Registration Opens for Chatt Hills Ball League By: Laurie Searle

Kids of all ages are eagerly awaiting their turn to play ball

while Mother Nature finishes her winter business and

volunteers put the finishing touches on their beloved ball field.

The good news is they won’t have to wait much longer.

Registration is open now through Feb 29 for the 2016 season

of Co-Ed Tee-Ball and Coach Pitch at the Rico Park ball field in

Chatt Hills.

This year’s season will run April 2 – May 21 with all games

played on Saturdays at Rico Park. Kids ages 3-5 can sign up for

tee-ball, and older ones, ages 6-14, can sign up for coach

pitch. The $50 registration fee includes a team uniform shirt,

hat & trophy for all participants, plus eight weeks of fun and a

guaranteed audience of enthusiastic fans.

In its 8th season, this popular ball league is brought to Chatt Hills through a partnership of volunteers led by resident

Lila Rhyne and Community Brickworks, the local nonprofit that runs the community library, afterschool programs, and

more. We asked Lila to share the story of how the league got its start back in 2009.

The Story of a Home Grown Ball League Lila loved to play ball as a child and had wanted the same experience for her son Jared. He had played in the 2006-2007

tee-ball league offered through Douglasville Christian Church, but when the church closed after the 2007 season, the

league did too.

In 2008, after giving birth to her second child, Lila’s full-time job was eliminated. With extra time on her hands, her

mother, Betty Ann Hargis, encouraged her to start a ball league in Chatt Hill. One obstacle Lila faced was how to manage

registration and collect money without the backing of an organization or business. That’s when she turned to Judy

Henderson.

This Mid-Month’s Issue:

P1– Chatt Hills Ball League

P3 – Arbor Day Celebration at Charter School

ISSUE No. 2.a

Mid-Month

Feb 13, 2016

A monthly publication of the Chatt Hills Community, a citizen-run news service for

connecting, informing, and engaging friends & neighbors of Chattahoochee Hills, GA.

P4 – A Day for Mike (Mike Vogt Remembrance)

P6 – City Government: Planning & Zoning Commission

P8 – Community Events

P10 – Chatt Hills Ball League Registration & Waiver Forms

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 2

2016 Season – Co-Ed Tee-Ball & Coach Pitch

Registration Deadline: February 29, 2016

Season: Saturday, April 2 - Saturday, May 21

Registration and waiver forms: Available in this

issue, Smith’s Store, and the Community Library.

Chatt Hills Ball League . . . continued

Judy had been running afterschool programs in the old Rico

School building well before the city of Chattahoochee Hills

formed. About the time she decided to open a community

library, she and two other friends formed Community

Brickworks, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the citizens in what

is now Chatt Hills. With all of the pieces falling into place, Judy

and Lila decided to move forward with the ball league.

“We invited interested parents to attend a meeting to see what kind of turn out we might expect,” Lila said. “Only three

mothers showed up, but they were all for the idea so we went ahead with registration.” To their surprise, 59 kids signed

up for the first league, enough for four teams – the Owls, Robins, Blue Jays and Cardinals.

With the ball league moving ahead, many residents volunteered to help to ensure its success. Russell White donated

sand and supplies and he and volunteers kept the field cut, David Edge was always on hand to do whatever needed to be

done, Justin Yakubesan built the two team dugout benches and score board for his scout project, Greg Brett lent a public

address system and made announcements at the games, many other citizens donated time, money, or resources; and

parents and friends participated by being coaches or team captains. Kenneth Bryant and Howie Hargis hold the current

record of having coached in all of the seasons.

That first year was a success in so many ways. Parents finally had an affordable ball league right here in the community

with a reasonable schedule – only playing games once a week instead of three times a week which can be difficult for

parents to manage. The kids had a great time being encouraged by the volunteer coaches, many of whom were their

parents. And the community rallied around the league, coming to games to cheer on the kids and volunteering to help.

