Johns Creek Herald - May 21, 2026

National Training Center opens for U.S. Soccer at site in Fayetteville ► PAGE 3

PROVIDED

From refugee to physician, man returns to Johns Creek

By WAYNE TIDWELL newsroom@appenmediacom

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — At just 6 months old, Fares Hosseinzadeh made a journey most people could scarcely imagine — carried in his father’s arms as his family fled Iran on foot in search of safety and a better future.

Today, that same child is a

physician, a business owner, and a soon-to-be husband, building not only a medical practice but a life rooted in service, community and perseverance. His patients call him Dr. Hoss, and he strives to be more than just their doctor.

Born to Iranian parents of the Baha’i faith, his family faced religious persecution that forced them to leave their home

country. Unable to travel freely, they first fled to Turkey on foot. From there, they were able to immigrate to the United States, settling in Kansas with the help of extended family before eventually relocating to Georgia, where relatives had already established roots.

See HOSS, Page 18

City Council reviews two new trail projects

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Two new trail plans are moving Johns Creek closer to its goal of providing sidewalks on all major roadways.

The City Council reviewed plans for trails at Medlock Bridge and Nesbit Ferry roads during a May 11 work session. Both roads are near residential areas.

A $143,312 engineering contract would pave the way for a 10-foot-wide Medlock Bridge Road Trail from the Chattahoochee River to Bobby Jones Drive. There are no sidewalks or trails along the corridor currently.

A Project Framework Agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation would provide federal Transportation Alternative funds for engineering. The engineering phase is expected to take nine months.

The council also discussed a trail project along the east side of Nesbit Ferry Road from Brumbelow Road to Nesbit Lakes Drive. The roadway, which connects several neighborhoods, has some areas with sidewalks but no bike lanes.

Several council members said they preferred a hybrid trail of varying widths. City staff estimate the hybrid trail would reduce impacts to utilities and properties and come at a moderate cost.

The Johns Creek City Council is considering path projects along two of the city’s major roadways, Medlock Bridge and Nesbit Ferry roads.

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Police charge man for TikTok prank

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Police arrested a man who entered the Sandy Springs Church of Scientology building and sprinted through as part of a TikTok trend, according to authorities.

Jackson Sensing, 20, was arrested May 13. Sandy Springs Police said Sensing unlawfully entered the Church of Scientology at 5395 Roswell Road on April 29.

Sensing was with several other individuals “participating in a social media trend known as ‘Scientology Speedrunning,’” the

department said in a social media post.

“The trend involves individuals unlawfully entering Church of Scientology facilities and recording themselves running through the building to see how far they can make it before being confronted or escorted out by security,” according to police.

Sandy Springs Police said its investigation revealed that Sensing and several unidentified males entered the property without authorization while participating

in the trend.

Sensing is charged with disorderly conduct.

“While some social media challenges may appear harmless online, unlawfully entering private property can lead to criminal charges and create unnecessary safety concerns for everyone involved,” the department said in the post.

The investigation remains ongoing to identify the other individuals involved.

— Dyana Bagby

Police charge suspect in domestic assault case

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs Police arrested a suspect May 13 after an alleged domestic assault at the Glen Lake Apartments.

Dennis Carter, 33, is charged with false imprisonment, simple battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct, Sgt. Giovanni Gomez, spokesperson for the department, said in a news release.

Vehicle goes airborne on Alpharetta Street

ROSWELL, Ga. — A Roswell woman was airlifted to North Fulton Hospital May 3 after her car hit a median on Alpharetta Street, went airborne and struck a building farther down the road.

She was dealing with back pain and a head laceration after the crash. She was later life flighted to Kennestone Hospital in critical condition.

According to witnesses, the blue Volkswagen Beetle was leaving

Police received a 911 call from a woman at 6831 Glenlake Pkwy. just after 8 a.m. who said she had been assaulted by Carter, the father of her child, Gomez said.

When officers arrived on the scene, they learned Carter had returned to his apartment and barricaded himself inside. As officers approached the apartment, they heard what they believed to be gunshots coming from

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.

the scene of a hit and run at the intersection of Oak Street and Bush Street that was allegedly caused by the female driver. The car fled north on Ga. 9, and the driver lost control of the vehicle before the intersection with Woodstock Street.

within the residence, Gomez said.

"Sandy Springs Police negotiators established communication with Mr. Carter and were ultimately able to convince him to surrender peacefully without incident," Gomez said.

The investigation remains active and more charges are possible, he said.

— Dyana Bagby

The car hit a power control box that steered it through the landscape area of a business and into the center median of Liberty Square. The crash sent the car into the air before it hit a building on Alpharetta Street.

Police observed tire and scrub marks on the street and on multiple medians along Ga. 9.

The car’s damage was extensive, with the engine thrown 20 feet from the frame and car parts scattered.

Police say this indicated the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed.

— Hannah Yahne

U.S. Soccer opens training facility in Fayetteville

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. — U.S. Soccer has a new home in Fayetteville, Georgia. The organization celebrated the ribbon-cutting for its new training facility on May 7, which features 17 soccer fields and indoor facilities.

