Chatt Hills City News ~ March 2023

Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Issue 2 Volume 3 www.chatthillsga.us

MARCH 2023 Features

Events

Arts in Chatt Hills

City Government

Our Community Page 3

What’s Happening Locally?

Page 8

Local Artists Page 17

Stay Informed Page 24

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City of Chattahoochee Hills We had an especially proud moment just before the MAYOR TOM REED last Council meeting, when we officially “pushed in” our newest piece of fire equipment: a brand-new pumper, Chattahoochee Hills Engine 51. There are other stories in this month’s newsletter that talk about it more, but I mention it for two reasons.

First is just the momentousness of the fact that we were able to buy the new engine at all. As long-timers here will recall, when we founded the City back in 2007 there was an existing protective overlay from Fulton County, sure, but it was administered far from here, and governed by people whose radar we were, generally speaking, hardly even on.

We knew that controlled planning and public safety locally would be better and more responsive.

We also knew that it wasn’t going to be easy. Chattahoochee Hills isn’t a city in the traditional sense – there’s no downtown Chattahoochee Hills, no business district, no real tax base. It's taken the dedication of the leadership and team at City Hall (and sometimes maybe an excess of baling wire and duct tape), but we’ve slowly built the capacity needed to provide superb service and safety to our citizens.

We started with used police cars, used (read: ancient) fire trucks, and cast-off roadside maintenance equipment. More equipment was donated, begged, and borrowed; whatever it took to get the job done. But that’s sometimes a false economy; when you spend more money fixing a vehicle than you would spend on payments for a new one, you’re not doing good math. And the fact is, we just can’t afford to have a fire truck that’s “not running today” when a fire call comes in!

As soon as we got the City’s initial operating debt resolved, we started correcting our equipment problems by starting small; new police cars were cheap enough that we could afford them, and by using a smart purchasing rotation we saved on operating costs. Roadside maintenance equipment came next: more expensive, but still within reach.

Fire trucks are another order of expense altogether, and we upgraded our fleet with newer used equipment, but that still left us with the results of other departments’ (perhaps lower) standards of care. The brand-newengine we just put in service—Chatt Hills Engine 51—is custom-engineered to our specifications, perfectly suited to our needs, and now in the competent hands of our Fire Department where it will serve the city for many years.

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The second point? What perfect timing! There are other stories in the newsletter about the fire last weekend (and there will be a more comprehensive look next month when our Fire Marshal and Chief have completed their investigation into the cause), but I want to share what I saw firsthand that morning, which was so impressive on several levels. It was good to see our new pumper right in the middle of the action, receiving shuttle water from tankers and relaying it to the hoses and the ladder truck, and running perfectly.

But I was especially impressed by the amazing level of coordination on display, a direct result of constant preparation and planning by our Fire Chief, Greg Brett, his team, and with our partners. We had fire trucks, engines, and tankers respond from Chattahoochee Hills, Palmetto, Fairburn, South Fulton, and Coweta County (huge thanks to all of them!). There was a shuttle operation going to supplement the local hydrant; this was an incredibly complex ballet with those big vehicles, and it was carried off perfectly.

The automatic aid agreements that brought so many responders so quickly are in great part Greg’s doing. We’ve always recognized that with our huge geographic area, we need backup, and we’re happy to help our neighbors as well. Not only did those departments all send help, but they also positioned trucks in our station (and the other local stations) to back up the ones at the fire, just in case.

Chief Brett had organized site visits with our partner departments so that they were ready in advance for some of the unique locations and circumstances that exist in Chatt Hills. And they have practiced shuttle operations together so many times that it was obviously second nature when it became necessary to fight this fire.

Greg’s peers already recognize his leadership. He’s the Chair of the South Fulton firefighters organization, where besides coordinating mutual training exercises, he advocates for regional solutions to problems like EMS service. He’s built an amazing team at our firehouse, and I want to say (again, but never often enough) just how lucky we are and how grateful I am to have his team and them protecting our city.

Let’s all pray for the swift recovery of the people who were hurt as they exited the burning house. And I’ll take another moment to remind you to take a good look around your home with an eye toward fire safety, and especially emergency egress. Do it now. It’s amazing how quickly even new homes can burn under certain circumstances. Please plan to be safe!

Until next month, be safe.

Mayor Tom Reed

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OUR COMMUNITY

Fire Chief Gregg Brett and Battalion Chief Pat McCarragher honor #286 firefighter EMT Damien Sorrella, who passed away last year.

Chatt Hills staff and elected officials join in the “Push-In” ceremony.

Chatt Hills Celebrates Its New Fire Truck

By Laurie Searle

The City of Chattahoochee Hills celebrated a milestone on Tuesday, February 7, with the “push-in” ceremony of the city’s first new fire truck.

Chatt Hills Fire Chief Greg Brett opened the program by honoring Damien Sorrella who passed away last year.

He said Sorrella lived for his job as firefighter EMT, working part-time for Chattahoochee Hills and fulltime for Newnan.

Sorrella’s number 286 will be displayed on the new fire truck.

Chief Brett said the “push-in” ceremony dates back more than 100 years to a time before fire trucks were motorized and operated with horse drawn equipment. In those days, firefighters had to actually push their trucks into the station after a call. The event has since become a widely practiced tradition for new fire department vehicles.

Mayor Tom Reed acknowledged and thanked the Chatt Hills fire department for its frugal use of the old fire trucks and for their hard work to acquire this new fire truck for the city.

Mayor Reed and the three city councilmembers in attendance (Ruby Foster, Laurie Searle, and Camille Lowe) were invited to join City Manager Robbie Rokovitz and his staff to “push-in” the new fire truck.

Cover and photos here by Chip Denton

Fire Chief Gregg Brett and staff.

Councilmembers Camille Lowe and Ruby Foster.

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OUR COMMUNITY EPA Careers: Superfund Emergency Response and Removal Program

By Carter Williamson

Fourteen years ago my wife, Laura Williamson, and I wrote a script to promote all of the great people who work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using as a backdrop of our lives as Federal On-Scene Coordinators, our Emergency Response family, and the U.S. Coast Guard. We got the funding, and we selected the ultimate movie studio/production company, ECG Studios, and their fantastic and super-talented team, and brought together this video that will hopefully inspire pride for our existing workforce and those yet to come. Thanks to: ECG Studios; the US Coast Guard Aviation Training Center (ATC) Mobile, AL; the USCG Gulf Strike Team; Vice Commandant Admiral Steve Poulin; LT. Commander Mark Currier and all the 144 and Jayhawk 60 pilots and crews at ATC; USCG Dauphin Island Small Boat Station personnel; USCG Recruitment Command; Josh Woodyard; Henry Garrard; Will Collins; Nancy Grantham; Latosha Thomas; Jim Webster; our EPA Regional Administrator Daniel Blackman; EPA Region 4 Mission Support Division; TetraTech; HEPACO; the OSC’s; and folks that helped with it all; our son Sawyer Williamson; Fire Chief Greg Brett; and the folks at the City of Chattahoochee Hills; my best friend and wife Laura; and the wonderful actresses and actors who joined us for this adventure! You may see a few cameos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feFbgXkL_ZM

Filming in the Chattahoochee River and part of our team.