Over the years the Chatt Hills Ball League matured in ways only possible through the passion of volunteers. The folding

table Chase Hargis used to sell candy at the first few games will soon be replaced by Judy’s Home Plate, a fully equipped

concession stand. Community Brickworks worked for several years to get this project from a dream to a reality, and as a

result funds and in-kind donations came from all corners of the city. Once the concession stand is completed it will be

donated to the city. But more importantly, the league is about the kids – all kids, even special needs kids –and providing

a quality experience for them while teaching them the value of community.

Howie Hargis up at bat Kenneth Bryant coaching the outfield Judy Henderson’s concession stand

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 3

Arbor Day Celebration – Feb 19, 2:15pm

The public is invited to attend the Arbor Day Celebration on Feb 19, at 2:15pm, at the Chattahoochee Hills Charter

School, 9670 Rivertown Rd.

Whereas, In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of

Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees,

and

Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the

planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and

Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and

Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water,

cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the

air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife,

and

Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our

homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products, and

Whereas, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic

vitality of business areas, and beautify our community, and

Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,

Now, Therefore, I, Tom Reed, Mayor of the City of Chattahoochee Hills, do

hereby proclaim February 19th, 2016 as

In the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor

Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and

Further, I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote

the well- being of this and future generations.

Dated this 2nd Day of February, 2016. Tom Reed, Mayor

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 4

City Manager Carol Wolfe pays tribute to Lt. Vogt and the Chatt Hills Public Safety Department.

A Day for Mike – Sat Feb 20, 9am City Hall

On February 15, 2010, Chatt Hills Lieutenant Mike Vogt was killed in the line of duty. Please join us on Saturday,

February 20, as we "give back" in his memory to the community he loved and served. CHPD and FD will host roadside

clean-up. Meet at city hall at 9AM for a moment of silence honoring Mike and then we will disperse to serve. Hot

chocolate will be ready upon arrival. Dress appropriately. Thank you for joining us!

The following article is reprinted from the Feb 18, 2011 Weekly Reader.

A Tribute to Lt. Mike Vogt on the First Anniversary of his Final Watch

Contributed by: Laurie Searle Photos by: Paul Alford

On February 15, 2010, our community was stricken with the

tragic news that Chattahoochee Hills Police Lt. Mike Vogt was

shot and killed in the line of duty.

While preparations were being made for a funeral befitting a

fallen hero, our community huddled around a small country

church, holding candles and neighbor’s hands as we prayed for

the family, for our community, and for a time of healing.

One year later, we gathered again at city hall to pay tribute to Lt.

Mike Vogt on the first anniversary of his final watch.

Mayor Don Hayes opened the ceremony with a welcome to family

members, guests, residents, and staff. He gave thanks and praise

to the community for pulling together during this tragic event, and

for the outpouring of support they gave to city staff and officials

while they worked to solve the crime. He said that while we may

be a small city, no big city could have done, or cared, more.

In the moments of silence that followed,

a brief appearance of the sun warmed the

cool breeze and a rooster crowed in the

distance, as if to set the perfect Chatt Hills

stage for this special occasion.

The drone of a lone bagpiper broke the silence,

signaling the Union City Police honor guard

to snap to attention and present the colors.

Mrs. Gloria Edwards sang the national anthem.

The Union City Police Dept.

served as honor guard and

Presented the Colors, while

bagpiper Mike Maynard from the

Kennesaw Police Dept. played

homage with a mournful tune.

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 5

A Tribute to Lt. Mike Vogt … continued

The tribute continued with comments from city

manager Carol Wolfe, police chief Lewis Harper, and

Lt. Michelle Worden, who recited the poem by Harry

Koch, A Part of America Died. Officer Mike Maynard

from the Kennesaw Police Department played

Amazing Grace on the Bagpipes.

