Chatt Hills City News ~ March 2024

Official Publication of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, GA

CHATT HILLS NEWS

Issue 5 Volume 3 www.chatthillsga.us

MARCH 2024 Features

Events

Arts in Chatt Hills

City Government

Our Community Page 3

What’s Happening Locally?

Page 12

Local Artists Page 20

Stay Informed Page 28

Sign Mock-up on photo

by Chip Denton

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Hello Chattahoochee Hills!

MAYOR TOM REED I was so saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Clifford Blizard. I first really got to know Clifford as we worked together on the Chattahoochee Hills Organizing Committee.

Clifford's dedication to Chattahoochee Hills was evident in his volunteer work on our Parks Commission, where his passion for the natural world (and especially his love for lichens) drove his efforts to enrich and improve our parks for everyone. His expertise and obvious enthusiasm inspired anyone he spoke with to see the beauty and significance in the smallest of details and fostered a greater appreciation for the environment among people of all ages. His beautiful photography was just another outlet for sharing that love of nature (to see some of his work, visit: https://www.facebook.com/clifford.blizard/photos). While I was never his student, I’m sure he brought the same energy and enthusiasm to his teaching work.

Clifford's was also a vibrant force in our community plays, bringing laughter and joy to all of us who had the pleasure of watching his performances. His wit, humor, and especially his love for puns, made every moment with him memorable and fun (and definitely made me feel the world was a safe place for dad jokes). Clifford had a rare gift for making the mundane magical, turning every day into a play filled with laughter and learning.

Clifford Blizard was also a man of conviction, never afraid to speak his mind or to tangle with someone he thought was being unfair or unkind.

As we think of Clifford, let us honor his legacy by embracing the values he lived by: a deep love for nature and learning, a commitment to his community, and the joy of shared laughter. Our city has lost one of its bright lights, but his spirit will forever remain in the parks he cherished, the stages he brought to life, and in the hearts of all who had the good fortune to know him.

Clifford joins a list of departed friends from the days of our work to create the City, unforgettable figures like

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Paul and Sara Ann Alford, Joe and Barb Chatham, Barbara Eaton, Ralph Hajosy, Carl and Judy Hattaway, Judy Hayes, Judy Henderson, Larry Keith, Chuck and Memy Miller, Eddie Richards, Molcie Trimble, Hugh Tyer, Darla Vetter, Libba Wilson, and more.

Clifford, thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the love. You will be dearly missed by so many people. To Valerie, and all of Clifford’s family, friends, and students: please accept my deepest condolences.

Mayor Tom Reed

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Ninety-One Years of Farming

Ray Hearn has lived on Hearn Road all but three years of his life

By Kathy Hearn London What are your earliest memories of farming?

Years ago, when I was just a small country boy, probably 10 to 12 years old, Daddy [Cleo Hearn] was going to teach me gee and haw to plow with a mule. We wore overalls back then, not Levi’s like folks do today. Daddy told me, “You have a pencil pocket on the left side of your overall bibs and that’s how you remember that Haw is on the left. Gee is to the right,’” Daddy said. That’s how I learned to plow with a mule.

I started plowing on my own around 13 to 14 years old. We grew corn, one or two acres of cotton, and in later years we dropped the cotton and went to produce farming of peas and beans. We always grew corn to feed our hogs and mules and to make cornbread for us. Then we started truck farming. We loaded up with produce and went to the farmer’s market on Murphy Avenue in Atlanta. Later they built State Farmer’s Market in Forest Park, and we sold produce there.

Mr. Charlie Peek would grind the corn for us. Later, Daddy and I split the 100-dollar payment and bought a used hammermill off of a man in Carrollton. The hammermill would grind the corn for cow feed – corn cob, shuck, and all.

Daddy built our barn here on Hearn Road when I was 12 years old. The barn is nearly 80 years old now and it’s still standing. It’s in bad shape, but it’s still standing.

When did you start raising cows?

Originally, we just had a family milk cow at the homeplace.

I had to milk the cow as a boy.

Later Daddy put in pasture on Vernon Grove land. He bought that 70 acres in April of 1944. We used to grow corn in those bottoms before we decided to fence and put cows on it around 1946. Daddy never wanted to venture out and buy too many cows, 12 to 15 at most. Later we added cows at the homeplace but never had more than 20-25 cows at both places.

We bought them and raised them to sell. Eventually, Daddy dropped row crop farming and moved to only cows.

Daddy would kill one cow each year for our family to eat.

We bought cows from the sale barn in Atlanta, which had two sales a week on Tuesday and Thursday. We may buy one, may sell one, depending on the price and what we needed. We would buy a bull from somebody out here in the country.

After a mammy dropped a calf, we would leave the calf with the mammy for 7-8 months and then sell the calf. Then the Mammy cow, or brood cow, was ready to calf again.

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OUR COMMUNITY In 1955, I got out of the army and started working for Ford. Daddy let me add more cows in 1956. He had his cows and I had mine. We could tell whose was whose. We just knew.

We mostly had white-faced Herefords, and Daddy had a Polled Hereford bull on the farm. Our other cows were just mixed-grade cows that would make a good brood cow; the breed didn’t really matter to us.

The most I ever owned at one time was around 35 cows, including a bull, brood cows, and calves.

When I retired, I never missed a cow sale on Monday in Carrollton. I like going so I can keep up with the market price of cows and then judge when I might want to sell.

Did you ever name any of your cows?

No, I never named any, but I did have a favorite cow. I had a small Jersey cow on the creek, and I kept up with the number of cows she had. She dropped 21 really good calves for me. She gave lots of rich milk because she had dairy cow mix in her and her calves were healthy.

What are your favorite memories of farming?

Before there were hay balers, we stacked hay in the field.

We put up stack poles in the ground. About a foot off the ground, we put cross strips on the poles. We raked the hay with mule hay rakes and put the hay on those strips to keep it off the ground. Then we kept stacking the hay using pitchforks. The rain on the hay would simply roll off and the hay would last all year. Of course, the hay had to get dry before we stacked it.

Then we started baling square bales, and we had to pick them up in the field. Freeman Dean had a New Holland Dealership at Wilkerson Mill, and he would come over and bale the square bales for us. Those were long, hot days picking up hay in the field; it was hard work. And now we have round and square balers that me and my sons, Ken and Kevin, use to bale hay.

Did you ever consider not farming?

No, I never considered anything but farming. I got drafted into the Army in May of 1953. I stayed in two years and got out in May of 1955. Momma [Valla Hearn] said the farm wasn’t big enough to support me and Daddy and insisted that I get a public job. So I went to work at Ford Motor Company and worked there for 42 years. I retired 4

in January 1998. People have asked why I didn’t retire at the end of December, but in January I had some holidays coming. I stayed on to make holiday pay and pick up some extra money. (He chuckles.)