The facility will be the home base for the national teams, youth programs and other U.S. Soccer teams and activities.

The National Training Center occupies 123 developed acres on a 200-acre site and is designed to accommodate future expansion as soccer continues to grow.

The facility features:

• 17 outdoor playing surfaces, including 13 regulation-size natural grass fields, two artificial turf fields and two sand pitches for beach soccer.

• More than 400,000 square feet of total facilities with two indoor playing surfaces, including an indoor artificial turf training facility and a full-size futsal/ power court.

• Indoor space with a 10,000 square foot gym, 20 locker rooms, 19 meeting rooms and dedicated

• Headquarters space for all U.S. Soccer staff. It also includes a dedicated charging room for power soccer chairs.

DRIVEWAYS & CONCRETE

U.S. Soccer will host its first event this month at the National Training Center, holding the annual AdaptandThrive Invitational. The Men’s National Team will also train at the facility at the end of the month as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The National Training Center is anchored by a $50 million lead gift from Arthur Blank and a land donation from Dan Cathy.

Alongside the backing of the city of Fayetteville, Fayette County, Georgia, and other partners, their collaboration and commitment will help define the impact and legacy of the National Training Center for years to come, according to a news release.

“The National Training Center represents so much of what we want U.S. Soccer to be,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said. “It honors the people who have built this game over more than a century, and it gives us a home where we can serve the next generation of players, coaches, referees, members and fans.”

She added that the facility was built for U.S. Soccer’s 27 National Teams and the entire soccer community. U.S. Soccer JT Batson said the opening of the facility is an exciting for leap for the sport.

See SOCCER, Page 19

May

Ladies share love of reading for more than three decades

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — No one ever wants to miss book club, and that’s especially true for the women in the Page Turners Book Club, 30-year member Laura Gordon said.

“I mean we’ve been doing book club before book clubs were really a thing to do,” Carole Siracusa said.

The Page Turners started out of Lawrenceville in 1994 and grew to nearly 20 members at its peak, but it has since been pared down to the same 11 members for the past two decades. The women have moved across the Southeast, but they all prioritize getting together once a month.

“It’s gotten harder since we’ve split

up from Lawrenceville,” Jeanne Stern said. “But in some ways, I feel it’s better, because when we do get together now, it’s more of an adventure.”

The women take turns hosting; sometimes they spend a weekend at Gordon’s home in Roswell. Others, they’re at members’ homes on Lake Hartwell.

A group of them toured Cumberland Island after reading about self-taught naturalist Carol Ruckdeschel who lived off the land. After reading “Look Homeward Angel,” they visited author Thomas Wolfe’s home in Asheville. Some members took a field trip to the High Museum for an exhibit of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” in 2013 when the painting traveled to the United States from the Mauritshuis museum in the Netherlands.

If it’s Gordon’s turn to present that month’s book, there’s usually an activity or props tied to the meeting. As a former teacher, she has a knack for designing headbands simulating animal ears or crafting outfits to emulate characters.

In an overfilled binder, Susan Nock keeps track of books the club has read and each member’s corresponding

score. The earliest pages were typed on a typewriter and are reminiscent of a time the Page Turners sent postcards to schedule meetings. Members rank the book before and after a guided discussion, which can make a big difference at times.

“The beauty of it is that you get out of your comfort zone,” Stern said. “I’m reading things that I never would have thought of reading.”

She said it’s pleasantly surprising to see members come around to a book they were reluctant to read. Members often don’t look forward to the classics like “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” or “East of Eden,” but those tend to spark great conversation.

Some women get lost in the details while others enjoy the journey and character development.

“People kind of fixate on different things…” Gordon said, “and that’s where our discussions become interesting.”

But the Page Turners all pride themselves on a 30-year goal to never repeat authors, and they have yet to do so.

Tune-Up Projects

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Bathroom Tune-Up

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Floor Tile, Wall Tile

Plumbing Fixtures

Wellstar North Fulton opens OB-GYN center

ROSWELL, Ga. — Wellstar Health System opened a new obstetrics and gynecology practice in Roswell, expanding access to comprehensive women’s health services in North Fulton County.

The clinic is next to the Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center at 4500 Hospital Boulevard in Suite 230.

The Wellstar OB-GYN practice, staffed by Dr. Brianne Anderson and Dr. Jordan Rush, provides a full spectrum of care, including preventive screenings, prenatal services and gynecologic care.

Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center is a Level II Maternal Care Center, providing labor and delivery services, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and breast surgery. The new OB-GYN practice collaborates with the women’s health staff at the medical center to ensure a seamless patient experience throughout the care journey.

— Hannah Yahne

I have visited several Chambers and have found my home at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. The group is committed, involved, and I have made many good friends.

