🌱 Beeson's Thoughts On Records Request Policy + The Mayor's Ride

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this Friday morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today you'll learn about these stories and more:

• Roswell senior signs with UNF soccer program
• Visit Roswell's "hidden gems" list
• Fire Crews respond to kitchen fire

But first, today's weather:

Very warm with periods of sun. High: 83 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Roswell today:

1. On Monday's upcoming meeting, the City Council will have its final talks regarding the proposal to change the city’s Open Records Request policy. Reflecting on this upcoming discussion, Councilmember Sarah Beeson shares her thoughts about this proposed policy change. The new procedure would require those who are requesting open records to provide “verifiable” names and addresses. If the requester wants to be anonymous, the new change would require them to do so in-person at City Hall. Beeson questions what is “verifiable” identity and how could one remain anonymous if they would have to appear in-person to obtain records. She also poses the questions of why this change is needed if other cities do not require “verified” identity and if Roswell has not had a requester fail to pay in past cases. Beeson states that she will uphold "transparency" by voting against Monday’s resolution to change to policy to require “verifiable identity” to receive open records. (appenmedia.com)
2. The women's soccer program at University of North Floridam (UNF) recently signed high school senior Hadley Collier from Roswell. The central defender attends Roswell High School and is the team captain of the United Futbol Academy (UFA) ECNL. Eric Faulconer, the head UNF women’s soccer coach said “Hadley is the type of student-athlete you spend five minutes with and you instantly know that you want her to be a part of your program, she is going to be a wonderful addition to our UNF community and the women’s soccer team." Collier has also earned honors with the ECNL First Team All-Conference Southeast Division and the Georgia High School Association 7A All-Region Team. The University of North Florida says they look forward to discover where Collier's skill and leadership acumen takes her in their program. (soccerwire.com)
3. Roswell has become one of the elite cities in the state for dining. The Visit Roswell team has searched and uncovered some "hidden gems" in Roswell's culinary scene. The search took them away from the oh-so-popular Canton Street and the nucleus of Roswell's business district. These are a few of the "lower profile eateries" that are not in downtown: Custom Cakes By Liud, Doodle Pies, Keenan’s Pit BBQ, Elaina’s Café, and Karachi Broast & Grill to name a few on the list. Visit Roswell wanted to spotlight some of the less fancy, yet food-focused establishments to encourage residents to "eat on the road less traveled." (visitroswellga.com)

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Today in Roswell:

• Aerial Yoga Teacher Training - Honor Yoga Roswell (10:00 AM)
• Fit4Mom Music Class w/ Perfect Harmony Health - Atlanta Rowing Club (10:00 AM)
• Friends of the Roswell Library Book Sale- Roswell Library (10:30 AM)
• Non-Fiction Fridays Book Club - Roswell Library (2:00 PM)
• John Stango Exhibition - Vinings Gallery on Canton (6:00 PM)
• Acoustic set by Iain Tucker - Rock N' Taco Roswell(6:00 PM)
• Theatre Production In the Black Box - Roswell HS (7:00 PM)
• Concert of Prayer - Zion Missionary Baptist Church (7:00 PM)
• Marty Solomon at Northview - The Northview Church (7:00 PM)
• The Nature Club Dine and Discover - Chattahoochee Nature Center (7:00 PM)
• Open Mic Night - The Little Yogis (7:00 PM)
• Roswell HS VB Soccer Region vs Alpharetta - Roswell HS (8:00 PM)
• Kevin Scott Trio - From the Earth Brewing (8:30 PM)
• Reckless Live - Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Inc: Roswell Inc's Community Connectors are local business leaders who help fortify the community by sharing the pros of doing business in Roswell. One of those Community Connectors is Jackie from Office Evolution in Roswell. Office Evolution is a coworking hub that allows entrepreneurs a place to work and manage their business. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Edenwilde Roswell: Girl Scout troop 20545 will be observing Earth Hour this Saturday, March 25. They are asking for neighbors in the city to join in with them in this small effort to combat global warming by turning your lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. (Nextdoor)
• Roswell, Georgia Fire Department: On Wednesday Roswell fire crews responded to a call reporting a kitchen fire from a residence near Crestview Circle and Norcross Street Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. (Roswell, Georgia Fire Department via Facebook)
• Keep Roswell Beautiful: This weekend's opening of the Great American Clean Up was a great benefit to the city. The Roswell Band's M.A.R.C.H. fundraiser partnered with Keep Roswell Beautiful and City of Roswell this year. Volunteers picked up trash and removed invasive species of vegetation from different Park and Recreation sites around town. (Keep Roswell Beautiful via Instagram)
• Roswell, Georgia Police Department: The spring session of the Citizens’ Police Academy is in full swing. This week the students worked with the Traffic Enforcement Unit to learn about the “how” and “why” of traffic enforcement. They also were able to test the unit's equipment and technology. (Roswell, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Bike Roswell: March 31 is the deadline for early registration for the annual Mayor's Ride. This cycling jubilee will take place on April 30. Visit the Bike Roswell website or social media pages for more information on this event. (Friends of the Roswell Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Community Garage Sale (March 24)
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• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• 🐷HOG 🎸JAM #8 @ SPICED RIGHT Roswell! (March 25)
• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - On Broadway! (March 25)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (March 26)
• The Voices of Mimosa (March 26)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (April 9)
• Beginner Digital Art Class at the Cumming Arts Center (April 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update!

— Jessica Griffin

About me: My name is Jessica Griffin and I am a native of Roswell, Georgia. I have been in the Roswell-Alpharetta community for over 30 years. As a native "Roswellian", I embody, participate, and support all things local. Community is at the core of all of us, and I aim to convey the collectiveness and unity that should be promoted and celebrated throughout our community. Being a mother, a writer, a student of history, and the arts are my passions.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roswell Patch newsletter? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com