The ECG Team and our lead actress at the studio.

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Our real life OSCs throwing in for the video.

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Emily and Haley with ECG getting ready to lift off in the Jayhawk 60 with our pilots, crew and us in tow.

Our buddy who got the funding, Josh Woodyard, getting our Level A Superfund site prepped in our dining hall at Cherry Hollow Farm.

USCG, ECG, and EPA after our epic filming at the Aviation Training Center and Dauphin Island.

Will Collins and Laura Williamson at Aviation Training Center.

Celines and Carter at the USCG Aviation Training Center at the wrap.

OSC Matt Huyser ready to have cameras roll along with OSC Chris Tripp.

Laura Williamson takes a minute to chill while filming the 144 cockpit scenes.

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OUR COMMUNITY ALL ABUZZ ABOUT BEES At the new Chatt Hills Bee Club

By: Laurie Searle Chatt Hills social media was recently abuzz with questions about beekeeping and pollinator gardens. A Chatt Hills (Honey) Bee Meet-Up was organized for February 18 at Bear Creek Nature Center to share information and discuss the possibilities for forming a bee club.

Chip Denton, who serves on the Nature Center’s Board and on the Chatt Hills Parks Commission, welcomed the bee enthusiasts and gave an introduction to the Nature Center. He described his experience as a beekeeper, which included keeping (and losing) a number of hives over the past few years – something familiar to most beekeepers.

Chatt Hills Dist. 3 Councilmember Laurie Searle, who organized the bee meet-up, thanked the Nature Center for its use and mentioned what an asset it is to Chatt Hills. She offered a number of printed resources on beekeeping and suggested a meeting agenda that included an introduction to Chatt Hills Bee City, Meet & Greet of the bee enthusiasts and a discussion of their interests, and Next Steps toward forming a Chatt Hills Bee Club.

Introduction to Chatt Hills Bee City Thomas Peters, who serves on the Chatt Hills Bee City committee, said the primary focus of Bee City USAÆ is pollinator conservation. He became interested in pollinator gardens through his role as Serenbe’s Director of Landscape & Horticulture, and a number of related projects including the Serenbe Farm and Serenbe wildlife meadow.

In August 2022, the city of Chattahoochee Hills adopted a resolution designating the City of Chattahoochee Hills as a Bee City USAÆ Affiliate.

According to the new Chatt Hills Bee City website (https://chatthillsbeecity.com) “Every 3rd bite that we eat and drink is attributed to pollinators like bees, wasps, butterflies, flies, Thomas Peters introduces ants, and more. There Chatt Hills Bee City.

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Chip Denton welcomed 21 bee enthusiasts to the Chatt Hills (Honey) Bee Meet-up on Feb 18. have been significant declines in pollinator populations around the world in response to habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation, improper pesticide use, invasive competitor species, and more.”

Thomas said the goals of the Chatt Hills Bee City include: creating a website to share information and resources about pollinator conservation, providing educational resources and opportunities, and adopting an integrated pollinator plan.

Meet & Greet of Bee Enthusiasts The meet & greet of the 21 bee enthusiasts was the highlight of the meeting.

Experienced and active beekeepers shared a few of their lessons learned, including typical reasons for the loss of hives. Parasites, pests, predators, and pesticides are high on the list of problems beekeepers must address to keep their hives happy. But even with those 4Ps in check, hives may be negatively impacted if the bees swarm.

Honey bees swarm for one of two reasons: either the hive has become too crowded so they split into two groups (or more), with one group remaining in the existing hive, or they abscond en masse. they abscond. In this case, all bees including the queen abandon the existing hive completely due to lack of food or water, parasite or disease infestation, frequent disturbance by humans or animals, weather changes, poor ventilation, or problems with the queen.

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Twenty-one bee enthusiasts enjoyed sharing their interests in beekeeping and pollinator gardens.

Inactive beekeepers at the meet-up expressed their desire to start again. They discussed a number of resources for obtaining beekeeping supplies including “Sweet Kingdom” on Sharpsburg McCullum Rd in Newnan, which sells honey bees, hive components, tools and maintenance, protective clothing, honey harvesting supplies, and educational materials. See: https://www.sweetkingdombees.com.

Wannabe beekeepers at the meet-up were anxious to learn about educational opportunities. A number of on-line and in-person courses are offered through nearby beekeeper associations including: Georgia Beekeeper Associations, Coweta Beekeeper Association, and West Georgia Beekeeper Association. Also recommended was the book and easy read, “Beekeeping for Dummies,” by Howland Blackiston.

googlegroups.com. And Thomas Peters volunteered to create a tab on the Chatt Hills Bee City Website for the new Chat Hills Bee Club.

The group suggested they meet on the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at Bear Creek Nature Center, 6300 Cochran Mill Rd, Chatt Hills. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, and two experienced beekeepers offered to bring a hive for show & tell.

The group also discussed future educational opportunities and projects. Thomas invited the group to participate in the Chatt Hills Bee City Pollinator Event at the Nature Center on May 20. Chip will research the possibility of starting some communal bee hives at the Nature Center for educational purposes, and others will reach out to local instructors.

Next Steps towards a Chatt Hills Bee Club The group enthusiastically supported creating a Chatt Hills Bee Club. Chip Denton was nominated as the group’s leader, and he volunteered to create a Facebook group (coming soon). Birgit Bolton volunteered to create and manage an email group, which is now active as chatthillsbeeclub@

For More Information For information about Chatt Hills Bee Club, contact Chip Denton jcdentonjr@gmail.com.

For questions, comments, and suggestions about Chattahoochee Hill’s Bee City status and programming, contact the Bee City Liaison at beecity.chga@gmail.com.

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EVENTS

All Saturdays at 2:30 pm Serenbe Farms Tour

8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $15 (Children under 3 free) https://bit.ly/3YI1Tnb

Sign Up Now! Join The Serenbe Farms CSA

8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tuesday Pickups: April 4-November 7 (breaks between seasons) $999 for 30 weeks; 6-7 items per week Support your community Farm as they begin planting and prepping, then reap the benefits during the harvest season.

