🌱 Woman Rescued From Drowning + Plans For The Eagles Nest Church Site

Hello, everybody! It's me, Jessica Griffin, your host of the Roswell Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right, with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today's briefing includes...

• Businesses lose revenue when Canton Street closes.
• Support the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
• Network with the business community at May's first Coffee Connect.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Rock 'N' Taco

Are you ready to Rock 'N' Roll for a good cause?

Get your taste buds and dancing shoes ready because Rock 'N' Taco is back with their third benefit concert, "Journey to Fight Hunger", featuring Departure(Journey) happening on May 10 at 6 p.m.

With their last two shows selling out in record time, you won't want to miss this month's benefit concert — it'll be a night you won't want to miss. Snag your tickets here before they're gone!

Can’t make it to the show but still want to enjoy live music this weekend? Check out Rock ‘N’ Tacos’ Cinco De Mayo lineup here, with special music events all weekend.

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Now, today's weather: An afternoon shower in spots. High: 67 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories today in Roswell:

1. In a recent press release, the Roswell Fire Department reported about a heroic rescue mission to save a woman who was drowning in the Chattahoochee River on April 27. Roswell firefighters responded to a call, made by bystanders, to a site near Don White Memorial Park where it was reported that a woman was in the river fighting to stay afloat. The department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team and firefighters tried to cast a rope for the woman to grab ahold of, but she was unable to catch and hold it. Almost instantly, two firefighters dove into the cold water, swam to the struggling woman, and rescued her. The mayor and council applauded the "skills and professionalism" displayed by the fire department. (11Alive.com)
2. The new staircase mural installation, titled "The Flow," was unveiled at the Chattahoochee Nature Center last month. The project was funded by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and was managed by the Department of Community Development. The city commissioned local artist, muralist, and illustrator Thomas Turner to create an artistic and visual "connection between art and nature" and to capture the essence of the Chattahoochee River watershed. Turner, a renowned artist, has been extolled for the way he incorporates fine art into public spaces for over 10 years. (newsbreak.com)
3. The Beacon at East Roswell will be a commercial multi-use property that will take the place of the Kohl’s lot that has set vacant on Holcomb Bridge Road in East Roswell for many years. Eagles Nest Church will relocate to the site next year, with plans to begin to use the space in spring 2024. The plans for development were revealed by church founder Pastor Lee Jenkins at a community meeting on April 30 at Centennial High School. In addition to an 800-seat auditorium designed for church services, the plans also include the building of multipurpose rooms, a child care facility, an event space, and a common area that is likened to “Starbucks-type atmosphere." Eagles Nest Church has partnered with the real estate development firm, Regent Partners, to create this vision. (appenmedia.com)
4. The Canton Street closure has the entire city talking, and downtown business owners are continuing to express their opinions about the city's idea. Jenna Aronowitz is the owner of 1920 Tavern and said that whenever Canton Street is closed for events, businesses in the area suffer. The tavern suffered an average of 41 percent of revenue on April 30 when the street was closed for cycling events. This was in comparison to the previous four Sundays. Gallery owner Judie Raiford gave a similar example. Her gallery losses between 60 percent and all of her business every third Thursday between April and October when Canton Street is closed for the “Alive in Roswell” event. Residents in the area say that neighborhoods will suffer from the loud music, more trash, and from "people coming here just to get drunk." The mayor has stated that if businesses are negatively affected during the trial period, the plans for the Canton Street District will be nixed. (The Georgia Sun)

Today in Roswell:

• Mimosa Hall & Gardens First Friday Outdoor Painting Class — Mimosa Hall (10:00 AM)
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration — Pure Taqueria (11:00 AM)
• Music at Gigi's Playhouse — Gigi's Playhouse Roswell (11:00 AM)
• Cherry Street Friends — Pinkies Up Beer and Wine (12:00 PM)
• Frank Whitaker Live — Rock N' Taco Roswell (12:00 PM)
• Acoustic set from Avery Denkins — Rock N' Taco Roswell (3:15 PM)
• Culture & Arts Around the World — Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (5:30 PM)
• Beyond Recall Live — Rock N' Taco Roswell (6:30 PM)
• Roswell Ghost Tour: Kristin — Roswell Visitor's Center (8:00 PM)
• Band X Live — Rock N' Taco Roswell (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department: The Roswell Police Department will participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run that will be held on May 12. The Flame of Hope will be retrieved from the Milton Police Department by Roswell officers and will be ran through the city by the police squad to its next destination. A donation can be given to support the Roswell team; proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Georgia. (City of Roswell, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• City of Roswell, Georgia: Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer, and the City of Roswell held its 20th anniversary celebration of the national observance at the Faces of War Memorial. Leaders from Roswell's various religious communities were in attendance. A proclamation was also read by city council member and Mayor Pro Tem, Christine Hall. (City of Roswell, Georgia via Instagram)
• Roswell Inc: May's first Coffee Connect will take place on the morning of Friday, May 12. Join the Roswell Inc crew, local business owners, and community leaders at Century 21 Connect Realty and enjoy a cup of coffee and a light breakfast. The breakfast and morning cup of joe will be catered by Clean Eatz and Pop's Coffee Co. (Roswell Inc via Facebook)
• Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market: If you frequent the Roswell FAM on Saturday mornings, be sure to stop by the Buice Family Farms' booth. Zach White and his family have been vendors at the market for many seasons. This local farmer and gardener has an array of fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers for sale. (Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market via Instagram)
• Keep Roswell Beautiful: The Keep Roswell Beautiful team will be at Gate City Brewing company on Monday, May 8 for Gate City Give Back Monday. Stop by for a taste testing of different beers from the brewery. The event begins at 6 p.m. (Keep Roswell Beautiful via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• Cherry Street Friends (May 5)
• Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta @ Sanctuary Night Club Fri May 5, 2023 (May 5)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp Atlanta @ Ballroom Impact Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Comedy Wine Down (May 6)
• Live Music Cinco De Mayo Latin Night Atlanta Sat May 6, 2023 (May 6)
• Intuitive Art Classes - Paint Medicine (May 8)
• Estate Planning Seminar at Milton City Hall - Community Place (May 9)
• Here Comes the Sun: Music of the Beatles (May 12)
• Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge Group Hike (May 13)
• Splash into Summer Safety Party! (May 13)
• CHRIS WILLIS a Jazzy Mother's Day, BRUNCH and SHOW, Sunday, May 14th (May 14)
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Featured announcements:

• Cook Wanted (Details)
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Featured gigs & services:

• Masonry work (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! 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