🌱 Elderly Conned In Phone Scams + Children Raise Money For Nonprofits

Hello again, happy Tuesday! It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally, including...

• The City Council approves on-call plumbing contract.
• Reels and Wheels returns in June.
• Roswell NEXT is hosting the Oak Street Family Trash Clean Up day.

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Now, today's weather: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 72 Low: 55.

Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. At the beginning of 2022, the City of Roswell approved a contract worth $75,000 for on-call plumbing services throughout the city. The contract was made with a company called B&W Mechanical Contractors. Since then, the contract for on-call services has increasingly climbed; some purchase orders are totaling about $121,000 for this fiscal year. The costs are approaching the maximum amount for the new annual contract. A decision was recently made by the City Council to increase to the annual "not-to-exceed amount" for this plumbing service by $100,000. (Paywall: Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. An elderly man reported to the Roswell Police Department that he had been conned out of $25,500 in a phone scamming scheme. The report states that the victim received a phone call from an unidentified number and the person on the line claimed to be his adult son. The person on the phone was crying; it was difficult for the elderly man to positively identify the voice. The caller then stated that a lawyer would call shortly. The so-called-attorney told the victim that his son was in jail and needed bail money in cash and gave falsified directions on how to give the money to the bondsman. The man followed the caller's instructions on how to transfer the cash funds. After calling his son to give him well wishes, the son informed his father that he was never arrested and that he was the victim of a scam operation. The case is still under investigation with the Roswell Police Department. (Appen Media)
3. On May 13, the Meta Music Education program held a fundraising event at Lucky’s Backyard in Roswell. $3,655 was raised at MetaFest 2023, a children-led concert, and will benefit the organizations Ian’s Friends Foundation and Los Niños Primero. “Our students have not only honed their musical skills but have also learned the value of compassion and giving back to their community. It’s truly inspiring to witness the impact they can make,” Adam Carder, the spokesperson for Meta Music Education, said. This Sandy Springs-based musical education program teaches children how to play music without the need of sheet music and encourages them to learn to play music by ear. (Newsbreak)
4. Another telephone scam was reported by a Roswell resident to the police department on April 2. A woman told police that her 70-year-old sister was contacted online by an individual claiming to be comedian Ron White. The impersonator told the elderly woman that he needed $10,000 to finish paying for his mother’s emergency “bone marrow cancer treatment.” She sent him $7,500 via wire transfer. The victim told police that he seemed “genuine and authentic” and that she believed he was telling the truth. She has been unable to dispute the charges with her bank. The Roswell Police Department is currently investigating the case. (Appen Media)

Today in Roswell:

• Roswell Garden Club Meeting — Bill Johnson Community Activity Bldg. (10:00 AM)
• Pilates with Janice — Roswell Senior Center (11:00 AM)
• Roswell Connect — Sunny & Ranney (5:30 PM)
• Works in Clay Spring Show and Sale — Art Center West (4:00 PM)
• Community Development & Transportation Committee Meeting — City Hall (5:00 PM)
• Wine Tasting for Habitat — Deep Roots Wine Market (6:00 PM)
• Mystery Readers Book Club — Roswell Library (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• City of Roswell Rec, Parks, Historical, and Cultural Affairs: Roswell's Reels and Wheels is officially back in effect. This outdoor cinematic summer affair will begin next month at Riverside Park. The food trucks will be back again as well and will begin serving at 5 p.m. Come check out the fun family flicks that will be presented on an LED screen. (City of Roswell Rec, Parks, Historical, and Cultural Affairs via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: This week is National Public Works Week. The American Public Works Association (APWA) chose this year's theme: "Connecting the World Through Public Works." This week is dedicated to demonstrating how public works links the community together by way of "infrastructure and service." (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell NEXT: The What's Next Clean Up is going down this Thursday. The entire family can join in for Oak Street Family Trash Clean Up and hang out. Participants will meet at the Oak Street Bottle Shop at 6 p.m. (Roswell NEXT via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: As always, the City of Roswell has some great events and activities planned for the week. A community breakfast with Roswell's 911 dispatchers, the opening of the Roswell Area Pool, Riverside Sounds, and Fitness in the Park are just some of this week's highlights. Take a look at the Roswell365 website for a complete list of this week's happenings. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Aurora Cineplex Roswell: This Saturday, May 27, Aurora Cineplex will host an Artisans Arts & Craft Show. Vendors will have more than 20 arts and crafts booths showcasing unique and special items. The show will begin at 10 a.m. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow 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