No need to worry about being able to pick up each week. If you're unable to make it, Serenbe Farms will donate your share on your behalf to Community Brickworks, where a family in need in the greater community will receive the fresh produce.

Contact https://serenbefarms.com/what-is-a-csa for more info.

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Serenbe Farms is a small, diversified certified organic farm located in the Serenbe community and surrounded by the rural oasis of the Chattahoochee Hill Country, just 30 miles southwest of Atlanta.

Learn how Serenbe Farms uses sustainable practices to grow and harvest more than 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They harvest more than 60,000 lbs of produce a year to feed the Serenbe Community!

Contact ian@serenbefarms.com for more information.

Access parking through the main Serenbe Farms entrance at 8715 Atlanta-Newnan Road, or park on Serenbe Lane in Grange to come through neighborhood entrance.

Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred.

Join us Fridays 10-11am Kundalini Yoga - Nervous System Healing

Located in the Community Art Room in Chatt Hills City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 $20 a class Join Plare in a weekly one-hour, kundalini yoga immersion to repair and strengthen the nervous system Modern life and its incessant demands put a strain on our body's nervous system. With Kundalini yoga, we will practice slowing down and using our body's natural tools to heal. Please bring your own material to sit on and water. Head covering recommended (hats, hoodies, scarves, turbans are traditional). Beginners welcome!

Piare is a certified level 1 Kundalini Yoga instructor.

Questions? Contact Pare at 404-916-0295 info@studioswan.com.

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Sat & Sun, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Weekend Wine Flights at The Wine Shop at Serenbe 9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA

Every Wednesday, 7-9:00pm Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!

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

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

Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm Farmhouse Fridays: Live Music & Drinks On The Porch 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Free The Farmhouse invites you to start the weekend with them. Grab a drink from The Farmhouse Bar and enjoy the ambience of warm weather and live music on the wraparound porch.

Saturdays, 4:00pm Wine Tastings at the General Store

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.

Please email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with any questions.

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March 3 at 5:30 pm American Farmland Trust Reception 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Free with Reservation: https://americanfarmlandtrustserenbe.eventbrite. com

Please RSVP at Community Brickworks to help us plan for the meal. https:// www.communitybrickworks.org/cb-event/st-pattys-day-senior-luncheon/

Join Steve Nygren and key agriculture leaders and stakeholders to welcome the Southeast Regional Director, Dr. Courtney Owens. Hear about the national and regional programmatic priorities across the Southeast and the long-term strategies for Georgia along with groundbreaking research from American Farmland Trust that indicates the equivalent of 7,200 farms will be lost to development in Georgia by 2040. Join this conversation about the urgency of the threats and opportunities to take action. Lite bites, beer and wine.

March 3, call for time Movie Night

Cochran Mill Brewing Company 27 Word St, Fairburn 10

Movie night with Snacks on The Go Food Truck! We will be showing the original Jumanji! This will be a family-

friendly event with snacks and games and, of course, beer for the adults.

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March 11, call for time Fake Patty's Day

Cochran Mill Brewing Company, 27 Word St, Fairburn We will be celebrating the biggest drinking holiday of the year! This is a St Patty's Day Party with a twist! Come in your green, and party like the Irish, but be ready for some unique cuisine! We figured you'll be eating enough corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes throughout the month, so that we will instead take your taste buds on a different journey.

We will have Me Lumpia Longtime serving up the best Filipino food around, as well as having Chan's Catering doing a great ole southern low country boil! We also will have live music starting a 6pm from the Braehead Bards!

Tuesdays, Feb 14-May 2: Ages 3-5 Wednesdays, Feb 15-May 3: Ages 6-8 Thursdays, Feb 16-May 4: Ages 9-12 12-Week Kids Gardening Program at Serenbe Farms 8715 Atlanta Newnan Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Farmer Tristan will teach students gardening skills including garden planning and prep, seeding, transplanting, compost making, wildlife identification, and observation. These will be accompanied by lessons in science and math while also inviting the students to engage in some creative activities such as building, crafting, storytelling etc. The main objective of these meetings will be discussing growing food from seed to harvest.

Each week we 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. The garden can be a community space so parents and caretakers can expect a harvest from the garden coming home with their kids and an event to celebrate growth of the garden during this season!

Parents are welcome to join their kids in these activities. Expect your students to get dirty from time to time.

All efforts are made to keep clean, but seeding, bed prep, and putting plants in the ground can sometimes get messy.

Wear clothes that can get dirty. *Each garden club member will be provided with their very own garden gloves and tools. This teaching process requires the use of materials that will be covered by the cost of attending these programs i.e tools, seeds, soils, basic soil science items, books, compost, fertilizers.) All of these items will be utilized to teach the students to grow food.

Contact education@serenbefarms.com for more info.

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Mar. 18 - Nov. 4, All Saturdays 9:00-1:30 Farmers Market

Selborne Green9110 Selborne Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Serenbe Farmers Market is proud to bring Chatt Hills residents and visitors the best local produce, meats, prepared foods, and artisans.

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

ART WALK

March 18, 2023 9am-1pm Spring Art Walk During Farmers Market Selborne Courtyard behind the Daisy

The Art Walk Event is our celebration of local art, and is hosted in the Selborne Courtyard in Serenbe, behind the Daisy. Visitors can stroll and see local artists, with a wide variety of art styles and mediums, including: painting, pottery, photography, jewelry, and mixed mediums. The streets and sidewalks are sure to be filled with unexpected talent and delightful entertainment! There is no fee for admission to this event.

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March 24, 25, 31 & April 1, 7:00pm The Speakeasy Encounter

Cochran Mill Brewing Company 27 Word St, Fairburn Cochran Mill Brewing & Destination Theatre invite you to join us at the biggest party at the best little speakeasy this city's ever seen. In this immersive evening, step back in time to the Prohibition Era at The Speakeasy Encounter.

The joint is under surveillance, so the roughneck bartenders need you to keep it "hush hush," but the party must go on!

The Speakeasy Encounter promises live music, dancing, a couple of tussles (leave that to the actors!), lots of drinking, games, and more! If you're ready to party with some real characters and get into a little bit of trouble, then grab a ticket, our secret beer, and bring your darling date to The Speakeasy Encounter.

Seating is limited, get your tickets early.

VIP - The Bootleggers Package Reserve an eight-top for all of your bootleggin' buds and get the VIP party experience!

