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North Point hockey arena plan clears planning commission By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta residents spoke overwhelmingly in favor of a North Point entertainment and sports district anchored by a national hockey team during an Aug. 6 planning commission meeting. Commission members approved the plan in a 4-3 vote. The project will go before the Alpharetta City Council Aug. 24. North Point Mall property owner
New York Life has partnered with developer Jamestown to redesign the mall into a massive entertainment and sports district. Officials said the project could transform the mall and its surrounding area, revitalizing it as property values continue to decline. This is the fourth application to reenvision the mall property to come before the planning commission since 2019. The project would be anchored by a 20,000-seat hockey arena and feature ample shopping, dining,
residential and office space. Planned amenities include a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, 4,000-seat music hall, 500-seat movie theater, 45,000-square-foot conference center, 400-room full-service hotel, 300-room hybrid hotel, 750,000 square feet of office and 1,385 for-rent multifamily homes. The project has a competitor, The Gathering at South Forsyth, in attracting a National Hockey League franchise.
See PLAN, Page 16
2026 High School Football Preview ► STARTS ON PAGE 19
For Roswell senior, Meals on Wheels means more than food By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com
MOWAA / LINDSAY GARRETT
A volunteer with Senior Services North Fulton’s Meals on Wheels program brings a client her lunch. The nonprofit organization served more than 59,000 meals throughout Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs in 2025.
ROSWELL, Ga. — William “Tommy” Bloodworth Jr. knows there are days he would have gone hungry without access to Meals on Wheels through Senior Services North Fulton. Bloodworth, who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2014, estimates he spends 30% of his monthly disability check on medications. He needs them to live. His financial situation was even more dire at the time of his diagnosis. Some months, after spending $200 on blood thinners, he said there was little money
left for food. The Fulton nonprofit, which delivers nutritious meals to seniors in need of them, filled the gap. “I think I was getting $1,400 a month then,” he said, referring to his Social Security Administration disability benefit. “That doesn’t go very far when you don’t have insurance to buy the medicine you need.” Bloodworth struggled to make ends meet while applying and waiting for Medicaid approval. It took several years for him to get enrolled in the federal health insurance program.
See MEALS, Page 16
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Ex-custodian broke into multiple Fulton schools
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Man arrested after woman finds tracking device on vehicle ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 68-year-old Forsyth County man was arrested July 29 after a woman found a tracking device on her vehicle. Alpharetta police said officers arrested the man at a McFarland Parkway gas station about 10 a.m. He was charged with
PROVIDED
Images from security cameras at multiple Fulton County schools show a man suspected of unlawfully entering the campuses and allegedly stealing items in July. High from a side door that was locked when officers arrived. Police officers found the man wandering a hallway in the school. The man told police he was there because he was starting a security company and wanted to walk around and check the school’s security system. Officials from Fulton County Schools sent an email to parents July 31 notifying them of the alleged theft at Cambridge High and a broader investigation involving alleged property theft on multiple campuses. A parent of a Cambridge High student told Appen Media that extracurricular activities, like marching band and volleyball practice, were being held at the school July 29. The high school hosted its open house for students and parents
July 30. The school system said in the email to parents that the investigation is ongoing and that multiple law enforcement agencies are involved. “We are grateful for the prompt actions of our officers and staff and remain committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students and employees,” the email noted. In an email response to a different Cambridge parent, Superintendent Mike Looney said they are looking into why the suspect still had a contractor identification badge despite resigning from his custodial position on May 27. He also said there was no evidence that the man posed a threat to students or staff and is cooperating with investigators.
POLICE BLOTTER
Alpharetta woman. The woman said she found the device after her phone received a notification that a tracking device was in her vicinity. She visited an automotive shop where employees located a small, black device attached to her vehicle. The woman said she was the victim of another stalking investigated by police. The suspect in that case was the Forsyth County man. — Hannah Yahne
All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.
stalking. Police said the arrest stemmed from a June report made by a 59-year-old
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MILTON, Ga. — Milton police officers recently apprehended a man suspected of unlawfully entering multiple Fulton County schools and allegedly stealing items from those campuses. According to police, the most recent intrusion happened at Cambridge High School on the evening of July 29, four days before students returned to the campus for the 2026-27 school year. The man, the former head custodian at Northwestern Middle School, was issued a criminal trespass warning barring him from all properties operated by the Fulton County School System. His expired employee identification badge and its accompanying lanyard were confiscated by police. A Milton officer arrived at Cambridge High July 29 after a Flock camera alerted police about a 2006 Ford Explorer entering the school property around 7:45 p.m. While the officer waited by the Ford Explorer, a Fulton County school resource officer called Milton authorities to report the man, who was alleged to have unlawfully entered the school and committed theft. The Ford Explorer was previously pictured on security cameras at North Springs High School on July 21 and Elkins Pointe Middle School on July 20. Camera footage from July 29 determined the man entered Cambridge
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Chris Zack voted against the Phase II plan.
ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council, in a 3-2 vote Aug. 10, approved a $4.75 million Phase II plan to fund the expansion of pedestrian infrastructure along Green Street. Phase I, from the intersection of Plum Tree and Green streets to Cherry Way, is already under construction. The pedestrian walkway leads from the city’s parking deck to Canton Street. Phase II of the project aims to improve mobility and pedestrian connectivity within the city of Roswell’s historic district. The project will also improve pedestrian connections along Green Street from the parking deck to Woodstock Park. To help fund the project, Roswell Director of Transportation Andy Flagg encouraged council members to apply for a $3 million loan and to complete a $1.5 million state grant application. The loan would be administered by Georgia’s State Road and Tollway Authority. The grant application, due Aug. 21, would be to the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank. To apply for the loan, the city will need to pay a $250 fee. The loan term would be for 10 years, with an interest rate of 3.04%. The city would also pay a 1% origination fee at closing. Council members approved applying for the loan and the grant. Councilmember Christine Hall said that as properties continue to redevelop, the project brings the area a sense of connectivity. “This continues with the city’s commitment to be a more pedestrian-friendly space,” Hall said. “The Green Street activation plan was all about being able to expand off the success of Canton Street.” Councilmembers Eren Brumley and
Old Roswell Road rezoning After deferring action at their last meeting, council members, in a 3-2 vote, denied a request to zone 0 Old Roswell Road as office-residential. Applicant Dennis Webb with Pope & Land Enterprises has tried for 10 years to develop 62 townhomes at the site, which is currently zoned for commercial mixed-use. His plan has seen support from residents of Harlow by Empire Homes, a sold-out townhouse community also on Old Roswell Road. Resident Michael Fishler said the city’s recently updated comprehensive plan was “well thought out” but excluded the Harlow community. He said he and his neighbors want more homes on the road and not another office building. “Those documents unfortunately never mentioned Harlow by name,” Fishler said. “It mentions many residents, many neighborhoods. Maybe we just didn’t fit into the puzzle at the time, but I would like you to consider fitting us into the puzzle … we want to be the No. 1 family community in America.” Councilmember Allen Sells said the comprehensive plan was clear in stating 0 Old Roswell Road would be an employment center and not a residential site. “The comp plan was focused like a laser beam on the economic development of Roswell in the areas where we have employment,” Sells said. “This particular piece of property — I can’t speak specifically why it wasn’t mentioned in the 2045 plan — but the focus was on the economic engine, the employment areas of our city, and this is one of those areas.” Sells, Hall and Zack voted in favor of denying the zoning request, while Councilmembers Brumley and Sarah Beeson voted against denying it.
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6 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
Free prostate screenings offered at Men’s Health Tailgate
Experience an afternoon of timeless music as talented performers celebrate the unforgettable sounds of the British Invasion! Sing along to classic hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and other iconic British artists—all while supporting a great cause. Tickets: $15 (ages 12 & under are free) Concessions will be available for purchase. Pizza is $5 (2 slices) and can be pre-purchased along with your tickets. All proceeds benefit the Music and Mission Ministries at Midway UMC. Bring your friends, enjoy an incredible concert, and help make a difference through music!
ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis is asking North Fulton men to prioritize their health by seeking preventative care at a Men’s Health Tailgate on Thursday, Aug. 27. From 9 a.m until 3 p.m. at Fulton County Health & Human Services — North in Alpharetta, men can receive free blood test prostate cancer screenings from the Emory Winship Cancer Institute, connect with doctors, talk to a registered dietitian and learn about mental health services. “Lots of guys won’t see a doctor unless we absolutely must,” Ellis said. “Thanks to our partnership with the Winship Cancer Institute, our Men’s Health Tailgate event will make it free, easy and convenient for men to get a prostate cancer screening. A few minutes can save a life.” Ellis was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and credits early detection with giving him access to doctors and a treatment plan that worked for him. A man in the U.S. learns he has prostate cancer every 90 seconds. In Georgia, an estimated 6,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year, with more than 700 deaths. Screenings and early diagnosis improve a patient’s quality of life and their chances for survival, medical professionals say. Preregistration for the Men’s Health Tailgate is encouraged but not required. To learn more about this free men’s health event or to register, go to MensHealthTailgate.eventbrite.com. The Fulton County Health & Human Services — North facility is located at 4700 North Point Parkway in Alpharetta.
For more information and to register scan the QR code.
