Firefighters act on community needs
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Unlike some other fire departments in north Metro Atlanta, the Johns Creek Fire Department prioritizes every level of a 911 call.
That includes Alpha calls, or calls that are considered the least emergent, such as a sprained ankle. The list runs through Echo, something as critical as cardiac arrest.
“Anything you may go to your primary care physician for, or you may go to an urgent care
and emergency room for, these guys will go,”
Fire Chief Chris Coons said from inside the 9,000-square-foot Station 64 off Kimball Bridge Road, radio information intermittently playing through an intercom. “Unfortunately, to some people, this is their primary care.”
In a “former life,” Coons said he responded to someone’s call about a toothache at 3 a.m. He even delivered a baby at a gas station, when he moonlighted as a part-timer with the Roswell Fire Department.
► PAGE 4
Holly Jolly Block Party bedazzles Johns Creek
By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The City of Johns Creek pushed past the cold Dec. 5 to welcome the holiday season with its annual Holly Jolly Block Party.
At the sparsely attended event, members of the cover band Hot Flash persisted in the name of ’80s alternative rock on a stage in front of City Hall. Meanwhile, street performers danced, twirled and juggled in holiday attire throughout the parking lot.
Most visitors were caught up in an inflatable zone or in lines to take pictures with Santa and the returning favorite, a festive pair of llamas.
Some got their fill of free hot chocolate, alleviating the biting chill, as well as selections from the half dozen food trucks lining the lot. Soon after the sun set, Mayor John Bradberry stepped on stage, readying himself to flip a big switch that would light up a 40-foot Christmas tree.
“Hey, I know it's cold, but are you feeling jolly?” he asked the small crowd. “Man, I feel good. It's always good to be here for the Holly Jolly Block Party. It feels like Christmas. It feels like the holidays.”
The countdown followed, and those gathered around the tree took in the elaborate light display.
“Merry Christmas, and happy holidays, Johns Creek,” Bradberry said.
► SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 20
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Firefighter David Hemmings, Fire Capt. Brad Ridings, Fire Chief Chris Coons and Fire Apparatus
Operator Carlton Flora gather at Fire Station 64 in front of Quint 64, the department’s $2 million ladder truck.
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry welcomes a small crowd to the city’s annual Holly Jolly Block Party at City Hall Dec. 5 before flipping the switch on a 40-foot Christmas tree.
NEWS TIPS
770-442-3278
AppenMedia.com
319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009
HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT
Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com.
LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance.
ADVERTISING
For information about advertising in the Johns Creek Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.
CIRCULATION
To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278
POLICE BLOTTER
Driver cited for DUI allegedly hit pedestrian
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 69-year-old Johns Creek man Nov. 16 after he was pulled over following a report of a pedestrian who had been hit by a car.
As Johns Creek Fire administered first aid to the victim, police spoke with neighbors who provided surveillance footage of a silver SUV hitting him at around 5 p.m. with the right corner of the vehicle, according to the incident report.
The victim is a 90-year-old Johns Creek man.
Police said the vehicle momentarily stopped but that the driver did not get out of the vehicle to check on the victim.
After the victim was transported to the hospital, police noticed a vehicle caught in the accident scene matching the description of the suspect vehicle, with a broken right headlight. Police spoke with the driver, who noted he had a small margarita around 45 minutes prior.
When police asked about the broken headlight, the driver said, “I ran into something,” and that he did not stop to see what he had hit, according to the incident report.
After failing a field sobriety test, the driver blew a 0.166.
Police said a broken piece of headlight found next to the victim was discovered to be a match to the suspect’s broken headlight.
After medical clearance, police transported the suspect to the North Fulton County Jail, and his license was seized. Police cited him for driving under the influence and hit and run.
It’s unclear whether the suspect was officially booked into the jail Nov. 16. However, jail records show he was booked Nov. 25.
On Nov. 19, police obtained an additional warrant for serious injury by vehicle.
A few days later, a complainant reported to police that the suspect had been driving, despite the recent incident.
Police located the suspect at his residence Nov. 24, placed him under arrest and transported him to the North Fulton County Jail.
— Amber Perry
Police investigate burglary with three armed suspects
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A homeowner off Montclair Way reported to police Nov. 28 that three men had broken into his home the day before.
Police responded to the scene after the man’s alarm went off and saw that the basement door was open and a piece of the door was inside the home, according to the incident report. As they cleared the residence, they saw that a doorway on the top floor had been kicked in.
The homeowner, out of town, told police his surveillance footage showed the suspects entering the residence by kicking in the basement door at around midnight and leaving a couple of minutes later.
He said the suspects appeared to have been carrying a gun bag that contained his $1,500 AR-15 pistol, according to the incident report.
The homeowner told police no new people had visited his residence, nor had work been done recently inside his home, and that the only out-of-ordinary event that took place was him taking an Uber to the airport.
Upon review of the footage, police said the suspects looked armed.
Detective processed the scene. — Amber Perry
Man turns himself in for meth on person
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A 32-year-old Johns Creek man turned himself in to police Nov. 28 for possessing methamphetamine.
Police were dispatched to the suspect’s residence, where they spoke to him in his front yard. The suspect said he had used meth earlier in the evening and that he
stored a packaged portion inside a body cavity, according to the incident report.
The suspect reached into his pants, in the buttocks area, and pulled out a small plastic baggy containing 1 gram of the drug, the report says. Police tested it as positive for methamphetamine.
The suspect was then placed under arrest and charged with possession of methamphetamine, then transported him to the North Fulton County Jail in Alpharetta.
When police asked the suspect why he turned himself in, police said he stated that “he felt it was right.”
— Amber Perry
Police arrest driver for drug possession
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police arrested a 33-year-old Atlanta man Dec. 1 after they stopped him for a traffic violation and found a variety of drugs in his vehicle.
Police said they smelled marijuana as they sat behind the vehicle at a red light on Medlock Bridge Road and watched the suspect run a red light onto Abbotts Bridge Road.
The vehicle did not stop after police activated their emergency lights, continuing to drive around, make several U-turns and at one point, enter an opposite travel lane, according to the incident report.
After the vehicle came to a stop, the driver exited and immediately got down on the ground. Police pointed a pistol at the driver, then placed him in handcuffs and picked him up, the report says.
Police found what appeared to be marijuana on the driver, then conducted a search of the vehicle. In the search, they found a total of 19 grams of marijuana, one MDMA pill, and nearly 15 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, as well as paraphernalia.
Police charged the suspect with reckless driving, failure to obey traffic control device, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of possession of a controlled substance I, possession of marijuana less than 1 ounce and possessing a drug-related object.
Police transported the suspect to the Fulton County Jail on Rice Street.
—
Amber Perry
LIVING THAT’S
Join us at an upcoming event! Visit AltoJohnsCreek.com or call 706.252.3411.
Chattahoochee seniors to play college softball
By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com
JOHNS CREEK, Ga — Two all-region softball players from Chattahoochee High School signed their letters of intent Dec. 4 to play in Division 1. Seniors Ava Joshua and Kya Walker committed to further their academic and athletic careers next fall.
Chattahoochee varsity softball head coach Taylor Brooks reflected on the last three years being able to coach Walker and Joshua, both four-year letterwomen.
