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New Eagle Scouts receive honors ► PAGE 6

M a r c h 1 2 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 0 , N o . 1 1

‘Excited for the future’

City ends contract for development of public workshop at old park building

Hamilton introduces his philosophy as new head coach of Hooch football

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Chattahoochee High School hosted a meet session March 4 for its new head football coach Austin Hamilton. An internal hire, Hamilton previously served as the co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach before getting the lead job. In his presentation to parents, he said they may recognize him, but he looks forward to getting to know them more now that he has the reins to run the program. The main focuses of the presentation were “The Hooch Way” of pride, respect and integrity and working in effort, attitude and toughness. He said four aspects where coaches, players and parents will work together are innovation, communication, connection and being a dynamic program where they are energetic, driven, flexible and action-oriented. His presentation slides detailed shifting the program from a “fear-driven” to “purpose-driven.” “Right now, my goal is not to even look at wins and losses,” Hamilton said. “My goal is to jut build a foundation… and I think the wins and losses will come when that happens.” He provided the analogy of “always being green,” like a ripening banana, and he aims to position his team to not stop growing and turn yellow and brown. Hamilton said the last two weeks have been filled with strengthening the community’s buy-in. The program has planned several events this month and next to improve skills and morale. They will hold a quarterback camp later this month, bringing in a trainer who has worked with Patrick Mahomes, to boost quarterback prospects at Hooch.

See HAMILTON, Page 21

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL/PROVIDED

University of West Georgia alum Austin Hamilton coaches from the sideline at Chattahoochee High School. Last month, the Cougars named him the new head coach of the football program.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — A contractual setback has put plans for a community workshop on hold while the Johns Creek City Council considers options for the project. At their March 2 meeting, council members unanimously voted to terminate a $2 million designbuild contract with general contractor MAPP for the creation of a “makerspace” in an old building at Cauley Creek Park. The city originally approved the contract last spring. The city will pay less than $200,000 for work completed by MAPP. The completed work includes a survey, geotechnical work and a preliminary design. The workshop was planned to be located in a 13,000-square-foot former water reclamation building at the park. The council plans to revisit the item within six weeks. In light of the delay, Councilman Larry DiBiase said he would like to consider options. He said he would like to discuss the facility’s location and whether savings are a possibility by combining it with a potential indoor recreation center.

See COUNCIL, Page 21

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2 | March 12, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Cambridge High School briefly enters lockdown 770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 HANS APPEN Publisher RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus CONTACT NEWS TIPS Contact reporters directly or send story ideas to newsroom@appenmedia.com. LETTERS, EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Send your letters, events and community news to newsroom@appenmedia.com. See appenmedia.com/submit for more guidance. ADVERTISING For information about advertising in the Johns Creek Herald or other Appen Media properties, email advertising@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278. CIRCULATION To start, pause or stop delivery of this newspaper, email circulation@appenmedia.com or call 770-442-3278.

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge High School in Milton entered lockdown the morning of March 2 when an alumnus of the school entered the building without authorization after confronting a staff member. The lockdown was lifted shortly after and the school resumed normal operations. Law enforcement responded to the incident and detained the individual on site. No weapon was

involved, and an investigation is ongoing. Cambridge High School’s Principal Ashley Agans sent out a notification when the lockdown was initiated and followed up with parents after it was lifted. “Today’s incident is a firm reminder that maintaining a safe school environment requires vigilance from everyone,” Agans said. “Safety is and will remain our top priority, and we will continue to uphold strict protocols to protect our students and staff.”

Police arrest suspect in gas station burglary ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police arrested a 34-year-old Alpharetta resident Feb. 14 in connection with a burglary reported at a Haynes Bridge Road gas station. Alpharetta police officers were dispatched to the business about 7 a.m. A manager told officers a man broke open the rear door and left on an electric scooter when confronted. The manager followed the man in his car, tailing him onto Ga. 400 and to another gas station near Morris Road and Old Milton Parkway. The manager, who said he never lost sight of the man, called police, who arrested the man. Officers viewed security camera video from the Haynes Bridge Road gas station. The video allegedly showed a suspect matching the Alpharetta man’s description. Officers also viewed another video recorded Feb. 13 allegedly showing the man stealing packages of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, a legal chemical derivative similar to those found in kratom. Kratom is a tropical tree whose leaves contain chemicals that produce stimulating and opioid-like effects.

POLICE BLOTTER 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.

Consumption of kratom can lead to addiction, a Drug Enforcement Agency fact sheet said. A search of the man found a package of the drug, which the manager identified as belonging to the gas station, police said. The man was charged with shoplifting and felony forced burglary of a business. — Jon Wilcox

Business reports theft of $1,000 in Nike shoes ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Police are seeking two suspects in a reported shoplifting of more than $1,000 worth of shoes from a North Point Parkway business Feb. 10. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the business about 4 p.m. A manager told officers two men stole Nike shoes, placing them in black trash bags. Officers viewed security camera footage of the alleged theft.

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

The items reported stolen included 13 pairs of Nike shoes. The incident was classified as a felony by shoplifting more than $500. — Jon Wilcox

Police investigate rash of fires at church ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Officers investigated a report of arson at a church Feb. 10. Alpharetta police said a North Main Street church official phoned the department about 9 a.m. to report an overnight fire. Police said the church has reported numerous fires set on the property in recent months. Police are unsure whether the fires were set by the same person or people. Officers visited the church and viewed security camera footage showing a man walking onto church property, kneeling by some bushes near the main sanctuary building and walking away, the department said. A police report made no mention of any damage sustained by the fire. The incident was classified as a felony first-degree arson. — Jon Wilcox

NEWS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 3

State budget includes $409M for mental health hospital By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com ATLANTA — Georgia lawmakers are making plans to construct a state mental health hospital. The Fiscal Year 2026 amended budget includes $409 million for the new facility. The forensic mental health hospital would serve state prisons and local jails to ensure inmates receive mental health care and alleviate pressure on correctional facilities. Lawmakers have not disclosed where the facility would be located. Gov. Brian Kemp was set to sign the 2026 amended budget March 3. During a press conference Feb. 20, Senate leaders pointed to a court decision that led to the closure of state mental health hospitals. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Georgia in 2010 for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and hospitalizing individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses for longer than necessary. The entities entered into the Olmstead Settlement Agreement, and it was extended in 2016. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) was required to stop admitting

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patients with developmental disabilities to state hospitals and enhance community services. The state was required to move individuals from state hospitals into homes so they could integrate into the community. Now that the consent agreement has been lifted, lawmakers said they can work to provide better mental health care. “We are going to build a mental health facility by putting in over $400 million in

