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Animal control draws scrutiny

Johns Creek Spanish Club donates candy for U.S. troops

at county level By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Spanish Club at Johns Creek High School continued its three-year-long tradition of partnering with Post 201 of the American Legion to donate candy to American soldiers stationed abroad. Since Johns Creek’s Spanish Club joined the effort, they have donated nearly 600 pounds of candy. The club raises donations during its annual trunk-or-treat event to buy the sweet treats. “It’s our way of showing appreciation to the men and women for their service and defending our freedom,” Spanish Club President Abby Dowd said. For over 20 years, Post 201 has sponsored the Boxes for the Troops program and shipped more than 13,000 packages to troops. — Hannah Yahne JOHNS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL/PROVIDED

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► PAGE 4

John’s Creek High School Spanish Club President Abby Dowd, center, holds a box of candy that the club is donating to the American Legion’s Post 201 for its Boxes for the Troops program. American Legion members Ralph Jordan, left, and Jim Davis, right, are also pictured.

Reports: Man steals, crashes mayor’s car

Alpha Loop lights get holiday install

Opinion: Christmas recalls life lessons

► PAGE 2

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ATLANTA — The Fulton County Commission approved a $7.44 million contract Dec. 17 with LifeLine Animal Project, renewing its shelter services agreement while tasking the Fulton County Police with field work. Georgia’s most populous county made national news earlier this year when actor Tyrese Gibson turned himself in to authorities after his pets allegedly killed a neighbor’s dog in a Buckhead neighborhood. Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts penned a letter in early October, discussing the high-profile attack and other recent ones across South Fulton. “It greatly saddens and concerns me that Fulton County has seen several violent dog attacks in recent months,” Pitts wrote. “We’ve built a brand-new animal services facility operated by LifeLine Animal Project, and enforcement now falls directly under Fulton County Police to ensure that dangerous animal cases are handled swiftly and seriously.” Later in the Dec. 17 meeting, commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s annual contract, removing field services from LifeLine’s scope of work and modifying its annual funding to match. LifeLine is an Avondale Estates-based nonprofit operating animal control services for DeKalb and Fulton counties, founded in 2002 with a mission to end the euthanasia of healthy or treatable pets in Metro Atlanta.

See COUNTY, Page 20

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PHOTOS BY ATLANTA NEWS FIRST, PEYTON JAMISON/PROVIDED

Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison’s Jeep Wagoneer was reported stolen from his driveway Dec. 16. The vehicle crashed in Sandy Springs during a police chase.

Man steals mayor’s car, escapes police chase By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — The Milton mayor is driving a rental after a man allegedly stole his car and crashed it while fleeing Sandy Springs police. Around 1 a.m. on Dec. 16, Milton Mayor Peyton Jamison called 911 to report an unidentified man had just driven off with his 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. According to law enforcement, the Jeep was parked in Jamison’s driveway on Birmingham Highway. Security camera footage shows a man approaching the car after coming from the woods to the southeast. He got into the vehicle and left, damaging both the Jeep

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and Jamison’s Ford truck in the process, according to the police report. Officers used law enforcement databases to track the Jeep as it headed south, from Houze Road to Holcombe Bridge Road, police records show. Atlanta News First reported Sandy Springs police began pursuing the vehicle. According to that story, the chase through Sandy Springs eventually led to a crash on Riverside Drive, where the driver fled the scene. The Sandy Springs incident is not listed on that city’s public portal. That Sandy Springs Police Department has not released a description of the suspect and did not respond to Appen Media’s inquiries about the case.

According to Atlanta News First, the suspect is still at large. As for the Milton mayor, he showed gratitude for area law enforcement and their efforts to keep residents and property safe. “I want to thank our Milton law enforcement officers and our partners at the Alpharetta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs police departments for their professionalism and rapid response which led to the recovery of my stolen vehicle,” Jamison said. “While the incident resulted in substantial damage, the most important outcome is that no one was harmed due to the coordination between our North Fulton public safety departments.”

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2025 | 3

Lighted Christmas festival draws crowd to Alpha Loop By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Crowds braved chilly weather Dec. 12 and 13 for a weekend festival celebrating Lights on the Loop along Alpharetta’s Alpha Loop. Thousands filled a 1-mile stretch of the trail, donning jackets and cradling cups and thermoses of hot beverages. Along the trail, colorful light displays and live musical performances pierced the gloom as families, friends and dozens of sweater-wearing dogs happily braved temperatures in the 30s. It was the second of a series of three

gatherings this year for the annual Lights on the Loop. Another pet-friendly weekend is planned for Dec. 19 and 20. John Goss, president of the Alpha Loop Foundation, said the turnout, which saw 1,000 registered to attend Friday evening and 1,500 Saturday, was impressive and a reflection of Alpharetta’s desire for community connection. The Alpha Loop Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and promoting the trail, hosted the festival.

See LIGHTS, Page 18

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

A family walks over a lighted bridge during Alpharetta’s Lights on the Loop Dec. 12.

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Veterans’ gravesites across North Fulton County were adorned with wreaths Dec. 13 as family and community members honored fallen American soldiers on Wreaths Across America Day. Commemorations took place in Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Milton, reminding volunteers of veterans’ sacrifices and ensuring their legacy continues for future generations. The Patriots of Liberty, Alpharetta’s chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution placed 340 wreaths on veterans’ gravesites in 10 cemeteries around North Fulton. Stryten Energy LLC laid 1,000 wreaths on grave markers at Green Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum in Roswell. Over 75 employees, family and community members honored veterans by speaking their names and thanking each one for their service.