Fulton Science Academy Nurturing excellence from Pre-K to High School

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Riding the wave… or getting caught in it

Brought

– Leah Burnett, Summit Counseling

One of the best times in my personal life I can remember is living in Southern California for a couple of years during graduate school. I was lucky enough to live a 5-minute walk from the beach and the bustling Pacific Ocean. I lived in Huntington Beach, a place very well known to surfers around the world. So, I told myself upon moving there that I would learn to surf. I followed through with my vow and took a lesson.

After a few tries, I was able to stand up and ride a wave with nothing but the water and a thin foam board holding me up. Inevitably there came times when I attempted to stand up knowing I was going to fall right back into the water. I wanted to grow and become stronger, so why not right? The problem is when you go for a 5-foot-tall wave and you’re used to surfing 1–2-foot waves, everything feels 5x faster and more intense… including the crash.

I can remember a time when I paddled my heart out for a “too big” wave. All at once, I found myself paddling over the quickly forming wave as I let it lift me higher until I had no choice but to

PROVIDED

Leah Burnett, M.A., Licensed Associate Professional Counselor

try and stand up. The momentum was too strong, and I couldn’t hold it together. In an instant, I fell straight down the 5-foot wall of rushing water until I was no longer above the wave or deep under it (which is preferable), but I was caught in the middle of it.

If you have never been caught in a crashing Pacific Ocean wave while attached to a surfboard, I can promise you it is nothing short of what can only be compared to being caught in a washing machine set to heavy duty. The only way to get through it is to let it pass. The more you struggle and fight against it, the more tired you will become and the more difficult it will be to swim to safety once it has passed. There is common DBT skill that is used when teaching emotional regula-

tion called “riding the wave”. But I want to take it one step further. Because knowing it will pass is one thing, but choosing to embrace it and allow it to wash over you is another. I like this metaphor of surfing because it reminds us that sometimes we can’t ride the wave perfectly. We get caught in it and it feels like it will never pass. But emotions, while incredibly uncomfortable at times, are not bad. They are simply indicators of some part of us that need care and attention.

Often, the more we struggle and fight against our emotions, the harder it makes it for them to pass. Next time you feel an uncomfortable emotion, I invite you to try and not fight it. But rather be curious about it, sit with it, ask it questions, and trust that it will pass without you having to do anything to force it to go away. Most importantly, give yourself grace for feeling emotion in the first place. Riding the wave can be easier said than done, but just like surfing, you will get better with practice.

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For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day

and work to develop greater selfsufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.

The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online.

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LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills in order to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with

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The first 60 days without a plan

No one wants to think about it. But after a loss, life does not pause. Bills still arrive. Accounts may be inaccessible. Mail keeps coming. Important decisions cannot wait. And during the first 60 days, families are often forced to navigate legal, financial, and practical issues while still grieving.

• Unnecessary legal and administrative expenses

• Costly delays that can impact finances for months

• Family disagreements caused by uncertainty and confusion

• Added stress during an already overwhelming time

When there is no clear plan, confusion often leads to conflict.

Without an estate plan in place, loved ones may face:

• Court involvement

• Delays in accessing accounts or property

• Confusion over who has authority to act

Questions about money, decisions, property, and responsibilities can quickly create tension between family members during an already emotional time. Estate planning is not about fear. It is about protecting your family from unnecessary complications, expenses, conflict, and uncertainty

when they need clarity the most.

A proper plan helps determine:

• Who can make decisions

• How assets are accessed

• Whether the process stays private or involves the court

• How unnecessary costs can be avoided

• And how smoothly your family can move forward

Planning cannot remove grief. But it can reduce confusion, delays, conflict, and avoidable financial burdens. And in the first 60 days, that can make all the difference. If you would like to better understand how the process works — and how to help your family avoid unnecessary court involvement, conflict, and expenses — join one of our free educational workshops.

AIKENOMICS

Housing market hits pause

D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist dcaiken.com

Inflation, mortgage rates, and gasoline prices have all surged to three-year highs, placing significant pressure on the U.S. housing market and causing real estate activity to slow sharply in recent weeks. Mortgage applications have cooled dramatically, consumer confidence has weakened, and for many Americans the dream of homeownership once again feels like a subscription service nobody can afford.

At first glance, the outlook appears bleak. But beneath the headlines, there are signs this may be less a collapse and more a temporary economic detour driven largely by geopolitical instability.

Before the escalation of the Persian Gulf conflict on March 10, the housing market was showing meaningful signs of renewed strength. Mortgage rates had briefly moved below the psychologically important 6 percent threshold, mortgage applications during February and early March were outperforming normal seasonal trends, and home sales activity was steadily improving during what is traditionally a slower period of the year. At the same time, gasoline prices were hovering near $2.50 per gallon, and inflation readings had stabilized below 3 percent. In short, consumers were beginning to regain confidence and the housing market responded accordingly.

Then came the geopolitical shock.

Since March, rising energy prices and renewed inflation concerns have driven bond yields and mortgage rates sharply higher. Consumers are now confronting borrowing costs, fuel prices and economic

uncertainty not seen in several years. Add in the normal seasonal distractions of spring break travel, graduations and wedding season; periods that historically slow housing activity even in healthy markets and the recent decline in real estate sales becomes far less surprising.