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our amended budget,” Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said. “It’s a 300-bed facility that will be a great start to addressing this issue that so many of our law enforcement men and women have had to deal with for many, many years.” Jones added that the facility will be done in partnership with the federal government. “I told them without hesitation that the state of Georgia wanted to be a partner in this effort because long-term, this is something we need to address,” Jones said. “It can’t be handled just at the state level. We do need our federal partners to help with this.” He also said a construction timeline hasn’t been determined yet. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, is the Senate appropriations chair. He said the Olmstead agreement led to mental health hospitals shutting down. For the past 16 years, the state has worked to provide mental health services in communities, and it put a burden on law enforcement officers. “When those state mental health hospitals closed, our county jails became the state mental health hospitals,” Tillery said. Sen. Larry Walker, R-Perry, added that law enforcement officers are not equipped

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4 | March 12, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

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Kermit Roosevelt speaks to family’s divided roots By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — In one of many events scheduled by Roswell to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Kermit Roosevelt, great-great grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, spoke March 1, reflecting on his family’s Southern roots. Kermit is a constitutional law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author. His recent book, “The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America’s Story,” was published in 2022. More than 100 people engaged with Kermit’s retelling of Theodore’s life and legacy as the 26th president of the United States, which emphasized his parent’s influence. Theodore’s mother, Martha “Mittie” Bulloch was born in Roswell’s Bulloch Hall in 1835 and was described by Kermit as “a classic Southern belle.” Growing up in Roswell, Mittie was a strong supporter of the Confederacy and remained “entirely un-reconstructed,” until she died, Theodore wrote in his autobiography. The death of both parents had a powerful influence on Theodore’s life, Kermit said. His father died while

Kermit Roosevelt speaks on his family’s Southern roots and the legacy of his great-great grandfather Theodore Roosevelt at a Roswell America250 event March 1.

said. “So, instead, TR goes west and he remakes himself as a cowboy in the Dakotas.” Nature proved healing for Theodore, and he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and learning to live in nature. He often said, “I would not have become president if not for my time in the Dakotas.” Kermit takes the former president at his word, saying he thinks without his time in nature, Theodore would not have been an environmentalist and creator of the National Parks System. His time in the Dakotas, embracing danger, physical challenges, and eventually war, was Theodore’s attempt to redeem his father through his own example. Theodore Roosevelt Sr. didn’t fight in the Civil War at Mittie’s request, and that impacted their son. “[Theodore’s] rise is really affected by this need to compensate,” Kermit said, “and to redeem what he saw as a shortcoming in his father’s life.”

Theodore was at Harvard. In 1884, Theodore’s mother and his wife both died Valentine’s Day in 1884 – two days after the birth of Theodore’s first child. “TR is made of somewhat different stuff, and he doesn’t break,” Kermit

National unity Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley. When Theodore ran in the election of 1904, he saw himself as a representation of the entire nation

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thanks to his Northern and Southern roots. Theodore’s father was an active supporter of the Union during the Civil War as his mother committed treason supporting the Confederacy, yet his parents remained united in marriage. “Part of me wants to say … we can learn from that like Theodore Roosevelt did, that you can have a relationship that is above politics,” Kermit said. However, Kermit said this idea of putting politics aside and uniting as Americans around our shared values is more complicated than that. “Historically, our moments of unity are not really aways people putting their differences aside and coming together,” Kermit said. “Sometimes there are moments where one side kind of gives up on its principles because unity is more important.” The United States needs to make more of a choice about who we are as a nation before we can expect to unite over shared values, he said. Some believe that America dedicated itself to certain values at the founding that are stated in the Declaration of Independence and that will tell us what it means to be a true American.

See ROOSEVELT, Page 21

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ALPHARETTA, Ga.— The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review on Jan. 22, 2026, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church. Top row, from left: Timothy Stadter, of Troop 430, sponsored by St. David’s Episcopal Church. Timothy’s project was the design and construction of an outdoor staircase behind Jefford’s Hall at St. David Episcopalian Church. Maxwell Wright, of Troop 430, sponsored by St. David’s Episcopal Church. Maxwell’s project was the design and construction of a 92-foot fence with a gate for the newly acquired property at St. David Episcopal Church. Abhinay Seelam, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Abhinay’s project was the design and construction of a picnic table, nine tables of different sizes and two signboards. Praveen Rangarajan, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Praveen’s project was the renovation of Alpharetta High School's theater room by constructing several shelving units, repairing and repainting the stage, replacing broken ceiling tiles and repainting them, replacing the stage skirting and replacing the curtain rods. Rikhil Duvvuri, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Rikhil’s project was the design and construction of a wheelchair ramp for the Bagley house at Alpharetta Methodist Church’s campus. Bottom row, from left: Evan Abrahamson, of Troop 1717, sponsored by Cross of Life Lutheran Church. Evan’s Project was the de-

sign and construction of eight movable benches for Elkins Point Middle School’s outdoor court. John Patrick Rice, of Troop 629, sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. John’s project was the beautification of the Fellowship Christian School’s campus by building and installing a large shade apparatus for the Paladin Outpost, planting a Liberty Tree to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States, design and constructing a large wooden cross for the fire pit area and a clean-up/rejuvenation of the outdoor garden. Michael Warman, of Troop 431, sponsored by Roswell United Methodist Church. Michael’s project was the renovation of the butterfly garden at Roswell North Elementary School by removing the current bricks on the pathway, cleaning them, then creating four different pathways. He also removed the old benches and replaced them with eight newly constructed movable benches. Julian Miller, of Troop 841, sponsored by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Julian’s project was the design and construction of two wooden benches for the Lakhapani Preserve in Milton. Gavin Robertson, of Troop 7153, sponsored by St. Brigid Catholic Church. Gavin’s project was the creation of a Grotto for the Virgin Mary at St. John of Bosco Academy. The grotto work included a statue of the Virgin Mary, pavers, planting bushes and designing and constructing two wooden benches. David Prevallet, of Troop 3000, sponsored by Birmingham United Methodist Church. David’s project was the design and construction of a commemorative garden at Christ the Sheppard Lutheran Church. The garden included leveling the land and removing stumps, planting a tree and several shrubs and constructing two benches.

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 7

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Bringing weird to Roswell: Bizarre Coffee opens doors By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Bizarre Coffee owner Sabrina Kaylor knows how important the first cup of the day is. Each customer is asked, “How can I make your day?” when they approach the counter. Employees at Bizarre are called Daymakers and are ready to do just that. “The opportunity to make such an impact in such a short interaction is really valuable,” Kaylor said. “And we try to teach them that that will compound over time and compound in people’s lives.” The local chain has a presence in three communities and its reach is growing. The brand started as a booth at a Canton farmers market. In 2020, its first storefront opened in downtown Canton. “We just kind of figured it out as we went,” Kaylor said. “It’s been very much bootstrapped, and it’s been a really awesome experience.” Bizarre Coffee continued to expand with a location in Woodstock in 2023. Its third location in downtown Roswell, 1090 Alpharetta Street, opened in February. Another is under construction in downtown Acworth. “We have been really lucky,” Kaylor said. “The people who we get to serve every single day are the best.” What Bizarre Coffee is serving is just as odd as the name implies. Signature drinks on its menu incorporate flavors that aren’t typically paired with coffee, like Froot Loops and lemon. Kaylor sees it as a way to keep surprising her customers – but not too much. When making the spring menu, she made sure to bring back a blueberry latte for the fourth year because people beg for its return.