I always liked to row crop a bit and Daddy already had a mule in the barn that I could plow with. We married in ‘58 and at first, I had watermelon and sweet potato crops.

Jean and I moved into our home in Palmetto in ‘59, and I planted more crops to help our family’s income.

At 91 years old, I sold my last four cows in Carrollton on January 15, 2024.

I may not be farming anymore, but I can’t sit down or then I’ll die. When you get up in the morning, ask yourself – what do I need to do, what should I do, and what am I going to do? Then do it. Don’t sit down.

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Mary Taylor Wines

Now at the General Store at Serenbe The first thing you’re bound to notice when you pick up a bottle of Mary Taylor Wine is the lack of a familiar grape on the label. No Pinot Noir or Cabernet, no Chardonnay or Merlot.

That’s because we, the team of lifelong wine lovers who make up the Mary Taylor company, think about wine differently than the usual brands lining the shelves of your local supermarket or big box store. To us, the name of the grape only tells part of the story of what wine is supposed to be. The missing key, which the great winemakers of Europe have known for centuries, is “place.”

When Mary first fell in love with wine in the early 1990s, it was the European classics that truly spoke to her and stole her heart. As a young professional selling French and Italian wine, first in the New York wine auctions and then as a merchant, she quickly learned to appreciate wine in the “Old World” way— not as a luxury good reserved for special occasions, but a living agricultural product that belongs to everyday life.

This awakening eventually led her to move to the storied region of Burgundy. There, deep in the heart of rural French wine country, her experiences living and drinking among the area’s independent artisan growers cemented her understanding of wine as a form of liquid culture, reflecting the people and places where it has been lovingly crafted for generations.

A specific French term exists for this romantic notion that, in addition to tasting delicious, wine should tell us something about the area from which it came. Although impossible to translate literally, this concept of “terroir” has sometimes been described as a “sense of place,” or “somewhere-ness.” It explains why the Pinot Noir from

one village in Burgundy will taste noticeably different from the same grape grown in the next town, or even the next vineyard over.

It’s also the reason why most European wine regions label their wines not according to the grape variety, but the “place name,” or “appellation” where it was grown. Whether known in French as "appellation d’origine protégée," in Spanish as "denominación de origen," or in Italian as "denominazione di origine controllata," the basic idea is the same: each designated area imparts its own special identity, no two expressions alike.

After many years working with the wines of Europe, Mary arrived at an important insight. Left in the dark by decades of simplistic marketing efforts that placed grape above geography, American consumers needed a brand they could trust to decipher the complex notion of terroir in a clear and straightforward way. Out of this realization, our elegant “White Label” was born.

Today, it is our mission to unlock the world of European “appellation” wines by working with individual growers in multiple villages— from Bordeaux to Nîmes to Valençay— who produce exceptional, regionally-distinctive wines at extremely accessible prices.

In the traditional spirit of the “Old World,” each Mary Taylor Wine has been selected as a faithful ambassador of its geographical origin, true to local traditions and the vision of the individual farmer who bottled it. We are proud to offer affordable wines of genuine quality and integrity (no shortcuts) that will bring the magic of their “terroirs” to life wherever you choose to enjoy them: at a dinner party, next to the grill, or even just on a quiet night at home.

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Garver Akers Serenbe Farms New Manager

Local Residents Open Fit Tech RX in Newnan

By Owners Amy Andreoli & Mallory Fleeman

Fit Tech RX is new to Newnan, Ga. We are an Adaptive Resistance Training Studio that uses specialized ARX machines to cut your workout time down to as little as 12 minutes per week.

What is ARX? ARX is a computer-controlled, motorized exercise technology that provides you with a safer, more effective, more quantified workout compared to traditional exercise tools.

Here’s how it works: when you exercise, your strength capability is constantly changing, but if you are using traditional tools like weights, they do not account for these changes, forcing you to use a single weight. This is why you need to always change weights to adapt to our ever-changing bodies. Over time, this is extremely inefficient and is a guessing game that cannot be won. You will never be able to choose the perfect resistance, 100% of the time.

This is where ARX fits in…

The ARX technology instantly and automatically adjusts to your changing level of strength so it’s the perfect amount of resistance, all the time, making your workouts as efficient and effective as possible.

With ARX training you can achieve global functional ability, enhance metabolic health, and experience improved cardiac, pulmonary, and bone health. Lower inflammation, increase injury resistance, and enjoy enhanced joint flexibility.

Schedule a Free Demo or Assessment online at FitTechRX.com. Fit Tech RX is located inside Liberty Chiropractic, 2594 Hwy 34 E, Newnan, Ga 30265, (678)9048274, Contact@FitTechRX.com, FitTechRX.com.

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Garver Akers works as a farmer, consultant, educator and is the new Farm Manager at Serenbe Farms.

Garver’s experience is in management of multi-scale, diverse variety, sustainable crop production. His work involves training others in challenging conditions on new and established farms and gardens, ranging from .2 - 200 acres in open and controlled environments.

Garver has learned much of what it takes to foster sustaining, living soils through biointensive soil-building, even while starting with highly problematic soils under extreme weather conditions. Also, what it takes to lead farming operations through the transition from conventional to sustainable, regenerative practices. He has had the experience of creating cropping systems for solar photovoltaic, geothermically controlled greenhouse environments, and has even worked with a retired steel foundry researching how to recycle industrial waste materials through a bioremediation process to create living soils and viable agricultural substrates.

As the first Farm Manager of the Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center, Garver was charged with the oversight of transitional land management and vegetable production research, located on a 330-acre retired sheep dairy farm in Chatt Hills, GA. His primary focus was developing and building infrastructure, hiring and training staff, managing crops and soils, selecting and operating equipment, and assisting with data collection. This role expanded his knowledge and appreciation for the scientific approach to organic farming.

Garver currently is responding to the market needs of commercial and residential farms and gardens wishing to go “greener”in practice. As the world is coming to terms with the dire need for soil regeneration, clean agriculture and sustainability, Garver Akers’ dream of significantly contributing to the well-being of our people and planet is coming to fruition. For more info visit: https://serenbefarms.com.

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OUR COMMUNITY Georgia Farms Fund Crosses 1,000-acre Milestone The Conservation Fund By Krisztian Varsa

Since launching in 2021, the Georgia Farms Fund has successfully secured more than 1,000 acres of farmland across 10 farms in Georgia, all within 60 miles of Atlanta.