Wall Street, meanwhile, continues to react to every overseas headline like a guy trying to day-trade espresso shots. One week investors are pricing in recession, the next week they are convinced inflation is immortal. The result has been heightened volatility across both the bond and mortgage markets.

The encouraging reality, however, is that underlying housing demand did not disappear. We saw clear evidence of pentup demand earlier this year when rates briefly fell below 6 percent. Buyers returned quickly, applications improved, and sales activity strengthened almost immediately. That demand is likely still there; simply waiting for economic stability to re-emerge.

Should geopolitical tensions ease and energy markets stabilize, inflation pressures could moderate relatively quickly, allowing mortgage rates to retreat toward pre-March levels. If that occurs, the housing market may rebound faster than many currently expect.

For now, the real estate sector appears less like a market in collapse and more like a market stuck in traffic; frustrated, expensive, and wondering why the warning lights came on all at once.

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.

the

Honoring Pvt. James Hooper, Revolutionary War soldier

James Hooper (1746-1836) is one of only two Revolutionary War soldiers known to be buried in North Fulton. The other is John T. Maxwell (1763-1840), who was a subject in a column I wrote about the Maxwell family in July 2024. Both men survived the war. Hooper is buried in the United Methodist Cemetery in Sandy Springs. Maxwell is buried in the Maxwell family cemetery in Alpharetta. This column will focus on James Hooper who has an interesting story to tell.

First, why are there so few Revolutionary soldiers buried in North Fulton while there are more than 3,500 soldiers’ graves and records in the state of Georgia according to the book “Georgia Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors, Patriots and Pioneers” by H. Ross Arnold and Hank Burnham?

Members of the Sandy Springs Chapter NSDAR stand at the ceremony honoring Revolutionary War soldier James Hooper. Front row, from left: Regent Cynthia Waskowsky, Regent Luann Miller, Regent Lauren Hays, State Corresponding Secretary Scarlett Gibson, Regent Celia Mendez, Northwest District Director Jennifer Anderson, Honorary Regent Pat Bradford and Vice Regent Andrea Riddle. Back row, from left: Mt. Vernon SAR Color Guard: Shep Hammock, Bill Floyd, Larry Guzy, President Tom Hewett and David Wellons

North Fulton was settled in two waves due to different Native American land cessions. Both waves took place well after the Revolutionary War (17751783). By the time European settlers came to North Fulton, Revolutionary War soldiers were elderly or deceased.

The southern tier of Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Shallowford was settled in the early 1820s. The land was Creek (Muscogee) territory and was ceded to the United States under the 1821 Treaty of Indian Springs.

The northern tier of Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton and other communities was part of the Cherokee Nation throughout the Revolutionary War.

James Hooper

James Hooper was born in Lunenburg

County Virginia in 1746. His parents were Obediah Hooper Sr. (1720-1803) and Massilva or Massilina Brooks (1723-1800). They had 11 children. Both parents died in Georgia, but details of their burials are unknown. Like many women of that time, Massilva’s name had several variants because they were recorded phonetically in official documents.

The family moved to Georgia from South Carolina in 1789 where Obediah purchased 150 acres in Franklin County. He served as justice of the peace from 1796-1798.

In 1778 at age 32, James joined the Continental Army, our country’s first army and its primary military organization during the Revolutionary War. He served for a year as a private with the 6th Virginia Regiment. It is not known in how many battles James fought in, but he fought in the March 15, 1781, Battle of Guilford Courthouse in a small town near today’s Greensboro, N.C. The battle was "the largest and most hotly contested action" in the southern theater, according to the National Park Service which preserves the battlefield as the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.

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, 4 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!

SOME OLD FOLKS

1. Spiral sea shell. Bird of prey. Scoundrel of old.

2. Brunch choice. Lord’s worker, of yore. Canyon effect.

3. Round Table figure. Mountain pool. Aleutian island.

4. Sunscreen ingredient. Middle Ages goofball. Cut of beef.

5. Antiquated title for woman of distinction. Souped-up car. Hurry.

6. Trick taking card game. Fencing sword. Feudal lord.

7. Lomé’s home. Long standing Hindu mystic. Like Krypton.

Old Folks

1 Spiral sea shell. Bird of prey. Scoundrel of old.

2. Brunch choice. Lord’s worker, of yore. Canyon effect

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 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, which 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!

3. Round Table figure. Mountain pool. Aleutian island

4. Sunscreen ingredient. Middle Ages goofball. Cut of beef.

5. Antiquated title for a woman of distinction Souped-up car. Hurry.

6. Trick taking card game. Fencing sword. Feudal lord 7. Lomé’s home Long standing Hindu mystic. Like krypton.

only be used once in any sequence. How to Solve: To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Continued from Page 1

“I was only 6 months old, so I don’t remember it,” he said. “But my dad carried me the whole way. I think I owe him a lot.”

