powerful apps on your iPhone with award-winning photographer and filmmaker and author of the best-selling The Art of iPhoneography: A Guide to Mobile Creativity, Stephanie Calabrese. This workshop is designed for photo enthusiasts seeking to create more compelling images and stretch your creativity.

Inside Out & Upside Down with Rachel Garceau March 3 – 8, 2024 Mold-made objects can seem almost magical. Depending on the preferred outcome, molds can produce objects that either conceal or emulate the evidence of the hand, but in either case the technique often mystifies viewers. Whether your goal is to make sets of utilitarian ware or components for sculpture or installation, you will learn to harness the power of the multiple through mold-making and slip-casting. Beginning with forms students have made or found, we will make plaster molds which we will cast in porcelain.

We will experiment with methods of utilizing the mold itself in the application of surface design, and discuss casting other materials such as paper and plaster.

Every participant will complete at least one working mold which they can continue to use when they return home. Students will leave with the skills to continue to make molds as well as use them. The workshop will also include an exploration of ways to remain mindful of the body in your studio practice, and how this consciousness can impact your focus and ability to solve problems.

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Through demonstration and experimentation, you will: • Learn how to compose compelling images through your viewfinder regardless of subject matter.

• Deconstruct photographs from the masters to identify and understand the importance of composition, light, perspective, color, texture, focal point, etc.

• Understand how to adjust camera settings, shoot, manage, and share photos made with your iPhone.

• Take photo walks to shoot images based on prompts and experiment with a variety of subject matter (portrait, landscape, architecture, still life and candid documentary).

• Participate in image-critique sessions to consider viewer perspectives and ultimately improve your photographs.

• Get step-by-step instruction and tips on how to use a variety of photography apps to enhance your images and stretch your creative boundaries – from simple exposure adjustments to crafting layered abstractions.

• Experiment with mobile photography equipment such as lighting and tripods to enhance your shooting experience.

For tickets and more information on all ArtFarm Workshops visit: https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org

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March 24-26

Biophilic Leadership Summit

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets from $350-$1000 The Biophilic Leadership Summit is the only multi-day conference entirely dedicated to biophilic principles, projects, and research, bringing together top industry thought-leaders in an intimate, natural setting.

Join the Summit hosts, The Biophilic Institute, Biophilic Cities, and Serenbe, and engage with others passionate about biophilia at the 6th Annual Summit.

The Full Summit Pass includes access to all presentations including the Sunday Keynote and biophilic experiences with leading experts. Includes three dinners, two lunches, and cocktails.

The Sunday Keynote + Biophilic Experiences Pass includes access to Sunday's keynote presentation and dinner, as well as limited biophilic experiences from leading experts throughout the event.

Day Passes include access to all presentations and experiences on your selected day, Monday or Tuesday.

Includes lunch and cocktails on your chosen date, as well.

Are you part of a non-profit, government organization, or a student? Discounted registration codes are available for Full Summit Passes. Reach out to contact@biophilicinstitute.com for discounted registration codes.

Accommodations not included. Conference rates are available at The Inn at Serenbe. Please call The Inn at (770) 463-2610 and reference The Biophilic Leadership Summit.

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Arts Section February 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 www.bookshop.org/shop/ undergroundbooks and www.bookshop.org/shop/undergroundbooks and info@ hillsandhamlets.com.

New in Nonfiction: Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal New in Debut Fiction: Hard by a Great Forest by Leo Vardiashvili H&H bookseller Patience recommends: “Suspenseful, funny, and heartbreaking, this fabulous novel stole my heart. A ‘hero’s journey’ tale about Saba, his father, and brother. Each returns to their homeland in Tbilisi, Georgia years after escaping to England during the war. As Saba desperately searches for the family they left behind, he encounters kind, funny, and courageous people, including the most lovable, courageous character Nodar. A MUST READ.” Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593545034 New in Historical Fiction: The Women by Kristin Hannah One of Patience’s most eagerly anticipated reads of 2024! From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided, following a 20-year-old nursing student, who joins the Army Nurse Corps when her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America.

A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. Out February 6th!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781250178633 New in Picture Books: Love Is My Favorite Color by Nina Laden and Melissa Castrillon Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a sparkling and tender picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy. From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure. Out now, for ages 4-8!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781665913096

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New Hope United Methodist Church

Adrienne Anbinder, Scott Areman, Anne Beidler, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Robert Lederman, Natalie McIntyre, Julie McKinney, Mary Collins-Shepard, Karin Slaton, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, and Amy Whist Support local art: https://donorbox.org/chatthillsartistco-op 9057 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

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Arts Section

Featured Artists

Tyree Smith & CHACE Village Present "We're Outside": A Celebration of the Black Relationship with Nature By Tyree Smith Tyree Smith and CHACE Village are delighted to announce the opening of "We're Outside," a curated art exhibition celebrating the profound relationship between Black communities and agriculture. This groundbreaking event aims to showcase the deep connection Black individuals have with the outdoors, exploring their history, culture, and contemporary practices in cultivating the land, celebrating life, and driving positive environmental changes.