“It makes my job as a coach a little easier when I’ve got really good players like these girls,” he said. “They’re tremendous leaders, we had a bunch of injuries, and both of them had to do things on the field that they weren’t comfortable with but they both did a great job at doing it.”
Joshua signed her letter first, committing to South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She has led the softball team in home runs the past two seasons, after getting into softball much later than most participants in college.
Originally a soccer player, a close friend was able to convince Joshua to try softball out in eighth grade. Excelling in the outfield, Joshua made the transition to fill in first base when necessary this season due to injuries on the team.
Joshua’s dad, Damon, reflected on the journey to reaching Division 1 competition.
“It’s really a testament to hard work, little bit of luck, little bit of man upstairs,” he said. “She has taken her abilities and working hard to the next level. [Playing college sports] is a great enhancement, so I’m looking forward to her getting life experiences.”
Walker committed next, signing to Georgia State University. She thrived in a new position this season, ranked by Extra Innings Softball as the No. 8 catcher in the Southeast Region and No. 28 nationally. She shared some insightful comments about softball and the importance of having faith.
“Softball is a sport of failure, it’s also a game of opportunity,” she said. “I like to look at it that way instead of failure. But you will fail more than you succeed, so just having faith in yourself and not letting those failures define you and allowing yourself to learn is really important.”
Walker’s mom, Kanyatta, shared some perspective on Kya’s journey from her parents’ point of view. Kya’s father Kevin also was a major player in her development, helping coach on several teams.
“Being able to fail and keep going, and win and show up another day is a huge testament to perseverance,” Kanyatta said. “I love the life skills that she has gained through softball.”
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Chattahoochee seniors Kya Walker (left) and Ava Joshua (right) celebrate their next chapter with friends and family with a signing day at Chattahoochee High School Dec. 4.
County to consolidate services at site on North Point Parkway
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County will turn a former COVID-19 testing site off North Point Parkway in Alpharetta into a new Health & Human Services Center.
The plan, approved by the County Commission Nov. 20, has been in the works for a couple years and is funded through an $11 million loan from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia.
Before Thanksgiving, commissioners approved a $15.4 million construction contract with Beck PMI for renovation of the building at 4700 North Point Parkway, which will be called the North Fulton Health & Human Services Center.
There were no comments or discussion at the Nov. 20 meeting.
The contract requires completion within 300 days.
Fulton County bought the building in 2019 and used it as the main site for COVID-19 testing, vaccination and emergency supplies during the pandemic.
Jim Gaines, public affairs manager with Fulton County, said the building
EARTH
A look at 4700 North Point Parkway shows the future site of the North Fulton Health & Human Services Center. Fulton County Commissioners approved a $15.4 million construction contract Nov. 20 for renovation of the facility to serve as a one-stop shop for multiple health and related services.
sits on nearly 24 acres, leaving plenty of room for expansion even when the 108,000-square-foot building is full. Gaines said the existing plan will use
about two-thirds of the space, offering services from the county and some partner agencies, as well as expanding those for seniors.
The decision allows the county to consolidate its services within several older offices in North Fulton County into one site.
County staff said the new center is expected to house the state Department of Public Health’s various training and community support programs, like ones for traveling nurses and dentistry, as well as its Vital Records Office.
It will also include behavioral health services for youths, adults and those with developmental disabilities; the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management; the Georgia Emergency Management Agency; DUI services through the county’s Superior Court; and programming for seniors.
County staff said the goal is to ensure that North Fulton and surrounding populations can access critical services. While some services are curated for seniors, a majority will be available to everyone.
Pamela Roshell, chief operating officer, said the county will also do a feasibility study to find the best site for a similar center in South Fulton. Staff said a 40-acre site near Stonewall Tell Road is one possibility, but no decision has been made.
GOOGLE
MARTA begins plans to integrate service with express lanes
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — MARTA is in the midst of studying how to integrate its transit into the elevated express lanes planned for the northern arc of I-285.
About a dozen Central Perimeter residents gathered at the Hampton Inn in Sandy Springs Dec. 5 to offer ideas on how transit can capitalize on GDOT’s investment by enhancing regional connectivity and providing access.
MARTA is focusing on some way to implement bus rapid transit on the I-285 Express Lanes.
MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said the study is a pivotal step to address the region’s growing need for expanded and reliable transportation services.
“By tapping into the funded Express Lanes infrastructure investments already planned for I-285, we have an opportunity to provide efficient transit solutions that benefit residents and commuters alike,” she said.
By 2050, MARTA officials say the study area population is expected to grow 42 percent, with a similar jump in job growth over the same period.
Traffic congestion has long
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
From left, Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, discusses transit options along the proposed I-285 express lanes with two attendees of the Dec. 5 public input session at the Hampon Inn off Hammond Drive. The purpose of the meetings is to get feedback and refine plans as the express lanes project moves forward.
been and continues to plague Metro Atlanta.
GDOT’s current plan calls for constructing elevated express lanes — 50 to 60 feet above the existing general-purpose
public transportation, the transit study is focused on getting MARTA users to other places via bus rapid transit.
Natavis Eric Harris, project manager with MARTA, said his team is using models from the Federal Transit Administration to predict future demand for transit use.
Harris said he’s focused on getting MARTA service where it needs to be.
Regional transit connections – or bus stops – proposed along the northern arc of I-285 include Indian Creek, Doraville, Perimeter Center, Cumberland and H.E. Holmes, with potential other locations scattered across the east and west.
Most of the predicted bus transit involves people on the west and east sides of I-285 heading north to Central Perimeter.
MARTA Director of Federal Corridors & Hubs Marcus Arnold said construction of the project is contingent on the progress and timing of GDOT’s I-285 Express Lanes project. Without a private-sector partner, there’s no predicting when funding will be secured for MARTA’s transit.
lanes. The two express lanes, running in each direction, may extend across the entire northern half of I-285 and connect into I-20.
With GDOT still searching for a private-sector financier, changing the scope of the express lanes remains a possibility.
The scope of the MARTA study includes the entirety of the I-285 Express Lanes project and looks to expand access using the elevated lanes between the H.E. Holmes station in west Atlanta and the Indian Creek station in unincorporated DeKalb County.
The stations are the eastern and western termini of MARTA’s rapid transit Blue Line. Because MARTA’s rail lines provide solid east-west and north-south
That’s not stopping MARTA from planning potential stations along the bus corridor.
Tim Sorenson, vice president of transit and urban mobility at engineering firm CDM Smith, took attendees through access approaches at major stops like Perimeter Center.
Factors to be considered include walk time, direct connections to amenities and ride time.
With the roar of motorists along Ga. 400 at the Hampton Inn off Hammond Drive, the need for transportation diversification in north Metro Atlanta was apparent.
For those unable to attend in person, meeting materials can be viewed at www. i285expresslanestransit.com.
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra schedules Dec. 14 holiday concerts
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will perform two family-friendly holiday concerts Dec. 14 at Mount Pisgah Church in Johns Creek.
Paul Bhasin, one of three finalists for the open music director role at the organization, will conduct both concerts.
The orchestra will kick off the day at 3:30 p.m. with “A Kids’ Christmas,” a sensory-friendly concert that is free from traditional concert rules. Children are encouraged to dance, sing along and participate freely in the concert. Adding to the concert’s festivities, there will be a narrator and a special appearance from Santa Claus to spread some holiday cheer.