His early years were spent in the John’s Creek area where he attended State Bridge Crossing Elementary School.

“Which is pretty cool,” he said, “because now my business is on State Bridge Road.”

He then moved to East Cobb where he attended Eastside Elementary, Dodgen Middle School and graduated from Walton High School.

Family has always been a central part of his life. With a large and blended family — including siblings by blood, adoption and marriage — he describes his upbringing as full and deeply connected.

Originally, his path pointed toward veterinary medicine. But an unfortunate personal experience shifted his direction.

“Right before I started college, my dog was hit by a car, and we had to put him down,” he recalled. “I realized I didn’t want a career where I would have to make those decisions regularly.”

That moment became a turning point. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in biology, he spent

Trails:

Continued from Page 1

In 2024, the City of Johns Creek identified transportation and connectivity as a strategic priority with a focus on investments in trails, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Books:

Continued from Page 4

Turning pages in life

After years of raising their kids in the same neighborhood, attending the

two years conducting prostate cancer research at Emory University, further strengthening his interest in human medicine. In 2018, he enrolled at St. George’s University in Grenada, beginning the rigorous journey toward becoming a physician.

Like many in his cohort, his medical education was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After spending nearly two years in Grenada, he was evacuated and completed part of his training remotely before continuing clinical rotations in New York and Miami.

He went on to complete his residency at Piedmont Columbus Regional in Georgia, where he trained in an unopposed program for three years, an experience that provided an unusually broad and hands-on scope of practice.

“We did a little bit of everything,” he said. “I delivered over 50 babies, performed intubation, and handled a wide range of hospital care that a lot of family medicine doctors don’t usually get to do. It was challenging, but it prepared me.”

That preparation led to a major milestone. On Dec. 15, 2025, he opened his own clinic, a primary care practice serving patients from early childhood through adulthood. His practice is minutes from where he once lived through the fourth grade.

“It’s very nostalgic,” he said. “I wanted

Councilwoman Erin Elwood, who lives near Nesbit Ferry Road, said the projects represent an ongoing commitment by the city to increase pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. She said since moving to Johns Creek in 2014 the city has made considerable progress in expanding sidewalks and bike lanes.

Although sidewalks are required for new road construction, older roadways like Med-

same Girl Scouts troop or playing tennis together, the Page Turners know they have a special connection, especially thanks to book club.

“My husband is jealous … of the camaraderie, the friendship that we have,” Gordon said. “Our paths would not have crossed otherwise.”

to be on State Bridge Road, and this was a good opportunity. And I like the area a lot.”

Rather than joining an established practice, “Dr. Hoss” chose to build something from the ground up.

“It would have been easier to step into an existing patient base,” he admitted. “The reason I want to do primary care and a big reason I opened my own clinic is that I wanted to grow something myself.”

For him, the most rewarding aspect of being a physician isn’t prestige or financial stability, it’s connection.

“My favorite part is building lifelong relationships,” he said. “Watching patients grow, seeing their kids, and really becoming a small part of their lives — that’s why I do this.”

The early days of running a practice have not been without challenges. The responsibility extends far beyond clinic hours, with constant demands and decision-making. His father helped remodel his new space that had been a dentist office and adjoining spa.

“There’s always something to think about,” he said. “Even when you’re not seeing patients, you’re still their doctor.”

Still, he feels the rewards outweigh the difficulties. There are moments, he said, when he walks into his clinic, looks around, and reflects on what he has built.

“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “Every-

lock Bridge and Nesbit Ferry roads must be retrofitted, she said.

The expansion of trails, sidewalks and bicycle lanes also coincide with efforts to promote wellness in the community, Elwood said. She expects the new paths will provide opportunities for joggers, walkers and cyclists to exercise while creating connectivity between neighbors and amenities like parks.

Elwood said she also thinks the project

The Page Turners influenced their kids to become passionate readers, largely through the motherdaughter book club they started when the girls were 10 until they graduated high school. In that time, Siracusa said they always learned from one another.

“I always felt like having the book club emboldened the girls, maybe, to talk about things with us that they might not normally have spoken with us about,” Siracusa said.

Eventually, the Page Turners started sharing other aspects of their lives with one another: divorce, losing their

DEATH NOTICES

Velasco, age 54, of Roswell, GA passed away on May 4, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel

thing here—this is something I created.”

Outside of his practice, he is actively working to engage with the community. He is involved with the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, exploring partnerships with local schools and planning outreach initiatives through the Baha’i community, including offering free health consultations.

His personal life is also entering a new chapter. After 14 years together, he and his fiancée Madison Canning are preparing for their wedding in Greece, which will bring together friends and family from around the world. “Maddie” is a second-year oncology fellow at Emory University, specializing in breast cancer, and she plans to continue her career in Georgia.

Looking back, the journey has been long — more than a decade of education and training, built on a foundation of sacrifice that began long before he could remember it. From a child carried across borders by his father to a physician caring for a community, his story is one of determination, resilience, and purpose — an enduring reminder of how far perseverance can take you.