“All of us at Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum are honored to partner with Stryten Energy to remember and honor the veterans laid to rest here,” said Robbie Graham, Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum general manager. “Their unwavering support allows our community to come together in gratitude and remembrance for those heroes who selflessly served our great nation.” Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that has expanded the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to veterans’ gravesites across the country. Since its founding in 1992, Wreaths Across America has expanded to all 50 states as family members, volunteers and friends work toward the organization’s mission to remember, honor and teach about veterans’ sacrifices. — Hannah Yahne

Wreaths adorn veterans’ graves at Green Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum in Roswell as volunteers with Stryten Energy of Alpharetta participate in Wreaths Across America Day.

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ATLANTA, Ga. — Clergy, civic leaders and concerned citizens from across the political, religious and cultural spectrum are invited to an anti-political-violence gathering at the Georgia State Capitol Jan. 12. Hosted by the interfaith First Five Freedoms group, the event will convene from 9 to 10 a.m. just before the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. Participants will speak with a unified voice at a moment when Georgia communities are increasingly anxious about escalating hostility and political violence, First Five Freedoms said. “Guided by the legacy of Georgia’s historic faith leadership during past moments of national crisis, five diverse leaders representing multiple traditions will call attention to the dangerous rise in divisive rhetoric,” the group said. The gathering also marks the formal launch of a First Five Freedoms shift toward greater civility, restraint and empathy in public dialogue. Participants, especially religious leaders, are encouraged to wear clergy attire and visit their state senators and representatives. Attendees are asked to share

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a brief report of their legislative visits to help track outreach and strengthen the coordinated effort. Meetings with lawmakers provide an opportunity to deliver a consistent, personal message to deescalate political rhetoric, reject division and model civil leadership throughout the upcoming legislative session and election cycle, the group said. A legislator lookup tool is available at pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator. The group will coordinate future meetings with lawmakers, including a return to the Capitol the day after Crossover Day, to ensure that the message of shared values, civic responsibility and First Amendment protection continues to resonate. “This Jan. 12 gathering is designed not as a single moment, but as the starting point of a sustained, statewide movement,” First Five Freedoms said. “As Georgia begins a new legislative session, F5F invites all who care about our democracy to stand together, speak with moral clarity and help guide our state toward greater peace, understanding and unity.” — Jon Wilcox

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Siena brings ‘Meditalian’ fusion fare to Alpharetta HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

SIENA/PROVIDED

A woman engages in conversation as she sips on a crafted cocktail at Siena, a new “Meditalian” restaurant in Alpharetta.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Siena, a restaurant offering a bold fusion of Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, opened Dec. 20 in Alpharetta, giving food enthusiasts a chance to gather around soulful dishes. The “Meditalian” flavors naturally complement one another, co-owner Aïda Lemma said in an email interview. She said she believes bringing together these cuisines will give guests a sense of comfort as they recognize flavors they love while discovering new interpretations. “We wanted to create a restaurant that feels refined yet approachable, where guests can enjoy high-quality food, crafted cocktails and a beautiful space without the formality feeling intimidating,” Lemma said. “Siena is meant to be a neighborhood staple with a destination-worthy menu.” Lemma said her business partner visited Siena, Italy, and fell in love with the city’s charm and culture. The restaurant’s name is an ode to its inspiration and reflects the restaurant’s warm and elegant soul. By focusing on simple, seasonal ingredients like herbs, fresh produce and olive oils, Executive Chef Baba Estavillo curated a menu inspired by cultural staples. Every dish had to earn its place on the menu, Lemma said. The biggest challenge was creating a cohesive menu while allowing creativity and bold flavors to stand

out among dishes. Many dishes were inspired by traditional Mediterranean and Italian staples but reimagined with modern techniques and global influences. Their tapas-style menu features small plates of whipped feta and burnt honey, sweet potato falafel cake and harissa chicken lollipop. Entrees include Moroccan market chicken, golden oxtail and honey-lavender lamb chops. Even the kid’s menu offers bold flavors with cheese pizza on warm pita bread and the fried chicken lollipop. “Siena offered the freedom to create without boundaries while still honoring culinary tradition,” Estavillo said. “The concept encouraged exploration, storytelling and thoughtful [execution], making it an exciting and fulfilling project.” Developing the restaurant has been a collaborative endeavor between the co-owners and Estavillo. The result is a tribute to food that brings people together, encourages conversation and creates memories around the table. “These cuisines are soulful and celebratory,” Lemma said. “Food is essential to gathering, conversation and joy — values that are at the heart of Siena.” Siena opened at 124 Devore Road in Alpharetta, the former site of Gourmania and Seven Seas Mediterranean Café. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays and serve dinner Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 4 p.m. The restaurant plans to offer brunch service in the new year.

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Titans outlast Milton to capture state flag football title By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — The Blessed Trinity Titans won the 4A flag football state championship Dec. 16 at MercedesBenz Stadium, avenging a regular season loss to Milton with a 21-20 double overtime victory. It was retribution for a Nov. 18 match when the Eagles topped the Titans in overtime. Since then, both teams have improved their focus on extra points, and that’s what made the difference in the championship. With many standout athletes playing on both sides of the ball, players used the big stage to showcase their abilities. Defenses held strong through the first three quarters allowing no points. The Eagles broke the scoreless deadlock in the fourth quarter when senior Alana Calhoun scored on a 23-yard pass from Audrey Jensen. Calhoun competed with Team Georgia this summer and in the Select Bowl for Team USA and has committed to play flag football on scholarship for Wingate University. Blessed Trinity went down to the wire to claw back when Maggie Sullivan cashed in on a 1-yard run as time expired. A reception by junior Chelsea Lewis on the extra point sent the game into overtime. Both teams executed when it mattered, tacking on extra points after the first five touchdowns. But, Milton faltered on the extra point on a triple option play in their second overtime drive, while BT was

PHOTOS BY: ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

The Blessed Trinity Titans celebrate in the end zone after a rush from quarterback Addie Spak for the extra point that sealed the state title at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 16 able to finish strong. Titans quarterback Addie Spak threw two scoring passes in overtime to senior Hannah Daley, one a touchdown and one for the extra point. She won the Morgan & Morgan MVP for the game after her rush for the final extra point propelled BT to the title. “I’m so blessed, we have so many great players and [the MVP] could have been any of them,” Spak said. “It’s my last game, I wanted to go out with a bang. I really wanted this ring, and now that we’ve done it, it’s such a fulfilling moment.” Spak has varsity letters in four sports at BT – flag football, softball,

basketball and lacrosse. She is committed to Washington University of St. Louis for softball and plays shortstop. Sullivan had a standout night with her late fourth-quarter touchdown and on defense with three sacks.