The “A Kids’ Christmas” concert is suitable for individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, other special needs, small children or anyone desiring a casual holiday
concert experience. The orchestra invites families to bring headphones and other sensory items that may help the concert be more enjoyable for sensitive individuals.
Tickets begin at $19.50, with those ages 2 and under free.
That evening, at 7:30 p.m., the orchestra will perform a traditional holiday concert to feature arrangements of holiday classics such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Hanukkah Festival Overture” and “Joy to the World.”
The concert, entitled “Holidays with the JCSO,” will feature guest soloist Bethany Mamola and The Johns Creek Chorale.
Tickets begin at $23.50.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit https://johnscreeksymphony.org.
— Amber Perry
Owner wants to bring seaside to downtown Alpharetta
By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Rob Schryver wants to bring the seashore to Alpharetta.
Oyster bars and seafood houses were always some of Schryver’s favorite experiences while vacationing in Florida. The Alpharetta resident said the bounty of fresh seafood he enjoyed during visits to the shore have inspired him to replicate the experience.
“We got thinking it would be nice to find a place like this up here without having to travel down to Florida to get it,” he said.
Schryver plans to open a Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar at 9 S. Main St. in January in the heart of Alpharetta’s downtown at a space once occupied by South Main Kitchen. The location will be one of 18 franchise restaurants with locations in Cumming, North and South Carolina, Florida, Maryland and Illinois.
Fresh seafood, particularly raw oysters, will be at the heart of the restaurant’s menu, Schryver said. He plans on sourcing oysters from East Coast waters, such as Chesapeake, Georgia and Canada and others from the Gulf and West Coast.
Schryver said he would love to feature a rotating selection of four to six seasonal oysters on top of a couple house varieties.
There’s something special about a raw oyster, although the restaurant will offer plenty of cooked variations like Oysters Rockefeller, he said.
See SHUCK, Page 9
Shuckin’ Shack aims to provide a seashore experience inland
already has more than a dozen locations in the U.S.
SHUCKIN’ SHACK/PROVIDED
with beach decor and fresh seafood daily. The restaurant chain
Shuck:
Continued from Page 8
Schryver’s lifelong love for the delicacy began as a child when his father used to cook them up.
“I’ve been eating them since I was 5 years old,” he said. “I’ve never had a bad one.”
On top of oysters, the Shuckin’ Shack will offer a full seafood menu, including clams, crab legs, mussels, peel and eat and fried shrimp, Alfredo, scampi, lobster rolls, fresh fish, crab cakes and more.
“Anything on the coast, you’ll find here,” Schryver said.
With a full-service bar, capacity for about 100 diners and plenty of outdoor seating, Schryer said the restaurant will be an ideal spot for individual dining and large and small gatherings like parties, meet-ups and date nights.
Low lighting and beach decor like surfboards, fishing nets, crab traps and beach vacation photos will create an ambience that transports customers to the seashore. A pass-through entrance will allow easy access to the street and an open, outdoorsy vibe during nice weather.
With many entrees priced in the $15$20 range, Shuckin’ Shack’s menu will balance affordability and quality, he said.
Schryver said he envisions an ideal
Student Leadership Johns Creek opens applications to Alpharetta
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Student Leadership Johns Creek, a program designed to cultivate youth leadership skills, has opened its doors to Alpharetta High School.
In its 13th year, the two-year program is available to rising sophomores and juniors at Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek and Northview high schools as well as Mount Pisgah Christian School, Providence Christian Academy and Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, in addition to the new offering.
Applications for the class of 2025-26 are now open and can be submitted at www.studentleadershipjohnscreek.com. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.
experience would be on a night when the restaurant is hosting live music.
A group of friends might start off with a dozen raw oysters with a beer before veering off into bourbon or mixed drinks. After drinks, the group might settle in for more filling entrees of fresh fish. Schryver said his goal is for patrons to think, “If I didn’t know better, I’d have said we were down in the Gulf right now.”
The organization provides students with real-world experiences across government, judicial, and technology sectors.
In November, students from the class of 2026 embarked on a series of educational experiences that offered insights into local and state government operations. The month began with students visiting the City of Johns Creek, gaining firsthand knowledge about municipal governance.
Students also travelled to downtown Atlanta, meeting with Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne who provided an overview of county government, followed by a visit to the Fulton County Superior Court. There, Judge Rachelle Carnesale enlightened students about the intricacies of the judicial system.
The day’s journey continued at the State Capitol, where students toured the historic building and museum. In an unexpected highlight, they encountered Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who discussed recent electoral
processes with the group. The educational tour concluded at Atlanta Tech Village, where students explored the world of technology start-ups.
Student Leadership Johns Creek recently received the news that the Library of Congress is funding their grant proposal for a podcast project, "History in our Backyard: Names and Places of Georgia." Students are already researching primary and secondary sources for this historical documentation effort.
"We continue to be committed to providing our students with extraordinary opportunities to learn, grow, and understand the complex systems that shape our community," said Irene Sanders, executive director of Student Leadership Johns Creek.
The organization invites interested students and families to stay tuned for more details about its upcoming initiatives and the "History in our Backyard" podcast project.
— Amber Perry
SHUCKIN’ SHACK/PROVIDED Raw oysters are a centerpiece of Shuckin’ Shack’s menu, but the restaurant also will offer fresh fish, shrimp, crab and other seafood.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED Members of Student Leadership Johns Creek gather at Johns Creek City
Comprehensive neurological and neurosurgical care
Brought to you by - Dr. Arthur Grigorian, neurosurgeon at Wellstar
The neurosurgery program at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center has grown significantly in recent years, adding three neurosurgeons and one interventional neurologist, as well as three physician assistants and one nurse practitioner over the past six years. We’ve been able to build one of the most comprehensive neuro care programs in the Atlanta area. Wellstar North Fulton is also a Level II Trauma Center and Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center—the highest level of stroke treatment recognized.
Our team treats the most complex pathologies of the spine, including trauma and degenerative disease, with expert care. Physicians can address concerns including herniated discs, stenosis, radiculopathy and other chronic or acute problems of the spine.
The neurosurgeons, neurocritical care physicians and neurologists at Wellstar North Fulton work together to perform the most complex neuro care procedures, including aneurysm clipping and coiling, embolizations and resections of arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine, surgical bypasses for patients with a chronic cerebral ischemia or moyamoya disease, and treatment of carotid artery diseases. Our hybrid neurovascular suite is equipped with innovative biplane technology. This allows neurosurgeons to view
highly detailed images of brain vessels, so we can customize treatments for each patient in real-time.
Before we expanded our neurological care at Wellstar North Fulton, patients had to travel either to different healthcare facilities or outside the state to receive this kind of care.
In addition, Wellstar North Fulton opened a state-of-the-art oncology center last year. The cancer center houses CyberKnife technology and opens a new horizon for treatment of complex oncological problems, including tumors of the brain or spinal cord.
To learn more about care at Wellstar North Fulton, visit wellstar.org/northfulton. Call (770) 664-9600 to schedule an appointment with a neurosurgeon in Roswell.
I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…
Dr. Bradley Hepler, Atlanta Center for Dental Health
“Just like the ones I used to know.” I love the sound of Bing Crosby singing White Christmas. It’s getting colder and I’m getting excited for the holidays this year. I look forward to all of it. The lights, the decorations, the cookies, the food, the drinks, the special times with those you love. I could go on and on.