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Alpharetta’s Wire & Wood music festival set for Oct. 9-10 ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta’s annual Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival will feature more than 40 performers, including headliners Corey Smith and platinum-selling rock band Sister Hazel. Set for Oct. 9 and 10, the free festival will showcase nationally recognized artists and emerging talent on six stages in the city’s downtown. Country favorite Smith will perform Oct. 9, and Sister Hazel, which recorded the 1997 charttopping track "All for You,” will play Oct. 10. The lineup also includes Crystal Bowersox, Blair Crimmins and The Hookers, J.R. Moore of Ingram Hill, Liz Longley, Michael Tolcher and Friends, Kristina Murray, Spencer Thomas (formerly of Futurebirds), Cat Ridgeway, Caleb Caudle, Lily Grace and dozens more. Morgan Rodgers, Alpharetta’s director of recreation, parks and cultural services, said one of his favorite parts about the event is watching audiences connect with the stories that inspired songs. “We’re fortunate to have a community that appreciates live, original music, and this festival is a great way to celebrate the talented artists who make it all happen,” Rodgers said. The festival’s Listening Room returns Oct. 10 at Roaring Social with an intimate songwriter showcase featuring David Lowery, Angie Aparo and David R yan Harris. The Listening Room is the
festival’s only ticketed event, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience acclaimed songwriters in a limitedcapacity indoor setting. Tickets are $30 and on sale at the festival website. Net proceeds benefit the city of Alpharetta’s Music Match program, which supports live music in the community throughout the year. Janet Rodgers, president and CEO of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau, described Wire & Wood as a celebration of the creativity and energy that makes Alpharetta a “music city.” “We invite residents and visitors to come downtown, discover new favorite artists and experience the unforgettable atmosphere that makes this festival one of Alpharetta’s signature events,” she said. Visitors also can enjoy Alpharetta’s vibrant downtown district, which has more than 50 restaurants, specialty retailers, public art and walkable gathering spaces. Festival merchandise will be available throughout the weekend. Free parking is available throughout the downtown area, and festival attendees are encouraged to bring portable lawn chairs for other outdoor seating. For the complete festival schedule, Listening Room tickets and additional event information, visit wireandwoodalpharetta.com or follow @wireandwoodfest on Facebook and Instagram. — Jon Wilcox
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August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | 8
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This is National Wellness Month, a time to encourage all of us to focus on important aspects of wellbeing - from stress management and the creation of wholesome habits to self-care. For older adults, wellness is the framework to maintain independence, dignity and their best quality of life. While aging presents natural physical and cognitive changes, professional inhome care acts as a powerful catalyst for senior wellness within the comfort of home. By focusing on preventive health, regular physical movement, mental stimulation and emotional fulfillment, wellness can become not just a theme but an everyday reality. This is also the perfect opportunity to reassess the care needs of aging loved ones. The beauty of professional in-home care lies in its adaptive nature. As personal care needs advance, it’s built to evolve. From basic, occasional assistance to comprehensive support, it matches the aging journey of your loved one while avoiding the “transfer trauma” and anxiety and confusion often caused by having to leave the home they love. Here are just some of the ways a Home Helpers heart-centered, skilled caregiver can help. Proper nutrition and hydration are the foundation of healthy aging, but due to fatigue, mobility issues, or cognitive decline it’s often a struggle. Caregivers can assist with healthy meal preparation and watch fluid intake to prevent dehydration. This is a leading cause of UTI’s (urinary tract infections) and confusion. Regular movement preserves flexibility,
muscle mass and bone density but fear of falling often keeps an older loved one sedentary. A caregiver can provide support with neighborhood walks, following prescribed stretching routines or encourage physical therapy exercises critical to maintain mobility and vitality. As physical limitations increase, help with Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, dressing, grooming and fall prevention are important to reduce injury risks. Medication reminders can help ensure that they’re taken at the right intervals as prescribed. Light housekeeping and assistance with daily chores help keep a clean and clutterfree home. Social isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depression and rapid physical decline. A well-matched caregiver offers genuine companionship, aids family communication, and provides a link to their community and friends or help with transportation to events or appointments. Your personalized Home Helpers care plan can adapt to health shifts and safely speed up recovery from surgery, assist after a return home from a rehabilitation stay or a stroke. We can also provide the specialized care needed for a loved one with the advanced care needs of Alzheimer’s, Dementia or Parkinson’s. As an added support system for families, we have now added Nursing services. From four hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care, we’re here to help. We can also provide live-in care alternatives that may be a more economical choice. For a free consultation please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta at (770) 681-0323.
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Back to school, back to the dentist – A checklist for healthy smiles Brought to you by – Roswell Dental Care Dr. Destinee Hood As families in Roswell, Georgia prepare for another school year, there’s one important item that should be on every back-to-school checklist: a dental checkup. At Roswell Dental Care, we help students head back to class with clean, healthy smiles and the confidence that comes with them. August is the ideal time to schedule routine care before calendars get crowded—and it’s also a smart way to catch small problems before they become big distractions during the school year. Why preventive dental visits matter for kids According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children aged 6 to 19, affecting nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children. Left untreated, cavities can cause pain, infections, difficulty eating, and missed school days. Regular cleanings and exams help prevent these problems and ensure your child is set up for a healthy year. At Roswell Dental Care, we check for: • Cavities and early signs of decay • Tooth development and eruption • Gum health • Enamel wear from grinding or acid exposure • Proper oral hygiene habits We also provide fluoride treatments and sealants—proven to reduce the risk of cavities in molars by up to 80%, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Make dental health a learning habit Routine dental visits teach kids that
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10 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
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Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology Medical science can sometimes help us step back in time and understand the past as though centuries no longer separate us. Homer's The Odyssey has received renewed attention through Christopher Nolan's recent film adaptation, providing an opportunity to revisit medicine in Homer's world. By understanding the effects of two plants— nightshade and snowdrops—modern pharmacology sheds light on one of the epic's most perplexing episodes: the transformation of Odysseus's men into swine. Christopher Nolan's adaptation includes the startling scene in which the sorceress Circe turns Odysseus's men into pigs. In Homer's original epic, Circe poisons the soldiers' drink. The god Hermes gives Odysseus an antidote in the form of a plant called Moly, described as having a black root and a white flower. Odysseus consumes the herb, drinks Circe's poisoned brew without harm, then confronts Circe and rescues his men. To modern audiences, Circe's potion seems fantastical. But to ancient listeners familiar with local plants and traditional healing, it may have suggested something far more recognizable. One influential interpretation proposes that Circe's potion was inspired by poisonous plants of the nightshade family, which profoundly affect the nervous system. Normally, the body shifts between "rest and digest" and "fight or flight" through the action of acetylcholine. Nightshade blocks acetylcholine, pushing the nervous system toward "fight or flight." In larger doses, the consequences become severe. Poisoning by nightshade produces the classic symptoms: "blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone." Victims may suffer blurred vision, impaired sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and delusions. Nightshade is among history's most famous poisons, appearing in Homer, Shakespeare, and countless ancient texts. Homer's audience would likely have recognized its effects. Nightshade could leave Odysseus's men as helpless as pigs—or even convince them they were pigs. Medical historians have suggested that Moly may have been the snowdrop (Galanthus), which has a white flower, dark roots when freshly dug up, and which contains galantamine, a compound that increases acetylcholine activity and largely counteracts the effects
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of nightshade. But snowdrops are not harmless. In excessive doses, they can slow the heart, weaken breathing, lower blood pressure, and become poisonous themselves. Only a master herbalist or a hero with Hermes as his guide could have chosen the proper balance. For ancient audiences, the story likely gained another layer of suspense now largely lost on us. They may have recognized that Moly itself was dangerous. Once Odysseus swallowed it, the clock began ticking. Odysseus had to drink Circe’s nightshade before the snowdrop killed him. The antidote became the poison, and the poison became the antidote. When Odysseus consumed Moly, ancient listeners may have experienced the same suspense we feel watching heroes race to obtain an antidote in modern films. When Odysseus swallowed one poison in preparation for another, ancient listeners, too, were likely on the edge of their seats. Almost any substance can be a medicine at one dose and a poison at another. That paradox—and the knowledge that Hermes' "gift" was both antidote and toxin—deepens our understanding of the peril Odysseus faced. Between Circe and Hermes, nightshade and snowdrops, he navigates a medicinal Scylla and Charybdis in which each plant is both poison and cure. A knowledge of ancient herbal medicine and modern pharmacology makes sense of a scene of soldiers turned into pigs and helps us appreciate a moment of tremendous danger and suspense for our great ancient hero Odysseus.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 13, 2026 | 11
Specialist in Integrative Oncology Cancer Treatments Including: Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Nutrition Supplementation ISTOCK
Rethinking Chemotherapy Brought to you by – Jonathan Stegall, MD Chemotherapy side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and vomiting are the result of the high doses of chemotherapy typically administered. STEGALL This method of administration is called maximum tolerated dose, and typically requires between 1-3 weeks of recovery time before another dose can safely be given. Such breaks are necessary to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of more significant side effects. However, I believe there is a better way, which is to administer chemotherapy more often using lower doses. This method is known as fractionated metronomic chemotherapy. It allows for more frequent “hits” to the cancer cells, while also improving the safety profile considerably. Research studies support these findings. I have been administering chemotherapy in my oncology practice this way for years and have been amazed by the results. The risk of side effects, while certainly not eliminated, is significantly lower. As a result, patient quality of life is much better, all while still routinely seeing a good clinical response to treatment. This integrative approach also includes a focus on supportive therapies such as intravenous vitamin
C, mistletoe, hyperthermia, nutrition, supplementation, repurposed medications, and stress reduction, to name a few.
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12 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
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Stay active with a healthy Achilles Brought to you by – Roshmi Bhattacharya, MD, Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Wellstar Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Many of us enjoy staying active through sports such as pickleball, tennis, basketball, soccer, running or weekend workouts. These activities are great for our health, but sudden starts, jumps and changes of direction can place tremendous stress on the Achilles tendon. The Achilles is the strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It helps lift the heel and propel the body forward when walking, running or jumping. The Achilles tendon has a high load capacity, sustaining peak forces up to 8-10 times body weight during impact activities. However, the load that the tendon is able to withstand declines with age. When the load consistently exceeds the tendon’s capacity for recovery, recurrent micro-tears occur leading to degeneration of the tendon. This can lead to persistent pain called Achilles tendinitis. In other situations, a sudden push-off or landing can result in feeling a “pop” or a sensation of being kicked in the back of the ankle, typical of a complete Achilles rupture. For both severe tendinitis and rupture, pain and swelling may
develop, and walking or standing on the toes of the injured leg may be difficult. Who is at risk? Anyone can rupture an Achilles, but risk may increase when someone returns too quickly to high-impact activity after a period of reduced exercise. Other risk factors include male DR. BHATTACHARYA gender, age 30-40 years, high-impact activity, previous Achilles pain, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory diseases, and smoking Certain medications also can affect tendon health. These include corticosteroids and fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. If new tendon pain or swelling develops while taking one of these antibiotics, stop exercising and contact the prescribing clinician immediately.
