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Johns Creek adopts lowest property tax rate in Fulton County By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

Medley mixed-use development opens in heart of Johns Creek By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Medley, Johns Creek’s much-anticipated mixed-use development, is about more than just what you can buy there, said developer Mark Toro during an Oct. 29 grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting. “Medley is more than buildings and businesses,” Toro

said. “It’s a place where people live, work, gather and make memories.” Standing on a stage in an outdoor gathering space on the property, Toro addressed a crowd of several hundred area residents, commercial real estate professionals, business leaders and developers. Toro is the founder of Toro Development Co. and was also principal developer of

Alpharetta’s Avalon. After Toro’s remarks, Medley opened with a cut ribbon, cheers and confetti. Visitors like Mary Jo Allen and Karen Gerber wasted little time before beginning to explore. Within an hour, the friends toted shopping bags filled with freshly made pastries and gifts for family.

See MEDLEY, Page 18

Developer Mark Toro, Mayor John Bradberry and other dignitaries cut the ribbon to open Medley in Johns Creek Oct. 29. The mixed-use development includes restaurants, shops, offices, rental homes and for-purchase townhomes. JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council at its Oct. 26 meeting adopted a 2026 rollback maintenance and operations millage rate of 3.434 mills, making it again the lowest city property tax rate in Fulton County. Council members unanimously approved the millage rate after a third and final public hearing. They also approved a parks bond millage rate of 0.247 mills, bringing the total millage rate to 3.681 mills. Last year, council members approved a total millage rate of 3.742 mills. “Anything above the rollback is of course a tax increase, and you really don’t do a tax increase unless you have an emergency or some really compelling necessity that requires that additional burden on the taxpayer,” Mayor John Bradberry said. In Georgia, when property values go up, local governments must calculate a rollback rate. That’s the millage rate that would bring in the same revenue as last year, not counting new construction. Johns Creek’s rollback maintenance and operations rate was 3.434 mills. Any rate above the rollback rate would have counted as a tax increase.

See RATE, Page 18

HEATHER LEE C: 404.455.9506 | HeatherLee@HOMEgeorgia.com | @heatherleehomesga

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2 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

POLICE BLOTTER These reports are compiled from information provided by local law enforcement agencies and are matters of public record. They do not imply guilt, and those described are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

770-442-3278 AppenMedia.com 319 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009

Officers arrest man at ex-girlfriend’s home

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 30-year-old Forsyth County man was arrested after allegedly attempting to force his way into his ex-girlfriend’s home Oct. 4. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the Autumn Sage Drive home about 7 p.m. A 32-year-old Alpharetta woman told 911 dispatchers her home was locked and that she and her mother were hiding in a bathroom. Officers found the man outside the home and a BeatBox alcoholic beverage next to him. The man appeared intoxicated, police said. While inspecting the outside of the home, officers allegedly found a debit card wedged into the side of a basement door. The front door had pry marks and chipped paint and wood, police said. Officers took the man to the Alpharetta Detention Center and charged him with criminal damage to property, public drunkenness and possession of tools for commission of a crime. — Jon Wilcox

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 43-yearold Woodstock father was charged with driving under the influence and endangering a child Oct. 4. Alpharetta police said an officer stopped a vehicle leaving the parking lot of Ameris Bank Amphitheater because its lights were off. The officer observed the man, who was driving, had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol. The man told the officer he had “just

ROSWELL, Ga. — A man was arrested for a hit-and-run incident the afternoon of Oct. 17 after he drove over the median on Alpharetta Highway and struck a car while attempting to pass another vehicle. A Roswell officer witnessed the incident and alerted another officer, who began checks near Canton Street and Atlanta Street. The searching officer was alerted to a car in the parking lot of a Canton Street

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ROSWELL, Ga. — In the early morning hours Oct. 20, two men stole around $900 in vape products and $200 cash from a gas station on Marietta Highway. Roswell officers arrived at the gas station around 3:45 a.m. and found the business’s front left pane of glass shattered. Officers searched the inside, but found no one. The business owner arrived and showed police video of two men approaching the front of the gas station. One man threw a rock, shattering the glass. The same man entered the business with a backpack while the other stood outside. The man took all bills from the cash register and took approximately $900 in vape products before exiting through the broken window. The pair ran around the back of the business and down the alley toward Coleman Road. — Hannah Yahne