During the holidays, everyone is happy and smiling and thankful. An important part of that is a healthy, white smile. Your dentist can help you get a healthy, white smile for the holidays. Let’s talk about the best ways to get your smile as white as possible.
The first step is making sure that your teeth are clean. And I do mean professionally cleaned. Over time, your teeth build up surface stains and tartar. This needs to be removed with the special instruments that your dental hygienist uses. Afterwards, your gums will be healthier, and you won’t have anything in the way of getting your teeth as white as possible. You can’t whiten tartar and stains. You must remove them. You can’t get the white teeth you want with this stuff in the way.
There are three ways to whiten your teeth: Whitening strips, Whitening trays, and Professional Whitening. Whitening strips are the quickest, easiest way to whiten your teeth. These are plastic strips with whitening gel on them. After cleaning your teeth, you place the whitening strips on your front teeth and adapt it as well as possible to your teeth. Whitening trays are custom trays for placing the whitening gel precisely
on your teeth. Your dentist can make these for you and provide you with strong, prescription strength whiten gel for you to whiten your teeth with a series of home treatments. The best and fastest way to whiten your teeth is Professional Whitening at a dental office. In about an hour, your dentist can place a protective barrier on your gums and place powerful whitening gel on your teeth to get your teeth super white. People love this option because your teeth are as white as they can get in about an hour and you do not have to do multiple treatments at home.
Everyone has a biologic limit to how white they can get their teeth with these whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding can get your
smile even whiter and more perfect. Modern dentistry gives you so many options to improve your smile with the advances in materials and technology. Tooth Whitening removes years of stain and discoloration. Cosmetic recontouring is a simple process of re-shaping your teeth to make them look more attractive, healthier, and straighter. Clear, nearly Invisible Aligners can straighten your teeth quickly and easily without metal braces. Cosmetic Bonding repairs chips and cracks to make your teeth look beautiful, natural, and vibrant again. Porcelain Veneers is like adding new enamel to your teeth to make them whiter, straighter, and change the shape to the perfect length and proportions.
“May your days be merry and bright. And may all your Christmases be white.”
Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances that contemporary aesthetic dentistry offers. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile enhancing options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770-992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that they provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our great pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.
ADOBE STOCK
Great news in treating Pediatric Melanoma
Isn’t it wonderful to hear that you are making a difference? Well, you are! All that hard work that you put in with children or grandchildren getting them to protect themselves from the Sun and wear sunscreen is making a difference!
A recent study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) of more than 76,000 pediatric melanomas confirmed a decline in melanoma incidence over the last ten years in children ages five and older. That decrease in melanoma is likely due to the measures you and your family members have taken during those years and during the prior ten to fifteen years when you worked so hard to protect them from the Sun. And it is hard work. I have personally braved and endured myself. We all know what it’s like: The child in question seems to morph into a wet fish wriggling out of your grasp. Your slippery sunscreen hands don’t make it any easier! The rascal gets free, and you chase him or her down. Your drink gets knocked over. Sand gets on chairs, in bags and in other places you don’t want sand to get. It’s a task somewhere between roping a calf and getting a cat to take a bath. Grueling, grasping, groaning, finally it’s complete! The child may go and play. And in an hour and a half, you get to repeat the process all over again!
We know sun safety isn’t easy. What dermatologists ask of parents and grandparents is not a simple task. Is it really all worth it?
Yes! The results are in, and they are inspiring. This very encouraging study in the JAAD strongly suggests that all our hard work is paying off.
For children ages 10-14, there was a greater than 30% drop in melanoma between 2002 and 2020.
For children ages 5-9, there was a greater than 60% drop in melanoma between 2014 and 2020.
Interestingly, a small increase in pediatric melanoma cases for children ages four and younger supports that what we are doing is making a difference. Older children who develop melanoma are much
more likely to have developed skin cancer from sunburns and sun exposure. Babies and children under 4 years old who develop melanoma are NOT likely to have developed melanoma from sun exposure. (But they still need to be protected from the Sun). Instead, genetics, a chance unlucky mutation or non-sun related environmental factors are more likely to be responsible for melanoma in the extremely young. They simply haven’t had much time to be damaged by the Sun. The fact that melanoma in those ages four and under slightly increased but melanoma in those five and older dramatically decreased makes the claim even more credible that our efforts at sun protection are working.
Good news in pediatric melanoma is likely great news for these individuals’ entire lives. Our bodies have proteins called “mismatch repair enzymes” whose job it is to fix DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet rays from the Sun. Unfortunately, these enzymes don’t do a perfect job, and many mutations in our DNA are with us for life. Our entire lives, these mutations increase the chance that we develop skin cancer. Dermatologists have tools including prescription creams and in office treatments that kill pre-cancers and reduce one’s sun damage, but some of the Sun damage from childhood and adulthood is always with us. The fact that pediatric melanoma has plummeted in the last ten years gives us great hope that these same individuals will develop far fewer cancers as adults as well.
When you protect your loved one as a child, you are likely helping protect him or her for life.
The next time you wonder, “is it worth it?...Should I really use that sunscreen, that UPF 50 sun shirt or take on the herculean task of wrangling a kiddo channeling his or her inner feral cat?,” the answer is YES. You are making a difference. And we only see these wonderful results at the population level in a published study because of many, many daily actions at the individual level – through the genuine care and love of many, many parents and grandparents who love their family and showed it through their actions. Keep up the great work!
Insist on the
Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care.
He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables.
Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 22 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.
Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care.
Dr. Brent Taylor
Kathryn Filipek, PA-C
Brought to you by – Dr. Brent Taylor, Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta
Hear Your Best for The Holidays.
At Newtown Hearing Center, we provide personalized service for all your hearing healthcare needs including hearing evaluations, tinnitus management (ringing in the ears), cognition screenings and more.
Schedule your appointment to receive a personal hearing evaluation and consultation.*
During your visit, you will also receive a live demonstration of the new Widex SmartRIC!
Hearing Event Now through December 20th.
your appointment today!
Benefits of GLPs
Brought
By now most of the public is aware of the weight loss drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide. Semaglutide is marketed under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic while tirzepatide is sold as the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. From Hollywood stars to friends, family and neighbors, we all have seen the dramatic weight loss these drugs can help patients to accomplish. What is less known though is the unexpected benefits of these medications.
Cardiac disease - Researchers have found that patients taking semaglutide were 20 percent less likely to die of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular cause. Tirzepatide has been shown to improve outcomes and decrease hospitalization in patients with heart failure.
Kidney disease - a recent trial showed that semaglutide decreased the need for dialysis or kidney transplant by 24 %.
Sleep apnea -Tirzepatide reduced sleep apnea severity by up to nearly two-thirds in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity
Addiction - In mice, semaglutide has been shown to reduce alcohol consumption and bingelike drinking, and some people who have taken semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs have self-reported less drinking and smoking.
Memory & Cognition - In a UK trial of 200 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease, an older GLP-1 drug called liraglutide appeared to slow shrinking of the parts of the brain that control memory, learning, language, and decision making by as much as 50 percent.