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Sullivan said the power of love kept her team level-headed, but their strength of schedule earlier in the season helped. The Titans beat the eventual Division 2 state champions Greenbrier in their first game of the season at the Corky Kell Classic. “Thank you coach [Brandon] Harwell for making our schedule so difficult,” she said. “We worked our butts off all season, day in, day out, on and off the field, we bonded so much and got stronger. We said every single day that our goal was to be at the Benz on Dec. 16, so when most people would have given up with a minute left, we all looked at each other and just knew.” Titans head coach Brandon Harwell said at the trophy presentation that he had a feeling the game would come down to extra points. He told Appen Media that he had the utmost faith in his team. “With one second left in the game, if we’re going to lose, it’s going to be with the ball in [Sullivan’s] hands because she’s got us here,” he said. “The girls believed, and we believe success isn’t a choice. It was, until the whistle blows, we were going to keep fighting all the way.”

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Milton senior captains watch the coin flip prior to the 4A championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Dec. 16.

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A pilot dies of Alpha Gal syndrome Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology Alpha gal syndrome, also known as “red meat allergy,” is a disease on the rise. Sadly, a November 2025 publication describes the first well-documented death resulting from alpha gal syndrome. In the summer of 2024, a New Jer sey-based airline pilot went camping with his family and suffered multiple bites believed to be either lone star tick larvae or nymphs which the family identified as “chiggers.” He and his family typically ate chicken. However, two weeks after camping, he ate a steak. Four hours later, he developed diarrhea, vomiting and such severe abdominal pain that he told his family

“I thought I was going to die.” Symptoms lasted two hours, but the next day he felt so good that he saw no reason to seek medical attention. Two weeks later, he had an additional exposure to red meat. At a barbecue, he ate a hamburger. Four hours later, he became ill again. Within minutes, he was dead. Post-mortem blood testing revealed extremely high tryptase levels – consistent with an anaphylactic reaction, a severe type of allergic reaction in which difficulty breathing or a sudden drop in blood pressure can result in death. Alpha gal syndrome was first discovered around 2007 when a physician in Virginia identified that lone

See SYNDROME, Page 11

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Syndrome: Continued from Page 10 star tick bites could cause red meat allergy. A sugar called galactosealpha 1,3-galactose (aka “alpha-gal”) is found in many types of mammal meat and dairy but not in humans, so humans can become allergic to this sugar if they are exposed in the right circumstance. A tick bite is just such a circumstance. Lone star ticks are on the rise. Expanding deer populations and tick populations are likely resulting in an increase in tick bites and disease in humans. Increased testing certainly plays a factor, but between 2013 and 2024, a 100-fold increase in positive test results for alpha-gal occurred, and the CDC estimates as many as half a million people may be affected by this disease. What makes the death of the New Jersey pilot so startling is the nature of the alpha gal allergic reaction. Most of the time, when we think of aller gic reactions, we think of hives and rashes. If we think of death, we usually think of reactions such as those to peanuts which often involve difficulty breathing. The symptoms of the pilot would normally make someone worried for food poisoning or a severe

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2025 | 11

stomach bug – not an allergy. But diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain can be signs of an allergy. With alpha gal on the rise, severe abdominal pain following red meat or dairy ingestion should raise concern for alpha gal syndrome, which we now know can be fatal. In the right context – a recent hike, camping trip or other potential exposure to ticks, someone with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diar rhea should consider getting tested for alpha gal before ingesting red meat, dairy or other cross-reacting substances a second time. Reportedly, numerous individuals on Martha’s Vineyard are now unwillingly having to live essentially a vegan lifestyle due to the number of meat and dairy products that they now must avoid. Deer, ticks and alpha gal are on the rise and apparently here to stay. As a Mohs surgeon and dermatologist, I have learned that the beachgoer has more to fear from the Sun in the sky than from a shark in the water. As someone who loves the great outdoors, I would add that I am more afraid of the tick on the leaf than the bear in the woods. If you, like me, have ever been sun-kissed or tickbitten and are concerned about tickborn illness, Premier Dermatology is here to help.

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Kellie Kozma - is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in family medicine with a post-master’s in geriatric medicine and more than 20 years of clinical experience. She offers a level of clinical insight that brings clarity, confidence, and comfort to her patients. Her care philosophy blends expertise with genuine human connection, creating relationships that feel both supportive and truly transformative. She specializes in both acute and chronic disease management, using an evidence-based approach that emphasizes individualized patient needs.

Kellie Lozma, APRN, MSN, NP-C

COMMUNITY

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2025 | 13

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

Cambridge basketball parents prepare the pancake breakfast as the junior varsity team goes through the assembly line in the Cambridge High School cafeteria Dec. 20.