This significant accomplishment has directly supported more than 20 small farm business owners, marking a significant contribution to the local agricultural community. In this short time, the Farms Fund has proven to be both essential and effective in transitioning farmland to next-generation farm businesses and safeguarding critical farmland from subdivision and development threats.

The Conservation Fund’s latest farm acquisition in Chattahoochee Hills pushes the total acreage conserved over the 1,000-acre milestone and is a great example of all that the Farms Fund has to offer to farmers and the community. Many Fold Farm had been home to a Certified Organic sheep and cheese farm. Over the past decade, the farm has undergone extensive soil regeneration efforts, increasing ecological functions, and enhancing the land for the next generation of farmers. Along with cropland, pastures and room to expand for our next two farm owners, the 154-acre property also includes forests and wildlife habitat.

This work aligns with The Conservation Fund’s role as a member of the Georgia ACRE Collective, a coalition including The Common Market Southeast, Health Care Without Harm, Georgia Organics, The Turner Environmental

Law Clinic at Emory University, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and funding from the Rockefeller Foundation.

By prioritizing Agriculture, Community, Resilience & Equity, ACRE facilitates connections between BIPOC farm businesses and the institutional buyers who share similar values, fostering a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Thanks to the success of the Farms Fund in Atlanta, the Farms Fund has since expanded to Chicago and Charlotte, with additional communities on the horizon. For information on the Farms Fund, and our Many Fold project, you can read The Conservation Fund’s blog.

Michael Gault of Smyly Farms photo by Addison Hill Photography

Hillery Goodgame of Blue Heron Urban Farm and Sanctuary photo by Addison Hill Photography

Many Fold Farm photo by Addison Hill Photography

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OUR COMMUNITY Georgia Arts Day 2024 legislative visits by Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

By Waduda Muhammad, executive director, Georgians for the Arts I cannot express the sheer gratitude, fulfillment and joy that I felt and received in making this event come to fruition and for it to be such a success.

It has been a very long past three years as Georgians for the Arts strived to recover from the effects of the pandemic on our organization. It was great to see so many familiar faces from across the great state of Georgia. We need more individuals, more artists, more organizations, more funders, more foundations, and more advocates to move Georgia from being 50th in funding for the arts. We need to mobilize a larger body of constituents.

This year’s two-day, annual conference on February 5-6 marked a historical moment in Georgia’s state arts advocacy history. We had a record number of attendees.

We sold out the event five days early, with 150 folks traveling from across the state, from as far as Athens, Augusta, Fairburn, Lawrenceville, Macon, Savannah, and throughout greater metro Atlanta. Major funding from all of our Sponsors, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, South Arts, South Fulton Arts, Fulton County Arts & Culture, River Center, The Fox Theatre, and Center for Puppetry Arts helped to leverage attendees.

The conference provided art patrons, funders, individuals, organizations, and supporters with key data and stats from the Georgia Arts and Economic Prosperity Report as well as from our keynote speaker, Randy Cohen of Americans for the Arts, who shared data and stats from the National Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Report.

Armed with these tools, success stories across the spectrum of arts education, arts and disadvantaged communities, arts councils, and much more, folks left feeling inspired and prepared to speak with their elected officials on Tuesday, February 6, the legislative visit. It 8

was the first time many conference attendees engaged in legislative discussions at the Georgia Capitol. Christopher Escobar, executive director of the Atlanta Film Society, said, “While I’ve been to the Capitol a number of times, participating both in Arts Day and Film Day in the past, this was the first time I got to fully interact and spent less time observing. I got a much better sense of the process, and while you should interact with the legislators where you live and work, it’s just as, if not more important, to interact with those that hold positions in committees that speak to where you’re looking to create change.” To learn more about what’s happening in the arts around Georgia, visit our website https://georgiansforthearts.org.

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OUR COMMUNITY Terra School at Serenbe

Nurturing Passionate Learners in Chatt Hills Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Serenbe lies Terra School, a beacon of innovative education where students are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow in harmony with nature. This community-based school is preparing learners to thrive in a world of fast-paced change by fostering insatiable curiosity and cultivating positive learning habits to last a lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about Terra School right now.

Enrollment is now Open You’re invited to embrace the journey of discovery. As Terra School opens its doors to welcome new students, families are invited to embark on a transformative educational journey. Enrollment for the upcoming academic year is now open, offering an opportunity to become part of a vibrant community dedicated to holistic learning and environmental stewardship. Whether your child is a budding scientist, artist, or activist, Terra School provides a nurturing environment where their passions can flourish and their potential can blossom. Visit Terraatserenbe.org to learn more and enroll today.

Need-Based Scholarships Are Available We’re investing in futures and igniting potential. At Terra School, we believe that every child deserves access to an exceptional education, regardless of financial circumstances. That's why we are proud to offer need-based scholarships to support families in our community. Through the generosity of donors and our partnership with the Apogee Scholarship Fund, we strive to ensure that economic barriers do not hinder a student's ability to thrive at Terra School.

We invite families to explore our scholarship opportunities and discover how Terra School is making education accessible to all. Learn more at Terraatserenbe.org/tuition.

students are given the freedom to explore their interests and develop the skills needed for a professional pursuit.

At Terra, students are uniquely supported as they invest 50-80 hours each year in internships in their chosen field.

The High School at Terra School is a progressive, safe space where passion meets practical aspects of work, allowing students to explore, experiment, and learn with the grace to fail. With a curriculum focused on problem-based learning and learner-centric approaches, Terra School empowers students to become insatiably curious, purpose-driven individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Hiring for Open Positions As Terra School continues to expand its offerings, we are seeking additional dedicated educators to join our growing team. If you are passionate about environmental education, experiential learning, and fostering a love for learning in students, we invite you to explore our open positions. Whether you're a certified teacher, environmental scientist, or outdoor education specialist, Terra School offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where your talents can thrive. Join us in shaping the future of education at Terra School. For more information go to terraatserenbe.org/careers.

A Unique High School Experience Our High School is where passion ignites purpose. Terra School is dedicated to nurturing learners' passions, to fostering a deep connection to learning, and to instilling confidence through practical experiences. A distinctive feature of our school begins with Middle School apprenticeships that lead to robust High School internships where CHATT HILLS NEWS - MARCH 2024 - SUBSCRIBE TO CHATT HILLS NEWS

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OUR COMMUNITY

Bear Creek Nature Center: A Hub for Environmental Education and Conservation Chattahoochee Hills is home to the fun and educational Bear Creek Nature Center, a private non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a love for nature and environmental education. Since its opening, the center has become a valuable resource for the local community, offering a blend of education, conservation efforts, and entertainment.

