🌱 Mayor Meets With Local Proprietors + CNC's Butterfly Encounter

Hello all. It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll find these stories and more:

• More student-athletes in Roswell make their college and university commitments.
• Traffic will be affected by the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday.
• There's an upcoming opportunity to learn about the Grimes Bridge Road Corridor Improvement Project.

But first, today's weather: Clouds and sun; less humid. High: 82 Low: 62.

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Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. The mayor and members from the council met with Roswell business owners and allowed them to share their opinions about the possible closure of Canton Street. In the almost two-hour meeting, Mayor Kurt Wilson apologized for not sharing the plan, not properly communicating that the closure to vehicles would only be for the summer and would only affect a section of Canton Street. He also stated that the city should have sought input from the public first. As a compromise, a suggestion was made to only close Canton Street to cars on the weekends. Some proprietors were still dissatisfied with the lack of communication and planning. Mayor Wilson has agreed to "more engagement and an ongoing conversation." The next public meeting to discuss this topic will be held on Tuesday, May 16. (newsbreak.com)
2. The Roswell High School Athletic Department has had an amazing 2022-2023 year. Five more of their student-athletes have decided to continue their academic and athletic careers and have signed their National Letter of Intents. These students have joined the more than 40 students from the school who have already made their past high school commitments. These baseball, rugby, soccer, and track and field stars will represent Roswell High School and the city at colleges and universities around the country. (roswellathletics.org)
3. The countdown has begun for opening day of the Chattahoochee Nature Center's 10th Annual Butterfly Encounter in June. Visitors will be able to observe a multitude of native butterflies in a special enclosure and use a nectar stick to feed them. You will learn all about butterflies and other pollinators from the nature center's experts. Also, host and nectar plants will be on sale to help gardeners attract native butterfly species. The Butterfly Encounter will run from June 5 to Aug. 6. A private "breakfast with butterflies" experience, and a photographer's workshop will also be offered during this summer-long affair. (newsbreak.com)

Today in Roswell:

• Lifesouth Community Blood Drive — Wellstar North Fulton Hospital (9:00 AM)
• Folk Music From The 60s — East Roswell Library (2:00 PM)
• Free Yoga Class — Roswell Library (3:00 PM)
• Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting — Roswell City Hall (6:00 PM)
• BlairOutLoud SOLO — Standard at Roswell (6:00 PM)
• Departure: Journey to Fight Hunger — Rock N' Taco Roswell (7:00 PM)
• She Recovers Foundation Atlanta Sharing Circle — The Well of Roswell (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell, Georgia Rec and Parks: May is National Preservation Month, and preserving historical sites, is something the City of Roswell does and honors every month of the year. One of those sites is Mimosa Hall, which recently converted to 100 percent by solar energy. Mimosa Hall will soon be recognized as one of the nation's oldest net-zero buildings. (Roswell, Georgia Rec and Parks via Instagram)
• Roswell, Georgia Police Department: Due to the upcoming Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 12, traffic will be affected on some streets in the downtown/Crabapple Road area. Runners from the department will be bring the Torch of Hope from Milton City Hall to Roswell City Hall starting at 10 a.m. A map of the route can be found on the police department's social media pages; using an alternate route Friday morning is encouraged. (Roswell, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: The first Bond Program project has been executed and completed. The city has installed new turf fields at East Roswell Park, and there will be a public ceremony to celebrate. Come out to the park on Friday, May 19, for the official ribbon cutting. The RFD will compete against the RPD in the “Battle of the Badges” Kickball Game following the opening ceremony. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Instagram)
• Fox 5 Reporter, Denise Dillion: Downtown business owners are making sure their voices are heard in regard to the proposed trial period vehicular closure of a section of Canton Road. Signs are being posted throughout the city with the printed statement: "Don't Close Our Streets." These signs are helping Roswell business owners spread their message that this idea is "bad for business." (Fox 5 Reporter, Denise Dillion via Twitter)
• Roswell Soccer Club: Tryouts for the Development Player League (DPL) ID Camp for 2010 and 2011 age groups will be held on May 12 at East Roswell Park. These tryouts are open to anyone who is interested in the DPL; registration will be onsite at the soccer field. (Roswell Soccer Club via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Residents can come learn about Phase 2 of the Grimes Bridge Road Corridor Improvement Project at a public open house at the Adult Recreation Center on May 15. Options of how the corridor will look and its design will be presented, and feedback and opinions are welcome. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Instagram)

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You're all caught up 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