For $500, your reserved seating will be in the middle of the action, each guest will receive a complimentary beer, a wax-sealed bottle of homemade brew, and a chance to be in the show.

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The Chatt Hills T-ball and Coach Pitch Season Starts March 25 Season begins Saturday, March 25 at Rico Park. Coaches and volunteers needed. For more information or if you would like to volunteer, contact Lila Rhyne at jlrhyne@ bellsouth.net.

March 25 | 7:30pm JONTAVIOUS WILLIS BARN AT JORDAN'S RIDGE 8400 Atlanta Newnan Road Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $30: https://bit.ly/3XofeQ1

Blues in the Country

Taj Mahal said: "That's my wonderboy, the Wunderkind.

Jontavious is a great new voice of the 21st Century in the acoustic blues."

Every generation or so, a young bluesman bursts onto the scene and sends a jolt through the blues community.

Jontavious Willis may just have that effect on people. The 24-year-old multi-instrumentalist was nominated for a GRAMMY in 2020 thanks to his latest album, Spectacular Class. Through original lyrics written by Willis himself, the gifted musician delivers a timeless album that features dynamic vocals and all types of blues: Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel. His stand-out fingerpicking, flat-picking, and slide prowess are also on display.

GRAMMY award-winning artists Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ played an active role in producing Spectacular Class, with Taj Mahal credited as Executive Producer and Keb' Mo' as the Producer. In addition to its digital release, the album will also be available on CD and vinyl.

Chatt Hills Music is the longest tenured Arts organization in Serenbe.

We are proud to begin our 16th year providing the community with the best music available.

Check out www.chatthillsmusic.com for the rest of our Spring lineup.

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March 25 | 6:00pm Patel Wine Dinner

The Wine Shop at Serenbe 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Rd. Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Tickets $250: https://bit.ly/3Z7GtQa

IT IS TIME TO GET BACK TO WHERE YOU ONCE BELONGED, AS BEATOGETHER + FRIENDS CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF MUSIC FROM THE BEATLES, LIVE ON STAGE AT THE TOWN STAGE IN TRILITH MARCH 25TH, FROM 8-9.30P. THE SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE WILL FEATURE PERFORMERS SHARING THE BACKSTORIES BEHIND THE INDELIBLE SONGS OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BAND.

March 25, 2023, 5pm

EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDREA MONTOBBIO WILL BE CREATING A SPECIAL MENU FOR A PRE-SHOW DINNER FROM 5-7P.

$75 / DINNER + WINE PAIRING AT ENZO + TICKET • $50/ TICKET. PRICES INCLUDE ONE COCKTAIL AT THE TOWN STAGE BETWEEN 7-10P. COMPLIMENTARY FOR MEMBERS OF ME & ENZO CLUB.

Eat, Drink & BeaTogether With Friends MENU DETAILS + TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ENZO-ITL.COM OR BY SCANNING THE QR CODE ON GEORGE’S GUITAR.

300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214 Enjoy a multi-course meal created by Chef Nicolas Bour.

Each course will pair perfectly with Patel wines, curated by The Wine Shop.

PATEL Napa Valley Under the direction of winemaker Julien Fayard, PATEL Napa Valley, strives to create beautiful Bordeaux-varietal wines that are crafted in a neo-classical style yet distinctly Napa Valley in expression. They are a testament to the perfect balance of power and elegance that Napa Valley’s finest vineyards have to offer. We believe that great wine is made in the vineyard. Sourced from some of the finest vineyards in Atlas Peak, Coombsville, Rutherford, and Napa Valley, each PATEL wine is passionately crafted to express the uniqueness of its terroir and exhibits, a distinct, individual personality.

Since our inception in 2007, our growth has always been determined by our ability to source fruit from sites whose singular mix of location, soils, microclimate, farming practices, clone, and rootstock offer a true expression of the vineyard and varietal in the finished wine. As such, we typically produce no more than a few dozen to a few hundred cases of any one wine.

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ENZO Steakhouse & Bar invites food and music lovers to celebrate 60 years of music from The Beatles on Saturday, March 25th. Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy a three-course dinner created by Executive Chef Andrea Montobbio followed by a live music performance featuring Beatogether With Friends on the Town Stage at 8 p.m. Tickets are $125 for dinner and the concert; $50 for the concert only, at https:// enzo-itl.com. Dinner is at Enzo and Beatogether is at J Arthur Rank Blvd Shipyard and Town Stage, Fayetteville, GA 30214.

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April 23-26 April 15, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Spelman College Glee Club in Concert

The Spelman College Glee Club will present a choral music concert.

The Wildflower Meadow 10650 Hutchesons Ferry Rd Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Tickets: $50-$75 https://bit.ly/3Z8rTYE Join us in Serenbe’s beautiful wildflower meadow for an early evening of extraordinary choral performance featuring the celebrated Spelman College Glee Club.

The Spelman College Glee Club has maintained a reputation for choral excellence since 1924. Open by audition to all students of the College community, the Glee Club performs a repertoire that includes selections from world cultures, commissioned works, sacred and secular choral literature, Negro spirituals, and music by African American composers with a particular focus on harmonies that complement women’s voices.

Currently under the direction of Dr. Kevin Johnson, associate professor of music, the Glee Club has traveled throughout the United States and performed for a variety of audiences in churches, high schools, colleges, and universities. Past performance venues include the Faneuil Hall in Boston, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City, and the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Spelman College is a private, historically black, women’s liberal arts college located in Atlanta,Georgia. Founded in 1881as Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, the school became Spelman college in 1924, making it America’s second oldest private HBCU liberal arts college for women.

Biophilic Leadership Summit

Multi-day conference with leading biophilic experts on impactful biophilic projects, principles, and research.

Inn at Serenbe 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Tickets: $400-$875 The Biophilic Leadership Summit provides an annual platform for biophilic leaders to gather with their peers to learn about and discuss the most impactful biophilic projects, principles, and research.

Presentations focus on biophilic projects or research that have measurable outcomes and can be replicated at scale. From these talks, leaders discuss the best applications of biophilia to dissect the biophilia effect on health and wellness, sustainability, and climate change and how it affects their work, policy, and future developments.

Join the Summit hosts, The Biophilic Institute, Biophilic Cities, and Serenbe, and engage with others passionate about biophilia at the 5th Annual Summit.

The Full Summit Pass includes access to all presentations, including the Sunday keynote address and Wednesday charette at the Chattahoochee Hills Charter School.

Includes three dinners and two lunches.

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

Early Bird Rates are available for Full Summit Passes through January 15th. Please email contact@biophilicinstitute.com to inquire about nonprofit and student rates for all ticket types.