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA:

Bizarre Coffee serves unique flavors of coffee and cocktails at its location in downtown Roswell, 1090 Alpharetta Street. The menu changes each season, and even if the same items return, they’re often made differently. Bizarre Coffee has started using housemade syrups to further hone its craft and please the community. Kaylor said it has been cool learning a new skill and being able to revamp the syrup flavors they offer. “It’s just awesome to see people come back and taste it in its different forms,” Kaylor said. “It's just been really cool to see that be well received as we’ve evolved.” Social media has been a big part of cul-

tivating Bizarre’s brand. Their Instagram account has nearly 30,000 followers, and multiple videos highlighting new drinks and carrying giant cocktails have gone viral across their social media. They got a lot of attention when Kaylor announced she would dabble in craft cocktails at the Roswell location. She said the 3,500-square-foot space lent itself to add something fun and fresh to the menu. One flavor Kaylor was adamant to include on the menu was guava, something

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she grew up loving in South Florida. It’s mixed with black tea and vodka to make a cocktail called a Guava John. Another signature drink combines espresso, soju and yuzu, a Japanese citrus. “It’s a new thing to us,” Kaylor said, “so we wanted to make sure that those cocktails would be representative of things that we already do but in a way that exceeds expectations.” Bizarre Coffee in Roswell is at 1090 Alpharetta St. A ribbon cutting was planned for March 11 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 9

Centennial coach brings ‘family’ into program Basketball alums share Barksdale’s life lesson By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Centennial alum Matt Barksdale returned to Roswell in 2018 to coach basketball and made an impact from day one. A four-time Region/District Coach of the Year and father to a 9-year-old daughter, he’s a self-described lifelong learner and relationship builder. But he does more than coach his players. He didn’t foresee going into coaching after graduating Centennial in 2005. He changed his major from journalism to pursue teaching. Barksdale said a mission trip to Belize his junior year transformed him. He then knew his purpose was working with kids teaching sports. First coaching a middle school basketball team in Tennessee, he was soon promoted to the varsity job where he stayed for five years. That was nearly 13 years ago, and Barksdale now boasts almost 250 career wins between his two posts. This year, Barksdale spent his birthday at Centennial’s alumni game over Christmas break. The current team played against former players who returned to break a sweat. Some of the alumni are still pursuing basketball, some pursuing other sports. Some work are working or in school, but all felt pulled to return to a place – and coach – that shaped them. Barksdale and his wife Jessica Lundy Barksdale host team dinners at their home in Alpharetta, spreading an infectious energy of camaraderie. Matt’s parents, Suzanne and Scott, who live near Centennial join other players’ families in hosting team meals. Player dinners and other efforts by coaching staff have created a team culture and chemistry that manifested clearly with the class of 2025. Eight seniors from last year’s team played together since sixth grade, binding in an era where transfers are common. Five earned athletic scholarships, three in basketball. All eight remain brothers. After losing keys starters through graduation, this year’s Centennial team defied the notion of a “rebuild” year. After sitting in fourth place in region for most of the season, the Knights shocked Kell twice to take the region third seed for the state tournament. The Knights fell to Union Grove, 62-57 in the first round Feb. 25.

BARKSDALE FAMILY/PROVIDED

From left, Centennial boys basketball head coach Matt Barksdale smiles with former player, Brian Baylor, each with their child perched on their shoulders in Barksdale’s home December 2025.

Background and beginnings Matt’s first varsity job was at LEAD Academy in Nashville. He had been leading a new program to success, producing four District Players of the Year and 14 all-district players. Lundy Barksdale was a teacher and cheerleading coach, already involved with LEAD basketball when Matt took charge. She kept score for every game of his career. Now, she’s the curriculum assistant principal at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy and has courtside season tickets to watch Matt’s leadership. “With former players, whether their relationship continued or whether he just left an imprint, each one is very personalized,” she said. “Most people don’t see the late nights where we sit up and he’s asking questions, like ‘how can I get this kid more motivated?’” Matt told Appen Media when he was hired that he had his eye out for the opening. Now eight years in, he said some of the teachers he learned from are his colleagues. “A lot of the similarities and same things I loved about high school are what I love about Centennial now,” he said. “It’s an amazing melting pot of kids, and that’s the thing I love most about working, teaching, coaching here.” Matt’s parents, Suzanne and Scott, said the second of their three sons was a fiery player during his four years on the varsity squad. There was the time in 2005 when a teammate felt uneasy about shooting free-throws and switched with Matt inbounding. Matt received the inbounds pass, then drilled two shots from the charity stripe, sealing the win over North Springs. Suzanne reflected on watching Matt’s playing career and now seeing

his impact as a coach. “He’s just always been very competitive,” she said. “It’s important you have the right coach, that you have one of character who can be a mentor. He knows education’s the key to going forward.” Milton High basketball coach Allen Whitehart was Matt’s assistant coach in the early 2000s and has built his own powerhouse program. Whitehart confirmed the “fiery” assertion. His was the call Matt received to alert him to the Centennial job opening. Though the coaches have never met head-to-head, Whitehart said Matt offered his gymnasium for Eagles practice before the 2026 region tournament at Chattahoochee High to adjust to the dome. Matt won the Excalibur Award his senior year, an honor voted on by the team. Centennial now In June, former Centennial assistant coach Jake Birdsong became boys head basketball coach at Chattahoochee High. Birdsong’s Cougars met the Knights twice this season and split the series. Birdsong said it felt odd coaching on the opposite bench as Matt. Coaching against players he bonded with was another challenge. Birdsong carries on the team dinner tradition with his wife and infant son. He said Matt prepared him for head coaching by handing him offensive reins last season. “He taught me a lot about what it means to be a coach off the court,” Birdsong said. “On the court, all those players trust him, listen to him and respect him, even when he’s hard on them at times, he’s not overbearing.” Birdsong spoke to the intangibles he picked up from Centennial. “It means more than basketball to him,” Birdsong said. “He wants his players to develop into well-rounded individuals, and it’s really easy to say that, but he’s actually walked the walk.” Another former Knights coach, Chad Hixon, was there for three years and is now an assistant coach at Emory, his alma mater. Hixon said Lundy Barksdale makes an excellent “team mom,” keeping stats, snacks and at times tutoring players when necessary. She will officiate Hixon’s wedding later this year. “It’s really special, the biggest thing about my time at Centennial was the family aspect,” he said. “Every guy on

