🌱 Roswell FD Gets Best-In-Class Pay + The Drake House's Fundraiser

Good morning, friends! It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Roswell Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town, including...

• A Roswell police officer honored as an Esteemed Veteran.
• Roswell high schools rank best in state and country.
• Rivers Alive cleanup volunteers still needed.

But first, today's weather: Nice with clouds and sun. High: 86 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. This month, the City of Roswell acknowledged another esteemed veteran who currently serves on the Roswell police force. U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Cpl. Jacob Hughes, was recognized for his oversees service in Romania and Japan. During his time in the Marines, Hughes was awarded with the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and other awards. Cpl. Hughes received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 2018. Following his discharge, he has worked for police departments in Marietta and Roswell. City officials say that Cpl. Hughes' military service has equipped him with the necessary skills to respond to emergencies and keep the city's citizens safe. (Appen Media)
2. The City Council has approved a plan that will allow the city to offer "best-in-class" pay to the fire department. This new plan will increase the pay for full-time firefighters by more than 35 percent. This move will raise the department's pay scale, to allow it to become one of the highest in nearby areas. This pay increase is one of the components that is included in the department's 5-year transition from part-time staffing to a full-time staffing model. The Mayor and Council talked about this plan during the Administration and Finance Committee Meeting earlier this month. They voted on and approved the plan at the Aug. 28 Mayor and Council meeting. (Roswell Gov)
3. The Drake House's 19th annual Miss Mary’s Ice Cream Crankin’ fundraiser took place this past Sunday at First Baptist Roswell. Over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream were offered by businesses and organizations throughout the community. A contest was held in which the best vanilla, best chocolate, best fruit, and best other ice cream flavor was chosen. Lynn Wilson, the Chair of the Drake House’s Board of Directors said, “We think that providing ice cream made by community organizations and businesses that support our community is a great way to bring people together and reinforce how important community is to organizations like ours.” The proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit their community outreach program. This annual ice cream social is the nonprofit's largest annual fundraising event. (Appen Media)

Are you a real estate agent in Roswell struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Roswell newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today in Roswell:

Thursday, August 31

• Coffee, Tea, Chat and Brain Games — Roswell Senior Center (9:30 AM)
• Thursday Storytime — Roswell Library (10:30 AM)
• Sweet Apple Farmers and Artisans Market — World Harvest Church (2:00 PM)
• Live Music w/ Ben Bostick — NOCA Eatery and Bar (6:00 PM)
• Campaign Kickoff Party to Re-Elect Sarah Beeson — Casa Robles (6:00 PM)
• Keefe Klug Unplugged — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Two schools in Roswell have been acknowledged as one of the 2023-2024 best public high schools in the country. Roswell High School and Centennial High School both made the list. Roswell High School ranked number 36 and Centennial High School ranked number 62 for the state of Georgia. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Recreation and Parks: The "Hua Yuan: AAPI Artists in Bloom" exhibit opened at the Cultural Arts Center on Aug. 7. This exhibit showcases the work of AAPI artist throughout Metro Atlanta. The Cultural Arts Center held an artist panel with two of the featured artists that was moderated by the Arts Center's supervisor, Corinne Sutherlin. The exhibit will be on display until Sept. 25. (City of Roswell, Georgia Recreation and Parks via Instagram)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Mayor Kurt Wilson, Councilmember Lee Hills, and Councilmember Sarah Beeson made a video message for city residents to discuss the upcoming changes at the Roswell FD. The discuss the city's hiring plan for the department, the implementation of best-in-class play, and more monumental changes for the Roswell FD. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: The City of Roswell and Keep Roswell Beautiful are still in need of volunteers for their 32nd Rivers Alive cleanup event. On Sept. 16, volunteers will help mark storm drains, clean up litter, and remove invasive species from waterways around town. Visit the city's website to sign-up. (Keep Roswell Beautiful via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Is Caring for Your Aging Parents Aging You? (August 31)
• Call to Photographers for Art Show-Entries Being Accepted Sept 1 through Oct 15, 2023 (September 1)
• Outdoor International Arts & Crafts Festival-Sept 9, Sat, 10am-4pm (September 1)
• Annual Labor Day Sale (September 1)
• Atlanta BeltLine Food Tour (September 2)
• Art in the Park—Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-4, 2023 (September 2)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact - Beginner / Beyond Basic (September 2)
• Kids Mindfulness Yoga Class ✨ (September 7)
• Paint Medicine Classes (September 11)
• The Transition Network - Prospective and New Member Dinner (September 13)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Masonry work (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Featured job listings:

• COOK needed for Ground&Pound Coffee (Details)
• Add your listing

Alrighty, you're all good 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