🌱 Councilmember Resigns + Woman Assaulted On Trail + Reels And Wheels

Hey, everybody! It's Wednesday in Roswell and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community. In today's issue, we'll touch on...

• Police investigate a suspicious package in Downtown Roswell.
• Tickets still available for Summer Adventures Day at the CNC.
• New drive-thru clinic coming to Roswell.

But first, today's weather: Partial sunshine. High: 88 Low: 73.

Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. Roswell Councilman Peter Vanstrom resigned the Post 4 seat on Thursday, July 27. The City of Roswell made a statement on Monday citing some of the reasons for his decision as “mounting personal challenges" that affected his availability, and “the high demands of serving with mayor and council.” Since Vanstrom resigned within 90 days of the scheduled regular election, a special election for his seat can take place on Nov. 7. This special election will not cost anything for city taxpayers. Vanstrom is the second councilmember that recently announced that they will not serve during the next term. (Newsbreak)
2. Many residents do not know it, but Sophia Crawford, the owner of the Ground and Pound Coffee in west Roswell was once a Hollywood stuntwoman. She is most known for her work on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” and other action-packed roles. Her life path led her to Roswell where she opened Ground and Pound Coffee on Holcomb Bridge Road in 2019. Her aim was to create an artistic center for eclectic pop-culture lovers. She employs a staff of artist and actors who share her passion for love and building community relationships. (Appen Media)
3. A 19-year-old Roswell woman was sexually assaulted while taking her morning walk along the Riverwalk Trail between Riverside Road and Dogwood Road. The incident happened a little before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The victim reported to police that as she was walking down the paved path along the route, a man dressed in dark clothing and wearing a surgical mask approached her from behind and stated that he had a gun. He made her go into the nearby woods and proceeded to sexually assaulted her. Police have identified and are questioning a person of interest. The Roswell Police Department is asking for anyone with information that may assist them with this case to notify them via telephone. (WSB-TV)
4. A suspicious package in the downtown area was reported to Roswell police on July 12. Responding officers discovered an ammunition can on the sidewalk at the intersection of Canton Street and Norcross Street. Police used a network of private and surveillance cameras called a Fusus system to assist them with identifying the object and clearing the scene. They were not able to get footage of the object; however, an officer still opened the container. An array of silver tools was found inside. The ammo can and tools will be used as evidence in the case. (Appen Media)

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Today in Roswell:

Wednesday, August 2

• Storytime by the River — Chattahoochee Nature Center (10:30 AM)
• Preschool Storytime — East Roswell Library (11:00 AM)
• Free Chair Yoga Class — Roswell Library (1:30 PM)
• Free Mat Yoga Class — Roswell Library (3:00 PM)
• Team Trivia — Lucky's Burger and Brew (7:30 PM)
• Feckin' Around Comedy Night — Mac McGee Roswell (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Sergeant E-5 Stephany Litvin was acknowledged as an Esteemed Veteran of Roswell at the Mayor and City Council Meeting on Monday, July 31. Mayor Pro Tem Christine Hall read and enacted the proclamation. Litvin currently works at the city's E-911 center. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Visit Roswell, Georgia: The city's cinematic community event, Reels and Wheels, returns to Riverside Park this Friday evening. Bring the entire family to enjoy a showing of "Minions: The Rise of Gru" on the outdoor LED screen. There will be food trucks at the park beginning at 5 p.m. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. (Visit Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Cultural Arts Center: The free concert series, Riverside Sounds, is back on Aug. 26. Jake La Botz will translate his life's journey through music and will incorporate the sounds of his native Chicago, the Mississippi Delta, and New Orleans. Visit the Riverside Sounds website for more information. (City of Roswell, Georgia Cultural Arts Center via Facebook)
• Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC): Get ready Roswell for CNC's Summer Adventures Day on Aug. 20. There will be canoeing for ages 5 and up, stand-up paddleboarding for ages 9 and up, and archery for ages 7 and up. There will also be other games and crafts for all ages. Visit the CNC website to purchase tickets. (Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) via Instagram)
• Roswell Inc: SmartMED is opening a new location at the intersection of Alpharetta Highway and Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell on Oct. 2. The 5,000-square foot facility will offer drive-thru medical services and care. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• HUGE YARD SALE! Lots of stuff MUST go! (August 5)
• Join the SSC Guided Walk at Island Ford! (August 12)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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