• Warm up before activity. • Maintain calf flexibility and strength. • Wear supportive, activity-appropriate shoes. • Include recovery days rather than performing highimpact exercise every day. • Avoid smoking and address persistent Achilles pain before returning to explosive activity. Treatment does not automatically mean surgery. Both surgical and nonsurgical care can be effective. The best approach depends on the type of tear and the patient’s health and activity goals. Treatment typically includes early protection in a splint followed by structured rehabilitation. With or without surgery, recovery can take several months, and returning too quickly can place the healing tendon at risk. The key message is to listen to warning signs. Gradual training, appropriate conditioning and early evaluation of Achilles pain can help keep you safely active.
Can an Achilles rupture be prevented? Not every rupture is preventable, but several habits may reduce your risk: • Increase running, jumping and court sports gradually, especially after time away.
Roshmi Bhattacharya, MD is an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon with Wellstar Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. She has offices in Marietta and Alpharetta. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call (470)-95-ORTHO (956-7846) or go to www.wellstar.org/ortho.
HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 13, 2026 | 13
Expert orthopedics means more movement for you.
Wellstar Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provides complete care for all types of bone, joint and soft tissue injuries and conditions, as well as total joint replacements. From diagnosis and treatment through rehabilitation and recovery, we provide expert care at every step. wellstar.org/ortho Wellstar Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 2450 Old Milton Parkway | ALPHARETTA (470) 95-ORTHO
14 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section
The latest advances in dentistry and patient care Brought to you by – Atlanta Center for Dental Health If it's been several years since your last visit to the dentist, you may be surprised by how much dentistry has changed. Advances in technology, materials, and research have transformed the way dentists diagnose problems, restore teeth, and help patients maintain healthy smiles. Dr. Nicole Sykora, the newest associate dentist at Atlanta Center for Dental Health, recently completed her dental education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. As a recent graduate, she has trained with many of the newest technologies and techniques now becoming standard in modern dental care. "One of the biggest changes is how digital dentistry has improved both accuracy and patient comfort," says Dr. Sykora. "Many procedures that once required traditional impressions can now be completed with digital scanners that create highly detailed three-dimensional images of a patient's teeth." Digital imaging has also improved
diagnosis. Three-dimensional X-rays allow dentists to evaluate teeth, bone, and surrounding structures with greater precision, helping identify problems earlier and plan treatment more accurately. Modern dental education also emphasizes preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible. New materials and adhesive techniques often allow dentists to restore damaged teeth while removing less healthy enamel than was required in the past. This conservative approach helps teeth remain stronger over the long term. Another important area of focus is prevention. Today, dentists spend significant time helping patients understand how daily habits, nutrition, and regular preventive care affect longterm oral health. Research continues to show that healthy gums and teeth contribute to overall health and quality of life. Although technology continues to advance, Dr. Sykora believes one thing has remained unchanged. "The most important part of dentistry is building relationships with patients," she says. "Technology is an incredible tool, but listening to patients, understanding
their concerns, and helping them feel comfortable is what creates a positive dental experience." As dentistry continues to evolve, patients benefit from treatments that are more precise, more comfortable, and more conservative than ever before. For many people who haven't visited a dentist in several years, they may be pleasantly surprised by how different a modern dental appointment can be. “Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." – Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic Dr. Bradley Hepler, Dr. Nicole Sykora, and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide the most modern advances in comprehensive dentistry. Experience immediate results with procedures to greatly enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complimentary consultation to discover which of these options is best for you, please call us at 770-992-2236. Dr. Hepler and Dr. Sykora are highly trained to provide you with the latest and best techniques to allow you to achieve your cosmetic and restorative goals.
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16 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
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Continued from Page 1 Commission member Karen Richard, who voted against the measure along with Jill Reynolds and Dennis Mitchell, said she is in support of the project but wanted the entire plan to be contingent on the awarding of the hockey team. The approved plan makes construction of only the for-rent homes contingent on the hockey team being awarded. “I understand this is a regional draw and a regional development,” Richard said after the meeting. “But at the same time, it is critical for the city to create a development that is additive to Alpharetta and continues to move our city forward.” Before the vote, numerous residents spoke in favor of the project, saying the area is long overdue for redevelopment. Only one person spoke against the project. John Lamb said as an Atlanta sports fan he loves attending Braves and Falcons games but hates the long drive to their stadiums. “I live here, and I work here, and I want to play here,” he said. He pointed to recent crowds at
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A conceptual rendering shows the proposed North Point entertainment and sports district, anchored by a hockey arena, in Alpharetta. World Cup watch parties in the Town Green as evidence that there is love for professional sports in Alpharetta. The event reinforced the city’s sense of community and strengthened his pride for his hometown, he said. “I’ve never seen the Green so crowded,” he said. He also said the success of hockey franchises in Tampa, Florida, and Nashville, Tennessee, show another team could succeed in the South. “It’s booming, and we are right here in the middle,” he said.
Meals: Continued from Page 1 “Once I started getting meals from Meals on Wheels, my food situation didn’t become so tight anymore,” Bloodworth said. “I was able to relax a little bit.” The 71-year-old Roswell senior is not alone in his financial struggles. Local seniors are experiencing food insecurity at rapidly increasing rates. In the past six months, participation in the North Fulton Meals on Wheels program has jumped by 20%, according to officials with the nonprofit. Michelle Williams, the organization’s director of meals and volunteer services, said every meal delivery enables seniors to allocate more of their fixed income toward rent, medications and other essentials. The meals also offer seniors something else to look forward to — companionship. After years as a Meals on Wheels client, Bloodworth said he is always excited to see the volunteers who bring by those meals. He knows them on a first-name basis. “People have always been there for me,” Bloodworth said. “Some of my best friends are people who come and bring me a meal five days a week.” Once a month, those volunteers also bring food to Bloodworth’s house for his cat, Princess Cleo, through the Meals on Wheels for Pets program. “I’m very grateful … not just for the food,” Bloodworth said. “It’s the people caring enough to come that means a lot to me.” In April, Bloodworth was hospitalized and was also in rehabilitation after a health scare. Meals on
Parker Welton, a commercial real estate broker who grew up in Alpharetta, said she spent considerable time at North Point Mall in her youth. “It’s where our parents took us to dinner, where I got an American Girl doll, where I rode the carousel, where they dropped me off to hang out with my friends,” she said. Although the mall was once Alpharetta’s “front porch,” times have changed and the mall is no longer the draw it once was, she said. “The legacy mall format that made
Wheels volunteers checked in on him throughout that ordeal. “They didn’t have to do that,” Bloodworth said. “But it was nice to see a friendly face … I’m just extremely grateful.” On pleasant afternoons, Bloodworth said he waits on his back porch for the familiar cars to roll up his driveway. He knows “his friend from Meals” is on the way. “Until you’ve been in that situation, you don’t know what it’s like,” Bloodworth said, referring to his financial crisis after his diagnosis. However, he now takes comfort in his friends at Meals on Wheels — and in knowing that he will “never be stuck without food.” Williams said Senior Services North Fulton’s work would not be possible without the organization’s more than 500 volunteers. The majority of those serve through the Meals on Wheels program, she noted. “Their commitment allows hundreds of meals to be delivered throughout North Fulton each week, helping older adults maintain their independence [while] reducing feelings of isolation,” Williams added. Senior Services North Fulton offers more than just meals, she said. In 2025, the organization provided more than 2,000 rides to medical appointments, thousands of hours of personal care assistance and homemaker services, and more than 1,240 hours of programing at their seven senior centers throughout North Fulton. As demand increases, Williams said the nonprofit remains committed to ensuring that no older adult has to choose between buying food, paying rent or filling a prescription. To donate or learn more about Senior Services North Fulton, visit ssnorthfulton.org.
this place special in 1993 is simply outdated today,” she said. “That’s not a loss. It’s an opportunity.” Melton said she sees the entertainment and sports district project as more than a renovation and more of a chance to transform the area. The district would join Avalon and downtown as a third center of gravity, providing economic opportunities and off-hours recreation for the entire city, she said. “The missing part of the trifecta is North Point,” she said.
TOMMY BLOODWORTH/PROVIDED
Meals on Wheels client Tommy Bloodworth’s cat, Princess Cleo, also benefits from Senior Services North Fulton’s work. She receives monthly food deliveries through the group’s pet food program. Her dad says the weekday meal deliveries have been a source of comfort throughout his health and financial struggles.
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 13, 2026 | 17
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18 | August 13, 2026 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following item will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 3, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, September 14, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. MP-26-13/CU-26-11 Royal 400 Data Center Consideration of a request for master plan amendment and conditional use to allow a Georgia Power substation in conjunction with an expansion at an existing data center on 38.8 acres in the Royal 400 Master Plan. The applicant requests to amend the Royal 400 Master Plan to add ‘Utility Substation’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow a ‘Utility Substation’ at the applicant’s property. The property is located at 4905 North Point Parkway and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 850, 851, 858 & 859, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Planning Commission on Thursday, September 3, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. Items forwarded by the Planning Commission will be considered by the City Council on Monday, September 28, 2026 commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. a. MP-26-12/CU-26-10 Veterinary Dental Specialist of Atlanta/Windward MP Pod 4 Consideration of a master plan amendment and conditional use to allow Veterinary Dental Specialist of Atlanta to operate in a 4,257 square foot suite in the Terraces at Windward shopping center. A master plan amendment is requested to the Windward Master Plan Pod 4 to add ‘Animal Hospital, Small Animal’ as a conditional use and a conditional use is requested to allow ‘Animal Hospital, Small Animal’ for Veterinary Dental Specialist of Atlanta. The property is located at 3070 Windward Plaza, Suites G & H-I and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 1048, 1107, and 1108, 2nd District, 1st Section, Fulton County, Georgia. b. Z-26-07/V-26-15 350 Wills Lane Consideration of a rezoning and variances to allow for the subdivision of a 4.98-acre property into 3 single-family detached lots. A rezoning is requested from AG (Agriculture) to R (Dwelling, ‘For-Sale’, Residential). Variances are requested to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 2.2.3(D) to reduce the side setback from 25’ to 15’ and UDC Subsection 3.5.2 to modify the local street section to allow for no curb or sidewalks. The property is located at 350 Wills Lane and is legally described as being located in Land Lots 597, 598, and 599, 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia. c. PH-26-04 Unified Development Code – Amendments Business & Recreational Vehicles Consideration of text amendments to Unified Development Code (UDC) Subsection 1.4 and UDC Subsection 2.5.4(B) to assign definitions and amend the locational parking requirements for business and recreational vehicles in residential zoning districts. Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
DEATH NOTICES Rosemary Blackington, age 93, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 21, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory. Laverne Calvert, age 84, of Milton, GA passed away on July 26, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Mildred Gergelyi, age 89, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 20, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Archella Pelletier, age 56, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 22, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Clyde “Drew” Ludwick, age 76, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on July 27, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
Alice Pruet, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on August 2, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.