Officer Matthew Rook from the Chattahoochee Hills

Police Department gave the final tribute and then

invited the Chatt Hills Police to assist with the

dedication of the marker. The Rev. Roy Godwin led us

in a closing prayer.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to a reception

which featured an album of letters and support

written over the past year in honor of Lt. Mike Vogt.

In quiet reflection after the ceremony, I was so

appreciative of our city for hosting the tribute and for

bringing the community together to honor Lt. Mike

Vogt. I was also appreciative that by showing our

respect for Lt. Vogt, we showed our respect to his

fellow members of our Public Safety team.

A Part of America Died

By Harry Koch

Somebody killed a policeman today,

And a part of America died.

A piece of our country he swore to protect,

Will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,

With counsel demanding his rights,

While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,

And spend alone many long nights.

The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,

Just as if he'd gone off to war.

Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,

To his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,

It happened in your town or mine.

While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,

A cop put his life on the line.

Now, his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,

And he stands at each new rookie's side.

He answered the call and gave us his all,

And a part of America died.

Lt. Michael Vogt

End of Watch

2-15-2010

“Greater love hath

no one than this,

that he lay down his

life for his friends.”

The permanent marker placed in memory of Lt. Mike Vogt

at Chattahoochee Hills City Hall.

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 6

City Government

Planning & Zoning Commission – A Community Friendly Meeting By: Laurie Searle

It had been years since I attended a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, but I was intersted in two items on the

recent agenda so off I went. As I drove the country mile to city hall, I recalled the meetings I had attended years ago; the

commissioners seated around a table and one or two residents in the audience. Back then the meetings were fairly short

and none too interesting, plus the residents were mere observers so I didn’t see the point in going back. I wondered if

the meetings had improved over time.

When I got to city hall I followed the sign to the main office where the five commissioners were already seated around

the conference table. I was glad to see city council representatives Faye Godwin and Ricky Stephens in the audience,

along with maybe 5 or 6 residents; however, by the time the meeting was

underway, the audience had grown to about 20.

Commission chair Alan Merrill called the meeting to order and then

invited the other commissioners and those in the audience to introduce

themselves, giving their name and one thing they liked about

Chattahoochee Hills. This small social grace not only put everyone at

ease, it helped us connect to one another by revealing we have a

common bond.

While reviewing the agenda, commissioner Rocky Reeves suggested the Open Space discussion be moved to a work

session to give the commission more time to discuss. After some discussion, commissioner Robin Cailloux asked if

anyone in the audience had come to the meeting specifically to hear this item. Again, I thought that was a nice gesture,

for her to consider the audience and their time. The commission made a point of scheduling the work session for

March 3 at 6pm so residents could attend after work.

Public Hearings – Professional yet friendly Next the commission called the Public Hearing for a special use permit request from Emily Ewing for Pet Care Services on

Selborne Lane in Serenbe. Alan invited the audience members to fill out a yellow card if they wanted to make

comments. He explained this was part of the standard proceedures for public meetings, and that the Commission’s job

wasn’t to grant or not grant the permit, but to make a recommendation to the city council.

Emily Ewing was invited to speak first. She seemed nervous but well prepared as she spoke of her experience as a

registered veterinary technician, managing a small animal practice in Douglasville, and starting her business, Combs &

Collars, last year. As she laid out her plan for the Doggie Day Care and Grooming business, it was clear her plan had

addressed potential concerns from nearby neighbors. She would use noise abaitment meausres to reduce the sound of

barking dogs, give each dog termperant tests to ensure they are well-suited to the environment, use harnesses instead

of collars to safely walk dogs, and clean up extrement from her doggie clients during their daily walks. She’d also clean

up after other pooches on the walking route so people wouldn’t think it was her business that littered the trails.

The P & Z Commission

acknowledged audience

members, encouraged their

participation, and took the time

to explain the issues at hand.

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 7

All of the commissioners had questions for Emily, but they were asked in a polite and encouraging way. It was clear the

commission wanted this business to succeed but they also wanted it to be a good fit for the surrounding community.

