This past year has been one of the toughest our community has ever faced. COVID-19 caused some of us to lose friends and loved ones, our jobs, and/or our businesses. We all had to adjust to wearing masks, social distancing, remote learning, doing business differently, and using technology to stay connected. But Roswell is a resilient community. We continued to care, support, and lift each other up.
To say 2020 has been challenging would be an understatement. In these unprecedented times, your health, safety, and welfare will always be my top priority. With your help, the City of Roswell staff has worked diligently to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, and we are working with federal, state, and local officials to facilitate a successful come back in 2021.
To say that the last five months have been a challenge for all of us would be an understatement. Though these are unprecedented times for our community, state, and country, I want you to know the health and safety of our residents is and always will be my top priority. The City of Roswell is working to do its part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Beginning in mid-March, I formed a COVID-19 internal task force. Those serving on the task force include Fire Chief Ricky Burnett, Police Chief Jim Conroy, City Administrator Gary Palmer, Fire Battalion Chief Pabel Troche, City Attorney David Davidson, Community Relations Manager Julie Brechbill, and Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Leatherman.
Two years ago, when I became mayor, an overall citywide strategic plan didn’t exist. The City of Roswell is currently creating a plan that embraces a common vision and goals for the future. Last year, we began collecting input from residents and businesses about what they wanted for Roswell’s future. More than 2,000 residents provided feedback, which will help us develop a strategic plan that will give marching orders to Roswell’s elected officials.
I believe we need to expand our tax base in order to keep taxes down. So, when I saw an opportunity to increase movie filming in Roswell, I created the Mayor’s Movie Task Force. Partnered with the Roswell Visitors Center and the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, this task force makes film production easier in Roswell.
One of the best things about December is all the holiday events we celebrate in Roswell with our residents. There is so much to see and do during this final month of 2019.I hope you will join me for one of my favorite events of the year, Roswell’s annual Holiday Celebration on the Square, December 7 at 5:00pm. This free family event includes carolers from local schools, the lighting of Town Square, and hot chocolate. During the event, I will read "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas" to the children. We will also have a special guest from the North Pole, and kids can have their picture taken with him!
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. After our hot Georgia summers, the cooler breezes and crisp evenings are refreshing. Our tree canopy turns red and gold, perfect for taking beautiful photos and spending some time outdoors on Roswell’s magnificent trail system or kayaking down the Chattahoochee. This season is both relaxing and rejuvenating. For me, fall is the time of year to be thankful for all we have and to be surrounded by friends and loved ones.The autumn months begin Roswell’s jam-packed holiday event season. With so much to do in Roswell around the holidays, it is sometimes a challenge for folks to stay on top of all the community events. Traditionally, Roswell kicks off fall with the Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade. This year’s 69th annual parade will be held October 12. The route from Roswell’s First Baptist Church to Roswell Area Park is lined with children, arms outstretched, waiting for those on the passing floats to throw them candy for their Halloween baskets! This year’s theme is “Be Someone’s Hero.”
to your business!