Cambridge basketball gathers for Hotcakes and Hoops event By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge High School basketball teams hosted their third annual “Hotcakes and Hoops” fundraiser Dec. 20, inviting the public to share a breakfast and get active on the court with the teams. There was an art station and face painting in the gym for other children to get some interaction with more players. Several teachers at the school brought their families to engage with students. There were 200 tickets sold to the fundraiser for the teams. The Bears also recently sold more than 4,000 tickets for a raffle drawing to raise money for basketball equipment and operations. The girls have played 10 games, the boys 11, with both sitting at or around .500 wins. The teams will travel together for tournaments in Dallas, Texas, Dec. 29 and 30. Coaches from both teams say they anticipate improving team identity and culture. Varsity girls head coach Shanteona Keys is hopeful. “I’m excited for that level of camaraderie, we’re fine tuning and figuring out what things work,” she said. “The group has a lot of potential, athleticism, length, experience, so it’s just putting it all together. Defensively, we can hold most teams under 50 and do what we need to.” Junior Abby Johnson, a Syracuse lacrosse commit, was a freshman for the first Hotcakes and Hoops fundraiser and told Appen Media a little about how the season has been coming along. “It’s really fun, we know a lot of the kids from kids camps,” she said. “We’re way better than last year because of all the work we put in.” Varsity boys head coach David Akin reflected on the last three years of the fundraiser and said he is excited for the tournament after Christmas and the team

bonding that will come along with it. “We’ve been building [the fundraiser] slowly, that way it’s sustainable, this is really a family opportunity to come together,” Akin said. “Going to Texas will help the coaching staff and everyone start to come together. I’ve always felt that we’ve come back from our December trip so much more prepared and so much more together.” Former assistant coach Carson Hollingsworth left Cambridge this season for a head coaching job at Pickens High School after four years with the Bears. Freshman Marquise Burrell has started seven games this season for the Bears. Burrell is the only freshman on the roster, but he is joined by many new faces in sophomores and juniors who were not getting significant minutes last year. “Sometimes it’s a lot to take care of and big shoes to fill, the legacy I have to take on,” he said. “It’s not gonna be easy, but I’m glad that I have teammates to show me what to do. We’re like a family over here.” Forward Carter Higdon said he is looking forward to the team’s tournament in Dallas and how the trip will help place the missing pieces. This fall, Higdon committed to play for the Naval Academy next season. “I’m expecting us to know our system better and just trusting each other,” he said. “We’ve had some tough games, only played three as a full team, but we’re responding in the way we need to. We’re gonna surprise people this year.” Guard Christian Fraiser, a four-year varsity player, said growing into a leadership role has been exciting. “[The other seniors] have still been teaching me things and correcting me and wanting us to be accountable,” he said. “Just the idea of the legacy I’m leaving may not be about points or scoring, but pouring into other people and just showing them the way to play basketball. It’s really fun and a lot more fulfilling.”

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14 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

Recounting a true Christmas story from 1946 Much of Europe was in shambles at the end of World War II. Food was scarce, heating and gasoline were rare commodities, and many were without shelter. After the war, America helped RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus rebuild Europe ray@appenmedia.com under the Marshall Plan. Hundreds of American companies were contracted to participate in the rebuilding efforts overseas – including the one involved in this account, J.A. Jones Construction Company, then based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, with concerns in, among other places, Poland. On the particular night in point, an engineer was working late. His company’s contract was one of the largest in their history and the assignment to get the job done on time had been given to a hard-driving German immigrant with a reputation for meeting deadlines. The engineer had already successfully led the company’s Liberty ship building efforts in Panama City in 1942 that reduced the amount of time required to build a Liberty ship from 134 days to 41. He had also helped guide the company’s efforts in Oak Ridge, Tennes-

Editor’s note: This column first ran Dec. 22 2005. see, on the Manhattan Project – which ultimately produced the atomic bombs that ended the war. But now he was behind schedule, which was not OK. It was Christmas Eve 1946, somewhere in postwar Poland. The engineer was working into the night to find a way to catch up. At home about 25 kilometers away, the engineer’s wife and two young children waited. Snow fell outside. It was bitterly cold. The children played near a fire. The engineer labored over blueprints and concentrated. Crews, equipment, supplies of petrol and steel and transportations problems reeled through his mind as he worked out a plan. He had responsibilities and a job to do. A noise outside the office distracted him. The cleaning “staff,” which consisted of a boy from the village, moved about the office. The “boy,” as the engineer thought of him, was actually a German war refugee in his early 20s with a young family. The engineer had created the cleaning job for him to try to help. Jobs were scarce in Poland in 1946, but so was money. The night before, the boy had not finished the cleaning and had been

reprimanded. “Don’t forget the last offices on the right and don’t go home until everything is finished,” the engineer had said. He didn’t have time to manage a cleaning boy when he had deadlines to meet for a major construction project. And he wouldn’t accept unfinished work – no matter how small. Priorities, for the engineer, were always clear. Time passed. Europe was rebuilt. Three or four wars passed – depending on how you count them. Fast-forward 46 years. I answered the phone at my home in Alpharetta. It was December 1992. A voice, which I recognized as belonging to an old man, asked to speak with Mr. Appen. “Speaking,” I replied. The voice continued. “I apologize for calling but ‘just in case,’ I did. I saw your name in the phone directory and are you possibly related to H.V. Appen?” he asked. “Yes,” I answered. “He was my grandfather.” I heard a sigh on the other end of the phone and then there was a long silence. My senses were on edge and I could not imagine what this call could possibly be about. H.V. had lived larger than life to me and still does. This call was so soon after his death. The voice on the other end of the phone continued. “I knew your grandfather a long time ago. In Poland. Not a week goes by that I don’t think of him and finding you in the phone book is

more than I can believe.” His voice broke and grew softer. “You see, on Christmas Eve 1946, I was working for your grandfather and he called me into his office. I thought that he was going to fire me because I had not finished the job the previous day. He was a hard man to work for, you know. He told me to go get his car and to drive. I didn’t know what to think and I was frightened,” he said. The man continued. “That night, your grandfather took me out and bought Christmas presents for me and my entire family. At the time, we had absolutely nothing. We were not even going to have a Christmas dinner. He bought that, too. We drove back to my house and he dropped me off. It was a Christmas that I will never forget as long as I live. So, when I saw your name in the phone directory, I just had to call you. I am so happy to be able to tell you how grateful I am to your grandfather.” We spoke for a few more minutes then hung up. In silence I replayed the conversation in my mind – several times, and then smiled. “How grateful I am to you,” I thought. “What a priceless Christmas gift you have just given me.” Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. Ray Appen, Publisher Emeritus. In memory of my grandfather, H.V. Appen, who always kept his priorities straight.