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2026
FO OT B AL L S C H ED UL ES
High school football around the region kicks off in earnest this month, renewing a fall tradition that has bred heart-stopping action and long-standing rivalries. Enjoy this special section from North Atlanta Now powered by Appen Media, bringing you a list of games to watch this season. Support the work of your local community newsroom today at appenmedia.com/join.
On the cover The photos featured in the cover collage are credited to: • ANNABELLE REITER • WMSPORTOGRAPHY • JSM PRODUCTIONS • KEN LANGLEY
► ALPHARETTA 8/21
7:30 PM
@ Kennesaw Mountain
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Denmark
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Centennial
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Duluth
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Gainesville
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Riverwood
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Roswell
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Milton
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Johns Creek
11/06
7:30 PM
vs. Lanier
► ROSWELL 8/13
8:00 PM
vs. Walton
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Newton
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Etowah
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Archer
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Lanier
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Gainesville
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Alpharetta
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Johns Creek
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. Riverwood
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Milton
► BLESSED TRINITY 8/20
7:30 PM
vs. Decatur
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Milton
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Hebron Christian
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Lambert
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Marist
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Centennial
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Sprayberry
10/16
7:30 PM
@ St. Pius X
10/31
7:30 PM
vs. Chattahoochee
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. Cambridge
► CENTENNIAL 8/20
4:30 PM
vs. Dunwoody
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Johns Creek
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Alpharetta
9/11
7:30 PM
@ South Forsyth
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Cambridge
10/2
7:30 PM
@ Blessed Trinity
10/9
7:30 PM
@ St. Pius X
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. Sprayberry
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Marist
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. Chattahoochee
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 21
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2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
22 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
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8/13
5:30 PM
vs. Brookwood
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Woodstock
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Milton
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Denmark
9/18
7:30 PM
@ Centennial
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Sprayberry
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Marist
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Chattahoocheel
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. St. Pius X
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Blessed Trinity
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@ West Hall
7:30 PM
vs. Forsyth Central
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Johns Creek
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Sprayberry
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. St. Pius X
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Northview
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Cambridge
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. Marist
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Blessed Trinity
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Centennial
8/21
8:00 PM
vs. Houston County
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Norcross
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Lanier
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Cartersville
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Parkview
9/24
7:30 PM
@ North Forysth
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Lambert
10/15
7:30 PM
vs. Forsyth Central
10/30
7:30 PM
@ South Forsyth
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Denmark
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► NORTH SPRINGS 8/21
7:30 PM
@ Riverwood
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Creekview
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Woodland
9/11
7:00 PM
vs. Kennesaw Mountain
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Westminster
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Pace Academy
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Salem
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Greater Atlanta Christian
10/30
7:00 PM
@ Stephenson
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Douglass
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 23
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2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
24 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
Metro Atlanta high schools preview 2026 football season By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com NORTH METRO ATLANTA — Teams in the north Atlanta metro are historically known to play high-level football, but don’t think current coaches or players are resting on the laurels of their reputations. They’re hungry and looking for success this season. The Fulton County School System hosted a media day for their football teams at the College Football Hall of Fame on July 24. Sixteen public schools gave a briefing on their teams and their gridiron hopes and dreams. Director of Athletics Lamarr Glenn, school board Vice President Kristin McCabe, and Superintendent Mike Looney spoke, followed by a keynote speech by Fulton County Schools graduate and former NFL defensive tackle Andre Fluellen. Each team’s head coach then had the opportunity to take the podium to provide an update on how their offseason has progressed and what to expect from them this year. Alpharetta Alpharetta’s Danny Carlisle was the first program lead to take the stage.
Carlisle has faced a rocky first few months with the Raiders. Alpharetta High has been undergoing construction all summer, forcing the team to complete all their workouts while exposed to the elements. The coach said it takes the team an hour and a half to set up equipment and take it down after practice, but the players have accepted the challenge as an opportunity for the development they wished for. Nick DePietro, the 2024 Region 7-5A second-team running back, rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore at Johns Creek before transferring to Alpharetta last year and playing on the junior varsity squad to comply with GHSA transfer guidelines. Carlisle told media day attendees he expects DePietro to be the team’s “workhorse.” “I’m excited to see us come together,” DiPietro said. “We’re all confident in our coaching staff and to see how far we can go.” Carlisle also brought junior lineman Calvin Landy Jr. to media day. He has been pulling in numerous Power 4 offers this year. Landy told Appen Media his top schools are Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Georgia Tech and North Carolina.
He said he wants scouts to know he is “very coachable and very versatile” and able to play “all five” spots on the line. Roswell Centennial Head Coach Adam Miller is the first coach of the last six to make it to their fourth season with the school. The school launched its own feeder football program for kindergarten and up this season. “We’re excited to get rolling,” Miller said. Players said they are most excited for the matchup with Cambridge this year. Miller said the Sept. 18 contest will be one that speaks volumes about his team’s capabilities. Senior Atticus Cordes, who also plays lacrosse, said the team is more bought in than ever before. The shuffling of regions this year has brought Marist, St. Pius X, Sprayberry and Chattahoochee into Centennial’s group that retained Blessed Trinity and Cambridge but parted from Westminster and Kell. Coach Jonathan Thompson at Roswell High is beginning his second year at the helm. After forging Lee County into a record-breaking offense as the coordinator until 2024, the Hornets put up over
43 points per game last season during their semifinal playoff run. Had they won in the Final Four, they would have faced a familiar foe, Gainesville, in the title game, whom they had beaten 37-35 earlier in the season. The Hornets will face off against Walton in Week 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s 30-28 Roswell win. The Hornets will scrimmage against Cambridge Aug. 6 to prepare for the Corky Kell. Thompson played golf with his running backs coach and Bears program head, Tyler Jones, and his offensive coordinator ahead of the match several weeks ago. Roswell’s biggest wins last season came in close games, and one of the questions facing the team is whether they can widen the gap this year. New additions that may hold promise for accomplishing that include former Alpharetta quarterback Matthew Schletty to replace current Furman freshman Trey Smith; another former Raider, three-star edge Jaxon Holly; and Peachtree Ridge transfer Elijah Thompson. The Hornets have several returning players on both sides of the ball ready to step up into new roles.