Exhibition Details: Opening Night: Wed., Jan. 31, 2024, Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, https://chatthillsbhmartopen.eventbrite.com Artist Talk: Wed., Feb. 28, 2024, Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, https://chatthillsbhmarttalk.eventbrite.com Closing Event: Fri., Mar. 1, 2024, Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM, https://chatthillsbhmartclosing.eventbrite.com Location: Chattahoochee Hills City Hall Art Room 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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"We're Outside" features the works of multiple artists, each contributing a significant piece that collectively explores the multifaceted dimensions of the Black diaspora's engagement with the natural world. The exhibition seeks to emphasize the pivotal role this connection plays in shaping the past, present, and future of Black heritage and environmental stewardship.

This carefully curated collection invites visitors to delve into the diverse perspectives and experiences of Black individuals and communities, fostering a greater understanding of their profound relationship with nature. Through various mediums and artistic expressions, "We're Outside" aims to spark conversations about the intersection of culture, identity, and environmental consciousness.

The opening night on January 31, 2024, promises an immersive experience for art enthusiasts. The Artist Talk on February 28, 2024 offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with the creators and gain insights into the inspiration

behind the artworks. The closing event on March 1, 2024, serves as a reflective celebration, bringing the community together to appreciate the rich tapestry of Black history and its harmonious relationship with the environment.

"We're Outside" is set to be a transformative and enlightening experience, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of the Black relationship with nature.

For more information, contact: WOLF IDEAS GROUP info@wolfideasgroup.com About Chatt Hills Community Outreach Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) was initiated by councilmember Ruby Foster (Dist. 1) in 2020 as a way to help residents connect with one another and build a stronger sense of community. Joined by Councilmembers Laurie Searle and Camille Lowe, they work with the city, partners, and volunteers to create events and programs.

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Arts Section

About Tyree Smith: Tyree Smith is an Atlanta-based Creative Placemaking expert with over a decade of experience founding and leading impactful cultural ventures, public art initiatives, and creative collaborations across Atlanta.

I envision a space where artistic expression knows no bounds.

About CHACE Village: CHACE Village is a vibrant organization committed to cultivating an accessible, inspiring environment where creativity and self-expression flourish. Guided by its mission, CHACE Village seeks to provide immersive experiences shaped by the arts, nature, and community.

Mission: The mission of CHACE Village is to cultivate an accessible, inspiring environment where creativity and self-expression flourish through immersive experiences shaped by the arts, nature, and community.

For more information visit www. chacevillage.com

(CHAC) is member-supported and consists of the Chatt Hills Gallery at Serenbe and the Art Room at City Hall. After attaining nonprofit designation in 2018, they embarked on a mission to help Chattahoochee Hills residents explore their creativity and express their own voices through art.

Adults and teens, beginner through advanced, learn new art skills while building confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment.

Tyree Smith - @curatedbywolf Alafia Nicole Sessions @thesweetyogini Barry Duperon - @barryduperon Eugene Byrd - @byrdeyeview Mirage Vanguard - @miragevanguard Opin - @opincreatedyou

About Chattahoochee Hills City Hall Art Room: The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op Inc. CHATT HILLS NEWS - FEBRUARY 2024 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

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Community

OUR CHURCHES

Campbellton Baptist Church, 8660 Church Street Friendship Baptist Church, 6090 Cochran Mill Rd., www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/ New Hope United Methodist Church, 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www.pbcrico. org Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd Rivertown United Methodist Church, 9325 Rivertown Rd Sardis Baptist Church, 8400 Sardis Rd., www.sardisbaptistch.com Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Southside at Serenbe, 9:15 & 11:00am, 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268, southside.org.