“I’ve dreamed about this for many years,” he said. “It took 11 years to get here. But now that I’m here, I know it was worth it.”

will reduce feelings of isolation that can come with a suburban life that overly relies on driving to get around. With a robust pedestrian network, children can more easily visit friends, families can enjoy strolls to parks and residents are more likely to spend time outside.

“It is isolating because you have to get in your car,” Elwood said. “Wouldn’t it be great to just walk out your door?”

parents and cancer diagnoses.

“That’s the beauty of the group is we’re there to support each other,” Gordon said. “…I can speak unfiltered about anything and share my thoughts and opinions without judgement.”

Despite different backgrounds and beliefs, they all need the sense of belonging they feel with the Page Turners.

“After book club, the whole world opened up,” Stern said. “You became way more open-minded about what you are willing to read and what you’re willing to learn.”

Soccer:

Continued from Page 3

“The National Training Center is the product of a shared vision and deep partnership,” Batson said. “Because of the commitment and hard work of so many, we’ve delivered a world-class facility on time and on budget, ensuring U.S. Soccer is in our new home ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

U.S. Soccer officials, including Women’s National Team Head Coach Emma Hayes, emphasized the importance of feeling at home at the new facility. Currently, teams practice at other professional stadiums across the country.

Hayes is excited for the Women’s National Team to train at the facility. She was involved in the design process to lean into a female lens, with nursing rooms and sleep pods, while also giving the programs room to grow at the center.

“My dream would be to have a female leadership academy here, even within our coach education and across U.S. Soccer, we are working hard to deliver the vision of positioning the female lens at the heart of everything we do, especially at WNT,” Hayes said.

She looks forward to being in a calm, peaceful training environment. The Women’s National Team won’t practice in Georgia ahead of its games in Brazil in June, but the coaching staff is reviewing the schedule to find time for the team to be at the new center over the next 14 months.

“We can put ourselves in our own space, but also come into the main building with staff and players, if we choose to,” Hayes said.

The National Training Center aims to bring the U.S. Way to life – creating a player-first environment built for performance, accessibility and longterm development that will allow for shared standards and best practices. The center will also provide coaches, players and support staff with access to advanced sports science and performance data.

“Today marks a defining moment, not just for soccer, but for our entire community,” Arthur Blank said. “To see this vision come to life is incredibly powerful. This has been a true team effort, driven by shared belief, partnership and a commitment to growing the beautiful game across our state and throughout the country.”

Beyond the impact on the National Teams, the facility will serve as a powerful catalyst for growth for the entire soccer community in the United States. Atlanta is also slated to gain a

professional women’s soccer team in 2028.

“Hopefully, with us being here and having a permanent residency, we too can contribute to this already traditional soccer community,” Hayes said.

Local soccer clubs and teams are excited about U.S. Soccer’s presence in Georgia and hope it will inspire their players.

“Having one of the most important soccer organizations in the country invest directly into our city validates the growth of the game here and reinforces that Atlanta is becoming a true soccer hub in the United States,” said John Downey, chief soccer officer at Inter Atlanta FC. “For our players, it makes the pathway feel more real.”

He added that young players are influenced by what they can see and experience, so having a world-class facility nearby gives them something to aspire to.

“It creates a stronger connection between grassroots soccer and the highest levels of the game,” Downey said. “The opportunity to see opportunities physically present in Atlanta can have a huge impact on motivation.”

Increased visibility, events and national attention will bring more opportunities to the soccer community in metro Atlanta.

“We believe the long-term effect will be increased participation, stronger player development standards, and even more collaboration across the soccer community as the sport continues to grow at every level,” Downey said.

Neil McNab, executive director of Rush Union Soccer in Dunwoody and Milton, said the facility may not have an impact in the short term, but it is a tremendous step forward in the long term. The facility showcases the growth of soccer in Georgia over the years.

“Having this facility in Georgia will give our community direct access to the best and brightest minds and athletes in the sport,” McNab said. “This can have a lasting impact on how the sport is developed in Georgia that will ultimately impact the quality of the youth experience in our communities.”

He added that the training facility will bring coaching, referee and player development at all levels.

“This will give our players the best people to look up to in all areas of the sport,” McNab said. “Being the home state for U.S. Soccer will have a tremendous impact on the game in all parts of the state and metro Atlanta. We will be the first to trial new initiatives, to take advantage of the expansive network of U.S. Soccer, and have direct access to the resources available.”

Decatur FC, a semi-pro women’s soccer team in Decatur, Georgia, is also happy about the facility and U.S. Soccer moving to Georgia.

“Between Atlanta’s new NWSL team, so many great WPSL teams in the city, and the state’s exceptional youth programming, Atlanta is quickly becoming an epicenter of women’s soccer and very close to having a complete player pathway for young women,” Decatur FC General Manager Joel Gould said.

The Fayette County Youth Soccer League (FCYSL) was involved with the U.S. Soccer facility from the beginning. U.S. Soccer used some of its fields for youth team camps while the training center was under construction. The organization also made improvements to some of Fayette County’s soccer fields and facilities.