The Nature Center spans over 45 acres and is adjacent to 800+ acre Cochran Mill Park. Its mission is to teach people of all ages about the environment, encouraging personal awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Here are some highlights of what the center offers: • Trails and Exploration: Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that wind through lush greenery, providing an opportunity to connect with native flora and fauna.

Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual stroller, the trails offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

• Pond and Wildlife: The Nature Center boasts a picturesque pond where visitors can observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for waterfowl, turtles, and other aquatic creatures. The tranquil setting is perfect for birdwatching, picnicking, and quiet reflection.

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Animal Ambassadors: Inside the Nature Center’s cabin, you'll find resident animal ambassadors.

These creatures, rescues, retirees, and non-releasable rehabbed native animals serve as living examples of the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.

New Construction Projects Exciting developments are underway at the Nature Center. Due to the generosity of Chattahoochee Hills and Fulton County Arts and Culture grants, the Nature Center is about to begin some much-needed upgrades to its facilities. Here's a glimpse of what's happening: • Upgraded Facilities: New flooring, a remodeled classroom, brighter exhibits, and general improvements to the building will add to the ambiance of the cabin, to better serve visitors and enhance educational programs.

• Outdoor Learning Spaces: As part of the construction projects, a dedicated outdoor space is being added to enhance the learning experience for workshops, nature talks, and hands-on activities.

• Improved Accessibility: The team is committed to making the center accessible to all. ADA accessible

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facility, sensory gardens, and interpretive signage are all part of the projects.

Front Entrance. A beautiful new front entrance designed by a local landscape architect, will include a new sign to welcome visitors.

Get Involved Are you a skilled contractor or know one that might be passionate about environmental conservation and community development? Look no further! The Nature Center invites you to participate in these exciting new construction projects and become a part of its transformative journey.

Bidding Process Learn more and obtain a bid packet on the projects, stop by the Nature Center located in Chattahoochee Hills (for directions, please use the following postal address in Fairburn), or contact us by phone or email.

Bear Creek Nature Center 6300 Cochran Mill Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213, Email: info@BearCreekNatureCenter, Phone 770-306-0914 https://bearcreeknaturecenter.org Remember, every step you take at Bear Creek brings you closer to nature and contributes to a healthier planet.

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The Chattahoochee Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau (CHCVB) is excited to announce a BRAND new look!

As we all know, Chatt Hills has something for everyone, and the CHCVB aimed to further clarify how best to communicate that and continue to reach, inspire, and engage those who appreciate our varied amenities and preservation-oriented development model.

Their task was to find a brand that speaks to a broad audience. This includes—but is not limited to—day-trippers, culinary enthusiasts, overnight vacationers, nature and art enthusiasts, history buffs, outdoor recreation, wellness and corporate retreats, and corporate relocations and other potential new residents and businesses. They also aimed to reflect the ideals of current residents, both new and generational, with the goal that everyone would be proud of their city and how they’re represented.

Following a robust RFP effort, the CHCVB selected the agency, Son & Sons, to create the branding that would serve as the roadmap for the future of Chatt Hills’ tourism industry. Son & Sons has deep expertise in the brand space, working with clients such as Coca-Cola, Patagonia, Etsy, Chic-fil-A, Disney, and Sonos, to name some familiar brands.

At the February city council meeting, the CHCVB—in colorful t-shirts showcasing their new logo—presented the results of a year’s long effort to encapsulate the essence

Pictured above: Steve Nygren, Joyce Wood, Juliann West, Mike Greto, Clarice Strong, Carter Williamson, and Brooke Lochore. of what Chatt Hills offers both residents and visitors alike.

Among the creative assets presented was a fresh logo, inspired messaging, and a set of comprehensive brand guidelines for businesses within the city to use in their marketing efforts.

In the coming year, these assets will also be used to help the CHCVB create an online presence in the form of a website, where visitors can learn more about the varied attractions our city offers.

If you missed the council meeting presentation, check out the images below to get a sneak peek of some of the CHCVB’s exciting new branding.

T-shirts and baseball caps will soon be available for anyone to purchase. If you are a business interested in selling these items, please let Robbie Rokovitz, our city manager, and he will get you the information you need to set up shop plus stickers!

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EVENTS

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"

March - May

ENZO Restaurant & Art

300 Trilith Parkway, Suite 230, Fayetteville, GA 30214 Adrienne Anbinder • Leticia Andrade • Kevyn Bashore • Morgan Boszilkov • Valerie Dumas• Courtney Eidson • Logynn Ferrall • Ron Kupferberg • Robert Lederman • Natalie McIntyre • Olga Mosina • Linda Naes • Siobhan Oleary • Martin Pate • George Robinson • Robin Robinson • Malin Roghelia • Judy Walker • Jane Whitehurst Art Presented by The Curator Group: with Chatt Hills Artist Co-op in Serenbe, Dogwood Gallery & Framer in Tyrone, and Logynn B Ferrall Vitale’ Art Consultant To purchase art contact: Greg Blair at Dogwood, 770-774-3524, gblairpaintings@yahoo.com

Fridays at the Farmhouse, 5:30-8:30

Music on the Porch

10950 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Chatt Hills Live Music Fridays 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'.

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EVENTS Monday, March 4th at 6:30pm

Chatt Hills Bee Club Meeting at City Hall City of Chattahoochee Hills, City Hall, 6505 Rico Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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.

Email nadine@generalstoreatserenbe.com with questions.

With Spring around the corner, the Chatt Hills Bee Club (CHBC) is eager to reconnect and start planning for our bees and bee hives for 2024. This meeting is open to any and all Chattahoochee Hills community members interested in beekeeping in the future as well as established beekeepers. We have the following topics on the agenda listed below. To RSVP or for questions, please contact Birgit Bolton at birgit.bolton@gmail.com or 404.783.2045 • What we could or should be doing with our bees and beehives this time of year. More details to follow closer to the meeting date (we also welcome suggestions).

• A round-robin on how your bee hives are doing and the opportunity to ask questions and receive assistance/ advice from other club members.

• What to do if you see a bee swarm.

• Discuss future meeting topics, guests, field trips, times, and schedules.

• Demo FB webpage for information sharing and member support.

Sat. & Sun. 1:30 & 3:30pm

Wine Flights

9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA Each week new wines will be featured and paired with light snacks. $40 per person, reserve a seat today for our 1:30 or 3:30 seating.

Friday March 9 from 4-5pm

Gigi Wilburn Artist Talk at Studio Swan StudioSwan llc | 6401 Campbellton Redwine Rd, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

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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.

Inside Out & Upside Down with Rachel Garceau March 3 – 8, 2024 Mold-made objects can seem almost magical. Depending on 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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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.