Sharing holiday thoughts on friends in far places It’s Christmastime, the season of light and love and giving, the time when Christians celebrate the birth of a baby who changed the world. There’s a lot of talk about that baby at this time STEVE HUDSON of year, for when Columnist he grew up, he had some things to say that we all might do well to hear. Everything slows down at Christmas, it seems. Almost magically, we seem to get the gift of time to enjoy those things that make life rich and full and good. Some of those things are big. But others, though less big, are just as fun – and for me, one of the “funnest of the fun” is the opportunity that Christmas always seems to provide to spend some focused time in the world of ham radio. Yeah, ham radio – the hobby where you “throw radio waves into the ether” (that’s what hams say when they get poetic about bouncing radio-frequency signals off various layers of the iono-

sphere) and then talk to other similarly afflicted hams once the waves come back to earth. As a way to communicate, some say it’s an anachronism. But it’s an anachronism that works for me. What is it about hamming that so holds my imagination? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s just the chance to talk oneon-one to folks around the country and around the world. We need more of that, don’t you think? I’ve mentioned before that one thing I enjoy about “hamming” these days is something called “Parks on the Air.” It’s a thing where hams all over the country and around the world talk to other hams who are operating in certain designated parks (known as “entities”). The ones who operate from the entities are called “activators,” while the ones who try to contact those activators are called “hunters.” I’ve done both, and it’s all a huge amount of fun. One thing that makes being an activator fun is that it gives me an excuse to track down and visit places I might not otherwise see. I’ve been fortunate to take my little portable radio to parks across the country and in Europe too.

Each time I’ve done it, I crossed cultural boundaries and made new friends in far-flung places. It’s fun. It really is. Trail of Tears One day not long ago, I set out to activate a designated Parks on the Air entity that I’d never activated before – the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The entire Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is considered to be a park entity for Parks on the Air purposes. This historic trail reminds one and all of the route followed by Native Americans as they were driven from their ancestral homelands in what is now the southeastern United States to mandated reservations far to the west. It was an arduous and excruciating journey, by all accounts, and a tragic example of what can happen when the lust for land (and gold) overcomes nobler callings. As I looked into the official trail route in more detail (and you can have a look yourself by visiting www.nps. gov/places/trail-of-tears-national-historic-trail.htm), I found to my surprise that parts of the it were just a stone’s throw from home. Now that was news. In fact, it turns

out that one of the trail’s feeder routes follows (of all things) part of Ga. 20, the very same highway which nowadays seems to be in a perpetual state of construction. So, I investigated further, and here’s what I found. Starting just a little way north and east of where we live, I learned, a Trail of Tears feeder route follows Ga. 20 westward for a ways – though of course it’s the other way round, with Ga. 20 following the route of the Trail. It didn’t take long to pinpoint several spots along the route where I could pull off the highway and do a little Parks on the Air activating. All I needed was the right opportunity, and that came my way just a few days ago. When I do a Parks on the Air “activation,” I use a little battery-powered radio and a portable antenna that I can set up in minutes. Sometimes I operate using Morse code. But other times I use voice. That’s what I decided to do that particular day, for sometimes it’s just nice to hear the voices of the people you meet on the air.

See FRIENDS, Page 21

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16 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

PAST TENSE

OPINION

Area residents recall memorable Christmases Larkin Head’s grandparents, Roy and Pamela Head, once owned acreage on both sides of Chamblee Dunwoody Road. One year, Larkin’s parents bought a piano for Christmas. He remembers, “…in the mad rush to get to our presents under the tree, the piano was overlooked.” His mother VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF asked if there was something the children were not seeing. Columnist Larkin’s grandmother taught all the granddaughters how to play the piano. Fred Donaldson, friend and neighbor from down the road, shared memories of singing by the piano along with Larkin’s Uncle Bill. Grandmother Head played the piano and instructed the boys to sing. Chris Curth of Sandy Springs remembers participating in the annual Christmas play at Annie Houze Cook Kindergarten. The kindergarten was in Providence Methodist Church, now Misty Creek Community Church. Curth recalls he “…was one of the wise men, and as we walked down the aisle in our costumes we sang “We Three Kings.” He has fond memories of Annie Houze Cook. Jean Fallon shared her 1996 Olympics experience with me several years ago. She hosted the North Korean delegation at her home. Later, she shared memories of December 1941 when the U.S. entered World War II. “I was 10 years old and concerned that my daddy

would have to become a soldier but was relieved to hear he had been too young for WW1 and was too old for WWII,” she said. Fallon recalled the shortages of food that went along with rationing. The family used a new “fake butter” product called Nucoa. She remembered gasoline shortages and not being able to participate in her school play because her family could not use the gas to drive three miles to school for play rehearsals. There was also a lot of vegetable soup served in the school cafeteria. “But the sacrifices were shared by all, and we got through it together,” said Fallon. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Tom Keating, who has collaborated with me on Lawson General Hospital history, shared his favorite Christmas memory. “It was an uneventful tour as hospital duty officer during Christmas 1975 at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg, N.C.,” he said. “I was standing at my duty station adjoining the busy Emergency Department when 1st Lt. Carolyn Kraft, a very pretty army nurse, suddenly appeared. Fifty years later, she is still with me. I am so blessed.” The couple will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2026. Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail.com or visit her website at pasttensega.com.