Typically, these medications are only covered by insurance for the treatment of diabetes. As a result, many patients who could benefit from them aren’t able to afford them. At Balanced Bodies Johns Creek we use high quality, locally sourced compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide to help our patients to lose weight and manage their chronic diseases at an affordable price.
Anti-Aging & Wellness Services Create The Best Version Of You
Our team of medical professionals is committed to providing you with the latest and most effective anti-aging and wellness therapies to help you perform better, feel better, and age better.
We offer a comprehensive range of anti-aging treatments, therapies, and services, customized to meet your individual needs and goals. Whether you want to improve your energy levels, lose weight, boost your libido, or look and feel your best, we can help.
Schedule your appointment today!
DR. CARLTON BUCHANAN
A traditional Japanese custom and its reflections in modern dentistry
Brought
to you by
– By Destinee Hood, DMD, Roswell Dental Care
Ohaguro, the practice of blackening one’s teeth, holds a significant place in Japanese cultural history. Historically, ohaguro was a symbol of beauty, status, and marital eligibility. While the tradition has faded over time, its impact is still visible in various cultural remnants and even resonates in modern dentistry. This article explores the roots of ohaguro and delves into its connection with contemporary dental practices.
Ohaguro dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), where it was initially practiced by the aristocracy and later adopted by commoners. The custom involved blackening the teeth using a solution made from iron filings and vinegar, resulting in a distinctive lacquered appearance. Ohaguro was particularly prevalent among married women, symbolizing their commitment and marital status.
As Japan modernized during the Meiji era (1868-1912), ohaguro gradually lost its significance. Influences from the Western world, changes in fashion, and evolving societal norms contributed to the decline of this centuries-old tradition. By the end of the Meiji era, ohaguro was largely abandoned, although some elderly individuals continued the practice well into the 20th century.
Ohaguro’s Influence on Modern Dentistry:
While ohaguro itself may be a relic of the past, its impact on modern dentistry is noteworthy. The quest for aesthetically pleasing smiles has always been a constant, and this is where the historical custom finds resonance in contemporary dental practices.
1. Teeth Whitening Technologies: The desire for whiter teeth in modern society is the antithesis of ohaguro. Teeth whitening procedures, ranging from over-the-counter products to professional treatments offered by dentists, reflect society’s current beauty standards. These treatments use safe and effective methods to remove stains and discoloration, enhancing the natural whiteness of teeth.
2. Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry: Ohaguro was not only about color but also about the shape and arrangement of teeth. In modern
dentistry, orthodontic treatments, such as braces and clear aligners, address issues related to tooth alignment and structure. Cosmetic dentistry procedures, like veneers, bonding, and contouring, allow individuals to achieve the perfect smile they desire.
3. Dental Implants and Prosthetics: For those who have lost teeth due to various reasons, dental implants and prosthetics provide functional and aesthetic solutions. These technologies mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth, helping individuals regain confidence in their smiles.
Ohaguro may be a thing of the past, but its influence on modern dentistry is undeniable. From a symbol of status and beauty to a relic of history, ohaguro has evolved, leaving a lasting impression on Japan’s cultural landscape. Today, as advancements in dentistry continue to flourish, individuals have a range of options to achieve healthy, functional, and aesthetically pleasing smiles— embracing a new era that values the preservation and enhancement of natural dental beauty.
As your cosmetic dentists, Drs. Hood, Remaley, and Urvi give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your COMPLIMENTARY smile makeover consultation by calling 770-998-6736.
• Crowns and Bridges in a few days
• Porcelain Veneers
• Tooth Colored Composite Fillings
• Teeth Whitening- no sensitivity
• Oral Cancer Screenings on all patients
• Teeth Cleanings, Digital X-Rays and Comprehensive Oral Exams on all new patients
• Cosmetic Smile Makeovers and Full Mouth Reconstruction (Complimentary Consultation)
• Occlusal Guards and Bite Adjustments
• Snore Guards and Sleep Apnea Analysis
• Digital X-Rays (90% less radiation) and Intra-Oral Photos
• Digitally Scanned Dental ImpressionsNo more gooey impressions!
• Electronic Records
• Accept and File
• Implants
• Root Canals
• Extractions
• Spa-like Relaxing Atmosphere
• Custom Baked Cookies Daily
• FREE Nitrous Oxide and Oral Conscious Sedation
• Facial Aesthetic Enhancements including BOTOX and Dermal Fillers
Dr. David Remaley
Dr. Destinee Hood
PROVIDED
How to strengthen your relationship during the holidays
Brought to you by - Summit Counseling Center
The holidays bring all the joyful chaos: crowded schedules, too much food, and family members giving unsolicited advice. With all this added pressure, it’s easy to feel like you and your partner are more “survival teammates” than “seasoned soulmates.” But here’s the good news—these holiday challenges can be opportunities to grow closer, connect, and yes, even have some fun together. Here are four practical ways to help strengthen your relationship this holiday season.
1. Make communication a (quick and daily) habit
It’s the season of merry madness, and in the rush, it’s easy to let communication slip. A few minutes to connect each day can make a huge difference. Think of this as your “holiday huddle”—a quick check-in where you both take turns sharing a high and a low from the day. Keep it light, and maybe even trade a funny story from the day. One great question I have couples I work with ask is, “What is one thing I’ve said or done recently that let you know I love you (or care about you, support you, etc.)?” Instead of waiting for holiday stress to hit the boiling point, a quick check-in each day helps keep each other in the loop and on the same team. It’s like a secret weapon to dodge any “You never told me about that!” drama.
2. Have each other’s back with family boundaries
Family gatherings during the holidays bring all the love, and often, all the opinions. Your partner might want to spend hours with family; you might need more breaks. Or maybe you have to make an appearance at three different houses on the same day. Discuss ahead of time what’s realistic and what isn’t.
I also recommend couples define what is a core need for each person, and then figure out how to compromise on the small stuff while supporting each other’s core need. Doing so may mean supporting each other’s “hard limits.” If Aunt Susan wants to know why you’re not married yet (or if you’re going to have kids, or what you really think about the election), some good-natured tag-teaming and interference running that is planned out ahead of time can work wonders.
3. Keep your expectations low but your spirits high
Even at the “most wonderful time of year,” things go wrong. It’s practically tradition. Events run late, flights get delayed, and maybe the turkey burns. Embrace a sense of humor, roll with the punches, and focus on what actually matters. Instead of stressing over and judging every detail, mindfully commit
to seeing each moment for what it is. If something doesn’t go to plan, try to laugh about it. A year from now, will it really matter, or will you have a great story to tell? A sense of humor and a touch of gratitude can take the edge off holiday frustrations and keep your spirits high, even when the lights are a little too bright and the family a little too loud.
4. Make some “us time” nonnegotiable
Finally, in all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to let quality time slip. Make it a rule to steal away at least a little time, just the two of you—even if it’s just a 15-minute walk or a coffee date away from the action. It’s your chance to reconnect, decompress, and remind each other why you’re partners in the first place. These little check-ins can be as simple as a quiet breakfast together or even a quick getaway to a favorite
spot nearby. Whatever it is, make it about unwinding and recharging as a couple.
The holidays can bring a lot of cheer—and a fair share of tension. These tips can help you and your significant other turn common challenges into connecting opportunities. Keep the humor going, support each other, and make time to enjoy the season together. Cheers to a season filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few more inside jokes that’ll keep you both smiling into the new year!