They decided to recommend the special use permit with three conditions: that noise abaitment measures be taken, that

temperment tests be given to all dogs, and that the special use pemit be granted for one year with options for renewal.

In this way the commission could assess the business and make recommendations, if needed.

Next the public comments were heard. While there were some minor concerns, those who spoke were generally in

support and excited about the potential of this new business that would be available to all of Chatt Hills.

After the vote passed for recommended approval to the council, Alan reminded the audience that another public

meeting would be held at the next city council meeting on March 1.

Comprehensive Plan Proces / Schedule Update Next on the agenda, city planner Mike Morton gave an update on the Comprehensive (Comp) Plan. He explained that in

the five years since the last plan was adopted, the State Department of Community Affairs has updated the rules

governing Comprehensive Plans. It also now provides for a local government to ask its Regional Commission to develop

its plan. Chattahoochee Hills has asked the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to develop our plan update. He said

we’re fortunate to have Allison Duncan from ARC as a city resident, and that she will be guiding the process for us.

A proposed schedule of meetings was distributed to the commissioners and additional copies were made availble for the

audience. The Comp Plan meetings will inlude stakeholder interviews, steering committee meetings, public meetings,

and seveal reviews.

Mike said he had sent invitations to a list of stakeholders but had not received comfirmations from everyone yet. Several

commissioners and audience members had questions about the difference between stakeholders and the steering

committee, who would be on each committee, and if there would be “regular folks” involved. Mike said there will be

ample opportunities for everyone in the community to participate and all meetings will also be open to the pubic. Afer

the meeting Mike continued the disucssion with some audience members to more fully explain the Comp Plan process.

Showing appreciation for civic citizens To answer my initial question as to whether the P&Z commission meetings have improved over time, the answer is a

resounding YES. If all of their meetings are as interesting and engaging as this one was, one can’t help but feel welcome

and a part of the process. There is also a strong sense of appreciation for the citizens who serve on the commission as

well as the residents who come to the meeting, both taking time away from their other activities for civic duties.

About the P&Z Commission

Members of the Planning & Zoning Commission are nominated by the mayor and confirmed by the city council as

specified in the city charter section 2.13. They include: Robin Cailloux, Alan Merrill – Chair, Mark Prater – Vice Chair,

Rocky Reeves, and Bob Simpson, with support from city planner Mike Morton and city clerk Dana Wicher.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets at City Hall at 6pm on the following Dates:

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Thursday, November 19, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Thursday, July 21, 2016*

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 8

Community Events

For more community events, check out these other Chattahoochee Hills Websites:

City of Chatt Hills: www.chatthillsga.us

The Children’s House (Montessori School): www.thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com

Chatt Hills Charter School: http://www.chatthillscharter.org/calendar

Community Brickworks: www.communitybrickworks.org

Serenbe Community: www.serenbe.com

Cochran Mill Nature Center: www.cochranmillnaturecenter.org

Date Event

Sun, Feb 14

8:00 pm

Shana Tucker-A Romantic Jazzy Valentine's Concert

See Local Culture

Sun, Feb 14

11:30 am – 2:00 pm

Cost $8.00

Lunch at Capitol View Masonic Lodge

(Rico Rd. and Campbellton Redwine)

Everyone is welcome, come early before it all gets gone!

Fri, Feb 19

2:15 pm

City’s Arbor Day Celebration at

Chatt Hills Charter School

9670 Rivertown Rd

Sat, Feb 20

9:00 am

A Day for Mike (in remembrance of Chatt Hills Lieutenant Mike Vogt)

CHPD and FD will host roadside clean-up. Meet at city hall at 9AM for a moment of silence

honoring Mike and then we will disperse to serve. Hot chocolate will be ready upon arrival.

Dress appropriately. Thank you for joining us!