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a couple” of drinks. The man was driving his 13-year-old daughter. Police conducted an impaired driving investigation and determined the man was impaired. The man was taken to the Alpharetta Detention Center and charged with driving under the influence and driving under the influence, child endangerment. — Jon Wilcox

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restaurant. The black Nissan Rogue was missing a muffler and had visible damage to the front and rear. The front bumper was also partially torn off. The driver exited the vehicle and was struggling with his balance. He told police he was unaware he had been involved in a collision. He also said he did not remember where he was coming from or know where he was. The driver denied consuming alcohol or drugs, but did tell the Roswell officer that he is taking Naloxone, which is used to treat opioid use disorder. The driver appeared to lose consciousness while being medically evaluated. He was taken to North Fulton Hospital for further treatment. Police discovered the driver was wanted out of Cobb County for assault charges. He was also charged with driving under the influence, two hit-and-runs, and failure to maintain lane. Officers later transported the driver to Fulton County Jail. — Hannah Yahne

Deputies investigate attempted home burglary FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies investigated a reported home burglary Oct. 12. The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to the Rex Lane home and met with the 32-year-old male resident. The man said he went outside the home the previous night to investigate sounds. He found his windowsill was damaged and a man walking away from his apartment. Deputies reviewed a security camera recording showing the man walking toward the home around 7:15 p.m. from Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The recording showed the man leaving the home, but it did not capture anything else. Deputies could not determine the man’s identity. The incident was classified as a felony forced burglary of a home. Nothing was reported stolen. — Jon Wilcox

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026 | 3

North metro lacrosse players land top college commitments By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — The north metro has continued to establish itself as a growing area of high-level lacrosse, and this year’s group of college commits demonstrates this once again. The introduction of the NCAA’s “Five-for-Five” rule has changed the recruiting landscape greatly. Not every school has been impacted, but some schools that previously took classes of 10 to 12 players committed five or fewer this year. Three players from the Eagle Stix Blue team will be off to programs widely considered in the Top 5 of Division I — Luca Diehl to Maryland, Bryce Birkholz to North Carolina and Linden Donner to Johns Hopkins. The entire roster of Eagle Stix’s top team has committed to play at the next level, along with several players from the “B” team. The Eagle Stix club program has been ranked in the Top 5 in the country, and they are no stranger to sending players to top colleges. For more than a decade, the program has sent at least a handful of athletes, and often 10 or more, to play lacrosse at the college level each year. Diehl and Birkholz both attend West Forsyth High and are back-toback champions. Birkholz is the first player from Georgia to commit to UNC. She will join a recent transfer to the Tar Heels, Cambridge alumna Jenna Lundstedt. Donner attends Cambridge High and will be joined at Hopkins by another Milton resident, Milton High’s Cooper Schindler. Schindler was ranked by Inside Lacrosse as the No. 55 player in the country in his class, and he also was named to Team USA’s U17 squad this fall. Schindler’s club teammate, Blessed Trinity’s Knox Ramstein, is another highly ranked player; he committed to the Air Force Academy. Several of Ramstein’s current or former school teammates also will be headed to the next level — Ryan Deehan to St. Bonaventure and former Titan goalie Tucker White committed to Michigan. Dylan Choi is a goalie from Georgia who attends Culver Academy in Indiana; he committed to Notre Dame on Sept. 10. Choi and several other Georgia natives play club for a local program Thunder or another distinguished club named 3D while attending boarding school out of state. Lambert High’s Division 3 runnerup squad committed two players this year — lacrosse legacy Brody Powell will be headed to Rutgers and defender Kevin Kirspel is off to St. Joseph’s of