If you would like more tools to deal with family stress, or to improve the quality of your relationship, reach out to our amazing admin team at www. summitcounseling.org or 678-893-5300 to schedule a free consultation call with myself or any of our expertly trained clinicians.
OPINION
Standing in a terrible line with an angel near the end
PAT FOX Managing Editor pat@appenmedia.com
Something exceptional happened last week, and only a handful of people witnessed it.
It is true.
I was third in line for checkout at a local grocery Sunday evening. At the front, two elderly men dressed in flannel shirts and worn coats stood bewildered when their cash cards failed at the register. Each tried his own card with no luck.
Their groceries were already bagged and piled in the shopping cart, in limbo.
Frustration filtered through the queue of about five people. We shared the dread that fate had guided us into the wrong line – except for one guy, the one second in line just ahead of me.
He was a young man, about 5 foot 4, with long brown hair swept back past the shoulders of a crisp, black T-shirt. His face was round and smooth, with rosy cheeks and large brown eyes. He stared forward toward the chewing gum display.
He had the most placid face – a Gerber baby, plus 22.
He'd already placed a six-pack of beer and some snacks on the conveyer and stood unfazed by the plight nearby.
The cashier called the manager who informed the flummoxed men that the store’s computer was temporarily unable to process transactions from that particular brand of cash card.
The two men shook their heads in disbelief – not angry, just helpless and embarrassed. They hunched over their wallets, fumbling for a miracle.
Then, as graceful as a gazelle, the young man pulled out his wallet, extracted his bank card, slid sideways and inserted it into the checkout slot. He hit a button, retrieved his card and resumed his position, focused on the chewing gum.
“It’s been paid for,” the cashier told the two men, who were still turned away, probing their wallets.
“What?” one of them said.
“Your groceries have been paid for,” the cashier repeated.
“What happened?” one man asked.
The cashier pointed to the young man,
but the elderly gentleman fixed his eyes on me and expressed his gratitude. I corrected him, pointing to the youth.
“I’ve never seen such a thing,” the old man said, now looking at the boy.
“It was nothing,” the young man said. “Really.”
“We just moved up here, and I have never seen anything…” the old man said.
The youth remained silent, still gazing ahead.
“Well, thank you!” the old man said. “If you give me your address, I’ll gladly pay you.”
Then, turning to the cashier, the old man asked: “How much was it?
“$194.48,” she said.
The elderly pair swiveled toward the young man, but he politely refused their offers to mail reimbursement.
“Really,” he said, facing them a final time, “it was nothing.”
The two men holstered their wallets, collected their groceries and left, still chattering about the experience.
Leaning toward the boy, I said, “I know it would be a bargain for me, but I’ll gladly pay your tab.”
“No, thanks,” he said with a hint of embarrassment. “It was nothing.”
He looked so at peace that I didn’t want to press it. I looked behind me, and everyone was smiling.
The boy checked out and left.
As I carried my bags to the car, the elderly men were loading their groceries into their truck, still talking.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before,” one said.
Words fail to capture the essence of those three minutes. For that instant, I was removed from the day’s headlines, my schedule for next week, the leaky faucet.
Driving home, words finally did come, but they were not mine.
“If there’s one voice left to say, ‘Welcome’ to a stranger, if there’s one hand outstretched to say ‘Enter’ and ‘Share,’ if there’s one mind remaining to think a thought of warmth and friendship, then there’s a future in which we’ll find more than one hand, more than one voice and more than one mind dedicated to the cause of man’s equality.”
— Rod Serling
Banned pesticide
Stool pigeons
Disneyland locale
It’s just for show
Live in
They might be spring-loaded
Two-year-old sheep
___-majesté 62 No longer in style
Gallic goodbye 65 Bonnie and Clyde started one
Encouraged, with “on”
68 Old Italian coin
Former British protectorate
Western director Sergio
Vivacity
“You betcha!”
Premature 3 Native to or confined to a certain region 4 Duffer’s obstacle 5 Lady’s man
6 Out of kilter
7 Flea market deal
8 Photographic coating
9 Family nickname
10 Self-satisfied
11 Space starter
12 Toy that does tricks
13 Early late-night name
17 Zig or zag
21 Cup part
24 Savvy about
25 Store posting (Abbr.)
27 Sound of relief
29 Turturro of “The Sopranos”
30 It may be pitched
31 Geologists’ studies
32 Old Icelandic literary work
33 Hammer’s end
34 Ancient Peruvian
36 Tackle’s teammate
See solution Page 21
100 most influential people
People
Here’s another batch of names in my continuing series exploring the most influential people and topics in history.
No. 51: “Alternative Facts” & George Orwell Thank you, Kelly Ann Conway, for “alternative facts.” (her trivia-question claimto-fame). We all know that a fact is a fact, like 1 + 1 = 2, so there cannot be “alternative facts.” 1 + 1 can only equal 2 - nothing else. That is, until it does.
“Alternative facts” have increasingly displaced actual facts in our world. One could write thousands and thousands of words on this, but I won’t. I will let George Orwell do it for me in 24 words: “Who controls the past controls the future.” And: “If you want a vision of the future (where the past is re-written and is controlled by things like alternative facts and bad actors) imagine a boot stepping on a human face – forever.” Both quotes are from Orwell’s “1984,” a book that everyone should reread or read for the first time.
Of note, “1984,” written in 1949, was banned in the Soviet Union and in Cuba and is still subject to censorship initiatives in the United States periodically for various reasons. The truth matters. Some would say, nothing matters more, although many appear to believe it matters not at all. Orwell believed that there can only be freedom if there is truth. Buckle up.
No. 52: Bob’s Barricades
So, you know those orange cones that line the highways and roads whenever there is construction? Well, if you look closely, most of them are owned by Bob, of Bob’s Barricades, one of the largest providers in the world. Can anyone guess exactly how many of those cones and barricades Bob owns across the United States? That is a question I have wondered about for years and one I have yet been able to answer, even with AI and Google. And my calls into Bob have gone unanswered.
Bob’s Barricades is included on the list because he symbolically represents the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), which has had as much if not more impact on our lives as anything else I can think of.
The department’s 2024 budget of $145.3 billion dollars is used for “improving infrastructure, safety, and equity, while also protecting the climate and addressing other transportation priorities,” according to Google’s AI.
Of note, the official DOT website states that the DOT actually has $293.21 billion in “budgetary resources” available for 2024. Can we say “confusing?” For context, the U.S. Defense Department budget for 2024 was $824.3 billion, so DOT’s budget is somewhere between 17 percent and 35 percent as much as we spend on defense – big numbers, big impact.
No. 53: Conspiracy theory in context
The dissemination of information – at scale – that is not true or half true, or without appropriate context or is opinion dressed in the clothes of fact or legitimate (fact-based) news, is probably the greatest threat that our country has ever known. Of note, this is not a new problem; we have had rampant disinformation circulating, especially within the political sphere, since the beginning of our country. I recently read Jon Meacham’s great biography on Abraham Lincoln, “And there was Light,” which addressed our history prior to and following the elections of 1860 and 1864 –elections that Lincoln won. The intensity and scope of the disinformation surrounding both elections – over slavery, federal, and states’ rights – surely surpassed the disinformation surrounding the 2024 election, with one giant exception. The disinformation today is at such a massive scale, a scale that makes all pre-internet disinformation seem like a single drop within an entire ocean.