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Expert Care for Peripheral Artery and Venous Disease at Wellstar Brought to you by – Dr. Bertrand Mukete, Wellstar cardiologist Around 12 million Americans suffer from peripheral vascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. For people experiencing symptoms like painful leg cramps during activity, numbness, cold feet and slow-healing sores, the vascular experts at Wellstar provide comprehensive, tailored care. Here’s what you need to know about the condition—and how to get treated. Peripheral vascular disease Peripheral vascular disease affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain. This condition narrows the arteries and weakens the blood flow to the limbs, resulting in pain or cramping in the legs and arms. It’s called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when it affects arteries and peripheral venous disease (PVD) when it affects veins, like in the limbs. The peripheral vascular care team at Wellstar helps people improve their symptoms and stop the disorder’s progression. Care teams can include car-

diologists, radiologists, interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons. We collaborate to provide the right level of personalized care for people with peripheral vascular diseases. Peripheral arterial disease PAD is plaque buildup in the arteries, which limits blood flow to the limbs. Symptoms can include pain or cramps with activity, pain when resting and non-healing ulcers on a cool or pale limb. You can reduce your risk of PAD by quitting smoking, exercising, and managing blood pressure and diabetes. Treatments for PAD include lifestyle modifications, medications and interventions such as balloon angioplasty, plaque or clot extractions, and stent implantation. Dr. Bertrand Mukete

Peripheral venous disease PVD often causes a sense of heavi-

ness or aching, swelling (worse when standing), itching, varicose veins and venous ulcers near the ankle. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lung, include skin discoloration, chest pain or shortness of breath. Risk factors for PVD include smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, age and a family history of premature cardiovascular disease. Treatments for PVD can include compression stockings, ablation, medication or mechanical removal of blood clots. Care for venous thromboembolism The peripheral vascular care team at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, a leading facility in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). There are two types of VTE. Deep vein thrombosis is a clot in a deep vein. It usually occurs in the leg, but it can also appear in the arms. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clot breaks off the vein and travels to the lungs, blocking the blood supply. VTE can cause lifelong disability and can be fatal. Early intervention is crucial. At Wellstar North Fulton, the

heart care team was an early adopter of a groundbreaking treatment for VTE, which uses a catheter to remove the clot. The surgeon inserts the catheter through the groin and navigates it to the clot for treatment. Wellstar North Fulton continues to receive referrals from around the region for this procedure and is one of the highest volume hospitals for VTE care in Metro Atlanta. Previous treatment options included open chest surgery, blood thinners and clot-busting medications. These methods posed a higher risk of complications, especially for patients who have recently undergone another surgical procedure. Because a recent surgery can put a patient at higher risk for VTE, using a catheter to remove the clot is safer for many patients. This treatment method has reduced patients’ hospital stays for VTE from an average of five to seven days to only one or two days. To make an appointment with a Wellstar cardiologist in Roswell, call (770) 410-4520. Call (470) 267-0430 to schedule in Alpharetta.

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 11

A team of advanced heart care specialists means more expertise for you.

At Wellstar, you’ll find more than 100 cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons across our cardiovascular services team who are ready to care for you. Whether you need preventive screenings or treatment for complex heart conditions, your heart is in good hands with our skilled team— highly rated by patients like you. We are leading the way in Georgia and beyond with innovative technology and experienced clinicians to ensure you have the expertise you need close by. Learn how Wellstar can help keep your heart going strong at wellstar.org/northfultonheart. Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Why are my teeth so sensitive? Why are my teeth sensitive? What can I do about it? To understand why your teeth are sensitive, it’s important to delve into the underlying causes and factors contributing to this discomfort. Tooth sensitivity, medically known as dentin hypersensitivity, is a common dental problem affecting millions of people worldwide. It manifests as a sharp, sudden pain or discomfort experienced when teeth are exposed to certain stimuli such as cold, hot, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages, as well as during brushing or flossing. The sensation can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact one’s quality of life, if left untreated. There are several potential reasons why your teeth may be sensitive: 1. Exposed Dentin: Dentin is the layer of your tooth beneath the enamel, containing tiny tubules that lead to the nerve center (dental pulp) of the tooth. When the protective enamel layer wears down due to factors such as aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or tooth erosion from conditions such as acid reflux or bulimia, the dentin becomes exposed. This exposes the nerve endings, leading to sensitivity.

2. Gum Recession: Receding gums, often caused by aggressive brushing, gum disease, or aging, can expose the sensitive roots of the teeth. Unlike enamel, the roots do not have a protective layer making them susceptible to sensitivity. 3. Tooth Decay or Damage: Cavities, cracked teeth, or dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or bridges that are improperly fitted or have deteriorated can leave the inner layers of the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity. 4. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Clenching and Grinding your teeth can be an unconscious habit that you’re not even aware you are doing. Habitual clenching or grinding can wear down your enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity. Additionally, it can cause fractures in the teeth, structurally compromising the tooth or exposing the dentin causing discomfort. 5. Dental procedures: Certain dental procedures such as teeth whitening treatments, professional cleanings, or root planing can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity. However, this sensitivity usually subsides after a short period.

6. Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consumption of highly acidic foods and beverages can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity. Examples include citrus fruits, soda, wine, energy drinks, and certain types of vinegar. 7. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as acid reflux, bulimia, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can expose teeth to stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion and sensitivity. 8. Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can lead to plaque buildup, gum disease, and ultimately tooth sensitivity. To alleviate tooth sensitivity and prevent further discomfort, it's essential to address the underlying cause. This may involve using desensitizing toothpaste, practicing proper oral hygiene, avoiding acidic foods, wearing a mouthguard to prevent bruxism, and seeking dental treatment for conditions such as gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of any dental issues

contributing to sensitivity. By identifying and addressing the root cause of your tooth sensitivity, you can restore comfort and maintain optimal oral health. “Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life." — Dr. Charles Mayo of the Mayo Clinic Dr. Bradley Hepler and the experienced team at the Atlanta Center for Dental Health provide all the modern advances for healthy and attractive smiles. You will realize immediate results with non-invasive and often inexpensive procedures to enhance your smile and your health. If you would like a complementary consultation to discover your smile restoring options, please call the Atlanta Center for Dental Health at 770992-2236. Dr. Bradley Hepler has spent many hours dedicated to perfecting and updating the latest and best techniques in dentistry. It is with this breadth of knowledge that we provide each patient with the perfect solution to their situation, their life, and their goals. It is our pleasure to serve this community and help as many people as possible live their best life.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 13