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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EVENTS

Saturday, March 9, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday, March 16th at 1pm

Trust For Public Land Volunteer: Habitat Restoration Planting Workday at Campbellton Park with Birds Georgia

Mountain Bike (MTB) Atlanta Barn Quilt Round Up

3921 Cascade Palmetto Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30331 (if using google maps search “Campbellton Park Boat Ramp”) Registration Link: Birds Georgia (neoncrm.com)

Saturday, March 23, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Volunteer: Habitat Restoration Planting Workday at New RiverLands Park with Birds Georgia

8661 Campbellton Redwine Rd., Palmetto, GA 30268 Registration Link: Birds Georgia (neoncrm.com) In November 2023, the Georgia Audubon Board of Directors unanimously voted to officially change the name of Georgia Audubon to Birds Georgia to better represent the work that we do, to embody our organizational values, and to be welcoming and inclusive to all Georgians.

Registration is a $45 donation through Bikereg to MTB Atlanta. Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/barn-quiltround-up-24 Join us for the second annual Barn Quilt Round Up, a mixed-surface gravel bicycle ride/adventure/scavenger hunt and a fundraiser for MTB Atlanta. Based on the Barn Quilt Trail of Chattahoochee Hills, we will give you a map and a 2.5 hour time limit for you to gather up pictures of as many of barn quilts as you can muster. When you get done, present your pictures for points for raffle tickets that we will draw for $700 plus value in prizes.

You choose your route, you choose your bike.

The ride will start at MTB Atlanta's "Goode Camp" which is adjacent to 8295 Atlanta Newnan Road and is the third driveway on the right as you turn onto Atlanta Newnan Road off of Hutcheson Ferry Road towards Serenbe.

We will stage out of a field with porta johns with plenty of parking, and we will have food trucks and a fire pit.

Every Wednesday, 7 - 9:00pm

Get in Your Creative Flow with Figure Drawing Sessions!

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

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EVENTS

Bouckaert Farm, https://bouckaertfarm.com, 770.892.2117 Info@bouckaertfarm.com

From Eventing Shows to Dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Show Jumping Shows and more, Bouckaert Farm hosts a variety of local equestrian events and world-class competitions for all levels of riders and horses.

Mar. 8-10

Mar. 29-31

Bouckaert Equestrian Eventing Horse Trials FEI 4* and National

Bouckaert Equestrian Eventing Horse Trials

10045 Cedar Grove Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213

March 15, 7:30 pm

Guild 1 (10642 Serenbe Ln, Palmetto GA 30268) www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events

Jazz Night at Serenbe: Julie Dexter A brand new musical experience is coming to Serenbe! Experience the soulful melodies and smooth improvisations of this iconic American art form at Jazz Nights at Serenbe. We are excited to bring some of the best jazz musicians in the region to share their talent and artistry.

Meet Julie Dexter, a world-renowned, award winning, British singer, songwriter and producer considered by 16

many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Doug Carn, Third World and Maxi Priest to name a few, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too. She was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award. From Jazz to World Music, Soul and beyond, Julie Dexter is one of an elite few whose talent can transcend genres. She makes it all work on her own terms, as an audaciously independent artist with an undeniable connection to her audience.

Jazz Nights at Serenbe will be a recurring series, with a variety of performances throughout the year. Purchase tickets individually or prepurchase a pass to the entire series!

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EVENTS March 22, 7:30pm

Voice: A Night of Comedy

Gainey Hall 10640 Serenbe Ln, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 $50 https://www.artfarmatserenbe.org/events Doors will open at 7 PM. Arrive early to grab a drink and mingle before the show begins at 7:30!

Note: This performance may contain adult language and humor and is recommeded for ages 16+.

Get ready for a night of uproarious laughter at Art Farm!

Join us for “Voice: A Night of Comedy” featuring some of Atlanta’s top comedians: Mark Kendall, Lace Larrabee, Mandal, and Storhm Artiste. These hilarious performers will take the stage, delivering wit, humor, and sharp observations. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment.

Mark Kendall is an award-winning comedian, filmmaker, and educator. Along with his production partner, Bill Worley, he is the co-founder of CoolCoolCool Productions (coolcoolcoolpro. com), where they use comedy to encourage civic engagement.

Their videos were named “Best Reason to Laugh” by Atlanta Magazine in 2021. His video channels have accumulated millions of views. His films have screened at the American Black Film Festival Comedy Festival. He is the co-host of iHeart Media’s, Ridiculous News, a news and comedy podcast available wherever you get your podcasts. He has toured nationally with his one-person show, The Magic Negro and Other Blackness (originally produced at Dad’s Garage Theatre and The Alliance Theatre). While studying film at Northwestern University, he completed the Comedy Central Chris Rock Summer School Program, where he pitched jokes at “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.” Mark was named best Professional Funnyman by Creative Loafing in 2015 and was the Readers Pick for Best Comedian in Creative Loafing Atlanta in 2019.

Lace Larrabee is a nationally touring comedian, actress, and host whose debut comedy album, White Trash Cinderella, produced by 800 Pound Gorilla Records, sealed the number one spot on the comedy charts. The accompanying YouTube special amassed over 1 million views

and counting. A former southern beauty queen, Lace ditched the pageants but kept her dominant stage presence, unrivaled timing and trademark sass. As a season 17 semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, America loved her charming wit so much, NBC brought her back to roast Simon Cowell alongside Roastmaster General himself, Jeff Ross. Lace turned her appearance on AGT into a Vegas residency as host of America’s Got Talent Superstars Live.

Lace can captivate a room and garner laughs as big as her personality. From tales of growing up in a trailer to relatable observations on friends, family, and aging, Lace turns life’s humiliating moments into an indomitable act of comedy. Lace is a regular favorite on Sirius XM and has two upcoming specials dropping in 2024 through OFTV and Rhizome Comedy. Lace’s charisma radiates and her writing and delivery are undeniable.

Mandal is an Atlanta-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his energetic performances and absurd sense of humor. He is the cohost for Clown School, a podcast about life’s absurdities. He has opened for comedians such as Tig Notaro, Jamie Lee, and Donnell Rawlings. He has also performed at the Orlando Indie Comedy Festival, Memphis Comedy Festival, Nashville Comedy Festival, and the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival. He’s a devoted fan of Waffle House.

Storhm Artiste is an Atlanta-based Comedian, writer, host, and content creator. Storhm has created two scripts, written three books, ghostwritten material for celebrity comedians, and performed stand-up comedy for 7 years.

A nationally touring comedian, and Storhm has performed with many celebrity comedians including Marlon Wayans, Chris Tucker, and Vivica A. Fox, and won awards including Competitions’ Comic Choice at Comedy Zone in Greenville, SC and Best Stand Up Comedian at the 2021 Atlanta Comedy Awards.

