🌱 Roswell Newcomer Newsletter + City Council To Vote On Task Force

Morning, Roswell! I'm back with your new copy of the Roswell Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town on this Wednesday, including:

• The Oxbo Road Realignment Project has been completed.
• The NFCC Pantry needs donations to restock after record aid given this summer.
• The Roswell Santos boys soccer team is headed to Denver.

But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 91 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories in Roswell today:

1. Appen Media, the publisher for the Alpharetta-Roswell Herald, will begin distributing a free newsletter that will introduce those who are new to the City of Roswell. The "Welcome to Roswell” online newsletter will send seven "informative and engaging emails" that will be emailed to new residents over a period of time. Insights into Roswell's history and happenings will be shared with new citizens relocating to the city. In addition to history and current events, newcomers will also receive easy moving tips, the 4-1-1 on Roswell's culinary scene, and the town's athletic leagues. Carl Appen, the director of Content and Development, said that “We are delighted to introduce this project welcoming new folks to the neighborhood.” Signup for the newsletter has begun on Appen Media's website. (Appen Media)
2. A vote on the selection of the members for the city's Canton Street Promenade Task Force was scheduled to be taken at a specially called City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 11. The city received over 80 applications for the advisory role from business owners and residents alike. During its executive session on Monday, July 10, the council reviewed the applications and questioned whether they would vote during a closed portion of the meeting. According to the Georgia First Amendment Foundation, this would violate state sunshine laws. “Certainly, for matters involving personnel decisions, they are able to have executive session to discuss things in private, but that decision and the votes on who to appoint and the roles that will be undertaken, must be done in public,” said Georgia First Amendment Foundation representative, Richard T. Griffiths. Other business owners and Canton Street Stakeholders do not have much trust in the city's task force appointment process. (Newsbreak)
3. The Oxbo Road intersection officially opened to public use on June 30, more than a decade after the redevelopment project was initially originated. The plan to realign Oxbo Road and Oxbo Drive, which came to light in 2009, was to create a solution for safety and mobility issues that existed in the area. However, the project was put on ice in 2014 due to funding issues. The Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, that was passed in 2016, revived the project that was supposed to cost $9 million and be completed by July 2021. The project was delayed numerous times and ultimately cost $18.5 million. Councilwoman Lee Hills is encouraging residents to come to the area to see the end results of this long-awaited construction endeavor. (Appen Media)

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Today in Roswell:

Wednesday, July 12

• Barefoot Puppets presents "Galapagos George" — Roswell Cultural Arts Center (10:00 AM)
• Storytime by the River — Chattahoochee Nature Center (10:30 AM)
• Preschool Storytime — East Roswell Library (11:00 AM)
• Free Chair Yoga Class — Roswell Library (1:30 PM)
• Dueling Pianos in Downtown Roswell Feat. The Andrews Brothers — The Gaslight (7:00 PM)
• She Recovers Sharing Circle — The Well of Roswell (7:30 PM)
• Rockstar Karaoke — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell Soccer Club (RSC): The Roswell Santos are heading to Denver! The Santos U13 Boys First Team will be competing at the National Cup Tournament. The games will begin on July 15 and will be livestreamed. Visit the RSC's Facebook page for more information on how to watch these Roswell boys compete. (Roswell Soccer Club via Facebook)
• Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy: The Nantahala Outdoor Center Roswell Outpost will host a free Tai Chi class on July 20. Visit the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy's website to register in order to attend this event. (Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy via Twitter)
• North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC): Since the beginning of summer, NFCC has provided assistance to about 200 families every day. The pantry at NFCC is now in need of donations. They are mostly in need of canned vegetables (no green beans or corn), size 6 diapers, and size 3/4 pull-ups. (North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) via Instagram)
• Centennial High School PTSA: Centennial High School is having a meet-and-greet for their new principal, Dr. Opie Blackwell. There will be an in-person meeting on July 17 at 9 a.m. and a virtual meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. that day as well. (Centennial High School PTSA via Facebook)
• Roswell Inc: Roswell Inc's next Coffee Connect will be in-person on July 14. This community networking event will be held at Century 21 Connect Realty in Roswell and will begin at 8 a.m. (Roswell Inc via Twitter)

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• Latin Wednesdays - Salsa & Bachata Latin Night Atlanta @ Tongue & Groove (July 12)
• Viernes Tropicales Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club Fri July 14, 2023 (July 14)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta - Beginner / Beyond Basic Sat July 15, 2023 (July 15)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat July 15, 2023 (July 15)
• Christmas in July Home Show at the Avalon in Alpharetta (July 23)
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That's it for today. 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