See PREVIEW, Page 26
► MILTON
► DENMARK 8/21
7:30 PM
vs Sequoyah
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. North Cobb
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Alpharetta
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Blessed Trinity
7:30 PM
vs. Cambridge
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Campbell
9/4
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Cambridge
9/11
7:00 PM
@ Battle Ground Academy
7:30 PM
@ Johns Creek
9/18
7:30 PM
@ Peachtree Ridge
9/25
9/24
7:30 PM
vs. Forsyth Central
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Lanier
7:30 PM
vs. Alpharetta
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. South Forsyth
10/16
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Lambert
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Gainesville
7:30 PM
@ Riverwood
7:30 PM
vs. Roswell
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. North Forsyth
10/30
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. West Forsyth
11/6
► JOHNS CREEK
► KING’S RIDGE
8/21
7:30 PM
@ Northview
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Centennial
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Mountain View
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Chattahoochee
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Milton
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Gainesville
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Roswell
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Lanier
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Alpharetta
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Riverwood
8/14 8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/31 11/6
7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
vs. Haralson County @ Westover vs. Westminster vs. Lakeview Academy @ Northview vs. Mount Vernon vs. Mount Paran Christian @ Mount Pisgah Christian @ Fellowship Christian @ MBCA vs. Walker
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 25
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
26 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
► NORTH ATLANTA 8/13 8/21 8/27 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/2 10/9 10/23 10/30 11/6
7:00 PM 7:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM
vs. Westlake @ Langston Hughes @ Midtown @ Jackson vs. Norcross @ McEachern vs. Harrison @ Kennesaw Mountain @ Hillgrove vs. Campbell vs. Pebblebrook
► MARIST 8/21
7:30 PM
@ Woodward Academy
8/28
7:00 PM
vs. Druid Hills
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Brookwood
9/18
7:30 PM
@ Campbell
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Blessed Trinity
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Cambridge
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Sprayberry
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Chattahoochee
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Centennial
11/6
7:30 PM
@ St. Pius X
► MOUNT VERNON 8/21
4:30 PM
vs. McNair
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Whitefield Academy
9/4
4:30 PM
@ Holy Innocents Episcopal
9/11
7:30 PM
@ St. Anne-Pacelli
9/18
4:15 PM
vs. MBCA
9/25
7:30 PM
@ King’s Ridge
10/2
3:45 PM
vs. Fellowship Christian
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Walker
10/30
3:45 PM
vs. Mount Paran Christian
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Mount Pisgah Christian
► MT. BETHEL 8/15 8/29 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/2 10/10 10/16 10/23 10/31 11/6
7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 4:15 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 3:45 PM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM
@ Varsity Opponent @ Copper Basin @ UAA vs. Towers @ Mount Vernon vs. Walker vs. SFA @ Mount Paran Christian vs. Mount Pisgah Christian vs. King’s Ridge @ Fellowship Christian
Preview: Continued from Page 24 Senior Dre Cousey recorded over 1,100 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns last season. Offensive lineman Miller Westerfield committed to UGA over the summer ahead of his senior year. He is ranked No. 33 in Georgia’s senior class by On3 and No. 50 by 247 Sports. Coach Thompson flagged junior tight end Sean Smith as one on breakout watch. Milton Milton Head Coach Ben Reaves used his opening moments at the podium to give flowers to the entire county. His Eagles may have made up two of the last four, but it takes going back 12 more years to find another four champions like the ones from Fulton in the last four seasons. Milton kicked off the season with a scrimmage against Grayson before the opener against North Cobb. The Eagles will go on another outof-state trip Sept. 11 to face off against Battle Ground Academy of Franklin, Tennessee. Reaves brought four seniors to media day, biting at the chance to leave a legacy. Aside from quarterback Derrick Baker, who transferred from Florida last season, the other three players have championship-level experience from the Eagles’ back-to-back state titles. They all have committed to SEC, ACC and Big 10 programs and are ranked in 247 Sports’ Top 200 players in Georgia’s senior class. Baker sat out for nearly the entire season last year after injuring his wrist in the season opener against Buford. The Tennessee commit told Appen Media he is ready to get back on the field with his brothers. He said the team had a workout several weeks ago put on by an Army representative. Baker said team bonding exercises like that have strengthened the team on and off the field. Milton’s QB1 concluded his OT7 career earlier this year. He etched his name in the California seven-on-seven league’s records book with 105 passing touchdowns and bested the passing yards record. Baker participated with Cam Newton’s team and said Newton has become an irreplaceable mentor. Reaves described the Eagles’ 8-4 season and second-round finish last year as “a good cleanse” and said it was exactly what the team needed to catapult them back to state championship heights, even if it didn’t measure up to the program’s standards. One big difference from last year will be the usage rate of four-star tight end Grant Haviland. The Vanderbilt commit took on a different role last year, but with
some new additions to the offensive line, Haviland will have more opportunity to score this season, according to Reaves and Baker. Milton is returning 15 of 22 starters from last year, including junior cornerback Keelan Wonsley, who is shaping up to potentially be the third Eagle recruited by the Volunteers’ DB staff. He has already received an offer to join Milton alumni Dylan Lewis and Ty Redmond, who are entering their sophomore years at Tennessee. Redmond has been tabbed as one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC in one of the best defensive back cores in college football. Cambridge Head Coach Tyler Jones said his team is ready to compete at a high level despite being the newest school in Fulton County. This year’s team is young, too, but the senior captains Jones brought to media day are leading by example. They said they are prepared to show up big at Mercedes-Benz in their Week 1 matchup with Brookwood at the Corky Kell Classic. Star receiver Craig Dandridge is the latest Bear wideout to go on to suit up for UGA after graduating last year, leaving running back Brooks Malone to carry the offense. Malone rushed for 15 touchdowns and over 1,150 yards in his junior season and said he is ready to leave his mark this year. Cambridge’s defensive line is anchored this year by senior Luke Huffman and the son of a former Falcon, Kroy (K.J.) Biermann Jr. Biermann made the all-region second team as a freshman last year and hopes to see his younger brother Kash return from injury for his freshman year. K.J. told Appen Media at practice his dad didn’t let him or his brothers play football until seventh grade. Before middle school, it was only wrestling, baseball and basketball. Kane Biermann began his football career this season for the junior Bears, playing offensive guard and defensive tackle, per K.J. K.J. said even with an NFL veteran dad, there’s no pressure on his shoulders. His motivation comes from a drive to “be better than” his dad. When the brothers began to display their athletic awards on the wall next to their father’s, it only intensified their desire to be the best athletes in the family. “Get ready to see a lot of sacks and great defense and a great offense this year,” K.J. said. Johns Creek Northview Head Coach Mario Drayton told Appen Media he is prepared to launch a campaign to revitalize the energy around football in Johns Creek.
See PREVIEW, Page 28
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 27
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Preview: Continued from Page 26 He said that starts with creating a rivalry between his Titans, the Chattahoochee Cougars and the Johns Creek Gladiators. Drayton said he felt the game against North Springs last year had an encouraging impact on the team, showing them what they are capable of and who they are striving to be as a team. He brought his four team captains to the Hall and told Appen Media that all the work the team put in last year is propelling them into this season. “The kids have been working extremely hard,” Drayton said. “That last game, through adversity and what happened to our quarterback, we got to stretch it out and that really galvanized us and really got us to where we are right now.” Drayton said the team has grown immensely and became a family. The Titans’ first game of the season is Aug. 21 at home against Johns Creek. Drayton said he plans to schedule the Gladiators every year to maintain a new cross-town rivalry. Johns Creek Head Coach Jason Tester took over this year after the departure of Jim Rowell prior to the Gladiators’ last game of the season in 2025. “Everything is about building … getting
closer as a group and these guys seeing the fruits of their labor,” Tester told Appen Media. Tester said last year’s young team has progressed leaps and bounds this offseason. He highlighted two players in the spring game. Two-way playmaker Elijah Antoine had several tackles for loss and receiver/defensive back Ben Feigin notched a receiving touchdown. Junior Jake Blackwell is entering his third year starting at quarterback for the Gladiators. Tester said he is one of the team’s major leaders. Chattahoochee High’s recently promoted Head Coach Austin Hamilton has brought a renewed energy to the team after moving into his new role from co-offensive coordinator last year. He said his former post as the junior varsity head coach also helped him adjust to the new position. The Cougars hosted their own media day July 18, where they not only took team photos but also held a mock postgame press conference. Players received media training earlier in the week to prepare for how to approach questions. Hamilton said the team has already begun to see the fruits of their labor this offseason from padded camps, but he knows the reality of the situation as a new head coach. Much is up in the air and can only be settled on the field. “It’s all fun and games, but we got to put a good product on Friday nights,”
► MOUNT PISGAH
Hamilton said. Hamilton is a former offensive lineman for Grayson High and West Georgia. At Fulton County media day, he brought four seniors, including a center and a guard. His team is ready to redefine what it means to be a Chattahoochee Cougar. The coaching staff said the difference from last year is “night and day,” especially in the weight room. Many of the coaches are alumni of the school. Several transfers joined the team for the first time in several years this season, and the Cougars are looking to capitalize. Sandy Springs Riverwood Head Coach Josh Coffey joined the program in January, coming from Denmark High, where he served as the offensive coordinator. He held the same position at Union Grove and Lamar County and also made stops at Chattahoochee and Spalding. Coffey said the offseason has been coming along well. He brought quarterback and defensive end Jake Kaplan, along with two other seniors and one sophomore who is returning to the varsity squad after making the team as a freshman. Kaplan agreed with Coffey’s assessments of how the summer has gone. He said the community can expect a lot of fight in this team.
“I think things have been coming along great,” Kaplan said. “I would say we’ve come a long way since we started working out in the winter. I’ve seen a toughness in my team that I’ve never seen among my teammates before, and we’ve done a really great job just coming out every day, waking up early and getting after it.” One of Coffey’s biggest undertakings has been establishing this team’s identity as their own and not based on years past. “Our base pillar is perseverance, that fight through, that overcome something,” Coffey said. “That’s something that these seniors have really taken and run with, and they’ve answered every call I’ve made. They’ve stepped up, they’ve fought through it, they’ve gone to the level of perseverance that they’ve had to.” County Athletic Director Lamarr Glenn said he is excited for the five new head coaches in the county and to see what they can lead their teams to. “It’s always exciting to see the next players step up,” Glenn said. “The expectation of Fulton County is here. It’s not going anywhere. The anticipation is that Fulton County is going to have somebody special each year.” Glenn’s take on Fulton teams to watch this year are Creekside, Milton, Langston Hughes and Roswell. It’s never safe to count these teams out, so fans may be in for a fifth straight state title from Fulton this year.
► NORTHVIEW
8/21
7:30 PM
@ Lake Oconee Academy
8/21
7:30 PM
8/28
7:30 PM
@ CCA
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Drew
9/11
7:30 PM
@ PCA
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Berkmar
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Mount Paran Christian
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. King’s Ridge
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Walker
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Trion
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. King’s Ridge
10/1
6:30 PM
@ Towers
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Fellowship Christian
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Chattahoochee
10/23
3:45 PM
@ MBCA
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Clarkston
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Towers
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Johnson
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. Mount Vernon
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Banks County
► WESLEYAN 8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Johns Creek
► WOODWARD ACADEMY vs. Whitefield Academy
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Marist
7:30 PM
@Chapel Hill
8/28
7:30 PM
@Elbert County
8/28
9/11
7:30 PM
@North Cobb Christian
9/11
7:30 PM
@Tri-Cities
7:30 PM
vs. McIntosh
9/18
7:30 PM
@Lovett
9/18
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Gilmer
9/25
7:30 PM
@Northside
7:30 PM
vs. Newnan
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Haralson County
10/9
10/9
4:00 PM
@Holy Innocents
10/16
7:30 PM
@Langston Hughes
7:30 PM
vs. Morrow
10/23
7:30 PM
@Therrell
10/23
10/31
4:00 PM
@KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Lovejoy
vs. Temple
11/6
7:30 PM
@Creekside
11/6
7:30 PM
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
PREVIEWS FROM OTHER METRO AREAS Forsyth County West Forsyth High will represent Forsyth Co. in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. The Wolverines will face off against Houston County in the last game of the tournament’s final day, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. With the new shuffling of regions, all of the Forsyth teams, except East, are grouped together in Region 6-7A. East Forsyth is not slated to play any area teams in the regular season this year. The six teams in Region 6-7A will all play one another, so there’s no need to publish rankings. The region standings will speak for themselves. The toughest non-conference schedules belong to West and Lambert.