A return to oral medications? Brought to you by – Premier Dermatology From spray sunscreens to creams, ointments, lotions, and foams, dermatologists love the fact that we can often recommend products and treatments that don’t require systemic exposure. When a patient must take a pill or receive an injection, the entire body is exposed, which increases the risk of side effects compared with most topical treatments. Sometimes, however, a pill is exactly the breakthrough treatment we’ve been waiting for. Many people are unaware of the creative and innovative oral treatments now available to treat skin conditions. What follows is a brief overview of some of dermatology’s oral medication trends and highlights. Some of these medicines are “off-label” or are supplements. Be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of any of these options with a dermatologist before starting treatment. We start off with “melasma,” a condition in which an individual’s face develops stubborn dark patches. Traditional topical medications like hydroquinone and azelaic acid are often only partially effective. Increasingly, dermatologists are turning to oral tranexamic acid as an option that can be used alongside or instead of topical medications. Tranexamic acid is a medication originally used to decrease bleeding but was later discovered to also reduce pigmentation in the skin. Because of its anti-bleeding properties, it cannot be taken by patients prone to blood clots or those with an increased risk of clotting. For many people suffering from melasma, however, tranexamic acid can be a game changer. For those experiencing hair loss, topical minoxidil (Rogaine®) can be frustrating to use. Once- or twice-daily application of a foam or liquid on the scalp can leave hair greasy and create styling challenges. Oral minoxidil is increasingly used as an alternative and is often very effective. In addition, Nutrafol® supplements are commonly used as an adjunct, particularly for patients seeking a more holistic or natural approach to hair loss treatment. Oral therapies are also gaining attention for preventing skin cancer and reducing sun damage. A form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide has been shown to reduce rates of certain skin cancers in many patients. Another supplement, polypodium leucotomos (PLE), is

an extract from a tropical fern that reduces sunburns and may help decrease skin cancer development. Its protective effect is modest—likely comparable to an SPF 4 sunscreen for a few hours after ingestion. Therefore, polypodium is intriguing as an addition to traditional sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing. Because polypodium acts as an antioxidant and mild sunscreen, it may also help patients with sun-sensitivity disorders as well as those with melasma and other disorders of pigmentation. The list of oral medications continues to grow. For patients with chronic hives (urticaria) the new pill remibrutinib inhibits an enzyme called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, which plays an important role in the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils. Meanwhile, for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and alopecia areata, oral medications that inhibit enzymes known as Janus kinases (socalled “JAK inhibitors”) have proven extremely effective. Although it is not a new medication, isotretinoin—better known as Accutane®—deserves mention in any discussion of state-of-the-art dermatologic treatments. Isotretinoin has been used for decades to treat severe acne, but concerns about potential links to suicidality and other possible side effects have caused some patients and physicians to hesitate before considering it. In 2023, however, a publication that combined the data of twenty-four prior studies for a grand total of 1,625,891 isotretinoin patients found no increased risk of psychiatric disorders. In fact, the study showed that people who had taken isotretinoin were less likely than the general population to attempt suicide two to four years after treatment. Other concerns such as the importance of not becoming pregnant while taking isotretinoin must be discussed before taking this medication. Still, isotretinoin remains an outstanding and often life-changing option for people suffering from acne. For isotretinoin, the pill may not be new, but we continue to receive new and repetitively reassuring safety data. If you or a loved one is dealing with a dermatologic condition—or simply wants to explore treatments to look and feel your best—consider Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta. Dr. Brent Taylor and Kathryn Filipek, PA-C, are honored to care for patients and families throughout our community.

Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery • Medical Dermatology Vein Care • Cosmetic Services

Honored to be Voted: Best Dermatologist and Best Vein Specialist

Insist on the BEST Dr. Brent Taylor is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, a Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon, and is certified by the Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine in the field of Vein Care. He is an expert in skin cancer and melanoma treatment, endovenous laser ablation, minimally invasive vein procedures and cosmetics procedures such as Botox and injectables. Kathryn is a certified physician assistant with over 23 years experience as a Dermatology PA and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Brent Taylor

Her specialties include general dermatology such as acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, full body skin exams, abnormal growths etc. Kathryn also specializes in cosmetic dermatology including lasers, injectables, micro-needling, PRP, facial peels, sclerotherapy for spider veins and at home skin care. WINNER

Kathryn Filipek, PA-C

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2025 WINNER Best Of WINNER Best Of WINNERBest Of WINNERBest Of Of 2021 Best North 2018 North 2020 North 2023 North Atlanta Best Of Atlanta Best OfNorth Best Of Atlanta Best OfAtlanta North North North North Atlanta AtlantaAtlanta Atlanta Atlanta Presented By 2017

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14 | March 12, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section

Understanding Systems Generated Trauma Brought to you by – Janet Fluker, M.Ed., M.S. As a parent of an adult with disabilities and an advocate in the disability community, I try to keep up with the latest research in this area. I recently read an article that stopped me in my tracks. Cerebra, a charity organization out of the UK that works with families of children with disabilities, posted their most recent research on Systems Generated Trauma. What is Systems Generated Trauma? “Systems-generated trauma is the harm caused by the policies and practices of the public services that families are forced to navigate. While often unintentional, this harm stems from deep-rooted problems that turn the act of seeking help into an ordeal.” The narrative around the challenges faced by families has often focused on the child’s disability and the parent’s resilience. From the research done in this study parents have shared that the biggest obstacles they face are the systems they must navigate to get the care and support they need for their disabled child. How do these systems create trauma? 1. Different parts of the system work separately and fail to communicate which makes it incredibly difficult for parents to navigate. (I personally spent several hours last week trying to get a question answered about my daughter’s Medicaid. Each part of the system blamed the other for the issue!) 2. Parents are often met with suspicion and made to feel blamed for their children’s needs. Their expertise as parents is not honored and their requests are viewed with suspicion or entitlement. 3. The research showed evidence

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Janet Fluker, M.Ed., M.S. that agencies consistently fail to take action to reduce known harm even when the solutions are simple. Parents encounter a deep-seated reluctance to act and professional indifference. 4. The system focuses on saving money rather than giving the support that families need. This turns applications for support into a combative legal process. The harm caused to families affects their physical and mental health, causes financial hardship, disrupts education for their child and damages family relationships. Some parents reported that the pressure led to suicidal thoughts. There is much work that needs to be done to change the systems within which families are forced to operate to support their child. In the meantime, parents need to be aware that they are not to blame for many of the difficulties they encounter when they seek help. It is important that parents

reach out to others for support as they navigate these systems. Other parents of children with disabilities are the best source of information and ways to “work the system”. There are organizations that will assist parents; The Bobby Dodd Institute has webinars that will educate you Bobby Dodd

Institute: Illuminating the Possibilities in Disabilities and FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress) offers free support groups for parents. Also, individual or family counseling can be a helpful resource as you navigate the pressure of your situation.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS • Sponsored Section AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 15

Why your dentist needs the whole story (yes, even that) Brought to you by – By Dr. Destinee Hood at Roswell Dental Care Providing a full and accurate medical history to your dentist is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your oral and overall health. While many patients understand the need to share medical information with their physician, they sometimes underestimate how closely dentistry and general health are connected. Your dentist relies on your medical history to deliver safe, effective, and personalized care. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), oral health is directly linked to systemic health. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and osteoporosis can significantly affect your teeth and gums and vice versa. The plaque on your teeth is the same plaque that can form in your heart to cause a heart attack and the same plaque that can form in your brain and cause a stroke. If your dentist is unaware of your conditions or medical diagnoses, they are missing critical information to provide you with optimal care and education. Another critical reason for providing accurate information is medication safety. Many common medications including blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can impact dental treatment and oral health. Blood thinners, for instance, may increase bleeding during procedures such as extractions or periodontal therapy. Certain medications can also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of cavities and oral infections. If your dentist does not know what you are taking, they cannot adjust treatment plans or recommend preventive measures to protect your oral health. Prgnancy is also important to disclose. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of pregnancy gingivitis, and treatment timing may need to be adjusted. Reducing or elimination risks associated with dental X-rays and medications can be safely managed during pregnancy, but only if your dental team is aware of your condition. Despite these facts, common misconceptions persist. One frequent belief is, “If it’s not related to my teeth, my dentist doesn’t need to know.” This is simply not true. Dentistry involves more than "just teeth." It includes the gums, jaw, oral tissues, and how

