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
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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 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.
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:
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 [email protected]
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 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