LARKIN HEAD/PROVIDED

Larkin Head and big sister Pam in 1951 in the yard of their grandmother’s home on Chamblee Dunwoody Road.

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18 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Thousands visited the Alpha Loop in Alpharetta for a weekend Lights on the Loop festival Dec. 12 and 13.

PHOTOS BY: JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Lights: Continued from Page 3 “It’s a super great thing for our community, and when we think of just Alpharetta as a representative of Georgia, it’s super great for people that visit,” he said. “The real benefit is for folks to interact with each other.” Parking was available at a lot at 2500 North Winds Parkway. In the lot, visitors acclimated to the cold and perused wares sold by artisan vendors. A disc jockey spun dance beats, and a food truck sold coffee and hot cocoa. Hannah Green, a Denver resident who is considering moving to Alpharetta, said she was impressed with Lights on the Loop. For Green, who is used to outdoor recreation amenities, the Alpha Loop is a powerful draw to the city. She said she also was pleased to see the community so engaged. “Colorado is a very outdoorsy place, and we are outdoorsy people, so this is fun for us,” she said. “We like trails.”

Walkers pass through a tunnel on the Alpha Loop Dec. 12 during Lights on the Loop in Alpharetta.

Musicians play Christmas songs on the Alpha Loop Dec. 12 as part of festivities during Lights on the Loop in Alpharetta.

Puzzles

r 12/25/25 Connect-It

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 5, 5 and 4 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, with each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!

Johns Creek Herald ................................December 25, 2025 | 19

FLOWER POWER 1. New Hampshire’s state flower. Chicago team. Big fight. 2. Wine bottle measure. Valentine’s Day flower. Same. 3. Joint. Greek liqueur. Beautiful flower of unusual shapes and colors. 4. Like many a cellar. Indiana’s state flower. Calamari fish. 5. Type of daisy. Mistake. Rhine tributary. 6. Showy rayed variously colored flower. Police action. Mistique. 7. Quarrel. Charity. Old maid flower. PuzzleJunction.com

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12/25/25 Sudoku 7

Flower Power How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is 1. Hampshire’s flower. team. letter Big fight. the New first letter of the secondstate answer, and so Chicago on. The connecting is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues 2.ToWine bottle measure. Valentine’s Day flower. Same. solve the Sudoku puzzle, column for the 3 answers on the line. But each here’s row, the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually must contain the numbers to line. 9.flower bebox for the second or liqueur. third answer in 1that Got it?ofGood luck! shapes 3. Joint. Greek Beautiful unusual and colors.

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3 6. Showy rayed variously colored flower. Police action. 3 Mistique. 8 6 1 7. Quarrel. 6 Charity. Old7maid flower. 4 3 1 1 7 8 3 4 5 1 7 4 How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. 5 8 2 7 6 The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a 5. Type of daisy. Mistake. Rhine tributary.

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5 4 1 6 3 9 2 7 8

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1 Resinous deposit 4 Uncle of note 7 Fire remnant 10 “The ___” (Uris novel) 13 Swelled head 14 Wood sorrel 15 Buck’s mate 16 Harem room 17 Home appliances 19 Made a faux pas 21 Clothes presser 22 Gr. letter 24 Paris bisector 25 Psyches 27 Footwear 30 Greek salad cheese 32 Hang 33 Morsel 36 Ancient Greek epic poet 37 Let happen 39 Before, in poetry 41 “The Name of the Rose” writer 42 Rocky peak 44 Dudgeon 45 Drone, e.g. 46 Almond 47 Cutlery piece 49 Identical 51 Patch up 53 Actress Sommer of A Shot in the Dark 54 Maid’s target 55 Sleep disorder 57 Compass pt. 58 Have a hunch 61 Hankering 63 Misplace 67 Cook’s short cut 70 Reindeer locale

black square is the sum of the white squares to the right of it. A number below the diagonal line is the sum of the white squares in the sequence below it. You may only use the digits 1 to 9, and a digit can only be used once in any sequence.

PuzzleJunction.com

13 17

22 25

36 42 47

29 33

52 55

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72 Epoch 73 Debate position 74 Cheer starter 75 Wool weight 76 Engine part 77 Got an eyeful 78 ___ Baba 79 SHO alternative Down 1 Son of Leah 2 Lab gel 3 Designer Chanel 4 Old French coin 5 High points 6 Sail holder 7 Commercials 8 Peruvian coin 9 Bank job

10 Pueblo Indian 11 Yemeni city 12 Nephrite 18 Come together 20 Cancún coin 23 Genesis victim 26 Pub game 28 Scanning the browser 29 Fragrance 30 Photog’s aim 31 Ham it up 32 Type of board 34 Picture puzzle 35 Pick up the tab 36 Egg protector 38 Garden intruders 40 Aquarium denizen 43 Dentist’s request

48 Approve 50 Suppress, as an uprising 52 Type of cycle 56 Henhouse sounds 57 Escargot 58 Trade punches 59 Hence 60 Require 62 Born Free lioness 64 Pledge 65 Kind of appeal 66 Taro root 68 Coach Parseghian 69 Haul 71 Pressure unit (Abbr.)

See puzzle solutions on Page 23

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Solution 9 3 8 7 4 2 6 1 5

Across

APPE

How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Dunwoody Crier 12/25/25 Crossword

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SELL GOLD ALL TIME HIGH Highest prices paid.

