🌱 Roswell Student Escapes Hawaii Fires + Council Candidates Announced

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

• The Fall Native Plant Sale returns to the CNC.
• Fundraising event this week for Centennial High School baseball.
• Storms cause flooding on busy road in the city.

But first, today's weather: Humid with a t-storm or two. High: 83 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. Kristina Benbow is a pharmacy school student at the University of South Carolina and a resident of Roswell. She was one of the lucky people who were able to escape the devastating wildfires in Hawaii. She applied to a Walgreens pharmacy in the town of Lahaina to work and to have fun during one of her one-month rotations. She and her friend were sent home from work the morning when the catastrophe began; Benbow was able to evacuate her residence later that afternoon. She and her hosts then found safety in an area outside of the town of Wailea. She then contacted her family in Roswell. She describes to Appen Media the chaos and confusion she experienced as she fled the flames. (Appen Media)
2. The annual Fall Native Plant Sale returns next month at the Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC). “When you grow native plants, even on a small scale in a container garden, you are going to make a positive difference for the nature in your yard," said the CNC Horticulture Manager Jacqueline McRae. Many of the plants for sell were grown on the grounds of the nature center and were not treated with pesticides or herbicides. Since these plants are native to Georgia and the local area, they grow harmoniously with the environment. The sale will first open to CNC members on Sept. 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Fall Native Plant Sale will open to the general public on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. (Newsbreak)
3. Eleven candidates have been formally qualified to run for the open City Council seats that will be on November's election ballot. Sarah Beeson and Jason Miller are campaigning for the Post 1 seat. Michael Dal Cerro, Judson McClure, Marisa Pereira, and Allen Sells have all qualified to run for the City Council Post 2 seat. Incumbent Christine Hall will vie against Lyndsey Coates for the Post 3 council seat. David Johnson, Jade Terreberry, and James (Jamie) Wishert are competing for the open Post 4 seat. Incumbent Brian Hansford is running unopposed for the Municipal Judge position. The city's Municipal Election will take place on Nov. 7. (The Georgia Sun)

Business owners and marketers in Roswell: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Today in Roswell:

Tuesday, August 29

• Morning Meditation — Roswell Senior Center (10:00 AM)
• ESL Conversation Class — East Roswell Library (10:30 AM)
• Meet the Keeper — Chattahoochee Nature Center (3:00 PM)
• Community Development and Transportation Committee Meeting — City Hall (5:00 PM)
• Michael Dal Cerro's Campaign Kick Off — 1920 Tavern (6:00 PM)
• Taco Tuesday & Music Bingo — Rock 'N' Taco Roswell (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Roswell, Georgia Cultural Arts: The City of Roswell will be bringing their Joe Gransden Jazz Milestones Series to the Cultural Arts Center in October. The first show is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m., and tickets are already on sale. A featured article about this concert series has been published in the recent issue of the Roswell City Lifestyle Magazine. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• Chattahoochee Nature Center: The Farm Fair will be coming to the Chattahoochee Nature Center on Sept. 17. This event is all about educating the community on the importance of local and sustainable food practices. The Farm Fair will have many hands-on activities for the entire family. More information can be found on the nature center's website. (Chattahoochee Nature Center via X)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Government: Check out the AAPI Hua Yuan: Artists in Bloom exhibit that's on display at the Cultural Arts Center this week. The Beyond Transparency: Glass Artistry, is another artistic display that's being exhibited at the Visual Arts Center. If you're looking for other fun and interesting things to do this week in town, visit the Roswell365 website for a calendar of events. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Instagram)
• Centennial Baseball: Bambinelli's in Roswell will be hosting a fundraising event to support the Centennial HS baseball program. From 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30, a portion of the pizzeria's proceeds will be given to the school's baseball department when the word "baseball" is mentioned. (Centennial Baseball via X)
• City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department: Yesterday's storms caused some flooding in west Roswell. The police department warned residents of the flooded street on Highway 92 near Bent Grass Drive. Residents were advised not to try to drive through the flooded area. (City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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)
• Atlanta BeltLine Food Tour (September 2)
• Art in the Park—Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 2-4, 2023 (September 2)
• Kids Mindfulness Yoga Class ✨ (September 7)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

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

Featured job listings:

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

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new 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