Information is power. Control of the means of dissemination of information is even more power. The tech billionairess now control it all. And we are OK with that?
No. 54: Johnny Carson & Ed Sullivan
These two ruled much of television for years, Carson from 1962 to 1992 and Sullivan from 1948 to 1971.
First “Tonight Show” guest: His first guests were Rudy Vallée, Tony Bennett, Mel Brooks and Joan Crawford. Bette Midler was Johnny Carson’s final guest on “The Tonight Show.” Wearing a dress with XOXO, Miss M sang “Miss Otis Regrets,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “You Made Me Watch You,” and the extremely memorable, “One for my Baby (and One More for the Road).”
Ranking The 5 Best Johnny Carson Tonight Show Guests Of All Time – 5.) Frank Sinatra; 4.) Robin Williams; 3.) Burt Reynolds; 2.) Jackie Gleason; 1.) Don Rickles.
First “Ed Sullivan Show” guest: In the show’s June 20, 1948, debut, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed along with singer Monica Lewis and Broadway composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II previewing the score to their then-new show “South Pacific,” which opened on Broadway in 1949. Last show: Gladys Knight and the Pips were the musical guests on the final show, which was cancelled shortly after its rerun broadcast on this day in 1971.
Why Carson and Sullivan on the list? Maybe for the same reason we still rewatch “The Wizard of Oz” or “The Miracle on 34th Street,” or that we still bathe in memory whenever we hear a song from “The Sound of Music” or the theme song for “Dr. Zhivago” (“Laura’s Theme”). Maybe that’s why.
No. 55: The Beatles
“Imagine,” “Yesterday,” “Helter Skelter,” “Hey Jude,” and on and on. Of note, one can argue that Ed Sullivan “made” the Beatles. They first appeared on his show on Feb. 9, 1964, and were seen by an estimated 73 million viewers. Their playlist on that first appearance: “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” “She Loves You,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and their No. 1 hit, “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”
CARSON
Civic:
Continued from Page 1
Coons has been with Johns Creek since the department’s formation in 2008 and was promoted to chief nearly six years ago.
The indiscriminate practice, he said, is part of the department’s mission to provide the best service it can, helping out those in need, but it’s also a matter of double checking the severity of each situation.
“There’s so many moving parts,” Coons said. “Sometimes, there’s a mistake made on what’s going on on the other end of that line, and I would rather see us check that out than leave somebody there that was triaged wrong.”
Weekly schedule
Each shift at the station has a crew of five firefighters, working 24 hours on and 48 hours off, a model that may soon change. Coons said he’s in preliminary discussions about implementing the 48-96 shift model. The City of Roswell made that change earlier this year.
“It does have a lot of very interesting theoretical benefits,” Coons said. “We will give it a whirl and see, I think.”
At Station 64, Coons was joined by Fire Capt. Brad Ridings, who leads one of three shifts there.
Ridings, and Fire Apparatus Operator Carlton Flora, who showed off the major features of Quint 64 that day, saw the formation of the department with Coons. Firefighter David Hemmings, hanging around as well, has been with Johns Creek Fire for eight years.
Ridings keeps the group on track with a weekly schedule, coordinated with the two other captains at the station. There’s a lot of cleaning.
On Mondays, the crew does a deep clean off all the trucks; on Tuesday, a house clean; Wednesday, the windows, even the tallest ones; Thursday is focused on the bay; and Friday, it’s all about the yard. They cut their own grass.
Training is slated for the weekend.
When the crew isn’t fighting fires, responding to medical calls, or cleaning, they can be found in the community room with recliners and TV, at least on the weekend.
“If you come by the fire station on Sundays, it’s car racing or NFL. Saturdays, college football,” Coons said. “And then one thing you will see fire stations watch every single year is the Little League World Series, in the playoffs.”
But, during lulls throughout the day, the kitchen is where most time is spent.
That night, the crew on shift at Station 64 planned to cook chicken, potatoes and green beans. This time, they ordered but usually, you can see Quint 64 in the grocery store parking lot.
While each shift has its own refrigerator, Ridings said there’s a lot of thievery of certain items.
“You literally could leave $100 sitting
right there, and it will be there two days later when you come back, but do not leave ice cream in that freezer,” Coons added.
Regular training
That Tuesday was busy. After cleaning house, Ridings said the crew prepared for an upcoming air consumption drill. For that, firefighters don all their gear, an air pack, and perform fire related tasks.
Drills are conducted on location. Coons said the department wants a space like the Roswell-Alpharetta Public Safety Training Center where there are mock structures for firefighters to use.
“We’ve got to get one,” Coons said. “We use our fire stations, which is tough. You can’t really burn in here. They frown upon that. That may get me retired early.”
CIVIC
DUTIES
: In a new series from Appen Media, Civic Duties will take readers behind the scenes of local government. Senior Reporter Amber Perry and her colleagues will shadow employees across different city departments and turn those experiences into original reporting, so residents get a closer look at what exactly local governments provide the community.
offers up to 107 feet of vertical reach and 100 feet of horizontal reach.
When Flora and at least two other firefighters get to the scene of a fire on the quint, the first thing he does is get the pump going. Another pulled the right size hose or “attack line” depending on the size of the fire.
“As soon as they get positioned and they’re ready to fight fire, I’ll just pull a lever and water goes to it,” Flora said.
Ridings added, “You can only search it so many times before you actually know where you’re at, blindfolded.”
This year marks the first of an annual required physical agility test.
“Firefighters are traditionally pretty health-conscious folk, but over the last few years, we’ve made a little bit of a push towards better health and wellness for our firefighters,” Coons said.
All fire stations in Johns Creek have gym equipment, though that wasn’t always the case. CrossFit is the new craze.
“It’s geared towards different body movements and cardio and things such as that, versus we were just worried about looking big and strong and breaking walls down,” Coons said. “Things have changed.”
The alarm system is getting replaced soon, from a buzzer that could scare you into a heart attack to a noise that ramps up slowly. The new device, he said, is more heart healthy.
Other things have changed as well, like the technology available to firefighters.
Hydrants are mapped out on the city’s advanced GIS mapping system, while firefighters used to rely on map books.
“Most of them were missing the one page that was your territory, because it’s worn out,” Coons said.
The GIS system also determines response times based on traffic patterns and has allowed the department to step away from coverage territories based on mileage.
Heavy duty equipment
The newest of the city’s fire stations houses Quint 64, a $2 million aerial ladder truck, driven by Flora. The dualpurpose truck provides a flow capacity of up to 1,500 gallons-per-minute and
The thing about Quint 64 is that because it has a 400-gallon capacity, as compared to up to 1,000 gallons of water on a traditional engine, there’s only enough water to “charge the system” and get one good refill.
“That’s why we’re so quick about trying to hook up to a hydrant,” Flora said.
A squad truck recently relocated to Station 64 from Station 61 to help with call volume.
It’s equipped with everything an ambulance has, minus a stretcher, and what firefighters need for other kinds of calls, such as a structure fire, hazardous materials or a person trapped in a car.
“So, we got a vehicle that’s a little bit more mission specific to what we do on the fire department on the EMS and other side,” Coons said.