BUYING: COINS & BULLION, FINE JEWELRY, STERLING FLATWARE. Precious Metals & More 201-320-7901 By appointments Johns Creek 30005 FREE ESTIMATES jewelry repairs and watch services

County:

RESS NP

Continued from Page 1

UB CL

APPE

20 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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County Manager Dick Williams said responsible pet ownership and adoptions are key with shelters reporting a 40 percent increase in new arrivals, up to nearly 1,000 new stray pets a month. “We’ve completed the negotiations with LifeLine,” Williams said during his operational report. “The scheduled transfer now is ongoing, so folks are moving to Fulton County Police Department … I think the KPIs (key performance indicators) that are being established for shelter operations that LifeLine will be responsible for have been strengthened.” Audrey Shoemaker, shelter director with Fulton County, spoke about her role with LifeLine Animal Project during the Dec. 16 Sandy Springs work session. The nonprofit has operated shelters in both counties since 2013, reporting unprecedented intake numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic, which have not subsided. “It’s a massive increase, and last year was a big year for intakes,” Shoemaker said, reporting an annual jump of 20 percent in the third quarter. “Sandy Springs makes up about 2 percent of our intakes. You guys do a great job with your community, and fortunately it doesn’t seem to be facing some of the challenges that some of the lower -income areas are facing.” Despite the flood of stray pets, mostly dogs and cats, the nonprofit has around a 90 percent save rate, qualifying it as a no-kill shelter. The number of intakes or impounds from North Fulton totals 5 percent of the more than 7,600 stray pets taken into shelters across the county through September of this year. Because LifeLine operates out of facilities south of the Chattahoochee

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River, geography plays a role with increased intakes south of the northern I-285 perimeter, along with socioeconomic factors. “We have been doing much better with our adoptions and our placements this year,” Shoemaker said. “It’s still been a pretty big challenge with the intakes we’ve been facing … The basics of animal sheltering [are] adopt, foster, rescue and volunteer.” Addressing the Fulton County Police Department’s takeover of field services, Shoemaker said she thinks it will be easier for first responders with a law enforcement background to handle pick-ups, attacks and fights. “Capt. Nicole Dwyer is going to be taking over,” she said. “She has already been at the shelter, and she’s been working with us.” Sandy Springs City Councilwoman Melissa Mular said she has adopted pets from LifeLine in both counties over the years, promoting adoptions and foster care as a way for residents to help with regional overcrowding at shelters. Rice Street fire update County Manager Dick Anderson said newly available beds, freed up by the ongoing “jail blitz,” are being used to house inmates displaced by the Dec. 12 fire at the Rice Street jail. Anderson said county staff will present a bond issuance proposal in January for its new 1,800-bed mental health facility and Rice Street renovations, estimated to cost around $1.1 billion. Later in the meeting, commissioners approved a roughly $1 million contract with Johnson Controls to cover year -end jail maintenance costs as a part of the ongoing blitz project. “The jail population is remaining steady at 2,958, more being released in this last month than brought in,” Anderson said. “There is an uptick in use of the diversion center, 224 diver sions, that’s also positive, and 514 on electronic monitoring. So, we continue

to look for and support alternatives to incarceration.” During the justice system discussion, commissioners encouraged county staff to increase usage of the electronic monitoring and Policing Alternatives & Diversion programs to drive down the jail population. Fulton County DREAM Director Joe Davis, overseeing the real estate and asset management department, said the fallout from the Dec. 12 fire is “probably the most significant in terms of damage” that he has seen since joining the county in 2006. An arson investigation is ongoing, Davis said. “We have extensive damage not only to the area where the fire was set, the shower, but extreme smoke that covered all surfaces in the area, as well as the flames reaching up to the ceiling, burning through the ceiling tiles, affecting wiring and mechanical equipment,” Davis said. “We’ve begun the initial restoration work … but we have a great deal more work to do.” Davis said phase one of the “jail blitz” will wrap up in January, and then the second phase will begin. The average length of stay at Rice Street is 205 days, county staff reported, which has remained consistent throughout the year. Before the fire, more than 500 inmates were unindicted or unaccused. Justice System Programs Director Steve Nawrocki said the number of people admitted to the diversion center is increasing. However, he said daily intake at the Diversion Center is averaging just 20 percent of the program’s capacity. “Meetings between the Public Defender’s office and the District Attorney’s office have ceased,” Nawrocki said. “I think that’s kind of limited the pipeline of [electronic] monitors that are being applied, but we certainly encourage usage … any strategy again to reduce the jail population for those appropriate that shouldn’t really be in the jail.”

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | December 25, 2025 | 21

AIKENOMICS

Lender for life, or just another transaction? When buying almost anything, everyone wants a “good deal.” That instinct makes sense. But when it comes to mortgages, many buyers do not fully understand what a D.C. AIKEN good deal actually Guest Columnist looks like. dcaiken.com I see it every day. Borrowers often ask two questions: “What’s my rate?” and “What will it cost?” Most of the focus, however, is placed almost entirely on the rate. Recently, I have seen 30-year fixed-rate quotes ranging from the national average near 6.25 percent to numbers as low as 5.50 percent for identical borrower profiles. That spread alone should raise a red flag. Rates do not exist in a vacuum. In most cases, the difference comes down to discount points —fees paid upfront to “buy down” the interest rate. In today’s market, achieving a 5.50 percent rate could require roughly 2.5 discount points, or about $10,000 on a $500,000 loan. While the lower rate may reduce the monthly payment by approximately