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they interact with the rest of your body. It all starts with the mouth. If your mouth is not healthy, there is a good chance another part of you is not healthy either. Another misconception is that “My dentist already has my records, so I don’t need to update anything.” Medical histories should be reviewed and updated regularly because health conditions and medications often change over time. Some patients also hesitate to share information they consider minor, such as controlled high blood pressure or herbal supplement use. However, even supplements like ginkgo biloba or high doses of vitamin E can affect bleeding. Full transparency allows your dentist to anticipate and prevent complications. Ultimately, providing a complete and honest medical history builds trust and strengthens the partnership between you and your dental team. It reduces risks, improves diagnostic accuracy, and supports better long-term outcomes. At Roswell Dental Care, our goal is to provide safe, comprehensive care, and that begins with understanding your total health picture. Taking a few extra minutes to carefully review and update your medical history can make a meaningful difference in protecting both your smile and your overall well-being. Dr. Hood and team give your comfort and trust top priority. We assure you feel confident in any dental solution before beginning treatment. For enhanced comfort, we offer FREE conscious sedation, including nitrous oxide. Rest assured that your experience will be positive, relaxing, and rewarding. Take the first step in feeling great about your smile. Schedule your comprehensive dental exam by calling 770-998-6736 or by going to our website at www.roswelldentalcare.com.

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Summer Camps

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March 12, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | 16

Come join the fun at Wesleyan! Brought to you by – Wesleyan School All children in our community are welcome, regardless of if they go to school at Wesleyan or not. Our hope is that all children in metro-Atlanta would know that they are loved, valued, and welcomed at Wesleyan. Wesleyan offers summer camps during June and July and clinics throughout the year for every member of the community. Come be a part of the fun, friendship, and fellowship!

We believe that Jesus came so that we might have life abundantly, and He delights in our joy, laughter, silliness, and smiles! Located in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan Summer Camps allow children an opportunity to explore interests and learn new skills in a fun, engaging, Christ-centered environment. Camps range from arts to athletics, STEM to life skills, and morning, afternoon, and fullday programming are offered. All children ages 3-14 are welcome to attend. www.wesleyanschool.org/camps

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Puzzles

er 3/12/26 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 4, 5 and 5 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 ............................March 12, 2026 | 18

YOU CERTAINLY CAN 1. Tennis move. Chicken, e.g. You can wear ‘em. 2. Road sign. You can kick ‘em. Farm machine. 3. You can throw ‘em. Slightly open. Bar buy. 4. Wanderer. It’s got you covered. You can spend ‘em. 5. Seed covering. You can shoot ‘em. Kind of jet. 6. Busybody. Night stalker. You can steal ‘em. 7. Pillow covering. You can lose ‘em. Stinging insect. PuzzleJunction.com

2 3 4 5 6

/12/26 Sudoku7

Can How to Solve: Each lineYou in the Certainly puzzle above 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 1. Tennis move. Chicken, e.g. You can wear letter ‘em.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 for 3 answers on You the puzzle, line. Butkick here’s‘em. the catch! Theand clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually Tothe solve the Sudoku each row, column 2. Road sign. can Farm machine. be formust the second or the thirdnumbers answer in 1that line. Got it? Good luck! box contain to 9. 3. You can throw ‘em. Slightly open. Bar buy.

4. Wanderer. It’s got you covered. You can spend ‘em.

5. Seed covering. You can shoot ‘em. Kind of jet.

6. Busybody. Night stalker. You can steal ‘em.

8 1 5 4 4 9

7. Pillow covering. You can lose ‘em. Stinging insect.

8 9 2 1

7 3 8 1

8 2 6 7 9

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

How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a 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.

Dunwoody Crier 3/12/26 Crossword

Across

PuzzleJunction.com

15 16 14 1 Secret society 6 Come clean, with 17 19 18 “up” 21 22 20 10 Neighbor of Senegal 23 24 25 26 14 Big dos 15 Wagon part 29 30 27 28 16 Director Reitman 31 32 33 34 35 17 Like the press, maybe 37 38 39 36 19 Lady of Spain 20 Circle segment 41 42 43 40 21 Delhi native 44 45 23 Honor 26 Blast from the 49 46 47 48 past 27 Founder of 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 Scholasticism 58 59 60 57 29 Hawk’s opposite 31 Sushi condiment 62 63 61 32 Spanish sparkling white wine 65 66 64 33 Blunder Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com 36 Anon’s partner 37 Chivalrous 13 Ludicrous 65 Ship part 39 Gawk at 39 Diamond Head 18 Depot 66 Auto pioneer 41 Deadly poison locale 22 Astronomical Citroën 43 Canal site 40 “Get the picture?” sighting 44 Distraught woman 41 Prohibits 24 Have on Down 46 Line to the 42 Rue 25 Priest’s robe audience 44 Drone, e.g. 27 Dazzles 1 Baby’s first word, 47 Leave the straight 45 Opera soprano 28 Church section maybe and narrow Maria 29 Metric unit of 2 At a distance 48 Boiling mad 46 Kind of flu volume 3 Chicken dish 49 Inhumane 49 Comedian Drew 30 Clouded 4 Charged particle 51 Hike 50 Trolleys 32 It keeps an eye 5 Pack animal 52 Waxy covering of 54 Lingerie item on TV 6 Electrical unit a bird’s beak 57 Tehran’s land 33 Restaurant 7 Former spouses 53 Basilica part 58 Good name promotion 8 Bed support 55 Engine sound 61 Facts and figures 9 Highway hauler 34 Moon of Saturn 56 ___ meridiem 62 Gaelic language 35 Dead-end jobs 10 Center 59 Letters before an 63 Fort Knox unit 11 Skirt 38 “The loneliest alias 64 Spotted 12 Hawaiian veranda number” 60 Beachgoer’s goal

