🌱 Roswell Named On Livability List + Fire Chief Makes Case For Raise

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Roswell Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in the community. Including news on...

• Milton historian tells the stories about the Roswell Railroad.
• The pool at RAP closed today.
• Registration open for the September Revved Up Kids workshop.

But first, today's weather: Intervals of clouds and sun. High: 80 Low: 64.

Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. The city of Roswell continues to be named on numerous statewide, regional, and national "the best" lists. In a recent survey of cities in the Southeast by the website Livability, Roswell placed third for having low crime rates, access to health care for its citizens, and great entertainment options. Over 2,000 cities that had a population of 75,000 to 500,000 citizens were examined. Roswell was chosen for its arts and cultural events, its ideal position along the Chattahoochee River, their schools, and the city's craft beer scene. Along with Johns Creek, Roswell was the only city in Georgia to make Top 25 on this list. (Newsbreak)
2. The City of Roswell's pay increase for the fire department has had positive feedback not only in North Fulton, but also throughout the entire metro area. Fire Chief Joe Pennino made the case to the City Council for the pay increase at a recent meeting. "We found that most of our surrounding agencies have increased their pay within the last year. On average, our pay ranges, we're about 23 percent behind the North Fulton Market," said Roswell Fire Chief Pennino. He also cited the department's recent achievement of reduced response times for emergency calls as one of the reasons this pay increase was needed and should be rewarded. The new pay hikes will go into effect on Oct. 1, and will cost city taxpayers approximately $500,000. (11 Alive)
3. Local historians are bringing to light a long forgotten about feature of the City of Roswell's past. The Roswell Railroad operated from 1881 until 1921 and ran from south Roswell to current-day Chamblee. Initially the rail line was supposed to go into Atlanta, however, the Civil War caused the work to stop at Roswell Junction (modern-day Chamblee). This railroad of the past had one locomotive, one passenger car, two box cars, and four flat cars. The railroads owners began to discontinue this line in 1920 and stopped all service in 1921. Although there are not many physical signs that the railroad existed in the city, historians are telling its story to revive this important pillar of North Fulton history. (Appen Media)

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Today in Roswell:

Friday, September 1

• First Friday Outdoor Painting Class — Mimosa Hall (10:00 AM)
• Bad Daddy’s Roswell St. Jude Fundraiser — Bad Daddy's Burger Bar (11:00 AM)
• Live Music w/ Doug Easterly — Standard at Roswell (4:30 PM)
• Roswell Varsity Football Game vs. Marietta: Youth Night — Roswell High School (7:30 PM)
• Grits & Greens at FTE — From The Earth Brewing (8:00 PM)
• G Clef & the Playlist Live — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs: The pool at Roswell Area Park will be closed today for maintenance. The community pool will be open for the Labor Day weekend, however. City residents will be able to visit the Roswell Area Park Pool during operating hours on Saturday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 4. (City of Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs via Facebook)
• Visit Roswell, Georgia: Roswell's nonprofit, Sunshine On A Ranney Day, is adding a new addition to their brand. Their new store, Partly Sunny, is opening its doors this morning at 10 a.m. This shop will sell holiday décor, lighting, kitchenware, mattresses, and much more. Like their other store, Sunny and Ranney, all proceeds will benefit the Sunshine On A Ranney Day charity. (Visit Roswell via Instagram)
• Roswell Cultural Arts: The Atlanta Balalaika Society is a group of "teachers, lawyers, homemakers, and everyday upstanding citizens" who use live performance to connect with the community. They will be holding their annual autumn performance, "A Medley of Eastern European and Slavic Music," at the Cultural Arts Center on Oct. 22. Tickets are now on sale. (Roswell Cultural Arts via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department: Last weekend, the police department held their first Revved Up Kids workshop for the fall season. Their next session is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16. Visit the Revved Up Kids website for more information about options for classes and to register. (City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department via Instagram)
• Roswell Inc: Bask Steakhouse, one of the city's newest fine dining restaurants, recently held their ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Roswell Inc crew was present to help welcome them to the city and to celebrate with them. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 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)
• Paint Medicine Classes (September 11)
• The Transition Network - Prospective and New Member Dinner (September 13)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow 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