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.

*In the unlikely event of a weather cancellation, the new performance date will be April 22, 2023.

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COMING EVENTS

Chatt Hills Community Outreach Special Events Sponsorship The City of Chattahoochee Hills hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, coordinated by the Chatt Hills Community Outreach (CHCO) initiative. The city shares a common goal with CHCO to offer events that foster camaraderie and help build a strong community by connecting residents with each other, city services, and local businesses.

Our FREE special events would not be possible without the support and partnership of volunteers, local community businesses, and organizations.

We invite you to join us in supporting our 2023 line-up of special events. As a sponsor of our special events, we will acknowledge you in our promotional material and offer a half-page ad in our municipal monthly newsletter. You will receive a letter to share with your accountant as a qualified deduction for 2023 tax return to the Internal Revenue Service.

Sponsorship Opportunities Movie In the Park April 29 at Hutcheson Ferry Park Harvest Festival October 14 at Town Green Christmas In Chatt Hills December TBA City Hall For more information contact: Robert Rokovitz, City Manager, robbie.rokovitz@chatthillsga.us 770.463.8881 or Ruby Foster, ruby.foster@chatthillsga.us - Chatt Hills Community Outreach

33 Mirrors by Stephanie K Perry, transcends titles, bank accounts, accolades, popularity, status, and it's for everyone.

33 Mirrors takes the reader and listener on one of the most intense and impactful 33 day sabbatical journeys with the person in the mirror. This book is a daily journal which gives rise to the evolving of one’s higher self. 33 Mirrors is very direct, fluff-free, and loaded with intense motivation that will provoke you to not only take accountability for the life you’ve created but to delve into your highest self and purpose!

33 Mirrors is currently available for pre-order at www.stephaniekperrypublishing. com and will begin shipping March 6, 2023.

Stephanie K Perry, is the owner of Chai Vegan Spa Collection located in Serenbe, is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and songwriter. Please follow STEPHANIETHEAUTHOR on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

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Arts Section March Selections from Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Underground Books: Hills & Hamlets Bookshop is a charming neighborhood bookstore in the Serenbe development of Chattahoochee Hills and was founded by the couple behind Underground Books in Carrollton.

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

New in Nonfiction: Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys Into the Heart of My Garden by Maria Rodale Join bestselling author, activist, and garden expert Maria Rodale on her shamanic journeys as she reflects on her surprising conversations with the spirits of the familiar plants and animals around us—and the knowledge they share with us. From Thistles to Snakes, Poison Ivy to Mosquitoes, these nature beings convey messages that are relevant to every human, showing us how to live in balance and harmony on this Earth.

Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9781645021711 New in Fiction: The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner From the author of The Lost Apothecary comes a spellbinding tale about truth, illusion, and the grave risks women will take to avenge the ones they love. 1873, Lenna Wickes has come to Paris to find answers about her sister's death. When acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D'Allaire is beckoned to England to solve a high-profile murder, Lenna accompanies her as an understudy. But as the women team up with the powerful men of London's exclusive Séance Society to solve the mystery, they begin to suspect that they are not merely out to solve a crime, but perhaps entangled in one themselves...

Out March 7th! Signed copies expected in-store only.

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780778387114 New in Middle Grades: Leeva at Last by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell Award-winning, bestselling author Sara Pennypacker and illustrator Matthew Cordell come together in this hilarious absurdist tale about a precocious girl who transforms her community in surprising ways. What are people for? That's the burning question on the mind of Leeva Spayce Thornblossom. Fame! says Leeva's mom, the mayor of Nutsmore. Money! says her dad, the town treasurer. With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town's librarians, Leeva sets off to discover her own answer—setting off a chain of events that will change Nutsmore forever. Out March 7th! For ages 8-12 years. Signed copies expected in-store only.

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780063114425

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Arts Section

Malinda Lively-Arnold currently paints and teaches at The Paint Space Studio located at 10625 Serenbe Lane, Unit #A in Chatt Hills.

Elizabeth Glover is a digital artist who is currently augmenting her experience by studying painting.

City Hall Lobby Exhibit - Honoring Black History Month By Laurie Searle The winter exhibit in the city hall lobby features two talented local artists who honor Black History Month with their artwork. We asked each artist to share a few words about their experience and selected artwork.

MALINDA LIVELY-ARNOLD – Painting is my favorite thing to do. It’s a meditation, an exercise to keep my mind active as I age, and enhances my appreciation of the beauty that’s everywhere. I began teaching about ten years ago mostly to get my various friends to stop saying how they “can’t draw a straight line” or “always wanted to paint but have no talent”. In my classes we learn the basics about color and then we paint. And like every acquired skill, after that, it’s just practice – and that’s it. Art is for everyone. As humans we all have the innate ability to express ourselves through art.

I have painted many subjects over time. Everything in the natural and human-made world is of interest to me, but in the past few years, portraits have become my main subjects. Human faces reflect our vast differences according to ethnicity, environment, age, physical attributes, and skin tones. The thing to remember is that our skulls and general bone structure are identical, and at this level “racial” differences are undetectable. As painting subjects go, I think most painters would agree that portraiture is the most challenging and humbling, with that quality of “likeness” being very elusive.

The paintings here represent various studio studies 18

over the past two years of remarkable leaders and scholars for whom I have great admiration.

ELIZABETH GLOVER – As a digital artist, I wanted to get better at creating artwork digitally. I learned that the professional digital artists I looked up to had painted traditionally first. So, in an effort to increase my skill, I picked up painting a little over a year ago (specifically oils).

I love painting portraits and figures. Eventually, I would love to paint more elaborate compositions like Norman Rockwell or Phil Hale.

For me, art is the constant pursuit of something greater. A never-ending journey to create or to do something beyond yourself. It's taking inspiration from your surrounding environment and turning it into something tangibly yours. In a sense, every ambition is an art. From the meticulous stroke of a brush to the compelling words of a salesman. Art is a broad term in my opinion, and very hard to put into words.

In my belief, I haven't even begun to create the works I would like to put into the world. Don't get me wrong, I love every piece I am exhibiting, and they have a special room in my heart. But to me, they are the first stepping stones to what I hope to accomplish: That being to take the nonsense inside my head into full reality. Though, I believe all artists have that feeling, professional and beginner. So perhaps even after a million steps, there is no "top" to reach. Even so, I'll continue to climb them to see how far I can go.