See puzzle solutions on Page 20

Solution 5 3 4 6 1 7 2 9 8

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Barksdale: Continued from Page 9 the team, whether they’re the leading scorer or a guy who maybe doesn’t play a whole lot, he’s doing any and everything he can to help them get to the next chapter of their lives, above and beyond is an understatement.” Two months into his first year at Centennial, Matt got the call all coaches fear. It was a former player’s parent, saying someone had shot and killed his son, 2018 LEAD graduate Brandon Adams. Suzanne said Adams once told Matt that he saved his life. Matt traveled to Nashville to give a eulogy. Later in the season, Adams’ father visited Atlanta and shared Brandon’s story with the Knights at their first home game. It wasn’t the first time Matt had an intimate experience with mortality, and it wouldn’t be the last time he coached students through one. “A father figure” Brian Baylor transferred to Centennial a week into freshman year after his mother decided she needed to remove him from the environment in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood to save his life. Baylor’s older brother Lalan was shot and killed in spring 2018 when Brian was in eighth grade. A week into school at Mays High, a fight broke out, and his mother enrolled him at Centennial. Up before 5 a.m., two trains and two buses later, he would arrive in Roswell. It was a harsh transition that drained him. He sometimes fell asleep in class, and Matt noticed. Having lost his older brother to suicide in 2013, Matt was aware of Baylor’s situation. “At the time, he was a 14-yearold kid,” Matt said. “I was a grown man when I lost my brother, so I can’t imagine losing a brother at 14.” Baylor was accustomed to a tough neighborhood he described as having a “do it yourself” attitude. “Where I come from, if you have alligator skin you should be able to move through life, maneuver and get your way,” Baylor said. “When I finally came to Centennial, I start seeing everybody just interact with their brothers, getting picked up by their brothers or just being in the same vicinity, it really started hitting me.” Still facing intense grief, Baylor didn’t tell anyone about his circumstances. Up to his junior year, if anyone asked, he told them he lived down the street from school. “Freshman year was probably my

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 19

worst year of high school,” he said. “I really wasn’t there mentally, just thinking about everything else. My brother Ian was still in middle school at the time, so I had to step into the big brother role for the first time, I wasn’t ready for it in way because I didn’t really know how to do it.” Baylor played for the junior varsity team his freshman year and grabbed Matt’s attention with game IQ. However, academics got in the way of his freshman and sophomore years, and he had to sit the second halves of the season. He said Matt saw his potential to contribute to the varsity squad and helped him with his grades to stay eligible for his last two seasons. Baylor was the second leading scorer off the bench his junior year. That team made the second-deepest playoff run in Centennial history. The Elite Eight win over Evans High produced memories that have stayed with players and coaches. The Final Four loss to powerhouse Wheeler was a one-possession game at halftime, and the final deficit reached 10 points. From the days of crashing at Matt’s house for a month or two to now meeting up for their children to play together, Baylor reflected on his time with a community that let him lower his guard. “Coach is really like my dad,” Baylor said. “He made me realize I was more than a hooper, I could do more than just put the ball in the goal. Literally, all I knew was to get out of Atlanta.” Baylor is a father to 2-year-old Sincere and said Matt taught him a lot about being a dad. He said he hopes to have Sincere attend Centennial if Matt is still coaching. Fresh praise In a tie vote last year, seniors Kam Stone and Lamari Campbell won the team Excalibur Award. Stone, now a freshman guard for Oglethorpe University, is close enough to attend some Centennial games this season. His memories of Matt’s impact are fresh. “Obviously he’s a great coach,” Stone said. “He knows his X’s and O’s, but for me, you could talk to him about anything, good day, bad day, you can just go in his office and talk your mind off it, and he’ll give you the best advice.” Stone said team dinners boosted morale. A six-game winning streak followed a dinner where players outlined their goals and performed karaoke as a Hawks game played on television. The Knights connection still runs strong for Stone.

He described the Centennial basketball program as a family. Stone’s father died when he was in eighth grade, and he reflected on the support Matt provided to him and his mom. “Just him being there, I want to say he was like a father figure to me,” he said. “He meant so much to me, just being there and checking up on me, on my mom, making sure she was alright, and not just for me, I know he’s done that for many, many players.” He credits Matt for everything from the court IQ that has carried his athletic performance to his ability to lean on others in hard times. Stone remains close with coExcalibur winner Campbell. Stone was Campbell’s first friend after moving from Augusta at 9. Campbell faced several injuries his junior and senior year which interrupted his hopes for a college career. He is now in barber school and will graduate in July. He said after an ankle injury senior year, he considered quitting basketball until Matt convinced him it was worth staying the course. “Barksdale taught me to always keep going,” Campbell said. “If it’s a bad day, terrible day, great day, always keep going, you never know what’s going to happen.” He reflected on coming back for the second half of his senior season and what it meant to close the season on the court. “When you play under Barksdale, it’s not just a team, it’s a brotherhood,” he said. “He said at graduation, ‘We’re all family still, I’m still one call away

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on February 25, 2026 for Package of Malt Beverage and Wine. BUSINESS NAME Trader Joe’s East Inc. Dba Trader Joe’s #806 1000 Medley Blvd Johns Creek, GA 30097 OWNER/OFFICERS Trader Joe’s East Inc. Dba Trader Joe’s #806 1000 Medley Blvd Johns Creek, GA 30097 Owners, Trader Joe’s East Inc.

for anything.’” Other players use the term brotherhood to describe Barksdale’s program. Suicide prevention Suzanne and Scott discussed the loss of their oldest son Michael to suicide in 2013. Centennial senior Ford Felton said Coach Barksdale trusts his players on the court and asks them to return the favor by coming to him when they have something on their heart. Felton has stepped into a coaching role this year for eighth graders and said he has carried much of Barksdale’s coaching philosophy into his own practices. “If you’re going through something, he always does check up on you,” Felton said. “Showing compassion, being there for people at their best and at their worst, I think that’s a really big part of what I’ve learned from him.” Other players said they felt they could speak with Matt about anything. Matt now makes a point of sharing a social media post yearly for national suicide prevention day. “If one kid can read that and say something to someone, it’s worth it,” Matt said. “My coaching philosophy is, I just want to love kids and do everything I can to impact them while they’re here, and then hopefully have some sort of lasting impact on them after they leave.”

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was submitted to the City on March 2, 2026 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage, Wine and Distilled Spirits BUSINESS NAME Inka Azteca LLC Dba Inka Azteca 11730 Jones Bridge Rd Ste A Johns Creek, GA 30005 OWNER/OFFICERS Inka Azteca LLC Dba Inka Azteca 11730 Jones Bridge Rd Ste A Johns Creek, GA 30005 Owner Jennifer Sanchez Murguia

20 | March 12, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

OPINION

Presenting the top 5 stupid Ray things RAY APPEN

Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

We all have our little things that we do or don’t do in our own particular way that, we sometimes think, are uniquely “us” – that is, stuff that only we do. I suspect that rarely is the case; we’re all basically the same – just fleetingly different around the

edges. Coffee. I have never actually taken out a spoon or a measuring something to put a specific amount of coffee into the coffee maker. Never. Now, I will use a spoon or something similar to extract the ground coffee from the bag or can, but not to measure the amount. I typically just load up the coffee into the maker/filter until I think it is holding the most coffee it possibly can and still have the end-result coffee drinkable. I only know a few people who like my