Friends: Continued from Page 14 Arriving at my chosen spot, I quickly set up the station and put out a call. Within minutes, I heard the first stations calling me. There was Ian in Wisconsin, followed by Tom in Colorado and Paul in Florida and someone else (Mark, if I remember right?) in Montana. From the far reaches And then came a call from a more exotic callsign. It had the sound of distance to it, that slightly feathery sound of a radio signal from far, far away, and as I listened I suddenly recognized it as a station in Venezuela! The ether was smiling on me, it seemed, for there’s nothing like contacting a station in another country to remind you that ham radio really is a hobby without borders. Hearing that call from far beyond the horizon made this ol’ heart beat a little faster, and I pressed the headphones closer to my ears. The operator on the other end, I soon learned, was named John. His home was in Caracas. We spoke for few minutes, and a few minutes more, but then the ether began to do what the ether often does

$250, the breakeven period is close to 40 months. If a borrower refinances before that point — as many expect to do during a potential refinance cycle in 2026 — the lower rate becomes the more expensive choice. The lesson is simple: Compare total cost, not just the headline rate. Buyers should also ask whether a quoted rate can actually be locked today. It is not uncommon to see lenders advertise aggressive rates that cannot be executed for a standard 30-day lock. Some loan officers know borrowers are shopping purely on rate and will quote below-market numbers that are not immediately available. While effective as a sales tactic, it can be misleading and ultimately damaging to the borrower. Another critical question is loan servicing. Will the lender continue servicing the loan after closing, or will it be sold immediately? Companies that service a majority of their loans maintain an ongoing relationship with the borrower. This continuity can matter. Servicers are more likely to monitor market conditions, advise clients when refinancing makes sense, and — here in Georgia — help borrowers avoid paying intangible tax again on a refinance, which can represent meaningful savings.

Finally, get referrals, and vet them. Ask your real estate agent who they trust. Research the loan officer’s experience, availability, customer reviews, and track record. This is likely the largest financial transaction of your life, and it deserves more scrutiny than a quick online quote. Mortgage lending is slow right now, and some originators are under pressure to win business at any cost. Buyers should look beyond the transaction and seek a lender for life — someone who prioritizes long-term financial outcomes, not just today’s closing.

as something changed up there in the ionosphere. The invisible waves that connected us began to waver and shift. The signal began to fade, and in a moment it was over and John was gone. From where he sat, I knew, I was gone too. Venezuela, I decided, was a nice note to end on. So, I took down the antenna and packed up the radio and turned the car toward home. On the drive back, I reflected on the magic that had drawn me to ham radio in the first place all those years ago – the magic of talking one-toone to a fellow soul partway around the world, with nothing in between except some friendly atmospherics and a measure of magic that I still find hard to define. I couldn’t wait to recount the story when I got home. A little bit later I pulled into the driveway, turned off the car, and went inside to warmth and home. I walked into the living room. The TV was on, and I heard her in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on our supper. But before I could tell her the TV caught my attention. I heard the word “Venezuela” and stopped to listen. A talking head was saying something about military stuff, something about naval warships and fighter

jets and a tanker seized at sea. I saw video of a boarding party fast-roping from a helicopter. I saw weapons at the ready. Later, in the days that followed, I heard heated rhetoric. I heard questions about further seizures and arguments attempting justification. I heard declarations of resistance. I heard words hinting at targeted air assaults and even ground action. I heard all of that right in the middle of the season of

What to ask your lender A quick checklist before you choose 1. Can this rate be locked today? If the rate cannot be locked for a standard 30-day period, it may not be a realistic quote. 2. How much does this rate cost in points? A lower rate often requires upfront fees. Ask for the total dollar cost — not just the interest rate. 3. What is my breakeven timeline? Find out how long it will take for monthly savings to recoup any upfront costs, especially if refinancing is likely.

4. Will you service my loan after closing? Lenders who retain servicing can provide continuity, guidance and potential cost savings on future refinances. 5. What happens if rates drop before I close? Ask whether a float-down option or rate-adjustment policy is available. 6. How long have you been originating mortgages? Experience matters, particularly in volatile markets. 7. Are you available nights and weekends? Real estate does not operate on banker’s hours. Neither should your lender. 8. Can you provide recent client reviews or referrals? Reputation and service history are as important as pricing. DC Aiken is Senior Vice President of Lending for CrossCountry Mortgage, NMLS # 658790. For more insights, you can subscribe to his newsletter at dcaiken.com. The opinions expressed within this article may not reflect the opinions or views of CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC or its affiliates. hope and joy and the brotherhood of all. And I thought about the things that the baby said once he grew up, the things he told us are important. “Supper is ready,” I heard my wife call. As I fixed my place, I thought again of John, a fellow ham radio operator and fellow human being in Venezuela. Happy Christmas, my friend. May we speak again in the new year. Till then, be well. And take care.

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026, AT 7 :00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE, JOHNS CREEK, GEORGIA 30097 The following Land Use Petition is scheduled for public hearings: LAND USE PETITION: RZ-23-0001 CONCURRENT VARIANCES: VC-23-0002, VC-23-0003 PETITIONER: Willow Capital Partners, LLC LOCATION: 5805 State Bridge Road CURRENT ZONING: C-1 (Community Business District) Conditional PROPOSED ZONING: C-1 (Community Business District) PROPOSED Allow for an outparcel development to construct DEVELOPMENT: a 4,720 SF restaurant with drive-through, and two concurrent variances: 1. VC-23-0002: Reduce the required parking from 355 to 299 spaces 2. VC-23-0003: Eliminate landscape strips along interior property lines

22 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Full-time Sawnee EMC is seeking a Dispatcher with electric utility experience to dispatch workers for customer service, normal maintenance, or emergency repairs to electric-power transmission and distribution lines. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, minimum of one (1) year working knowledge of radio operation, or equivalent experience, map reading and line design knowledge, problem solving and communication skills by radio, telephone and in person. Must be available for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends. Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, January 2, 2026. Apply online: www.sawnee. coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-8872363 extension 7568. Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

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24 | December 25, 2025 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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