Recruiting problems
Coons said there’s only a few vacancies in the department, which has 88 firefighters. The ebb and flow is natural, he said, as people begin to retire.
The average age is 46 years old.
Coons spends a lot of time recruiting. He said it’s tougher than it’s ever been — there’s not a lot of young people applying to be firefighters.
“When I started the fire department, you almost had to have a senator appoint you,” Coons said. “I mean, it was the hardest job to get on the planet.”
The job is physically and emotionally demanding, firefighters dealing with tragedy after tragedy.
“Nobody ever calls us because they’re having a good day,” Coons said.
Chaplaincy support has come online in recent years, more mental health help for police and fire departments.
“That wasn’t a thing forever,” he said. “It was, like, ‘Tough it out’ … That’s how it was. You’d be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just did CPR on an infant’ … and the other guys would be like, ‘Man, please.’ They were hurting inside too. When you do this a lifetime, it’s tough.”
AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
Squad 64, a mission-specific truck, features air packs for firefighters tackling an oxygen-depleted atmosphere. It also has other tools like an EKG cardiac monitor, which allows firefighters to send data directly to the hospital, and a mini Jaws of Life, a tool for prying people out of mangled cars.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED Johns Creek Fire Apparatus Operator Carlton Flora explains features of Quint 64 to Appen Media Senior Reporter Amber Perry
PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA
A family prepares to take pictures with two festive llamas at the annual Johns Creek Holly Jolly Block Party Dec. 5 at City Hall.
Visitors to the annual Johns Creek Holly Jolly Block Party Dec. 5 enjoy the elaborate light display on a 40-foot Christmas tree at City Hall.
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on November 13, 2024 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine & Distilled Spirits
BUSINESS NAME
Taco Macho At Jones Bridge, Inc Dba
Taco Macho At Jones Bridge 9950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 1000 Johns Creek, GA 30022
OWNER/OFFICERS
Taco Macho At Jones Bridge, Inc Dba
Taco Macho At Jones Bridge 9950 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 1000 Johns Creek, GA 30022
Owners, Ruben Camacho
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on November 8, 2024 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine & Distilled Spirits
BUSINESS NAME
Sabor Tex Mex, LLC Dba
El Potrillo 8465 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite 510 Johns Creek, GA 30022
OWNER/OFFICERS
Sabor Tex Mex, LLC Dba
El Potrillo 8465 Holcomb Bridge Rd Suite 510 Johns Creek, GA 30022
Owners, Nadia De LA Rosa Reyes
CITY OF JOHNS CREEK
PUBLIC NOTICE
PURPOSE
An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on December 3, 2024, for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage & Wine
BUSINESS NAME
Zuzu’s Bakery & Deli, Inc Dba
Zuzu’s Bakery & Deli 9945 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 202 Johns Creek, GA 30022
OWNER/OFFICERS
Zuzu’s Bakery & Deli, Inc Dba
Zuzu’s Bakery & Deli 9945 Jones Bridge Rd Suite 202 Johns Creek, GA 30022
Owners, Tony Grizzle, Zumrut Toroslara and Letisya Isler Solution
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON
Your local community newspaper lands in your driveway every week—rain or shine—bringing you the stories, events, and updates that matter most. But did you know that the person delivering it is often a dedicated individual who goes the extra mile (literally) to ensure you stay connected?
Why Tip?
• Show Appreciation: Your delivery person is out there early in the morning or late at night, navigating all kinds of weather, so you can enjoy the news with your morning coffee.
• Support Local Efforts: While the paper might be free, the effort behind it isn’t. Tipping helps reward those who keep this vital community service running smoothly.
• Brighten Their Day: A small tip can make a big difference in someone’s day, showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
If you enjoy receiving your free community newspaper, consider giving a small token of appreciation to the person who brings it to your driveway. A little kindness can go a long way!
Thank you for supporting your local delivery heroes!
How to give your delivery person a tip:
Give via the online portal at appenmedia.com/deliverytip or scan this QR Code
If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to Appen Media Group and mail it to Newspaper Delivery Tip C/O Appen Media Group, 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it. 1 2
Bilingual Food Pantry Supervisor
Bilingual
Food Pantry Supervisor
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Food Pantry Supervisor supports all aspects of the Food Pantry including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, supervising and managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports and supporting client intake. The Supervisor is the primary backup support to the Food Pantry Manager.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
The Supervisor must be proficient in Spanish and have the ability to work with a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Good interpersonal communications skills are required and MS Office (Excel) experience is a plus. Must have the ability to work evenings & weekends, lift up to 42lbs, use a pallet jack, push and pull items, and be on your feet for several hours.
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org
Aleem LLC seeks a Digital Mrkting & Operations Analyst w/ Master’s in biz admin, Engg(any), or Tech-rltd & 1 yr of exp to dvlp, own & implmnt test initiatives to improve conversion rate & profitability of mrkting campaigns. mnge & implmnt new digital mrkting campaigns directly in various platforms. Perform mrkt analysis & competitive intel research to inform new ideas or existing prog improvmnts. Collect, analyze & rep on key metrics from all digital campaigns. Define product vision & direction, & communicate it optimally to cross-funct teams, execs, & partners. Collaborate w/ stakeholders to execute experiences that align w/ KYC strategy. Drive end-to-end product dvlpmt & working w/ engg & design teams to dvlp & launch new prods & features.
Work location is Roswell, GA. Please mail resumes to 1080 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Building 200, Ste 140, Roswell, GA 30076 (OR) e-mail: omar@aleemlaw.com
Diamond Glass Co of Alpharetta is seeking an Admin Assistant. Must have the ability to multitask, excellent written/verbal communication skills, as well computer skills. Knowledge of QuickBooks a plus. Send resumes to nikki@diamondglasscompany.com
Site Reliability Engineer Senior (Alpharetta, GA): Dvlps basic to moderately cmplx code using front and/or back-end prgmng langs within mltpl pltfrms as needed in collaboration w/ biz & tech teams for internal & external client s/w solutions. Analyze, mdfy, & dvlp moderately cmplx code/unit tstng in order to dvlp concise app documentation & performs tstng & valdtn reqs for moderately cmplx code changes to apply corrective measures for moderately cmplx code deficiencies & to escalate alt proposals. Telecommuting Permitted. Pos may work in var unanticipated locations in the U.S. Resumes to: Total System Services, LLC, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk and Compliance, One TSYS Way, Columbus, GA 31901. #SK924871
Salesforce Application Architect (Alpharetta, GA): Leads & facilitates disc & scoping sessions w/ the biz stakeholders, understands biz processes, identifies, & communicates tech dsgn risks, dvlps mitigation approaches if necessary, & articulates the value of recommended solutions & approaches. Works w/ vendors & employees in a distributed Onshore/Offshore model. Resumes to: Global Payment Holding Company, Brian Simons, Associate Director, HR Risk & Compliance, 3550 Lenox Road NE, Suite 3000, Atlanta, GA 30326. #AR930863
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Become a published author. We want to read your book!
Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-844-877-5833
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Hiring Part-time (Tuesday/Thursday) Assistant Teacher: Midway Preschool @ Midway UMC Email Beth Dotson – beth@midwayumc.org or call 770-752-0440
It’s a power move.
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/29/24.) Call 1-844-501-3208
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595