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Sat. Mar. 23, 6:30pm

Mar. 23, and 24

Wine Flights

Zorro's Crossing

Enjoy a multi-course meal created by Chef Nicolas Bour of The Farmhouse. Each course will pair perfectly with Patel wines, curated by The Wine Shop.

3/23 is a Juli Jooj Art Event and butterfly release 3/24 is a yoga class.

9135 Selborne Lane, Chattahoochee Hills, GA

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 18

8655 Sardis Rd, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

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 March 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 Fiction: James by Percival Everett H&H bookseller Patience recommends: “A young boy and an enslaved man escape and travel the river together on a raft. Sound familiar? This book lovingly reimagines Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from the view of Jim, who in this version becomes James as he and Huck get a second chance at life. Thought provoking, full of adventure, and thoroughly original!” Out March 19th!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780385550369

New in Nonfiction: Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg From the New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit, an investigation of what makes conversations work, and how we can all learn to be supercommunicators at work and in our lives. The right conversation, at the right moment, can change everything. Supercommunicators, Charles Duhigg argues, understand that there is a science to how human beings connect. They understand that every time we speak to someone, we’re actually engaging in one of three conversations: What is this really about? How do we feel? And, Who are we? With his trademark insights, useful tips, and vivid, memorable storytelling, Duhigg shows readers how to recognize which kind of conversation we’re having—and teaches us the skills we need to navigate it successfully. Out now!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780593243916

New in Picture Books: Rumi-Poet of Joy and Love by Rashin Kheiriyeh "Be a friend to everyone." Rumi's words are needed now more than ever. This picture book biography of the renowned Persian poet introduces children to Rumi's life and teachings. The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh, this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death. Out March 5th, for ages 4-8!

Buy online: https://bookshop.org/a/45/9780735845442 20

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Arts Section Our Artists since 2016

The Chatt Hills Gallery at Serenbe is Permanently Closing on May 13th The Chatt Hills Artist Co-op expresses heartfelt gratitude to the vibrant community that has been the cornerstone of our artistic journey.

Since our inception in 2016, we have grown into a community of up to 77 talented artists, and together with numerous enthusiastic community members, we have thrived in our mission to "Encourage and promote local artists.” The Chatt Hills Gallery and Paint Space have been hubs of creativity, fostering the growth and success of its artists, by providing exhibit space, networking, teaching, and collaborating opportunities.

Many of our artists have flourished and found their way into galleries in Atlanta and built a dedicated collector base while creating remarkable art in their own studios.

We are immensely proud of the impact our artists have made, and it is with gratitude that we acknowledge the role that our community has

played in this success. Your support has been instrumental in all of our achievements.

As we reflect on our journey, we announce a significant transition in our activities. After careful consideration, we have decided to shift our Co-op activities to the newly renovated Art Room at City Hall, closing the Chatt Hills Gallery in May. This decision marks a new chapter in our organization's story, and, while we will no longer have a space in which we will be showing and selling our art, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in the City Hall Art Room. We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our community throughout this journey.

We look forward to continuing our mission and invite everyone to join us in this new chapter of artistic exploration and collaboration. Thank you for being an integral part of our artistic family.

Adrienne Anbinder • Scott Areman • Malinda Lively-Arnold • Jessica Ashley • Janice Barton • Julie Bawden • Ronnie Beets • Anne Beidler • Gwen Bullock • Christina Oros Blum • Cliff Blizard • Greg Blount • Morgan Boszilkov • Afton Campbell • Peter Clemens • Dianne Cutler • Maddie Collmus • Anne Dries • Logynn B Ferrall • Gail Foster • BJ Glick • Elizabeth Glover • Vinayak Godbole • Corina Graves • Jonathan Greenfield • Bill Haggard • Diane Haggard • Hope Harrison • Valerie Hayes • Honey Horwitz • Loran Hygema • Dan Hollis • Mary Hollis • Rebekah Hudes • Wanda Hughes • Larry Jerome • Mary Holman Johnson • Ann Jackson • Patrick Johnson • Pamela Kamor • Gail King • Meghan Lacey • Cindy Lederman • Robert Lederman • Elizabeth Martin • Natalie McIntyre • Julie Genda McKinney • Anne Michaud • Brandon Murphy • Billy Newman • Katie Newman • Dale Niles • Mike Ottensmeyer • Amy Peterson • Greer Pollock • Julie Reyburn • Stephanie Richardson • Linda Rorer • Paul Sandifer • Ken Shepard • Mary Collins-Shepard • Karin Slaton • Lea Ann Slotkin • Paula Susarte • Tom Swanston • Todd Terranova • Judy Walker • Renae Walker • Thomas Walker • Nicholas Widener • Martin Whist • Amy Whist • Peggy Whitaker • Gigi Wilborn • Eileen Wilson • Mitchell Wilson If you were a part of the Co-op and Paint Space, and your name is not listed, my apologies, please send your infomation so we can include you in our history. Heyjwalker@gmail.com

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New Hope United Methodist Church

March 29, 5:00-7:00pm

Last Opening Party!!

9057 Selborne Lane, Serenbe, 30268 Free Join us with wine, nosh, and music for the last opening before the gallery closes in May. Bring friends!

Adrienne Anbinder, Anne Beidler, Logynn B Ferrall, Gail Foster, BJ Glick, 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

www.artchatthill.com 22

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Arts Section

Featured Artist

Morgan Boszilkov channels the beauty of nature in her artwork and

spiritual soul work. She specializes in landscapes, murals, and her innovative technique of sewing ceramics onto canvas. She is a cancer survivor, former accountant, and eco-friendly wedding gown designer featured in multiple TV shows and publications. She is a soulwork life purpose coach. Her work reflects this evolution and the scope of her artistic interest in exploring all media and processes. She embraces living a dynamic artistic identity without stagnancy or societally-pressured recognition of consistent artitistic style. Inspired by the natural world, her growth and evolution are her style.

Her art can be seen at Enzo Restaurant, and The Southern Crescent Gallery at the Trilith Guesthouse.

Available on Amazon, $18.99: a.co/d/ eE57g8V Mogboz@gmail.com Life is the ceremony. Sometimes we experience something so transformative that it provides us with a wealth of realizations, lessons, questions, and wonder. Breathwork, meditation, spiritual retreats, plant medicine, yoga, nature, and other life-altering events can lead us to new perspectives and ways of being in the world. We learn more about ourselves, others, and life itself. This is the universe working it’s magic! And this book will help you start to integrate what you experienced into your daily life.

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March-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.

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THE FUTURE OF FIBER IS HERE!

GreyStone Connect proudly connects its first fiber-internet customer.