Dunwoody After suffering a loss to Class 5A runners-up Gainesville in the first round last season, Dunwoody is ready to rebound. Players’ Instagram bios indicate the team is out to avenge last year’s 5-6 record. They held a spring scrimmage May 14 against North Atlanta and have a fall scrimmage slated for Aug. 13 against Wesleyan. The Wildcats will open their season Aug. 20 at the Corky Kell Classic at Blessed Trinity High School against Centennial. Dunwoody is playing in their second straight Corky Kell after losing to St. Pius X 15-12 last year at Mercedes-Benz.Head Coach Matt Schmitz said he knows Centennial is well-coached after pulling off one of the biggest playoff upsets in the state last year. “We know we’re gonna have to be ready,” Schmitz said at Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic media day. At Score Atlanta’s media day ahead of the memorial tournament, players said they have immense pride in wearing their hometown across their chest. One of Dunwoody’s most highly anticipated games is their matchup with rival Chamblee. Only a few miles apart, these schools always bring their best game against each other no matter what sport. The Wildcats hope to extend their winning streak to four games after besting the Bulldogs the last three seasons. The series has gone back and forth, with Chamblee taking three straight before the Wildcats took over. Dunwoody won six straight in the 2010s and is looking to extend the
ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA
Dunwoody quarterback Jack Quartararo hands off to running back Cameron Irastorza at Decatur High School Sept. 26, 2025. winning streak back to that point. Quarterback Jack Quartararo is one of several major returners for the Wildcats. Offensive lineman Grant Pearch has pulled in offers from Penn, Cornell, Air Force, Georgia State and Middle Tennessee, among others.
Decatur Head Coach William Felton is preparing his Bulldogs to make their first-ever appearance in the Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic. They will play against Blessed Trinity at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 to open their season. Felton took over in 2020 and is looking to improve on the Bulldogs’ 4-6 finish last year. To prepare for the Corky Kell, Decatur will scrimmage against Miller Grove on Aug. 14. He said the matchup is a major opportunity and platform for his team and players. He said it’s imperative for them to “demonstrate that they belong.” Felton brought six seniors with him to the Score Atlanta media day and they all said they were excited to get on the field with their brothers and make the most of their final year as a Bulldog. Several said they are eager to make a playoff appearance. In 2024, Decatur went 9-2, but Felton has been recently scheduling teams that will challenge his players. He said that although they may not be guaranteed to win against elite teams, he’s satisfied with what the team will get from the hours they put in. “At the end of the day, hard work and dedication don’t guarantee you a W,” Felton said. “But it does guarantee you an opportunity to compete for [it].”
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 29
► FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN 8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Trinity Christian
9/4
7:30 PM
@ Lovett
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Savannah Christian
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Prince Avenue Christian
10/2
3:45 PM
@ Mount Vernon
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Mount Paran Christian
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Mount Pisgah Christian
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. King’s Ridge
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Walker
11/6
7:000 PM
vs. MBCA
► DUNWOODY 8/20
4:30 PM
@ Centennial
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Riverwood
9/11
7:00 PM
@ Chamblee
9/18
7:00 PM
vs. Midtown
9/25
7:30 PM
@ Alcovy
10/2
7:00 PM
vs. Lakeside
10/16
7:00 PM
vs. Shiloh
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Decatur
10/30
7:00 PM
vs. Heritage
11/6
7:30 PM
@ Meadowcreek
► HOLY INNOCENTS 8/21
7:30 PM
@ Pace Academy
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Athens Academy
9/4
4:30 PM
vs. Mount Vernon
9/11
7:30 PM
@ Haralson County
9/18
8:00 PM
@ Therrell
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Temple
10/2
6:30 PM
vs. Lovett
10/9
4:00 PM
vs. Wesleyan
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
11/6
7:30 PM
@ North Cobb Christian
► NORTH FORSYTH 8/21
7:30 PM
@Jackson County
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Archer
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Dacula
9/11
7:30 PM
@Campbell
9/18
7:30 PM
@Norcross
9/24
7:30 PM
vs. West Forsyth
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Forsyth Central
10/16
7:30 PM
@South Forsyth
10/30
7:30 PM
@Denmark
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. Lambert
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
30 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
► FORSYTH CENTRAL
► EAST FORSYTH
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Creekview
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Cherokee Bluff
8/28
7:30 PM
@Pope
8/28
7:30 PM
@Dawson County
9/4
7:30 PM
@Chattahoochee
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Pope
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Veterans
9/11
7:30 PM
@Pickens
9/18
7:30 PM
@Cherokee Bluff
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Lumpkin County
9/24
7:30 PM
vs. Denmark
10/2
7:30 PM
@Madison County
10/9
7:30 PM
@North Forsyth
10/9
7:30 PM
@Jefferson
10/15
7:30 PM
@West Forsyth
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. North Oconee
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Lambert
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Flowery Branch
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. South Forsyth
11/6
7:30 PM
@Winder-Barrow
► LAMBERT
► SOUTH FORSYTH 8/21
7:00 PM
@Duluth
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Peachtree Ridge
8/28
7:30 PM
@Cherokee
8/28
7:30 PM
@Sequoyah
7:30 PM
@Tift County
9/4
7:30 PM
@Allatoona
9/4
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Centennial
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Blessed Trinity
7:30 PM
vs. Lanier
9/18
7:30 PM
vs. Starr’s Mill
9/18
9/24
7:30 PM
@Lambert
9/24
7:30 PM
vs. South Forsyth
7:30 PM
@West Forsyth
10/9
7:30 PM
@Denmark
10/9
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. North Forsyth
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Denmark
7:30 PM
@Forsyth Central
7:30 PM
@ North Forsyth
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. West Forsyth
10/30
11/6
7:30 PM
@Forsyth Central
11/6
► RIVERWOOD
► PINECREST
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. North Springs
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Dunwoody
9/10
7:30 PM
vs. Pebblebrook
9/18
7:30 PM
@ Westminster
10/2
7:30 PM
@ Alpharetta
10/9
7:30 PM
vs. Lanier
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Gainesville
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Roswell
10/30
7:30 PM
vs. Milton
11/6
7:30 PM
vs. Johns Creek
8/14
7:30 PM
@ Cherokee Christian
8/21
7:30 PM
vs. Central Christian
8/28
7:30 PM
vs. Harvester Christian
9/11
7:30 PM
@ St. Francis
9/18
7:30 PM
@ Msgr. Donovan Catholic
9/25
7:30 PM
vs. Covenant Christian
10/9
7:30 PM
@ Unity Christian
10/16
7:30 PM
vs. Horizon Christian Academy
10/23
7:30 PM
@ Johnson Ferry
► JOHNSON FERRY CHRISTIAN
► ST. FRANCIS 8/14
7:30 PM
vs. Covenant Christian
8/21
7:30 PM
@ N. Ga Homeschool Tribe
8/21
7:30 PM
@Skipstone Academy
8/28
7:30 PM
@ Fideles
9/4
7:30 PM
vs. Georgia Force Christian
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Pinecrest Academy
9/11
7:30 PM
vs. Msgr. Donovan Catholic
9/18
7:30 PM
@ New Creations
9/18
7:30 PM
@Lanier Christian Academy
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. Lafayette Christian
10/2
7:30 PM
vs. N. Ga Homeschool Tribe
10/16
7:30 PM
@ Johnson Ferry
10/23
7:30 PM
vs. Unity Christian
10/30
7:30 PM
@ Horizon Christian
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 31
32 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
From left, bass clarinet players Trenton Leach and Aubri Franklin, and saxophone players Alexander Amar, Sebastien Laurent and Parker Brown practice on the field during marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17.
For band students, summer camp builds more than music By STANLEY LEARY newsroom@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Before most students have cracked open a textbook this fall, hundreds of teenagers across Fulton and Forsyth counties will have already spent two weeks together in the summer heat, learning drill formations, memorizing music and, in many cases, finding the friend group that will carry them through high school. Johns Creek, Milton, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell and the Forsyth County high schools were among the programs running fullensemble band camps in mid-to-late July, ahead of the fall football season and competition marching band. For band directors, the two-week stretch is logistics and rehearsal. For families, it’s something more. “When they were coming into ninth grade, band camp had already happened,” said Amy Kingry, whose two sons are percussionists. “When they came into school the first day, they already had friends, they already knew where everything was in the school, they already had a family started.” Tara Glaspey, whose sons play
trombone and French horn, described the same effect. “You’ve got a family already of people that have your back,” she said. “It’s a support system.” For the students themselves, the appeal is less about strategy and more about connection. Sydney Godoy, drum major and senior clarinet player, said the band offers something few other school activities can match. “Music is the universal language,” Godoy said. “Everybody can get into music, and there are so many different kinds of music, and you just find your people here.” Cooper Glaspey, a sophomore French horn player and section leader, said band has taught him skills that go beyond music. “It helps with people,” Glaspey said. “You get to meet all kinds of new people. You can be in the leadership, learn how to lead, learn how to communicate. I think it helps with other things like school because you learn how to manage your time.” The research bears out at least part of what parents suspect. According to data published by the College Board from its Student Descriptive Questionnaire, students with
coursework in music performance have historically scored dozens of points higher on both the verbal and math sections of the SAT than students with no arts participation — a gap that has shown up consistently across multiple years of College Board reporting. Some researchers caution that the relationship is correlational, since students drawn to music also tend to come from backgrounds associated with higher academic performance. But directors and parents in North Atlanta say the daily habits built in band — practicing outside of class, managing a packed schedule, learning music that doesn’t come easily — mirror the discipline colleges look for. Randy McDow, executive director of the Stamps Scholars Program and a former staffer for the Georgia Tech President’s Scholarship Program, said music students often arrive at college already equipped for its demands. “You’re used to having regularly scheduled lessons, practice or homework outside of that session, working together with others who may be just like you or might not be just like you,” McDow said. He added that music, like
competitive sports, teaches students to keep working at something they aren’t immediately good at. “You eventually run up against a piece of music that forces you to really dig deep and work on it, to master it,” he said. “Those are very good experiences, leadership-wise, habit-building type situations.” Glaspey said that the lesson in discipline is something she tells other parents directly. “There’s also just the discipline aspect — to be able to be on the field and march a show, you have to practice. You can’t just show up and make it happen,” she said. “In the culture we live in now, with instant gratification from our phones, we’re missing out on a lot of that discipline.” For Godoy, who plans to study music composition at the University of Georgia, the payoff is already clear. “I think everyone should play an instrument,” she said. “The way it makes you feel, the act of doing it — I fell in love with everything about music.” Directors say the two weeks of long, hot rehearsals are laying groundwork that goes well beyond the football field — for students who, in many cases, haven’t even started their freshman year.