“The biggest impact will not so much be in the facility itself, but

in the staff who are coming to work there,” FCYSL Board President Bryan McDermott said. “We have already gotten an influx of U.S. Soccer staff members and their kids who are playing and coaching in our leagues.”

The U.S. Soccer facility also offers FCYSL new opportunities, such as scrimmages against youth national teams.

“That will most likely continue,” McDermott said. “Another opportunity came up recently in which adults and kids of certain ages were being asked to help out with referee education videos, which will be filmed at the NTC. Those kinds of opportunities will probably continue.”

He added that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will do more to grow soccer in the state, but U.S. Soccer will help Georgia be at the forefront of innovations in playing, coaching and refereeing

NOTICE OF LOCATION AND DESIGN APPROVAL P. I. 0020927

FULTON COUNTY

Notice is hereby given in compliance with Georgia Code 22-2-109 and 32-3-5 that the Georgia Department of Transportation has approved the Location and Design of this project.

The date of location and design approval is: ______ May 4, 2026

The proposed project is located along the SR 141/Medlock Bridge Road corridor from the intersection with Bobby Jones Drive to approximately 0.3 miles north of the intersection with CS 119/State Bridge Road in the City limits of Johns Creek. The project includes traffic signal modifications, widening, and restriping for through lane and turn lane additions at the intersection of SR 141/Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road as well as the intersection of SR 141/Medlock Bridge Road and Old Alabama Road. The project also includes the addition of shared-use path along the west side of SR 141 from Bobby Jones Drive to Old Alabama Road, and along the east side of SR 141 from approximately 350 feet south to approximately 650 north of State Bridge Road. The project is located entirely in Fulton County Georgia, GA Land District 1, and Land Lots 290, 296, 289, 297, 288, 298, 299, 330, and 300.

The project will be constructed using on-site traffic shifts. The roadway alignment will be approximately the same. The estimated construction time is 24 months. The City of Johns Creek would be responsible for acquiring property rights for this project.

Drawings or maps or plats of the proposed project, as approved, are on file and are available for public inspection at: Riki Forney, Project Manager Public Works Department riki.forney@johnscreekga.gov 11360 Lakefield Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097

678-512-3219

Any interested party may obtain a copy of the drawings or maps or plats or portions thereof by paying a nominal fee and requesting in writing to: Kimberly W. Nesbitt, State Program Delivery Administrator Office of Program Delivery Attn: Franks Childs fchilds@dot.ga.gov

600 West Peachtree St NW, 25 th Floor Atlanta, GA 30308

478-553-3330

Any written request or communication in reference to this project or notice SHOULD include the Project and P. I. Numbers as noted at the top of this notice.

Meyers:

Continued from Page 16

A 2,100-man British force, under the command of Lt. Gen. Charles Cornwallis defeated Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene's 4,500 Americans. However, it turned out to be a victory within a defeat for the Americans as the British forces soon after the battle were forced to abandon the South.

The British forces suffered major casualties during the battle – up to 27 percent of their total force according to some estimates, while the Americans also had significant casualties but far fewer wounded. Having failed to destroy Southern resistance, Cornwallis took his troops to Virginia where he was defeated at Yorktown by Gen. George Washington in the fall of 1781 which led to the formal surrender of Cornwallis on Oct. 19, 1781, and the end of the Revolutionary War.

In 1781, James married Elizabeth Chambers (1746-1839) in Lunenburg. They raised six children. James and his family may have moved to Georgia around 1800 after his parents migrated to Georgia. The family eventually settled in today’s Sandy Springs area. When James died in 1836, he was buried in land that was used as a community gathering point and burial site because of its location near the “Sandy Spring.” Sometime between 1849 and 1851, Wilson Spruill, an early Sandy Springs settler, donated 5 acres for the construction of a log cabin church and school which served until after the Civil War when a frame structure was built.

Today, James is buried in the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery.

On April 18 this year, the Sandy Springs Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, held a Grave Marking Ceremony in honor of James Hooper before a large and appreciative audience at the soldier’s gravesite. Celia Méndez, Regent of the Sandy Springs Chapter of the DAR, gave a history of James Hooper and together with Mary Wolff, Vice Regent of the Sandy Springs Chapter dedicated a plaque to Private Hooper. Other DAR Chapter representatives were Lisa Cappetto, Sandy Springs Vice Regent; Joseph Habersham Chapter, Regent Luann Miller; Roswell King Chapter, Regent Lauren Hays; Kennesaw Mountain Chapter, Regent Betsy Wampler; Fielding Lewis Chapter, Vice Regent Andrea Riddle; Mount Vernon SAR Chapter President Tom Hewett and Captain John Collins SAR Chapter President Jim Poole.

Bob is a member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission, director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and member of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

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Sawnee EMC is seeking a Coordinator, General Accounting to oversee and supervise the Bookkeeping and General Accounting staff. This position will verify, allocate, and post details of business transactions, authorize, and execute cash/wire transfers for payments; assist in creating reports, analyzing ledger accounts, and maintaining subsidiary records. Requires: a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years related experience and/or training in an accounting/ bookkeeping to include a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor or manager in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, May 22, 2026 . Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 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.