PuzzleJunction.com other than using your horn to prevent problem when we have guests. I try rehave. I think it is because I don’t an accident or similar, horn honkers ally hard to moderate the ‘darkness” of think I have ever been in a Publix – are dirtbags – miserable excuses for my coffee in those instances, although anywhere – that the employees weren’t humans that need to crawl back under that usually means that the filter is just nice, wanting to help, good their rocks. Enough said, except, in the only 60 percent full of the coffee insteadTo solve people. In the over 50 years I have same category are the low-life’s that do and column the Sudoku puzzle, each row, of close to my normal 90 percent (prob- shopped at Publix, I have 1never – as in road rage – like those one-finger salutes 9. must contain the numbers to box“never-ever” ably 10-15 scoops). When I see brewed – left my emptied cart out – when they have to pass you on the coffee that I can see through, I don’t in the parking lot in one of those cartright side because you are only going even try it. It might as well be decaf. Oh corrals. I walk my empty cart all the 10-15 miles an hour over the speed limyea, “decaf” is another pet peeve but , way back inside the store so that the it in the fast lane. I usually try to ignore well, that is sort of a given. lowest-ranking Publix employee who is all of them and write it off to people just Gas pumps. It drives me absolutely tasked with bringing the carts back into being miserable with their lives and takcrazy when I see people pulling up to the store from the lot has one less cart ing it out on anyone close by. the pump – usually at Costco (my go-to) to deal with. Turning against traffic. OK, anothand their gas is not on the side of the It is sort of the “Ray-way” of saying er traffic one. This one is really stupid pump – so they are stretching the hose “thank you Publix” for who you are and of me but it is what it is. I sometimes over the top of the car and (sometimes what you do. will drive an extra mile-ish to be able to with great difficulty) sticking the nozzle The only similar instance that turn left at a traffic light, and then basiin. No idea why this bugs me, but it comes to my mind of other people becally do a U-turn which will then allow does. It’s something I have never done ing as idiosyncratic as this was when I me to turn right somewhere and not and never will – for some reason. was hiking the Appalachian Trail. The block traffic to do so. When I see cars Why would they just pull up on the unwritten rule on the trail is to “leave stopping traffic trying to turn against correct side of the pump? Don’t get it. no trace.” That is, pack your trash like 2 or 3 lanes of bumper-to-bumper Publix grocery carts. Probably my out – every single piece no matter how traffic to, for example, pick up a kid at most non-negotiable/set in concrete tiny. Like, not even a candy wrapper, school or something – instead of driving or toothpick, or water bottle cap or a little past and doing a U-turn to be cigarette butt. I mean nothing – zero. able to turn right, my blood pressure In the over 2,000 miles/ 6+ months on shoots up unless I force myself to chill. the trail, I saw exactly not one single About three years ago, I decided to instance of hikers not leaving no trace. never be in a hurry again – for anything Everyone, but everyone, packed their – unless we’re talking about a real emerstuff out. Down to postage stamp-sized gency. It has made a huge difference scraps of paper. Will never forget that. in how I deal with life – for the better. Horn honkers. OK, I have written However, I have to realize and accept about this before. Not everyone agreed that not everyone is in that same space Our chapel mausoleum with my stance©2026 which basically is that, and therefore, I need to chill. PuzzleJunction.com Copyright

3/12/26 Crier Dunwoody coffee – very few – maybe no one.Sudoku It’s a stupid Ray-thing. I love Publix. Always

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | March 12, 2026 | 21

Council: Continued from Page 1 “I don’t want to spend any additional money until council has a chance to review the different areas of potential economies of scale and reduction of facilities that two buildings may be able to do with one,” DiBiase said. The workshop was intended to serve as a permanent setting for local robotics enthusiasts. Residents in support of the project said the makerspace would support student robotics programs, which often struggle to find a suitable location to practice. In recent weeks, city staff learned that MAPP failed to account for assembly occupancy requirements for gatherings, potentially adding $500,000 to the price tag, Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard said at the meeting. Assembly occupancy is a technical classification that requires additional considerations related to accessibility, safety, restroom capacity and structural requirements. City staff said a request for proposal and contract documents “clearly stated that

Roosevelt: Continued from Page 4 “People were saying this in 1876, the centennial of the Declaration, people are saying this now 250 years after the Declaration,” Kermit said. However, he outlines two branches of values that can stem from the Declaration of Independence. The first is a dedication to the proposition that all men are created equal, so the government should respect everyone’s rights and treat everyone equally. Loyal opposition There’s another meaning to the Declaration, Kermit said, which outlines a vision of independence. “It’s saying, if a government strays from its purpose, then the people who

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

A former water reclamation building stands at Cauley Creek Park Aug. 13. The building was the planned site of a community robotics workshop.

the building would function as an assembly space.” City staff plan to engage an on-call architectural firm to prepare code-compliant plans for the building. After the plans are completed, the project will be put out on bid before returning to the council for a construction contract vote. DiBiase said he thinks council members should review possibilities for the makerspace’s location and consider combining it with a potential indoor recreational center project. In November, the council asked staff created it can reject its authority and start over,” Kermit said. However, this understanding doesn’t have much to say about how American society should be organized after independence. It does provide some hints, Kermit said, that the government should not interfere with the rights of the people who created it, especially to benefit those who did not. “There are these two different understandings of the Declaration of Independence, and they’re very different,” Kermit said. “They support different sides of the Civil War … so I don’t think it’s enough just to say we’re going to come together in the name of the Declaration or the ideals of the founding.” Theodore once argued that when deciding the purpose of government and its authority, that rulers should listen to the people, not look back in history or to the Declaration of

to research creating an indoor recreation facility. Research may assist in determining the center’s size, programming, operational model, site, implementation timeline and funding sources. The move came weeks after voters shot down a $40 million general obligation bond to fund a performing arts center. “I just want to table the staff’s actions … until we have an opportunity to digest whether the recreational facility can be incorporated with the makerspace to save money,” he said. DiBiase also said the pause could give the council an opportunity to review activities to be offered by the workspace. Council members previously discussed using the space for woodworking, metalworking and other activities. “We want to make sure we know what the public wants,” he said. Councilwoman Stacy Skinner said the pause may provide an opportunity to ensure the project aptly reflects the public’s expectations. She said she too would like to review the possibility of “taking two builds and making it one.” “It’s going to end up coming down to what the public wants,” Skinner said. “If we are going to do anything, let’s do it right.” Independence. “I think that’s right,” Kermit said. “I think that we the people have to decide who we are and what future we want.”

Hamilton: Continued from Page 1 Chattahoochee alum D.J. Avery, a Georgia State wide receiver, will return to his alma mater April 25 to host the first annual “Cougar Combine” where players will get a chance to get their metrics recorded. Chattahoochee Athletic Director Chris Short said before deciding on who to hire, the administration polled families on what they liked and what they wanted to see change. One name continually rose with mentions of his commitment to players and a student-first mentality. “Obviously, it was Coach Hamilton,” he said. “His commitment to Hooch family, alumni, our history, all of that is what we’re really excited for the future.” Hamilton won two GHSA state championships as a player at Grayson High School. His first coaching job was at South Forsyth High School, where he was an assistant football coach and head coach of girls and boys track and field. From there, he was hired at Chattahoochee. He said athletics aside, his primary goal in being a head coach is to make every player who is touched by the program a better person by the end of their time at Chattahoochee.

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