🌱 Con Artists Get Almost $10K In Police Scam + City To Hire Planner

Hello there, Roswell! I'm here in your inbox this warm morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on...

• Four Roswell City Council posts open.
• The city to begin Homeschool PE classes next month.
• This week is Qualifying Week for the upcoming Municipal Election.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and very hot. High: 97 Low: 73.

Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. The urban planner that the City of Roswell will hire will conduct a comprehensive review of the city's economy. The Canton Street Promenade task force's idea to bring in an urban planner has prompted city officials to "gear up the city for careful and educated planning." This report will help the city focus on traffic safety and how this project would affect the city economically. Officials from the City of Roswell want residents to be prepared as this part of the process will take a while; a timeline for hiring an urban planner and the process for the report to be developed was not provided. (Newsbreak)
2. There will be several seats open on the City Council that voters will have to fill in the upcoming election this fall. Councilman Peter Vanstrom resigned his Post 4 seat on July 27. In an email to the council, Vanstrom stated that “I have experienced mounting personal challenges that will greatly limit the time that I will have available to devote to the high demands of serving with this Mayor and Council moving forward.” The council voted at a special-called meeting on Aug. 7 to call a special election to fill that seat. Councilman Mike Palermo told residents that he will not seek re-election after serving two terms on the council. Councilmembers Sarah Beeson and Christine Hall's terms end this year, and their posts will be on the ballot as well. They both stated that they will run for re-election; city councilmembers are voted-in at-large. (Appen Media)
3. The Roswell Police Scam is hitting the city in full force and recently claimed a victim. The scammers were able to get almost $10,000 from an individual; the victim told Channel 2 News that "the caller was 'incredibly' convincing." A spokesman for the Roswell Police Department said the con artist commonly use names of real police officers and staff. They will also spoof their telephone number to make it seem like the call is coming from the police department. Potential victims are called at random and are told that they have arrest warrants and/or a legal summons against them. The callers then tell residents to pay the bond in order not to be arrested. The Roswell Police Department is alerting city residents to hang up and call the police department immediately if you receive a call like this. (Newsbreak)

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Today in Roswell:

Tuesday, August 22

• Pilates with Janice — Roswell Senior Center (11:00 AM)
• Meet the Keeper — Chattahoochee Nature Center (3:00 PM)
• Bath Bomb Workshop — Pinkies Up Beer and Wine (6:00 PM)
• Mystery Readers Book Club — Roswell Library (6:30 PM)
• Team Trivia — Houck's grille (7:00 PM)
• Music Bingo — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs: The City of Roswell is now offering PE classes for students who are homeschooled. Two Homeschool PE sessions will be offered each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the East Roswell Recreation Center. The first class begins on Sept. 6; register for this class by Friday, Sept. 1. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: It's Qualifying Week for the Municipal Election in November. There are a few posts open on the council, and those who are interested in running in the election are to complete the qualifying process this week at City Hall. More information regarding eligibility requirements and the necessary fee to complete the process is noted on the City of Roswell's website. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Atlanta Journal Constitution: Houck's Grille in Roswell will host an event to commemorate their rebranding from Houck's Grille to the Coastal Bar, Grill & Chill. The celebration is scheduled for the afternoon of Aug. 27 and owners Bill and Judy Houck are set to make an appearance. (Atlanta Journal Constitution via X)
• Roswell Arts Fund: The Roswell Arts Fund is still looking for vendors and artist to be a part of the artist market at the Pop-Up Art Village. The market will be open during the Beaucoup Festival on Sept. 30. All interested artist and vendors have to apply before the deadline on the first of September. (Roswell Arts Fund via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Mark your calendars! There are plenty of neat things to do in town this week. The "Artist in Bloom" exhibit is on display and the "Almost Heaven: John Denver's America" performance will be at the Cultural Arts Center. Yoga at the library, karaoke at Rock 'N' Taco, and Riverside Sounds are just a few of the events that are planned around the city. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Fellowship Athletics: Grant Mauldin is a student and junior goalie on the lacrosse team at Fellowship Christian School. He has been chosen to join the 2023 USA Select U16 Team. Mauldin was one of 44 lacrosse players named as the top high school boys’ lacrosse players in the U.S. by USA Lacrosse. (Fellowship Athletics via X)

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Featured events:

• Latin Wednesdays - Salsa, Bachata, Merengue & Reggaeton @ Tongue & Groove ATL (August 23)
• Roswell Career Expo (August 24)
• Blind Wine Tasting (August 25)
• Goldfish Swim School Roswell Village Back to School Bash (August 26)
• $ 4.00 Movies--National Cinema Day--Sun Aug 27th at Aurora Cineplex (August 27)
• Mix and Mingle with Cuban-American Author Andrew Diaz Winkelmann at The Book Miser in Marietta, GA (August 27)
• Purple Pansies Annual Pillars of Hope Gala (September 10)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Masonry work (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Featured job listings:

• Caregiver needed for adult with autism at home (Details)
• Add your listing

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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