🌱 Flex Lane Closure Causes Ruckus + Roswell's RISE Coffee & Tea

Hello there, Roswell. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Today you'll find news about:

• Former teacher had 21 documented complaints.
• Roswell's National Vietnam War Veterans Day observance
• Donations needed for the RHS Football Department.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by the Hernandez Group at Keller Williams

Meet a local husband-and-wife real estate team with over a hundred 5-star reviews on Zillow.

It’s not easy getting raves these days — let alone 125 of them.

But here’s a sampling of what Roxie and Michael Hernandez’s clients say about them:

• "Second to none. Roxie Hernandez did an excellent job." - 25 year real estate veteran and ReMax Hall of Fame member
• “Responsive, caring, trustworthy and knowledgeable”
• “Absolutely awesome real estate professionals”
• “I felt that I had a very trustworthy coach behind me at all times.”
• “Amazing! Highly recommended. Extremely loyal, patient and hard workers.”

We could go on — and on — or you could just read the reviews yourself.

How do Roxie and Michael turn so many clients into fans? 28 years of experience in the Atlanta market doesn’t hurt. Nor does their expertise in staging, negotiating and financing.

But mostly it’s this: they care about clients. They take pride in being the best, working the hardest and making sure clients feel they have a true partner and ally as they navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Want to speak to these local gems? Contact The Hernandez Group today.

Now, today's weather:

Times of sun and clouds. High: 61 Low: 38.

Are you a business owner or marketer in Roswell who wants to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales? If that's you, then I invite you to see how our newsletter sponsorships combine our local audience reach with your expertise to attract new customers. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Roswell today:

1. The lawsuit against Fulton County Schools regarding it hired a former teacher who raped a student has brought out more information about the former educator's past. Robert Vandel, the former middle school teacher, has plead guilty to multiple charges last year. Details in the lawsuit state that there were at least 21 complaints against Vandel of "grooming, sexual harassment and sexual assault"on file before he was hired by Fulton County Schools. On his Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GPSC) record, Vandel had written complaints by seven students and 14 written complaints by teachers. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. The recent closure of the GA-400 flex lanes is already causing quite a stir. The closure of the lanes are a part of a larger GA-DOT express toll lane project. While drivers "appreciate future developments," the current closure will be a huge burden in the meantime. Many drivers who travel on GA-400 daily say this closure will make their commute worse. Traffic is already heavy going in both north and south directions, and loosing the extra lane between Holcomb Bridge Road and Pitts Road will only increase the frustration, drivers say. (WSB Atlanta)
3. RISE coffee and tea in Roswell aims to help adults with special needs thrive. The coffee house was founded in 2020 by Nicole DeWard. She was inspired to create this concept by her own daughter's experiences working at a coffee house that was similar. Erica Wood, the marketing and events coordinator says "It’s not just a coffee shop, it’s a community, you come here, you feel loved, you feel welcomed." Roswell's RISE coffee & tea strives to be a place where people with special needs can "feel safe" and shine. (fox5atlanta.com)

Today in Roswell:

• AARP Foundation Free Tax Preparation - East Roswell Library (11:00 PM)
• Noonday Nosh Book Club - Roswell Library (12:00 PM)
• Roswell Development Authority Meeting - City Hall (3:30 PM)
• Tween & Teen Yoga Series - Honor Yoga Roswell (4:00 PM)
• Taco Tuesday On a Different Level - SAUCY Roswell (5:00 PM)
• Art, The Magic Bullet of Decorating - KW Roswell Curtin Team (5:30 PM)
• Roswell HS V Baseball vs Sprayberry HS - Roswell (5:55 PM)
• Roswell HS VG Lacrosse vs Johns Creek HS - Roswell (6:00 PM)
• Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) Regular Meeting - City Hall (6:00 PM)
• Sojourn Wine Dinner w/ The Mill - Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room (6:30 PM)
• Tuesday Trivia - Variant Brewing Company (7:00 PM)
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting - City Hall (7:00 PM)
• A Service of Healing & Wholeness - Roswell Presbyterian Church (7:00 PM)
• Roswell HS JVG Lacrosse vs Johns Creek HS - Roswell (7:30 PM)
• Music Bingo and Taco - Rock N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)
• Tuesday Trivia - Big Oak Tavern (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Rotary Club: The Roswell Rotary Club was at Roswell High this weekend for the 26th Annual Roswell Rotary Relays. The day consisted of 24 teams who competed in various field & track events. The Rotary Club thanks the sponsors, volunteers, and restaurants who worked together to make this day a success. (Roswell Rotary Club via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia: The Roswell Woman’s Club is a nonprofit organization that was founded by a group of 30 women in 1948 by 30 women. This group is being recognized for Women's History Month for being a pillar in the community by supporting education through their scholarship and grant programs. The Roswell Woman's Club has also been known, throughout the years, for their volunteerism, preservation of history, the financial aid given, and for urban development. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell High School Football: The RHS Football Department still needs help to complete their goal for the Strongman Competition fundraiser. Reaching their goal will help them send Team74 to state. The department posted a link on their social media sites for more information on how to support the team. (Roswell High School Football via Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Belcourt: The staff at Waffle House #1038 at Old Alabama Road and Holcomb Bridge Road are inviting the community to the eatery on Wednesday, March 22. Bring your children to meet and take a picture with Wilson Waffle. You can also get a free waffle with an adult purchase. (Nextdoor)
• City of Roswell, Georgia: National Vietnam War Veterans Day is on Wednesday, March 29. The Mayor and the council will have a time of reflection and a wreath placement at the War Memorial at City Hall at 8:30 AM. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell NEXT: The What's NEXT event will be at From the Earth Brewing on Thursday, March 30. The event begins at 6:00 PM. (Roswell NEXT via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Social Security Seminar on March 22nd and 23rd at Gwinnett Technical College (March 22)
• High Revelry, a benefit for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 23)
• Viernes Tropicales Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club - Bonus Hustle/top 40s (March 24)
• Daffodils 4 Hope Prayer Walk and Celebration (March 25)
• "Game of Clue Scavenger Hunt"-Fun Family Day & Art Supply Yard Sale (11am-5pm) (March 25)
• 3hr Bachata Boot camp Atlanta @ HDC Dance & Fitness Sat March 25, 2023 (March 25)
• John Stango Solo Artist Show (March 25)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - On Broadway! (March 25)
• The Voices of Mimosa (March 26)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (April 9)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Masonry work (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! I'll see you soon.

— 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