Community Corner

🌱 Local ES Principal Resigns + Developer's Zoning Request Denied

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Roswell.

Hello all. Jessica Griffin here with your fresh copy of the Roswell Patch newsletter, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on:

  • There’s a possible pay increase for Fulton County teachers.
  • Yoga at Roswell FAM
  • Roswell High's upcoming athletic summer camps

But first, your local weather:

  • Saturday: Warmer with periods of sun. High: 78 Low: 60.
  • Sunday: A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 73 Low: 46.

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Find out what's happening in Roswellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Here are the top three stories today in Roswell:

  1. Roswell City Council recently rejected a change in zoning that would have allowed the creation of 11 new lots at 8800 Eves Circle. This decision was made according to recommendations from the planning commission. The property is currently zoned for a single-family estate. The developer and/or owner of the site wanted various lots that ranged in size from 12,070 square feet to 19,945 square feet, two entrances on Eves Circle, a common area that has a tree save area in the middle and three public parking spaces. The developer and/or owner wanted to develop the site all the way to the southernmost boundary. They requested that the city remove a condition that would have allowed for a 14 foot access easement connection from the public road to the River Terrace subdivision cul-de-sac. (Paywall: ajc.com)
  2. Matt Donahoe, the principal at River Eves Elementary School has suddenly resigned. The announcement came on April 13 from Anne Boatwright, a representative from Fulton County Schools. Families were assured that Angela Parham, the Superintendent for Zone 5, would "work closely with the school’s administrative team to ensure a smooth end to the school year." Donahoe's resignment comes six weeks before the end of the school year. The district is now working to find a replacement for this position and will consider input from teachers, staff and parents. Fulton County Schools did not provide any further information regarding this sudden departure. (thegeorgiasun.com)
  3. The school board for Fulton County is mulling over a change to the budget plan that could increase the salaries of school employees. The proposed 7.1 % salary increase will be implemented for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. “This budget will include competitive wages,” Fulton County Schools Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef said. The board is also considering incentives for the hiring process and employee retention. New teachers who are hired will receive a one-time $5,000 hiring bonus and a one-time referral fee of $250 for any staff that refers a teacher under this proposal. (appenmedia.com)

Today and tomorrow in Roswell:

Find out what's happening in Roswellfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Saturday, April 15

  • Tillman Honor Run - Roswell City Hall (8:00 AM)
  • Habitat Restoration - Chattahoochee Nature Center (8:30 AM)
  • Free Fitness in the Park: Yoga - Roswell Area Park (9:00 AM)
  • Walk with a Doc - Hyde Farm (9:00 AM)
  • A Ramble in the Gardens - Chattahoochee Nature Center (9:00 AM)
  • Spring Plant Sale - Martin's Garden at Coleman Farm (10:00 AM)
  • Basics of Nature Photography - Chattahoochee Nature Center (10:00 AM)
  • Family Canoe Day - Chattahoochee Nature Center (10:30 AM)
  • Foam Rolling Class - SHINE health & wellness (11:00 AM)
  • Synthesizing Sounds - Computer Museum of America (12:00 PM)
  • Riverwalk Postcards: Song of Atlanta - Roswell Riverwalk (1:30 PM)
  • GET Presents Bright Star - Cultural Arts Center (4:00 PM)
  • March of the Machine Prerelease - Caffeinated Gamers (4:00 PM)
  • River Canoe Trips - Chattahoochee Nature Center (5:00 PM)
  • Acoustic set w/ Scotty Cram - Rock N' Taco Roswell (6:00 PM)
  • Lucky's Live 2023 Presents 40HZ - Lucky's Burger and Brew (6:00 PM)
  • Tween and Teen Game Night - Little Yogis Roswell (7:00 PM)
  • Roswell Ghost Tour: Alice - Roswell Visitor's Center (8:00 PM)
  • GET Presents Bright Star - Cultural Arts Center (8:00 PM)
  • Live Music: Speed of Sound (Coldplay Tribute) - Houck's Grille (8:00 PM)
  • Justin Live - Rock N' Taco Roswell (9:30 PM)

Sunday, April 16

  • Manny Sazon Food Truck - Gate City Brewing Company (12:00 PM)
  • Sound Immersion - The Open Mind Center (12:30 PM)
  • Live Music w/ Doug Easterly - Deep Roots Wine Market (1:00 PM)
  • Springfield BBQ Co. Pop-Up - Deep Roots Wine Market (1:00 PM)
  • GET Presents Bright Star - Cultural Arts Center (2:30 PM)
  • Classical Music Series Presents: Brandon Quarles, Saxophone - Mimosa Hall (3:30 PM)
  • Southern Rock Sundays - Rock N' Taco Roswell (4:00 AM)
  • Yin Yoga - Many Paths Wellness (4:30 PM)
  • Saprea Battle of the Bands - Chattahoochee Nature Center (6:00 PM)
  • Kings of Karaoke w/ Ian - Chaplin's Bar and Grill (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Mayor Wilson has officially welcomed Richard Rhinehart to the City of Roswell team. Rhinehart has been named as Roswell's new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Check out the mayor's video message that gives more information about Rhinehart, his past experience, and his new role with the city. (Roswell Police Department via Facebook)
  • Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market: The market opens today! In addition to the farmers market and artisan pop-up shops, you can also come to get your yoga on. Free yoga will be offered at the market on most Saturdays at 9:00 AM. The market booth will have more information regarding when yoga will be offered. (Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market via Instagram)
  • Roswell Athletics: Roswell High School's summer athletic camps will resume this summer. Camps for basketball, cheerleading, football, baseball, and other sports will be offered. Camps begin in June and more information can be found on the athletic department's website. (Roswell Athletics via Twitter)
  • City of Roswell, Georgia Fire Department: Crews from Engine 23 and Engine 26 participated in some continuing education this week with Captain Baythavong. At the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center, the firefighters sharpened their skills with deploying hoses and managing a charged fire hose. (City of Roswell, Georgia Fire Departmentt via Facebook)
  • City of Roswell, Georgia Councilmember, Sarah Z. Beeson: Councilwoman Beeson was present and was able to give her well wishes to the current graduating class of the Citizens’ Police Academy this week. She also congratulated the department for this program's 30th anniversary. (City of Roswell, Georgia Councilmember, Sarah Z. Beeson via Twitter)
  • Roswell Inc: Mickey Deaton is another Community Connector for Roswell Inc. Deaton is a broker of the Associated Insurance Group in Roswell. He is known for his help in fortifying the Roswell community. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)

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Featured events:

  • CME Schubert Trio - Piano, Violin & Cello (April 15)
  • Latin Dance Party near Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat April 15, 2023 (April 15)
  • Inaugural Crabapple 🐷HOG🎸JAM🍻! At Six Bridges Brewing! (April 16)
  • Saprea Battle of the Bands! (April 16)
  • VIETRI Book Signing with Founder Susan Gravely - Italy on a Plate (April 17)
  • Casa Nuova Community Block Party (April 30)
  • Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next 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

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