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Adrienne Anbinder, Malinda Lively-Arnold, Greg Blount, Morgan Boszilkov, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, Vinayak Godbole, Wanda Hughes, Ann Jackson, Mary H Johnson, Pamela Kamor, Cindy Lederman, Robert Lederman, Julie McKinney, Brandon Murphy, Ken Shepard, Mary Shepard, Karin Slaton, Lea Ann Slotkin, Tom Swanston, Judy Walker, Renae “R.D. Simmons” Walker, Eileen Wilson 9057 Selborne Lane & Paint Space, 10625 Serenbe Lane Unit A

www.chatthillsgalleryserenbe.com CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2023 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

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Community

OUR CHURCHES Campbellton Baptist Church 8660 Campbellton Fairburn Rd Friendship Baptist Church 6090 Cochran Mill Rd www.friendshipbaptistchatthills.com Interfaith Fellowship at Serenbe www.facebook.com/ groups/1964824926878340/ New Hope United Methodist Church 7875 Atlanta Newnan Rd

Providence Baptist Church 6402 Campbellton Redwine Rd., www. pbcrico.org Rico United Methodist Church 6475 Rico Rd Rivertown United Methodist Church 9325 Rivertown Rd Sardis Baptist Church 8400 Sardis Rd., www.sardisbaptistch. com Southside at Serenbe 915AM & 11AM at One Mado. We'd love for you to join us and invite your friends and family! for more info contact Cathy Gailey at cgailey@ remax.net or 404-456-6347.

Southern Crescent Unitarian Universalist Fellowship www.facebook.com/SouthernCrescentUUFellowship/ Vernon Grove Baptist Church 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.

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Memorials Joel Larry Crawford Mr. Joel Larry Crawford, age 53, of Palmetto, passed away on February 13, 2023. Joel was born on February 25, 1969, in East Point, Georgia to Larry R. Crawford and Judy Simpson Crawford. He was a Licensed Real Estate Agent for Atlanta Fine Homes. Joel had a personality that was infectious and naturally attracted people to him. His sense of humor was matched only by his love for people.

Joel’s health battles for the last five and a half years have been an inspiration to all he knew. He grew up in Fairburn and graduated from Campbell High School.

Many of his classmates have remained life-long friends. His smile and love for family and friends will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his mother and caregiver, Judy Simpson Crawford; father, Larry R. Crawford and his wife, Becky; sisters, Tammie Richard and her husband Ryan and Christie Hayes and her husband, Scott; nieces, Alex Cunningham (Josh), Taylor Burnham (Noah), Cheyenne Hayes and Carlyn Hayes; nephews, Nash Cunningham and Ace Cunningham; numerous uncles, aunts and a host of friends; his special rescue dog, Willy.

Mr. Paul Allen Alford Mr. Paul A. Alford of Palmetto passed away on December 24, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Sara Ann Robinson Alford and is survived by his daughter, Paula Roth of Palmetto; sons, Robert Alford and his wife, Kathy of Palmetto; Daniel Alford of Atlanta ; sisters, Ann Martin of Sharpsburg; Mary Simmons and her husband, Terry of Huntsville, AL; Susan Callahan and her husband, Bob of Rex, GA; brother, Marvin Alford and his wife, Clarice of Sharpsburg; grandchildren, Nicole Chestnutt and her husband, Cole; Sunnie McWalters and her husband, Sean; Katie Quick; great grandchildren, Jase, Sullivan, Hunter, Michael, Nash, Van, Shay, Dawson and Russ.

Ernest William Henderson Jr. Mr. Ernest William Henderson, Jr. of Palmetto passed away February 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Bridges Henderson and is survived by his sons, Ernest William (Trey) Henderson, III of Carrollton; Phillip Michael Henderson and his wife Carol Loomis of Newnan; daughter, Rebecca Dawn Henderson and her husband Jerrod Knapp of Hogansville; grandchildren, Ashley Diane Vanhoose; Kenneth Austin Vanhoose, Logan Dax Henderson, and Kira Lyric Henderson; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Julie Henderson. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 1 o’clock at Rico United Methodist Church, 6475 Rico Rd., Palmetto, GA 30268. Rev. James “Jim” A. Moore will be officiating.

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Community

BRICKWORKS REPORT Community Brickworks

Food Bank: A busy month for us. Our Food bank saw yet another increase in clients. We continue to be very busy serving the needs of families in our area. Due to the rise in food insecurity locally, we are allowing families with young children to visit the food bank twice monthly.

Library: We continue to update our supply of new books. Come in and browse for some new reads! We now have the series WILL TRENT, written by NYT best selling author Karin Slaughter, for your enjoyment. This series takes place in and around Atlanta and is now being made into a weekly show for ABC. Some of the filming has taken place in Chatt Hills!

Over the next few months we will be changing our library check out system to a fully digital system. We are so excited to improve our library capabilities with the help of a tech grant from Southside Church. We also have acquired two new computers for public use.

There are four new rockers on our side porch for readers enjoyment. Come in, browse, and read a little while rocking outside as our southern weather continues to improve!

Classes and Events: Here are the events that took place in February: Kids Valentine Crafts and Games—we had 12 children who made cards, M&M butterflies, played Cupid blastoff, Cupid ‘s Arrow toss, and the most fun was the balloons. Everyone enjoyed the activities.

Barn Quilt Painting Class— we had 12 participants that really did a good job painting. All the signs were so different. Thank you, Sam and Laurie!

Upcoming events for March: Sign up soon!

Scripting class is ongoing and the participants have really had a lot of encouraging, positive response. Stan Varnadoe is the instructor. If you are interested in this class, send a comment to the Community Brickworks Facebook page.

Toddler Tuesday—this is for toddler to 4 years old. These sessions have story time, song and dance time, learning

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

through instruments, learning through games and playtime.

We will meet in the library on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 10:00 starting in March.

Crochet Animals—learn how to crochet animals with Haley Dobbs.

This class starts March 16-30 from 4-5:00 p.m. in the library.

Fleece Blankets—winter is still around, so make a fleece blanket to wrap up in and keep warm.

Class starts March 21 7-8:00 p.m. in the City Hall Art Room.

Introduction to Watercolor Art—this is an introduction class to painting with watercolors. The class starts March 25 from 2-4 pm at City Hall Art Room, adults only. M. Mitchell is the instructor.

Chair Caning—everyone enjoyed the first class so much that we are bringing it back for a second class.

Have a chair or stool that needs to be caned? This is the place for you.

This class will be a 6-week class, starting April 11 thru May 16, from 6-8:00 pm at City Hall Art Room.

R. Hall is the instructor.

All classes will be published on the Communitybrickworks.org page and Facebook. You will be able to purchase tickets on these sites starting March 1st.