Ray Eugene Hannah Obituary January 22, 1936 – December 23, 2023 Eugene Hannah, age 87, of Fairburn, GA, passed away Saturday, December 23, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert O. “Slim” Hannah, Sr. and Bertha Sullivan Hannah; and brothers, Robert O. Hannah, Jr. and Ted Hannah. He is survived by his wife, Bettie Hannah of Fairburn, GA; sons, Ray Hannah, Jr. (Lori) of Newnan, GA and their children, Sarah Adams (Robert), Ray Hannah, III (Kalie); Robert Hannah (Meiling) of Tyrone, GA and their children, Lani Hannah, Jenny Hannah; Ron Hannah (Kris) of Fayetteville, GA and their children, Joe Hannah, Jeff Hannah (Callie) and their daughter, Tatum Hannah; brother, Tom Hannah (Tracy) of Spartanburg, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty Ann Webb Hannah Obituary July 3, 1937 - January 6, 2024 Bettie (Betty) Ann Webb Hannah, age 86, of Fairburn, GA passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Hannah, her parents, Howard Webb and Queenie Webb and her brother, Harold Webb, sister, Mary Shireman, and brother, Tommy McCoy. She is survived by her sons, Ray Hannah, Jr. (Lori) of Newnan, GA and their children, Sarah Adams (Robert), Ray Hannah, III (Kalie); Robert Hannah (Meiling) of Tyrone, GA and their children, Lani Hannah, Jenny Hannah; Ron Hannah (Kris) of Fayetteville, GA and their children, Joe Hannah, Jeff Hannah (Callie) and great granddaughter, Tatum Hannah; brother, Howard Webb (Vickie) of Oxford, MS, sister, Jackie Capwell (Jeff) of Memphis, TN, and Diana Jenkins of Canton, MS and many nieces and nephews. [Bettie served the city of Fairburn, Ga, for over 28 years as a city council member and as mayor.]

Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd. James "Carlos" Johnson Obituary Mr. James “Carlos” Johnson of Chattahoochee Hills, GA passed away January 10, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Ann Johnson; daughter, Lea Winkles and her husband Larry; grandchildren, John and Andy Bonner; Kylie and Reese Winkles; great grandson, Asher Grobard and many extended family members.https://www.parrottfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-Carlos-Johnson/#!/TributeWall 28

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Community

BRICKWORKS REPORT

Food Pantry December rounded out a busy year at the Food Pantry. In December we served 70 families (148 adults, 106 children, 254 total), and added 3 new families. For 2023, we served 200 families, representing a total of 590 adults and children. 12% of those served are senior citizens and 44% are families with children.

A special thank you to all who shopped for Christmas for kids on our area. Your time and donations had a big impact!

We are ever grateful for food and monetary donations; they make this work possible. There is a drop-off box next to the library door. Please place your food donations in the box. We check it frequently.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

CommunityBrickworks.org

Take a look at our new website: Communitybrickworks.org

“Reading brings us unknown friends.”

The library is for you, the community. You can come to sit and drink coffee while you read a book or magazine on a cold and rainy day. You may like to just come browse through the books and find the one that speaks to you. You can come to the events at the library and meet new friends, see old friends, and enjoy the fellowship of others. Enjoy walking? The library/City Hall has hallways that you can get your steps in if the weather is not good.

Our goal in 2024 is to have a community that enjoys reading, crafting, and coming together. So why not join the fun!

Magazines are coming! The library will have magazines available for check out.

Valentine Crafting for kids on February 10th at 10:00 in the library. This will be for Toddlers-5th grade.

Crafting classes for adults will rev up soon, so don’t miss out on all the fun!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events.

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We've recently expanded our team, welcoming a new vice president and customer service representatives (CSRs) who aren't just employees – they're local individuals living and working alongside you. When you have a question or need support, rest assured, you're talking to someone who understands your unique needs and concerns.

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DISCOVER THE GREYSTONE DIFFERENCE. Check availability and learn more at www.GreyStoneConnect.com.

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City Government

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City Government

Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills January 9, 2024 / 6:30 p.m.

Call to Order Called to order at 6:32 p.m. All members present.

Administer Oath of Office to Elected Officials

2.

Review and Approval of Agenda 3.

Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 5, 2023, Passed 5-0 Presentations / Proclamations 1. Proclamation for City of Palmetto Fire Chief Henry Argo Staff Reports Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett.

Police Department Report: Kevin Digou Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton Public Hearing (None) 1. Item 23-059: Public Hearing and Action on an Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 202.83 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District – property is 202.83 acres on a single parcel on the east side of Sardis Road adjacent to the recently rezoned Simpson parcel.

Motion to defer passed 5-0

4.

5.

nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. First Read Only. No action will be taken. No action taken.

