🌱 Businesses On Canton St. Speak Out + Notre Dame Eyes Roswell Player

Hello all. It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today we'll cover...

• Roswell gymnast head to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
• The Swift School starts a rugby program.
• Roswell's Household Hazardous Waste Day will be here soon.

But first, today's weather: Sunny and pleasant. High: 71 Low: 50.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Attention music lovers! Don't miss out on The Roswell Music Festival, a one-day, ticketed event on Saturday May 20th. This exciting festival will take place in Historic Downtown Roswell, featuring six amazing bands, tent vendors, and local businesses serving up delicious food and drinks. You won’t want to miss original and tribute bands covering classic rock, soul, funk, country and blues music — including the incredible talents of GRAMMY®-nominated powerhouse Southern Avenue, End of the Line, Funk You, Frankly Scarlet, The Highwaymen Show, and TROY. Tickets are on sale now!

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Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. The University of Notre Dame enlarged their 2025 recruiting board on Tuesday, May 2. Recruiters from the school have extended an offer to Fellowship Christian School student Josh Petty. Petty is an offensive tackle for the school's football team and is known to be one of the best offensive lineman in the 2025 recruitment pool. In addition to Notre Dame, this four-star recruit received offers from the University of Georgia, LSU, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and several other schools. The University of Notre Dame has been paying close attention to sports in Roswell; they have recently received a commitment from Roswell native, Anthonie Knapp. (msn.com)
2. Aiden Esval and William Pyle are current seniors at Roswell High School. The two schoolmates have been practicing gymnastics since about the age of five and are now gymnast with the Roswell Men's Gymnastics Team. Esval and Pyle will continue their post-high school education and gymnastics training at the United States Air Force Academy; the pair will become members of the Division I gymnastics for the service academy. Georgia State District 6 Rep. Rich McCormick nominated Aiden Esval for the academy. William Pyle received his “presidential nomination” from his mother, who is a career military parent. Mayor Kurt Wilson, the Roswell City Council, and teammates from Roswell men’s gymnastics were present at their signing party that was held on April 25. (appenmedia.com)
3. As the City of Roswell continues their talks regarding the proposal to remove vehicular traffic from Canton Street, the business owners in the area concerns are growing as well. Some proprietors along Canton Street say that the closure would not only limit parking in the area but would complicate deliveries to their businesses. However, officials from the city say that only 39 parking spaces would be taken away according to their current plans. Business owners also feel that the City of Roswell should wait to try out this idea until the new parking deck is erected. (msn.com)

Today in Roswell:

• Alcoholic Beverage License Board Public Hearing — Roswell City Hall (10:00 AM)
• Ongoing Conversation: Assembly Point Exhibition — Roswell Visual Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Needlecrafters Meeting Group — Roswell Library (1:00 PM)
• Georgia 1752 Club Happy Hour — Gate City Brewing Company (5:30 PM)
• What's NEXT? Music Fest & Bring a Friend Party — Mojo Vinyl Records (6:00 PM)
• Full Moon Sacred Sound and Light Gathering — The Open Mind Center (6:00 PM)
• Art Reception & Sound "Sojourner's Tale" by Yuli Anun — The Well of Roswell (7:00 PM)
• Kings of Karaoke Thirsty Thursdays — Chaplin's Bar and Grill (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: On Tuesday, Mayor Kurt Wilson was downtown at The Heart of Roswell Park discussing the proposed trial period to close Canton Street to vehicles. In his video message to the public, the mayor explains the reasons behind the idea to redevelop Canton Street from SR 9 to East Alley into the Canton Street District. He also shares the "long-term vison" to transform the entire length of Canton Street into a pedestrian-friendly promenade. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• The Swift School: Rugby ATL has partnered with The Swift School to offer the Major League Rugby's (MLR) Rookie Rugby program at the school. On May 3, coaches and players from Rugby ATL came to the school to give the first lessons during the PE classes for the day. (The Swift School via Twitter)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Councilmember Lee Hills gives the city an informational update on three grant opportunities that Sen. Reverend Raphael Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff are presenting. These grants, in which the city has applied for, would help the City of Roswell and its residents. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia: The spring Household Hazardous Waste Day is coming up on May 13. The City of Roswell is giving residents an opportunity to safely dispose of old chemicals. Materials such as motor oil and gas will be accepted. Visit the city's website for a complete list of the materials that will be accepted. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell Soccer Club: The Roswell Soccer Club will be hosting tryouts for multiple teams beginning on May 16. The club is looking for players to join the U7 & U8 Jr. Academy, U9-U12 Academy, U13 & U14 Select, U15-U19 Select Boys and Girls, and for the U15-U19 Girls DPL teams. (Roswell Soccer Club via Facebook)
• Roswell365: If you're looking for ideas for something to do during these next few days, the Roswell365 team has shared some suggestions. Check out the website for fun activities like a therapeutic bath soap making class, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and the Drinking Water Festival this Saturday. (Roswell365 via Instagram)

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Featured events:

• Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club Fri May 5, 2023 (May 5)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Live Music Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Intuitive Art Classes - Paint Medicine (May 8)
• Estate Planning Seminar at Milton City Hall - Community Place (May 9)
• Here Comes the Sun: Music of the Beatles (May 12)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Splash into Summer Safety Party! (May 13)
• CHRIS WILLIS a Jazzy Mother's Day, BRUNCH and SHOW, Sunday, May 14th (May 14)
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• Masonry work (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another 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