Many thanks to those who have donated to Community Brickworks! We wouldn’t be here without your help.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

Lisa Remley Community Brickworks CommunityBrickworks.org

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Community

BRICKWORKS Residents Paint a Warm Welcome

In Community Brickworks Class Twelve participants brought sunshine to a rainy afternoon while painting a Barn Quilt Welcome Sign at a class hosted by Community Brickworks on February 11.

Nan McGuffey from Brickworks welcomed the participants, thanked them for taking the class, and encouraged them to check out other classes and events on the Brickworks website: www.communitybrickworks. org.

Laurie Searle and Sam Smith from the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail led the class and provided all the materials and sweet treats. Ruby Foster from Chatt Hills Community Outreach was on hand to take class photos.

Many of the participants had admired the barn quilts on the Chatt Hills Barn Quilt Trail and were eager to try their hand at painting a smaller version in the form of a welcome sign.

In the span of two hours, they learned how to tape and paint the geometric patterns that are traditional of barn quilts. And in the tradition of an oldtimey quilting bee, they also enjoyed socializing and sharing stories while they worked on their quilt projects.

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Pictured left to right: Jennifer King, Melissa Jenkins, Jan Davenport, Diane Sweat, Maribeth Wansley, Birgit Bolton, Cara Lucas Edwards, Laurie Searle, Lorraine Wilson, Nan McGuffey, Catherine Huston, Maggie, Arnold, Susan Tatum.

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Community Art Room Ribbon Cutting

By Laurie Searle

The newly renovated Art Room at City Hall was filled to capacity with well-wishers and glorious artwork to celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony on February 7.

The Art Room at City Hall is the creative vision and gift to the city by the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, a local nonprofit whose mission is to stimulate active learning and exploration about art and the creative process through exhibits, teaching, and opportunities for dialogue between the member artists and the public.

Working together with members from The Bridge, other volunteers, and with support from the city and funders, this room at city hall was transformed to a beautiful art space and community room for adults in Chatt Hills.

So far, Community Brickworks has scheduled classes for Chair Caning, Fleese Blankets Making, and Intro to Watercolor. Visit communitybrickworks.org for details.

Kundalini Yoga will be on Fridays from 10-11, contact Piare at 404-916-0295. The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op will be having Gelli Printing. If you are interested in using the room, contact Judy Walker of the at 818-434-5436 or email heyjwalker@gmail.com.

Mayor Tom Reed, Councilmember Ruby Foster, Chat Hills Artist Co-Op director Judy Walker, and Peter Clemens cut the ribbon for the Art Room at City Hall.

The Community Art Room is dedicated to the Residents of Chattahooche Hills, young and old, for creating art and engagement.

We would like to thank our Sponsors: The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op, The City of Chattahoochee Hills, The Bridge Group, The Benjamin Moore Paint Corporation, Village Paints in Fayetteville, Community Brickworks, GreyStone Power Corporation, and the South Fulton Institute DV ZHOO DV DOO WKRVH ZKR GRQDWHG WR WKLV SURMHFW ÀQDQFLDOO\ RU E\ WKH ODERU DQG VXSSOLHV QHHGHG WR EULQJ WKLV URRP WR OLIH Project Manager: Peter Clemens, with help from: Gary Albright, George Danusis, 1VUH[OHU .YLLUÄLSK :JV[[ .YL` @VSHUKH .YL` 3`UU /H`LZ 0ZOTHLS /VSVTHU 4HY` / 1VOUZVU *OYPZ 1VULZ 4HSPUKH 3P]LS` (YUVSK 2LU 4J5LLZL 1VL` 4P[JOLSS 3`UU 5VKH 1LɈ 9HZT\ZZLU 2LU :OLWHYK .YLN :\KTLPLY 1\K` >HSRLY HUK ;LK 4HYPIL[O >HUZSL` (KKP[PVUHS OLSW MYVT 4P[JOLSS >PSZVU HUK OPZ ;3* *YL^

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City Government Greg Sudmeier, David Daniels, George Danusis, Lionel Brown, Barry Anbinder, Jaceey Sebastian, Alan Merrill and Joey Mitchell.

Greg Sudmeier, David Daniels, George Danusis, Lionel Brown, Barry Anbinder, Jacey Sebastion, Alan Merrill and Joey Mitchell

The Bridge Group By Laurie Searle Joey Mitchell, Ruby Foster, and Laurie Searle during the Art Room Ribbon Cutting.

Peter Clemens heads over to the City Art Room to do touch-up work.

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The Bridge Group started in 2017 in Serenbe, when a film called “America to Me,” was shown. It’s a film about race relations in a school in Chicago. It was so inspirational, viewers decided this had to happen more than once. So 10 African American men and 10 white men gathered to talk candidly about race. Since then they met and opened their hearts about life experiences that were the most wounding, along with their entrenched beliefs about race. The separation of cultures has begun to soften because these men have simply been talking together about the serious issues of race and spending time together. These talks created a bond of trust and deep friendships which will influence families and our neighbors in incredible ways for many years to come.

Presentaion During the City Council Meeting The Bridge Greg Sudmeier and Joey Mitchell, co-founders and co-leaders of “The Bridge,” gave a brief presentation of their organization and their recent collaboration with the Chatt Hills Artist Co-op to create the Art Room at City Hall.

The foundational ethic of the Bridge is that, “There’s only one race. The human race.” They promote healing through regular connections and dialogue.

And community involvement, like the Art Room.

They are grateful to the City of Chattahoochee Hills for the opportunity to participate in the Art Room project. Joey said, “When we spend time together, something else happens.” Bridge member Peter Clemens said, “There’s nothing quite like picking up tools together and doing something with them.”

The Bridge has had two educational trips to the Legacy Memorial and Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. If you would like more information contact: The Bridge: Joey Mitchell (770) 709-1776.

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City Government Fire Consumes Home at Serenbe

By Tyisha Fernandes, WSB-TV

Photo Robert Lederman

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, Ga. — A couple that rented an Airbnb in Chattahoochee Hills had to jump out of a third-story window to escape a fire that had engulfed the house.

It happened at 8:00 a.m. Sunday in the Serenbe Community on Swann Ridge.

Three couples rented the home for a birthday weekend.

Once the house caught fire, two of the couples made it out easily, but the couple in the upstairs bedroom was trapped.

“It was 8:10 in the morning, and I heard a weird sound and thought it was like a tree falling or something. And it turned out to be the crackling of the back deck that was already totally engulfed in flames,” neighbor Dirk Botterbusch said.

Chattahoochee Hills Fire Chief Greg Brett said that’s where the fire started, somewhere on the back end of the house.