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
AppenMedia.com| August 13, 2026 | 33
PHOTOS BY: STANLEY LEARY/APPEN MEDIA
Inemesit Ubom practices during a trumpet sectional at marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17.
From left, Winston Scoggins, Ethan Young, Hayden Kingry and Finn Kingry practice during a drum sectional at marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17, as instructor Sarah Mottram Nesbitt works with Bella Izquierdo.
Kaylee Roselli plays bass drum during marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17.
Stephen Gheen and Nat Vincent play sousaphone during marching band camp at Roswell High School July 17.
34 | August 13, 2026 | AppenMedia.com
2026 NORTH ATLANTA NOW FOOTBALL PREVIEW
“Friday night lights mean a little more to us. As parents of former players and proud financial supporters of the football program, we’re honored to give back to the team and community that has meant so much to our family.”
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Donna Augello | Holly Friend | Katie Friend | Ashley Craig-Diaz TeamAugello.com 770-241-1335 Harry Norman, REALTORS® is an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties in Georgia. Forbes® is a registered trademark used under license. The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation.
AppenMedia.com/Alpharetta_Roswell | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | August 13, 2026 | 35
CITY OF ALPHARETTA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The following items will be considered by the Design Review Board on Friday, September 25, 2026 with a workshop commencing at 8:30 a.m. and regular meeting commencing at 9:00 a.m. in the Alpharetta City Hall Council Chambers, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia. 1. DRB260022 Cavender’s Boot City Consideration of exterior changes. The property is located at 7011 North Point Pkwy and is legally described as being in Land Lot 0687 & 0688 1st District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia 2. DRB260023 Alpharetta United Methodist Consideration of new signage. The property is located at 69 North Main St and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1253 and 1268 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia 3. DRB260024 Founders Hall 63 South Main St Consideration of new construction. The property is located at 63 South Main and is legally described as being in Land Lot 1269 2nd District, 2nd Section, Fulton County, Georgia Note: Georgia law requires that all parties who have made campaign contributions to the Mayor or to a Council Member in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) within the past two (2) years must complete a campaign contribution report with the Community Development Department. The complete text of the Georgia law and a disclosure form are available in the office of the City Clerk, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, Georgia.
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In Memoriam
Dr. John Sheffield
December 15, 1936 – July 22, 2026
Dr. John Sheffield, 89, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026. John Sheffield was a distinguished British-born physicist whose career was dedicated to plasma physics and fusion energy science. He is best known for his leadership roles in major international fusion projects and for his foundational work in plasma diagnostics. John was born on December 15, 1936, in London, England. He received a BSc in Physics from Imperial College London in 1958, and an MSc (1962) and PhD (1966) in Physics from the University of London. John Sheffield’s fusion career began in 1958 at the Harwell and Culham Laboratories in England. In 1966, he joined the Fusion Research Center at the University of Texas before returning to Culham in 1971 to work on the design team for the Joint European Torus ( JET) experiment. In 1977, he joined the fusion division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), serving as division head from 1988 to 1994. His leadership helped advance tokamak physics, plasma diagnostics, and heating techniques, including RF-assisted startup, pellet fueling, and improved impurity control. From 1987 to 2003, he also served as Director for Energy Programs at ORNL and Executive Director of the Joint Institute for Energy and Environment, a joint institute between ORNL and the University of Tennessee. From 2003, he was a Senior Fellow at the Institute for a Secure and Sustainable Environment (formerly JIEE) at UT Knoxville. His particular interests were world population growth and future energy demand and resources; the opportunities for fusion energy, including options to enhance its attractiveness; and the connection between energy use and the environment. John is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Nuclear Society. In the 1990s, he served as a U.S. representative
on committees that defined and then gave technical advice to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). He served as chair of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (19962000) and received the Fusion Power Associates 1993 Leadership Award and the 2003 Distinguished Career Award. He also served on the Fusion Power Associates Board of Directors. He is the author of the seminal work “Plasma Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation”, widely regarded as the definitive reference on the subject. In addition to numerous technical works, John Sheffield also wrote other works including: Fun in Fusion Research, Marienna’s Fantasy, and Roseland’s Secret. He is a member of the Atlanta Writers Club, where he has won two first-place awards for poetry. He was also the recipient of the Southeastern Writers Association’s 2015 Edna Sampson Award for his humorous novel, My Friend Albert. In his free time, John loved traveling and taking in unadoptable pets, like Spot, a 95-lb blind pit bull. John and “Spotty” formed an unbreakable bond and could be seen walking the streets of Woodstock. However, it was not always apparent who was walking whom. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Curfman Sheffield, his two children from his first marriage, Jason and Nicholas, and his grandchild, Gabriel. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Shanna and Lauren, his step-grandchildren, Hunter and Makenna, and his rescue animals, Georgie and Rocketman (dogs), and Katie, Molly, and Moonpie (cats). His first wife, Dace Kancbergs, predeceased him. To honor John’s lifelong love for animals, the family welcomes memorial contributions in place of flowers to the Cherokee Animal Shelter. Please direct gifts to: https://www.cherokeegaanimals.org/donate.
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Full-time Landis+Gyr Technology Inc. Senior Project Manager Alpharetta, GA Responsibilities: Lead & coordinate activities of team projects to produce deliverables agreed upon with executive and/or functional management. Manage project(s) & execute activities around boundaries of scope, schedule, & cost. Develop & implement procedures & processes to develop new products and/or services. Report project statuses to relevant stakeholders. Manage external, internal, & capital project costs. Salary: $135,000 - $150,000 Requirements: Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Management or related field & 5 years exp Product Development Life Cycle (PDLC) methodologies. Exp must include 3 years each of following: project management scheduling software tools, such as Microsoft Project/Planview Enterprise One; configuration management & change control methodologies; & working with hardware & software (Agile and Waterfall) development methodologies & conducting incremental release planning. Exp must include 2 years each of following: leveraging knowledge of manufacturing requirements to launch new products; performing strategic planning & analysis of business activities; performing process analysis & implementing improvement; & project management. Experience may be gained concurrently. To apply, please send resume via email to Portia. Ehoussou@landisgyr.com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Portia Ehoussou, HR, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Senior Project Manager). Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org. Acciona Construction USA Corporation seeks a Utility Design Coordinator to work in Alpharetta, Georgia to assist in the implementation of the Utilities Design Management Plan and related technical procedures. Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or a related field of study plus 3 years’ experience Design Utilities Coordinator or related occupation in the Infrastructure, P3 Projects or Highways industry. Email resume to na.recruitment@acciona. com. Must include 20000626 Utility Design Coordinator in subject line and on resume.
Food Pantry Manager NFCC is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the full-time Food Pantry Manager position. Under the direction of the Food Pantry Director, the Food Pantry Manager leads back of house food pantry operations including inventory control, receiving products, client orders, managing volunteers, entering data and creating reports. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys managing people and process! Volunteer and inventory management, operations and data entry are primary responsibilities of this role. The applicant should have a desire to join the team of a mission-driven non-profit where we work to ease hardship and build financial stability throughout our community. We offer one of the most competitive total rewards packages among Atlanta’s nonprofit organizations, making this role both meaningful and rewarding. Please send resumes to jobs@nfcchelp.org Landis+Gyr Technology., Inc. Staff Engineer Software Development Alpharetta, GA Responsibilities: Lead in component and/or solution design, development, documentation, and validation. Work on agile development teams, collaborating with multiple cross-discipline architecture teams to develop hardware and software components as part of L+G Smart Grid solutions.
Principal Engineer, System Security Architect at Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc. (Alpharetta, GA). Audit system architecture & high-level designs prior to execution by the Development team to ensure designs minimize or eliminate the security vulnerability of Landis+Gyr’s (“L+G”) products, solutions, & services. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Electronic or Software Engineering + 5 yrs of exp in the job offered or 5 yrs of exp in software architecture. Exp must include 5 yrs each of the following: product architecture for an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Head End System; architecting product to incorporate security features; & integrating third party security solutions into products. Security certification such as CISSP or CCSP. Exp may be gained concurrently. Salary: $150,000/year. To apply, please send resume via email to Portia.Ehoussou@landisgyr. com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Portia Ehoussou, HR, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Principal Engineer, System Security Architect).
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Salary: $152,500/year Requirements: Bachelor’s in Comp Sci, Engg or related field & 7 yrs exp software development. Exp must include 7 yrs each of following: C#, ASP. NET, .NET Framework 3.5/4.5, & Visual Studio Unit Test Framework; database scripting & profiling for Oracle, Postgres, or SQL server; development processes, tools & related frameworks, & validation methodologies; 4 yrs exp with TFS, Visual Studio 2019, & GIT; & 2 yrs exp with AMI & Smart Grid Systems & Solutions. Experience may be gained concurrently. To apply, please send resume via email to Portia. Ehoussou@landisgyr.com or mail to Landis + Gyr Technology, Inc., c/o Portia Ehoussou, HR, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022. Please reference job title (Staff Engineer Software Development).
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Ross: City should have residents pick fiscal fate
Public Service Commission race headed to runoff election
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Wills Park brims with area visitors on Fourth of July By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
A girl waves an American flag as she dances to music by Davis and the Love at Roswell Area Park July 4.
