🌱School Rezoning + Parade Float Winners + GDOT GA-400 Express Lanes

Good morning, Roswell! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today you'll find news about...

• A new blog for Visit Roswell
• Lane closure in the city
• Support the Arts

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 74 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories today in Roswell:

1. The Georgia Department of Transportation has begun to contradict the criticism they received regarding of plans to build a GA-400 Express Lane exit at Grimes Bridge Road. The department says that the interchange is needed in order to improve traffic flow. They also stated that they did not mislead the public. Per GDOT, public opinion is not the only factor in this $1.6 billion project. Although, Roswell residents have expressed their concerns about the proposal for two years, GDOT says Roswell officials have been an active partner and has aided in the decision to decide on the Grimes Bridge Road interchange. (Paywall: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
2. The Fulton County School Board has released the draft maps that show the upcoming changes to school zoning in North Fulton. In a meeting on October 3, North Fulton residents were taken aback as they thought the rezoning would focus on altering enrollment imbalances in the Windward-area elementary schools as well as filling up the new Crabapple Middle School in Roswell. Three draft maps were presented that affected almost every school in North Fulton. A representative from Fulton Schools assured residents that the redistricting process is still in the early phases. They are still seeking and listening to feedback from parents and the North Fulton community regarding the attendance zone draft plans.(appenmedia.com)
3. Adisde Handal Gamundi is the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Coordinator for the Consulate General of Mexico who is proud of the partnership with the City of Roswell to bring the 3rd Annual Día de Muertos Festival. Gamundi encourages Roswell to “Get ready to celebrate the lives of our loved ones who have passed with a wonderful day filled with the color, flavor and music of Mexico.” Traditional Mexican entertainment like Aztec dancers, an Oaxaca Group and a Mariachi band will be the spotlight of the festival. There will be a Day of the Dead costume contest and free candy skull face painting. There is still time to sign up to be a food or artist vendor. The festival will be on Saturday, October 29 at City Hall. (thegeorgiasun.com)

Today in Roswell:

• Visual Artist Showcase: Anne Nielsen - Roswell Visual Arts Center
• $5 Tuesday: Wine-by-the-Glass Special (11:00 AM)
• $ 2 Off Movies on Tuesdays --Weekly Specials at Aurora Cineplex (12:00 PM)
• Public Safety and Public Works Committee Meeting - City Hall (5:00 PM)
• Admin and Finance and Recreation and Parks Committee Meeting- City Hall (5:00 PM)
• Meet & Greet for Sarah Beeson Candidate for Roswell City Council (5:30 PM)
• Hemophilia of Georgia Share Night - Deep Roots Wine Market & Tasting Room (5:30 PM)
• Roswell Music Jam - Roswell Presbyterian Church (6:00 PM)
• Rescheduled: Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting- City Hall (7:00 PM)
• Mayor and Council Regular Meeting- City Hall (7:00 PM)
• Free Virtual Training: Signs of Suicide – Trusted Adult Training (7:00 PM)
• Spooky Trivia Month! Theme: Monster Madness (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell Government: On Wednesday, October 12 there will be a lane closure on Highway 9/Alpharetta Street due to the construction of Southern Post. The lane closure will occur every day from 9 am-4 pm until November 9. The city urges residents to find alternative routes as delays in traffic are expected. (The City of Roswell via Twitter)

• City of Roswell Government: The 72nd annual Youth Day was this past Saturday in downtown Roswell. The parade float award winners have been announced. The Mayor's award was granted to the Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance in Roswell and GiGi's Playhouse Roswell received the Grand Marshal Award. There were six other categories that presented winners as well. (City of Roswell, Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Aurora Cineplex Roswell: The Aurora Cineplex in Roswell has a new blog that will be featured on the Visit Roswell Georgia's website. Their blog, "Explore Another World of Family Fun at Aurora Cineplex," highlights the top five Things to Do when visiting the cineplex. (Aurora Cineplex via Twitter)
• Roswell Fire Department: The Roswell Fire & Police Department Foundation received a generous donation. The donation came from the Roswell High School's Class of 2022 9/11 Project. (The Roswell Fire Department via Facebook)
• Roswell Arts Fund: The Roswell Arts Fund is looking for some community involvement. it is encouraging Roswell residents to take and post a photo of yourself in front of the various art installations throughout the city. Tag the Roswell Arts Fund in your post so it can share how the city supports the arts. (The Roswell Arts Fund via Instagram)

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Featured businesses:

• Claire Pearson Coaching — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting (October 12)
• Bond Referendum Information Meeting (October 12)
• Roswell City Council Candidate Forum (October 13)
• Corporate Therapy Rocks Lucky's LIVE in Roswell! - Friday Oct 14 6pm (October 14)
• Mother/Son Halloween Dance (October 14)
• Boo-Tacular Fun Run (October 14)
• Walk with a Doc(October 15)
• St. Mary of Egypt International Fall Festival (October 15)
• Live Music - Truett Lollis (October 15)
• Concert of Slavic music (October 15)
• Roswell's Great Annual Duck Race (October 15)
• AAA Just Drive Teen Event (October 15)
• From The Earth's 5th Anniversary & Oktoberfest! (October 16)
• Michael Flohr Artist Show - SOUTHERN COMFORT (October 22)

• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Masonry repairs (Details)
• $200 Paid Research – Vapers Needed (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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 Daily? Contact me at Roswell@Patch.com