“I arrived first on the scene to find a man and a woman having jumped from a window of the structure to escape the fire,” Brett said.

The man and the woman both broke their backs and are recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital.

“We know both individuals suffered a broken back, which required surgery, at least for one,” Brett said.

This is the [second] house fire in the Serenbe Community. The first house was built there in 2004.

Photo courtesy WSB-TV

Photo Robert Lederman

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City Government

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

Your State Legislature is in Session Now You probably know who your Mayor, Tom Reed, and City Council members are, but do you know who your Federal and State representatives are? If not, this is the time of year when it is good to know who your state representatives and senators are because the General Assembly is currently in session.

The Georgia General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 66 senators and 180 House members. Each of the General Assembly's 236 members serve two-year terms and are directly elected by the constituents of their district.

The Georgia Constitution limits the General Assembly to 40 official days each year. The Legislature's only mandate is to approve a budget, meaning lawmakers could complete their work in less than 40 days. Typically, lawmakers meet for all 40 official days, and the session lasts around 90 days, accounting for weekends, off days and work days related to legislative duties.

The 2023 session opened Monday, January 9, and will close in early April. The session is broken into two parts, with what is known as "crossover day" in between, typically around the 28th legislative day. Legislation that hasn't passed at least one of the two chambers by "crossover day" cannot be taken up for consideration for the remainder of that session. However, measures that fail to pass in time can be attached to other bills as amendments after crossover day.

Legislative measures are filed by members and assigned to committees for review. The House has 38

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standing committees; the Senate has 28. Legislation must be passed by committee before it can go before the full chamber. Even committee-approved measures must be reviewed and passed by another committee, Rules, before going to the floor for debate. The House speaker retains the power to schedule floor votes on legislation, giving him the power to block measures.

Legislation is approved or denied by majority vote, except in cases involving proposed voter referendums, such as in constitutional amendments or significant changes to local governance, as in the chartering of a new city. In those instances, approval is by two-thirds majority.

Bills and resolutions that pass both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly must still be signed into law by the governor. The Georgia General Assembly can override a governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber.

Constituents like yourself can follow legislation at the following link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/. The legislators work on your behalf, so do not hesitate to reach out to them if you have a question about proposed legislation that may impact you personally or professionally.

For our immediate area, Mandisha Thomas in District 65 is our state representative and can be reached by email at: mandisha.thomas@house.ga.gov.

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City Government

Visit the new Chatt Hills Christmas Tree near the Community Brickworks entrance at City Hall. Many thanks to the Chatt Hills Public Works team for preparing the area for the Arbor Day tree planting. Photo: Chip Denton.

Chatt Hills Arbor Day Celebration The City of Chattahoochee Hills celebrated Arbor Day on February 20th with the planting of a tree at city hall, sapling giveaways, and a celebration of the day with light refreshments.

Chatt Hills takes great pride in its designation as a Tree City and plants a tree each year in honor of Arbor Day. Started in 1976, Tree City USA is one of the Arbor Day Foundation’s oldest programs. Its founders had a vision for a greener, healthier America, and hoped this initiative would inspire change on a nationwide level.

City Manager Robbie Rokovitz opened the program and said, “We celebrate another successful Arbor Day by planting a tree on the south side of city hall to support the annual Christmas Tree lighting at this location along with other festivities.” He thanked Public Works Director Darold Wendlandt and his team for acquiring the tree, preparing the site, and coordinating the planting. He also thanked Community Development Director Mike Morton and City Planner Caity Chandler for planning the event and refreshments.

Mayor Tom Reed remarked how appropriate it was that we were planting a tree in our Tree City: “The only place in the Atlanta Region where you can be absolutely certain there will always be forests.”

Dave Long from the Georgia Forestry Commission described the Arizona cypress tree that was chosen for this year’s planting at city hall. As the name suggests, this heatand drought-tolerant cypress is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is an excellent choice for windbreaks and erosion control, and it makes an outstanding Christmas tree. The Georgia Forestry Commission provided a variety of saplings and planting information as giveaways to celebrate the day.

Action Minutes ~ Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Council City of Chatt Hills February 7, 2023 / 6:00 p.m.

Call to Order All members present.

Review and Approval of Agenda, Passed 5-0 Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 10, 2023 Amended as follows: 1. Add presentation by The Bridge group.

Passed 5-0 Presentations / Proclamations 1. Arbor Day Proclamation 2. The Bridge group presentation Staff Reports Financial Update: Robbie Rokovitz Fire Department Report: Greg Brett Police Department Report: Jim Little Public Works/Parks Report: Darold Wendlandt Community Development Report: Mike Morton Public Hearing 1. Item 23-001: Public Hearing and Approval of an Ordinance to Revise and Amend Appendix A: City of Chattahoochee Hills Unified Development Code and for all other purposes related thereto. Passed 3-2 (Bettis, Schmidt opposed) Unfinished Business 1. Item 22-072: Ordinance to Adopt new Transferable Development Rights Regulations, Standards, and Approval Procedure for the City of Chattahoochee Hills and for all other purposes related thereto. Passed 3-2 (Bettis, Schmidt opposed) New Business 1. Item 23-005: Ordinance Amending the Charter of the City of Chattahoochee Hills by Deleting Appendix “B” of the Charter in its Entirety and Replacing it with a Revised Appendix “B” Adopted by the City Council under the Home Rule Powers found in O.C.G.A. Sections 36-35-3(b) and 36-5-4.1 to Reapportion the City Council Districts 1 though 5 Dues to 2020 Decennial Census and as otherwise required by law. (First Read only. No action will be taken.) No action taken.

2. Item 23-006: Consideration of a contract with Keck & Wood, Inc. for On-Call Engineering Services. Passed 5-0 3. Item 23-007: Resolution to Adopt Revisions to the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget. Passed 5-0 Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

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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

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

The City will take the following safety precautions: • The City Council room will be set up so that the council, staff, and citizens can distinced.

• The meeting will be streamed live. Check details on the City’s website.

City Council Work Session - Thurs., Mar. 2, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Meeting - Tues., Mar. 7, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Historic Comission Meeting - Mon., Mar. 13, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues., Mar. 14, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Planning Comission Meeting - Thurs., Mar. 16, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Work Session - Thurs., Mar. 30, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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

Email Subscriptions: To subscribe via email, visit the City’s Website: www.chatthillsga.us Or subscribe directly at this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/w9cGwxA Print Copies: Residents of Chatt Hills who do not have Internet may request mailed copies by calling City Hall (770) 463-8881.

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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

2023 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

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