Operations Specialist (Alpharetta, GA) sought by Milton NY Pizza Inc. Will oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficiency & service quality; manage inventory & supply chain processes to maintain optimal stock levels & coord w/ suppliers for timely, cost-effective procurement; supv personnel by handling scheduling, performance oversight, & team coord’n to foster a productive work environment; implmt & refine operational procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, & improve customer satisfaction; & analyze business performance data to identify trends, streamline operations, & support strategic decision-making. 24 Months of exp in the job or in a managerial role overseeing business operations is reqd. Send resume to Gokhan Karakollukcu, President, 980 Birmingham Rd, Ste 200, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Logistics Assistant Manager needed in Duluth, GA: Send resume to HL Logistics America Corporation, 4200 Northpark Dr., Oplelika, AL 36801.

Midway Preschool is looking for an experienced Young 5’s/Prek teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. Contact Beth at beth@midwayumc.org.

Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk III –Customer Service to assist in a high-volume call center. Requires high school diploma or equivalency, computer, communication, and general office skills. Requires one (1) year experience in a customer service call center or service-type organization, utility, finance, banking, or equivalent industry. Bilingual is preferred, fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal).

Position is full-time; must be flexible to work irregular hours, to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5PM, May 29, 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.

Sr. Manager – Project Mgmt. Job location: Alpharetta, GA. Duties: Resp. for mngng implement. of end-to-end dlvry in SAP S/4 HANA finance modules implmntg BRIM, O2C & SAP success factors. Manage full lifecycle SAP S/4 HANA implement. & transform. projs using Agile & Hybrid methodologies. Monitor risk mgmt.. & fin perfrmnc using BRIM & Order to Cash (O2C) processes. Supervise & mentor proj. mgrs., consultants & dlvry teams. Participate in presales activities incl. proposal dvlp. & client presentations. Reqs: Bach.’s deg (or frgn equiv.) in Comp. Sci., Eng. or rltd field & 5 yrs. exp. in job offered or 5 yrs. exp. as a Consultant or Proj Mgr. Concurrent exp. must incl.: 5 yrs. exp. mngng implement. in SAP S/4 HANA finance modules; & 5 yrs. exp. w/ BRIM & Order to Cash (O2C) processes. Send resume (no calls) to: Nikia London, Acuiti Labs, Inc., 8000 Avalon Blvd., Ste. 100, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

SCM Group North America, Inc. - Sales Area Manager (Duluth, GA): Prospect new business development and maintain existing accounts; Support dealer relationships and distributor sales efforts and training distributors on SCM’s products. Role requires up to 75% domestic travel and 10% international travel. Position permits remote work up to 5 days per week throughout the U.S. Mail resume to: SCM Group North America, Inc., Attn: Amanda McKisson - 2475 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096. Reference job # RM12136.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERS: Cumming, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Dsgn & impl highly sclbl dstrbtd sw & rbst data sys that process lrg vlms of strctrd & unstrctrd data. Archt end-to-end prcsng wrkflws inclu ingstn, trnsfrmtn, vldtn, strg & srvng layers & dvlp backend srvcs & APIs. Mdl cmplx datasets u/advncd SQL & data engg tchnqs & apply sttstcl & ML mthds. Bld data-drvn feats lvrgng applied AI. Invstgt rlblty issues thru rca & impl long-term solns to trnslt ambgs rqmts into sclbl, mntnbl tech dsgns suprt biz-crtcl pltfrms. Master’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) is req’d. Mail CV: HR, Jobly Solutions, LLC., itservices@joblysolutions.com.

Mortgage Loan Officers sought by Crosscountry Mortgage, LLC for a pos based in Alpharetta, GA. Must have four yrs as a mortgage loan officer, assistant mortgage loan officer, or rltd; or bachelor’s deg in biz mgmt, finance (or rltd). Duties incl: Assist ind & families w/ meeting the reqs for mortgage loan approval by obtaining info such as income & asset docs; Prep & submit loans for underwriting & processing. Must have exp w/ Encompass, Desktop Underwriting & Loan Prod Advisor. Must have valid state of Georgia Annual Mortgage Loan Originator License. Send resumes to: jason.redman@ccm.com.

Senior Quality Assurance needed by AT&T Services, Inc. in Alpharetta, GA to be responsible for the performance of all functions involved in quality assurance and test execution for new and existing applications and interfaces. Apply at http://att. jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-108280.

GA

APC seeks a vibrant, relational leader to serve as Youth Director for middle and high school students. 20–25 hrs/week | Up to $25/hr. Ideal candidates have a passion for youth mentorship and a background in education, coaching, or youth leadership. Retired teachers and ministryminded professionals encouraged to apply. Strong volunteer team and pastoral support in place. To apply: Submit a brief introduction and resume to jobs@alpharettapres.com.

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