Item 24-002: Consideration to issue a refund in the amount of $2,861.60 to Serenbe Inn and Farmhouse for overpayment of alcohol excise taxes. Passed 5-0 Item 24-003: Resolution to authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents to make an application to apply for a 2024 Municipal Contract for Services (MSF) Grant from Fulton County Arts & Culture and for all other purposes related thereto. Passed 5-0 Item 24-004: Resolution of Findings on proposed Local Amendment to Plumbing Code for Water Efficiency Submission on proposed Amendment to DCA. Passed 5-0 Item 24-005: Approval of 2024 Historic Commission and Planning Commission meeting schedules. Passed 5-0

Mayor and Council Comments Executive Session (None) Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Unfinished Business 1. Item 23-044: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 526 acres from the RL (Rural) District to the VL (Village) District – property is 526 acres on seven parcels located at all four corners of Cochran Mill Road and South Fulton Parkway. Motion to defer to next meeting passed 5-0 New Business 1. Item 24-001: Ordinance amending the Charter by deleting Section 2.13(a) of the Charter in its entirety and replacing it with a revised Section 2.13(a) adopted by the City Council under the Home Rules Powers found in O.C.G.A. Sections 36-35-3(b) to allow Residents to serve on certain Boards and Commissions as may be CHATT HILLS NEWS - FEBRUARY 2024 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

33

City Government

While some cities provide solid waste services internally or outsource it to a private provider under an exclusive franchise agreement, the demographics of our city do not lend itself to a viable option to do either.

Last year, we issued a bid for solid waste services. That effort did not prove successful for several reasons. One of those reasons is that having an exclusive franchise would mean that every resident would be required to use the prescribed provider even if they are happy with who they use now. In other words, residents would not have a choice.

Moreover, the city would have to add these fees to tax bills to collect the funds to pay for these services. So, in working with a current provider, we did the next best thing.

We created a non-exclusive franchise. What does that mean?

A non-exclusive franchise is exactly as it sounds. It provides an opportunity to a provider in a non-exclusive manner. That is, the provider is not the only approved provider of these services. They may only provide these services on an elective basis. The provider who agreed to these terms set forth by management and agreed to by the Mayor and Council for the City of Chattahoochee Hills for a non-exclusive franchise agreement is GFL. Under this 34

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

agreement, they are now able to provide you with preferred customer pricing and enhanced services.

GFL is proud to provide diverse, sustainable, and accessible solid waste handling services in our area. Their local teams have the knowledge, expertise, and experience in quality waste management that their customers have come to rely on. Their suite of solid waste services offers residents, businesses, and institutions reliable, efficient, and regular collection, disposal, and recycling of non-hazardous solid waste. They collect household and municipal garbage, recyclables, bulky items such as furniture, yard waste, and organic material, with an unparalleled commitment to customer service. They also offer rental of specialty containers and roll-off dumpsters in a wide range of sizes and specifications to suit your needs. They cater to our customers’ specific waste-handling requirements by creating customized solutions and service plans.

In all of their diverse service offerings, GFL is known for reliability, efficiency, and an unwavering focus on safety.

Their aim is to enable the customers and communities they serve to be Green For Life by providing accessible, cost-effective, and sustainable environmental solutions.

GFL is seeking to earn your business and be your waste services provider! You can discover the GFL Advantage today by visiting gflenv.com or calling 770-474-9273 for more information.

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City Government

District 1 Ruby Foster

District 3 Scott Lightsey

District 5 Rodney Peek

Congratulation to Councilmembers Ruby Foster, Scott Lightsey, and Rodney Peek on being sworn in by our city attorney Rick Lindsey, to represent their districts and the City of Chattahoochee Hills.

League Organizers Needed for Spring T-Ball

· Baseball Season is almost here! Chattahoochee Hills Spring 2024 T-ball/Coach Pitch League needs you!

League Organizer(s) needed for the upcoming Spring season. If you are interested in volunteering to organize the league, please contact: CommunityBrickworks.org or DM on FB Chattahoochee Hills Community Brickworks, and we will provide you with more information.

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Trending Topic

Community & City

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

City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com Acton Academy at Serenbe: http://actonacademyatserenbe.com/#ourstory

These will be virtual and open to the public. Meetings will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.

City Council Work Session - Tues. Feb. 6, 4:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Meeting - Tues. Feb. 6, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Historic Comission Meeting - Mon. Feb. 12, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues. Feb. 13, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Commission Meeting - Thurs. Feb. 15, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 2024 PARKING PASSES NOW AVAILABLE The parking passes for Cochran Mill Park are now available. Visit City Hall for your application. The fees are as follows: Residents – free; Annual car/truck $25; Annual 3+ axels - $35

Chatt Hills News Article / Event Submissions: If you have a story, event, or suggestion for future articles, we’d like to hear from you. Please submit your information by the 15th of every month for publication on the 1st of the month to: chatthillsnews@chatthillsga.us 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.

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Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us, Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA 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.

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