GreyStone Connect, the fiber subsidiary of GreyStone Power Corporation, is pleased to announce the connection of its first customer, John Martin, to gigabit-speed internet.

Martin stated that in the past, he never had the speed or consistency that he was looking for, but looks forward to seeing that change with GreyStone Connect. “From day one when this project started, I’ve gotten nothing but superior responses and assistance from GreyStone. They did exactly what they said they were going to do,” said Martin.

“We are thrilled to mark this milestone as GreyStone takes a giant leap forward in bridging the digital divide,” said Gary Miller, president/CEO of GreyStone Power.

“Connecting our inaugural customer is a testament to our commitment to serving the unserved and underserved communities in our territory with top-tier broadband services.”

GreyStone Connect VP of Broadband Services Eric Lannen added, “We are focused on our members like they are family, unlike our competitors, where you are just another customer. We are building a more advanced service than our competition by building a redundant fiber backbone, which will provide another level of reliability. We are also more focused on the quality and flexibility to service rural communities rather than looking at the communities as a return on investment.”

As construction efforts continue, GreyStone Connect is poised to reach even more members in 2024, advancing a future of widespread connectivity and digital empowerment within our community.

TO CHECK YOUR AVAILABILITY AND LEARN MORE, VISIT

First customer connected John Martin (on right) with GreyStone Connect VP of Broadband Services Eric Lannen.

FROM DAY ONE WHEN THIS PROJECT STARTED, I’VE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT SUPERIOR RESPONSES AND ASSISTANCE FROM GREYSTONE. THEY DID EXACTLY WHAT THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO DO.

- John Martin

GreyStoneConnect.com.

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Community

OUR CHURCHES

Memorials

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/ Clifford Blizard 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.

Vernon Grove Baptist Church, 8440 Vernon Grove Rd.

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Clifford Blizard passed away very suddenly in his sleep early on February 17, 2024. His wife Valerie and family are planning a Celebration of Life to take place at Jordan’s Ridge in Chattahoochee Hills, GA on June 8, 2024.

Valerie will post further details on the memorial and obituary as they become available.

Evelyn Louise Chaney January 22, 1934 - January 29, 2024 Mrs. Evelyn Louise Chaney, age 90, of East Point, GA for over 60 years passed away Monday, January 29, 2024 in Chattahoochee Hills, GA. Mama set an exemplary life with her Christlike example for all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. If you knew her, you knew where her heart was. She was an active member at Ben Hill First Baptist Church, where she married Joe Chaney on September 19, 1952, as well as, Utoy Springs Baptist Church, Headland Heights Baptist Church, Connally Drive Baptist Church, and Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Joe Starr Chaney; parents, Thomas and Ellie Louise Morgan; and her 3 siblings. She is survived by her children, Vickie Jo Pickens (Dale), Michael Thomas Chaney (Linda), Gwendolyn Starr Arnold (preceded husband, Lester “Peewee” Arnold), Rachel Louise McBurnett (Mike); Terry Lynne Powner (Terrence); grandchildren, Angie Dodson, Jason Pickens, Heather Chapman, Lucas Norwood, Justin Norwood, Billy Joe Norwood, Catrina Sheets, Caspar Lawler, Mikaela Wood, Emmanuel McBurnett, Ethan McBurnett, Mitchell Powner, Garrett Powner, Ellie Powner; 19 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

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Community

BRICKWORKS REPORT Food Pantry

In January we served 61 families (120 adults and 86 children), and we added nine new families. Your donations, both monetary and in kind donations, are appreciated and being put to good use! Thank you!

Library

There is a lot going on at the library in March. Get your calendars out and take part in the community activities.

The new book club, Read Between the Lines, is a chance to meet your neighbors, and talk about your opinions and thoughts on books. You can join this group at any time. Follow Community Brickwork’s Facebook/Instagram for more information.

Save the Date:

The Annual Spring Fundraiser for Community Brickworks May 18th, 2024 - 4 PM at Four Sevens Farmette in Serenbe

Some resident’s requested a Puzzle Swap and the library made room. Come by anytime during our hours of operation and even sit awhile to put a puzzle together. It’s a great way for groups to spend time together, talk and maybe even have a drink and snacks.

Our crafting classes start up in March with Chair Caning.

Everyone seems to really enjoy this class. Details for our Chunky Blanket Class will be announced soon.

March Madness is a reading program for all ages.

Check out a book from the library for a chance to win a prize. If you read one of the Author of the Month books, you get two chances. The more you read, the more chances to win. On March 31st, names will be picked and our winners will be announced.

Author of the month is Emily Henry. Emily debuted her young adult novel, The Love that Split the World, in January 2016. She is now writing adult romance novels with her first one, Beach Read, published in 2020. In 2023 Emily was the winner for the Goodreads Choice Awards for Happy Place.

A film adaptation of Book Lovers was announced in March 2023 and a week later so was Beach Read.

session. Beginning in March, Toddler Tuesday will be held every Tuesday starting at 9:30. This program is for babies to Pre-K.

Toddler Tuesday—I am so excited to announce that I have two more volunteers who have each agreed to teach a

Neighbors Helping Neighbors!

CommunityBrickworks.org

Need a meeting place for small groups? The library is the place for you. We have a quiet space with a table and chairs. Come on it and check it out!

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City Government Call to Order Members present: Reed, Foster, Lightsey, Lowe, Peek. Member(s) absent: Schmidt Review and Approval of Agenda: Passed 4-0 Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 9, 2024 Passed 4-0 Presentations / Proclamations 1. GreyStone Fiber Update 2. Arbor Day Proclamation 3. Chattahoochee Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau Branding Presentation 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) 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 4-0.

2. Item 24-001: Ordinance amending the Charter by adding to Section 2.13(a) of the Charter as adopted by the City Council under the Home Rules Powers found in O.C.G.A. Sections 36-35-3(b) to allow Residents and Non-Residents to serve on certain Boards and Commissions as may be nominated by the Mayor and appointed by the City Council. Passed 3-1, Lightsey opposed.

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

New Business 1. Item 24-006: Ordinance to approve a Special Use Permit for a Country Inn in the RL (Rural) District and for all other purposes related thereto – property is located at 8735 Wilkerson Mill Road. First Read Only.

No action will be taken. No action taken.

2. Item 24-007: Ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map to Rezone 1606.18 acres from the HM-MU (Mixed-Use Hamlet) District to the RL (Rural) District and to eliminate three Variances – property is 1,606.18 acres on several tracts located between Campbellton Redwine Road and the Chattahoochee River, southwest of Jones Ferry Road. First Read Only. No action will be taken. No action taken.