PHOTOS BY: SARAH COYNE/APPEN MEDIA
Kendall, from left, John, Brooks and Reid Hill sit on a picnic blanket at Roswell Area Park to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Roswell crowd celebrates America’s 249th birthday By SARAH COYNE sarah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Food trucks, live music and fireworks were on the menu for America’s birthday in Roswell. A crowd of over 1,000 piled into Roswell Area Park July 4 to celebrate America’s 249th birthday.
Kendall and John Hill travelled from East Cobb to bring their two little ones to the show. “The kids love it,” John Hill said. Baseball fields and multi-use fields were filled with families and friends awaiting the firework show at dusk.
OPINION
Pitts: Raising millage rate would be mistake
See FIREWORKS, Page 24
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County delays closing Alpharetta jail site
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From left, Traci Foreman, Chris Foreman and John Hanley watch fireworks in Wills Park July 4.
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The heart of the holiday was shining through the music, food and fun of Creek’s Juneteenth celebration. As the sun set on a warm Saturday evening, Midway grandmother Matilda Riles sat in a lawnchair, watching her grandchildren play on the park lawn amid the sound of booming live music and mouthwatering aroma of food trucks. Before the fun started, Riles, who attended with three generations of family, educated the kids about the reason for Juneteenth. “It's a point in time when enslaved people no longer had to be enslaved, and certain places did not relay the message at the time that it should have been relayed,” Riles said. “And, therefore this is a celebration as to when the final group of people were told you no longer had to be enslaved.” Several thousand visitors descended on the city’s annual celebration at Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, doubling last year’s attendance. The celebration resembled a giant block party with live music performances, chatting neighbors, plenty of food and rows of arts and craft vendors.
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The perfect biscuit is like a warm hug, said Brandy White, owner of Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company. “It kind of warms your soul,” White said. “It feels like home to me.” Since 2001, the Sawnee Mountain Biscuit has operated out of a renovated mobile home at 104 13th St., serving perfect pillowy biscuits wrapped around eggs, cheese, bacon and other breakfast staples. With dozens of items on the menu, the restaurant features other tasty offerings from French toast to a house-made pimento cheese. Tucked into a sleepy neighborhood on the edge of Cumming, Sawnee Mountain Biscuit might easily be taken as another house, but locals say the squat, blue-clapboard building is one of the town’s best breakfast spots. Over the decades, the restaurant has earned a cult following in Cumming and the north Atlanta area, serving as many as 400 orders some mornings.
See BISCUIT, Page 6
Two-year-old Cameron holds a beach ball at the City of Roswell Fourth of July celebration at Roswell Area Park.
2024 DR. JOHN REYES
Residents celebrate, remember meaning behind Juneteenth
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FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is working to complete converting an old elementary school into a law enforcement training center. Since October, the training center has hosted a public safety academy as part of a partnership between the sheriff’s office and University of North Georgia. The academy, funded by the
Brandy White holds her 1-year-old daughter, Lennon, at the entrance to her Sawnee Mountain Biscuit Company on 13th Street just outside Cumming.
ROI
matters.
sheriff’s office, provides training for law enforcement officers in Forsyth County and surrounding jurisdictions, Capt. Rob Heagerty said. At an April 22 work session, the County Board of Commissioners discussed a proposal to allocate $47,993 for design services with ar chitectural firm Wiley Wilson to create plans, conduct inspections and
make changes to water heaters. The sheriff’s office wants to install showers and locker rooms at the building at 4805 Atlanta Highway, Heagerty said. The improvements are important because exercise and physical conditioning are essential in maintaining capable deputies, he said. The building already houses classrooms, meeting rooms, a cafeteria,
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gym, simulator room and an empty wing where deputies can conduct building-clearing and other training exercises. The work is part of a second phase to transform former Midway Elementary School into a law enforcement training center.
See SHERIFF, Page 12
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County restores original funding to cultural arts
Children play in the lawn at Newtown Park during a Juneteenth celebration in Johns Creek June 21. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to restore funding for a program within the Arts & Culture Department to $3 million a year Sept. 17. While the unanimous vote reflects unity and bipartisanship, some commissioners criticized colleagues for the delay. The item, sponsored by Democratic commissioners Khadijah AbdurRahman and Marvin Arrington Jr. and Republican commissioners Bob Ellis and Bridget Thorne, includes an increase of $1.7 million for a previously requested program and its full $3 million in funding set aside in the 2026 budget.
See JUNETEENTH, Page 10
sions last January and writing false reports about each of the incidents.
“The (Justice Department’s) Civil Rights Division has zero tolerance for law ATLANTA — Fulton County Jail employee has been indicted in federal court for alleg- enforcement officers who abuse public edly using excessive force against prisoners. trust through excessive force and concealThe 47-year-old sergeant is accused of ing their misconduct,” said Assistant U.S. repeatedly using tasers on compliant, non- Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “We resisting pre-trial detainees on three occawill vigorously safeguard the constitutional
Dunwoody opens doors to refine future land-use By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
PHOTOS BY: HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Front center, Ann Hanlon, executive director of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts, holds the ribbon for phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 while City Councilman Tom Lambert, front right, gets ready to cut it. The Perimeter CIDs and Dunwoody split the project’s $1.5 million construction cost.
Commercial partners and city celebrate new path By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
See FULTON, Page 20
Fulton jail staff faces civil rights indictments By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat
April 10, 2025 | AppenMedia.com | An Appen Media Group Publication | Ser ving the community since 1976
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By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com
County considers funding for sheriff’s training facility
See FOURTH, Page 23
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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Thousands filled Wills Park to celebrate July 4 with a bang. Hours before darkness fell, friends and families filled the park’s lawns, Equestrian Center, trails and athletic fields. Everywhere, children played, cartwheeling, running, tossing balls and waving glow sticks. Alpharettan Lindsey Landis, her husband, two children and two dogs were part the crowd, passing the golden hour on a blanket laid out on the grass.
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Biscuit eatery rises to meet high demand
rights of all individuals, including those in custody.” “Abuses of power of this kind are unconstitutional, erode our community’s trust, and will be prosecuted,” added Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. Solomon faces up to 10 years in prison for each federal civil rights violation and 20
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Summer Veggies Annuals Pollinator Plants and So Much More! Friday April 11- Sunday April 13
years behind bars for each false report. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office is investigating the case based on a referral from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Service, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Foundation.
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Miniature goldendoodle Lexi cools off at the Milton city pool on Sept. 13. Canine companions gathered there to celebrate summer’s end. See the story and more photos from Sarah Donehoo on page 18.
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A look down the completed phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path April 3 shows the two-way cycle track parallel to the revamped sidewalk.
DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dunwoody elected officials, city staff and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts Executive Director Ann Hanlon cut the ribbon April 3 on phase one of the Ashford Dunwoody Road path. “We’re super proud to partner with the city of Dunwoody on building this trail project,” Hanlon
said. “And we’ll look forward to many more phases to come.” A little over two years ago, the group gathered at the same spot near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive for phase one’s groundbreaking. Phase one of the corridor’s path includes a two-way raised cycle track separated from traffic by a wide landscape buffer
See PATH, Page 17
DUNWOODY, Ga. — The City of Dunwoody is streamlining development rules and updating its vision for the city’s future as part of a state-mandated overhaul. City officials and representatives from consulting firm TSW Design, which was tasked with creating a plan, gave a two-hour presentation about the changes April 1 during a special meeting at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road. Residents received and discussed the creation of a unified development ordinance and changes to the city’s comprehensive plan. Dunwoody is updating its comprehensive plan as part of a state mandate that requires an overhaul every five years, said Allison Stewart-Harris, an associate principal and planner at TSW. Stewart-Harris presented the changes to about 30 residents who attended the meeting.
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About 30 residents fill a dining room at Vintage Pizzeria on Chamblee Dunwoody Road April 1 to hear a presentation by TSW Design planner Allison Stewart-Harris, who spoke on the city’s future land-use strategy.
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs announced that the Billboard Music Award-winning band Lit is headlining Friday night Sept. 26 at the third annual Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival. The festival will take place in the heart of Sandy Springs Friday, Sept. 26, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lit is an American rock band from Orange County,
California, formed in 1988. They are best known for their platinum-selling 1999 power-pop punk album “A Place in the Sun” and its massive hit single “My Own Worst Enemy.” The band is set to headline the main stage Friday night at 8 p.m. In addition to Lit, the family-friendly festival features music all day long across multiple stages, an artist market with more than 80 vendors and a Kids Zone.
See LIT, Page 9
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Motorists line up at the Boylston Drive signal to turn left onto Hammond Drive Aug. 14. Sandy Springs will begin work in September to realign Boylston to the east and eliminate a nearby traffic light.
Realignment construction begins on Hammond-Boylston intersection
CITY OF SANDY SPRINGS/PROVIDED
Sandy Springs said Billboard Music Award-winning band, Lit, is headlining this year’s festival Sept. 26-27 at City Springs.
October 23, 2025 | Decaturish.com | Locally Sourced News | An Appen Media Group Publication | Volume 1, No. 13
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SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs contractors are set to begin work in September on realigning the intersection of Boylston and Hammond drives and removing a redundant traffic light. The city says work will last around 15 months, and the intersection will remain open during construction, but there will be occasional lane closures so crews can get the work done safely. Initially, city officials expected the project
to begin in mid-August. No explanation was given. Currently, there are two separate sets of traffic lights less than 100 feet away from one another, one at the Hammond Glen Retirement Community’s driveway and another at the office building next door. The new configuration will shift Boylston Drive to the east, aligning it with the Hammond Glen driveway and eliminating the traffic light at the driveway to the office building at 325 Hammond Drive.
Indicted superintendent resigns
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Early voting ends Oct. 31 for municipal elections ► PAGE 4
Wild Nest Bird Rehab finds roost at Legacy Park
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See BOYLSTON, Page 8
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Hundreds attend Intown Ace Hardware’s annual Ladies Night
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Residents trying to pump brakes on I-285 express lane
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DeKalb School Board faces tough questions as district finds itself at crossroads
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Billboard Music Award winner to headline Sandy Springs fest
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