Sun, Feb 21

7:00 pm

Joe’s History Club presents, South Fulton Historical Trail – The Chattahoochee Corridor – Old Campbell County. A film produced about 20 years ago gives a great history of the area … we will have a short discussion about some of the details after the film. (Film last @ 45 minutes). Meet at Serenbe Community Center. Contact Joe for information heiberj@comcast.net

Thu, Feb 25

5:00 pm

Council Work Session Meeting (tentative pending approval by resolution)

City Hall - 6505 Rico Road, Chatt Hills, GA 30268

Thu, Feb 25

7:00 pm

The Being Mortal meeting.

The speaker is Walter Coffey, Pres. of LeadingAge Georgia, a not-for-profit association that

represents not-for-profit and other mission driven community based housing and service

providers for older Georgians. He will discuss various community options in our area.

Serenbe Community Center (upstairs behind The Hil Restaurant)

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 9

Communication is Key Not every neighbor in Chatt Hills has Internet Service.

Help keep your neighbors informed by

printing & delivering this newsletter. If you have a story or suggestions

for future articles we’d like to hear

from you.

Email: chatthillscommunity@gmail.com

Or Call Laurie Searle: 770-463-5169

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 10

Chattahoochee Hills Spring 2016

Co-Ed Tee-Ball & Coach Pitch Ball Ages 3-14 years old

Registration Form – DEADLINE February 29, 2016

Participant Name ___________________________________M___F___ Age ____ Birthdate_________ Grade____Registering for Tee-ball___Coach Pitch___ (Tee-ball ages 3-5 years old) (Coach Pitch ages 6-14 years old) T-shirt size-Circle One Youth S M L Adult S M L XL Has your child played in a Tee-ball or Coach Pitch League before? Yes___ No ___ Address ____________________________________________________ Phone Number _______________________________________________ Email ______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name __________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name ________________________________________ Emergency Contact Phone Number __________________________________

REGISTRATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE: $50 by Feb. 29

(Checks Payable to Community Brickworks)

FEE INCLUDES TEAM UNIFORM SHIRT, HAT & TROPHY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS *HATS FOR PARENTS & FANS $10 each Quantity ___ *TEAM JERSEY FOR PARENTS & FANS $10 each Quantity ___ Circle Size Adult S M L XL XXL (Add $2 for XXL size) (Include Payment with Registration Fee to insure order) SEASON: SATURDAY, APRIL 2 - SATURDAY, MAY 21 ALL GAMES PLAYED ON SATURDAYS AT RICO PARK BALLFIELD ONE 30 MINUTE PRACTICE WEEKLY ON SATURDAY BEFORE GAMES My signature constitutes agreement and authorizes treatment, in case of emergency. Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________ Please mail Registration Form, Waiver of Liability Form and Payment by Friday, February 29 to the address below or bring to the Library at Chattahoochee Hills City Hall.

Community Brickworks 6505 Rico Road, Suite B Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268

Chatt About Mid-Month – Feb 13, 2016 | www.chatthillscommunity.com 11

WAIVER OF LIABILITY FOR CHILD

COMMUNITY BASEBALL PROGRAM

CITY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS

I, ________________________________________, the parent or legal guardian of

_________________________________________(“my child”) hereby release the City of

Chattahoochee Hills and its mayor and council, employees, staff, outside contractors, and volunteers

from all liability for any injury or damage my child may suffer as a result of participating in a

baseball program held at Rico Park or other park of Chattahoochee Hills. I fully understand that the

City of Chattahoochee Hills is not involved in the operation of the baseball program and has simply

permitted the program to use Rico Park and other parks. I further acknowledge that I have not paid

any money to the City of Chattahoochee Hills for the use of Rico Park or other parks and further

acknowledge that the park is provided by the City of Chattahoochee Hills for the recreational

enjoyment of its citizens and others. Finally, I acknowledge that I have freely and voluntarily signed

this Waiver.

Print Name of Child _______________________________

Signed __________________________________________

Print Name ______________________________________

Date __________________________