3. Item 24-008: Resolution requesting the State Senate and/or the State Representative representing the citizens of Chattahoochee Hills to levy an excise tax of eight percent (8%) of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations facilitated or furnished by an innkeeper pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 48-13-51(b). Passed 4-0 4. Item 24-009: Resolution requesting the State Senate and/or the State Representative representing the citizens of Chattahoochee Hills to amend the Charter by deleting Sec. 2.09(b) of the Charter in its entirety and replacing it with a revised Sec. 2.09(b). Passed 4-0 5. Item 24-010: Resolution appointing Board Members to the Chattahoochee Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority. Passed 4-0 6. Item 24-011: Resolution to adopt revisions to the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. Passed 4-0 7. Item 24-012: Resolution to authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents to make an application to apply for a 2024 Small Rural Tribal (SRT) Body-Worn Camera Grant from the US Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Passed 4-0 8. Item 24-013: Resolution declaring one (1) 2016 Ford Explorer as surplus property. Passed 4-0 9. Item 24-014: Resolution amending the City Council 2024 meeting schedule. Passed 4-0 Mayor and Council Comments Executive Session (None) Adjourn Meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

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City Government

Robert T. Rokovitz, MPA, ICMA-CM

Your State Legislature is in Session Now You probably know your Mayor, Tom Reed, and City Council members Ruby Foster (District 1), Richie Schmidt (District 2), Scott Lightsey (District 3), Camile Lowe (District 4), and Rodney Peek (District 5). 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 districts.

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 workdays related to legislative duties.

The 2024 session opened Monday, January 8, and will close on March 28th. 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 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, for example 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.

Mandisha Thomas 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.

Matt Brass Our State Senator is Matt Brass who represents most of Chattahoochee Hills in the 28th District.

He can be reached by email at matt. brass@senate.ga.gov

Donzella James We are also represented in the State Senate by Donzella James who serves the 35th District. She can be reached at her email at donzella. james@senate.ga.gov.

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FULTON V TES 2024 Advance Voting Hours and Locations

Election Day: Tuesday MAR 12

Monday February 19 to Friday March 8, 2024

Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Saturdays February 24 and March 2 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sundays February 25 and March 3 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Adams Park Library 2231 Campbellton Road SW Atlanta, GA 30311

Alpharetta Library* 10 Park Plaza Alpharetta, GA 30009

Buckhead Library* 269 Buckhead Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30305

C.T. Martin Recreation Center* 3201 M.L.K. Jr Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30311

Chastain Park Recreation Center 140 Chastain Park Avenue NW Atlanta, GA 30342

College Park Auditorium* 3631 Main Street College Park, GA 30337

Dorothy Benson Senior Center 6500 Vernon Woods Drive NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328

East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church 2651 N Church Street East Point, GA 30344

East Roswell Library* 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076

Elections Hub** 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road Union City, GA 30213

Etris-Darnell Community Recreation Center 5285 Lakeside Drive Union City, GA 30291

Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade 3665 Cascade Road South Fulton, GA 30331

Fairburn Annex 40 Washington Street Fairburn, GA 30213

Fulton County Government Center** 130 Peachtree Street SW Atlanta, GA 30303

Fulton County Customer Service Center at Maxwell Road 11575 Maxwell Road Alpharetta, GA 30009

Gladys S. Dennard Library at South Fulton 4055 Flat Shoals Road South Fulton, GA 30291

Grant Park Recreation Center 537 Park Avenue SE Atlanta, GA 30312

High Museum of Arts 1280 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, GA 30309

Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon 980 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306

Johns Creek Environmental Campus 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022

Louise Watley Library at Southeast Atlanta 1463 Pryor Road SW Atlanta, GA 30315

Metropolitan Library 1332 Metropolitan Parkway SW Atlanta, GA 30310

Milton Community Center 1785 Dinsmore Road Milton, GA 30004

Milton Library 855 Mayfield Road Milton, GA 30009

North Fulton Service Center** 7741 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Northeast Spruill Oaks Library 9560 Spruill Road Johns Creek, GA 30022

Northside Library 3295 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta, GA 30327

Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing 2489 Perry Boulevard NW Atlanta, GA 30318

Palmetto Library 9111 Cascade Palmetto Highway Palmetto, GA 30268

Robert F. Fulton Ocee Library 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30005

Roswell Library 115 Norcross Street Roswell, GA 30075

Sandy Springs Library* 395 Mount Vernon Highway Sandy Springs, GA 30328

South Fulton Service Center** 5600 Stonewall Tell Road South Fulton, GA 30349

Southwest Arts Center 915 New Hope Road SW South Fulton, GA 30331

Welcome All Recreation Center 4255 Will Lee Road South Fulton, GA 30349

Wolf Creek Library* 3100 Enon Road South Fulton, GA 30331

ASTERISK* INDICATES ABSENTEE BALLOT DROP BOX LOCATION DOUBLE ASTERISK** INDICATES OFFICE LOCATION

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integrity security efficiency

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City Government Real time weather in Chattahoochee Hills: WeatherBug

By Greg Brett, Fire Chief

Greg Brett, Chief of Fire, EMS & Emergency Management City of Chattahoochee Hills Greg.Brett@chatthillsga.us 770-463-1592, office, 404-441-9850, mobile

Even with services to alert us about weather, occasionally you just need to take a look for yourself. Trust what you see, so trust WeatherBug! Chattahoochee Hills Fire Department has a weather station atop Station 51 that reports real-time weather conditions in the city. Need to know temperature? Check WeatherBug Chattahoochee Hills. Curious about windspeed or direction? Check WeatherBug Chattahoochee Hills.

WeatherBug will tell you many other things including rain chance, hourly/daily forecast, lightning strike location/ distance, barometric pressure, dewpoint, air quality, sun UV ray index, and it has a localized radar.

WeatherBug allows you to add other locations and alerts for almost anywhere in the U.S. and many places around the globe. I use it constantly to monitor weather in Chatt Hills but also in north Georgia and Arizona where family members live.

The Station 51 weather station and WeatherBug access is a partner-service provided by Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency.

Try WeatherBug Chattahoochee Hills by going to these links: Download app: https://WeatherBug.com Direct to portal: https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/now/chattahoochee-hills-ga-30268

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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. March 5, 4:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 City Council Meeting - Tues. March 5, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Historic Comission Meeting - Mon. March 11, 6:30 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Commission Meeting - Tues. March 12, 6:00 pm City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268 Parks Planning Commission - Thurs. March 14, 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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The New Public Works Building The new Public Works building has been erected and is now in the finishing stages with the build out of the interior.

This has been a much-needed and sought after project which is being funded using the State and Local Federal Relief Funds (SLFRF) provided through the American Rescue Plan act (ARPA). Photos by Laurie Searle

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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