EAGLE STIX LACROSSE/PROVIDED

Members of the Eagle Stix 2028 Blue team pose in costumes at a Halloween practice. Coach Bradley Read told the players the hard work of recruiting may be behind them, but their lacrosse journey is just getting started. Pennsylvania. But girls’ lacrosse is where Georgia is shining. Lax Numbers has more than 40 commits listed between Eagle Stix and several other club programs. Eagle Stix director and Milton girls head coach Tim Godby won his 19th Georgia High School Association championship this May. Last year’s squad was older than some years past, but the sophomores in his program have still managed to grab recruiting attention. “It speaks to the overall depth of our program,” he told Appen Media. “Even kids that make the JV team are still getting coached and developed and having opportunities to play and get to the next level. We’re recognized as one of the Top 5 programs in the country, we’re the best program in the South, and coaches know that, so they’re always going to come watch and see our kids because of the success we’ve had getting kids on to the next level.” Milton High’s sophomore class boasts six players going on to play in college. Attacker Emersyn Proffitt will be joining former Eagle Kylie Parsons at Youngstown State. Another attacker, Marley Read, is headed to Arizona State to follow another Milton graduate,

Gabriella Henry. Read’s father Bradley grew up in Maryland before their family moved to Georgia in the early 2010s, and he served as the Eagle Stix Blue head coach. Bradley told Appen Media he has just one word to describe how he feels about his team — proud. “One of the big things about our team is, we’re a team,” he said. “The chemistry of our girls, they just love going out and playing together. I’ve watched these girls work really hard independently, not just as lacrosse players but as athletes.” Three of Milton’s defenders committed this year — Kendal Mones to Towson, Kelly Karavish to Siena and Caroline Genone to Winthrop. Milton’s final commit, for now, is midfielder Caroline Katula, who is headed to Florida State. Katula’s father is a former NFL long snapper for the Ravens, Patriots and Vikings. Milton has become a powerhouse in Georgia lacrosse, but the gap is getting smaller each year. West Forsyth has been gaining steam, headlined by their two five-star midfielders. But that’s not all the weapons they offer. Attacker Addison Ussery is headed to Stetson University, midfielder Malia Staniec

committed to Presbyterian College and midfielder Aubrey Jay Jones will be playing for Mercer. Johns Creek goalie Rachel Streeter will join Jones at Mercer. Streeter’s school teammate, Mallory Watson, will join Staniec at Presbyterian. Another major player in Forsyth County is Lambert, who fell in the title game to West. Midfielder Madelyn Kate “MK” Gersmehl committed to Colorado, and fellow midfielder Paige Bamburowski will suit up for South Florida. The Division 1 runners-up Cambridge will need Donner to step up in a big way this year. They have three other collegiate commits — goalie Susie McElheny to Penn, attacker Charlotte Etheridge to Furman and defender Harper Frey to Anderson. Roswell also had a deep playoff run this year, falling in the Final Four. Star attacker Hazel Shively committed to Rutgers, and midfielder Addison Park will play for UMBC. Fellowship Christian midfielder Bristol Jarrard committed to High Point. South Forsyth midfielder London Jackson will play for New Haven. Blessed Trinity’s Morgan Daley is headed to Wingate University.

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4 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Continuing care throughout breast cancer survivorship By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. “Every day of survivorship is harder than any day of active treatment,” breast cancer survivor Abbi Greer Campagno said. “And there’s no manual.” To Liz Loreti, executive director of Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, there are “… survivors that don’t have support.” That’s where Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation comes in – a nonprofit organization that provides physical rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors. The organization’s team of 20 physical therapists, oncology massage therapists, clinical support staff and social workers administered 6,500 appointments in 2025. Jill Binkley, a physical therapist and breast cancer survivor, founded the nonprofit in 2003. It was previously known as TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation before it rebranded. Survivors are often still fighting battles after they ring the bell and leave the hospital, the organization said. They get into a car that they can’t drive. At home, they can’t walk their dog or pick up their kids. Iris offers a range of

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From left, Michel Lee, Liz Loreti, executive director of Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, and Abbi Greer Campagno smile at the nonprofit organization’s headquarters at 7820 Roswell Road. services to help survivors regain strength after treatment. “People don’t want the hard part,” Loreti said. “But those are the things that aren’t glamorized, and those are the daily realities of our survivors.” When patients walk in for physical therapy or lymphatic massage therapy, Loreti said, some “look broken.” “They’re hunched over, they’re in pain, and literally 55 minutes later, they come

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She started to experience fibrosis from radiation and has been working with a physical therapist to relieve tightness in her left pectoral area and upper left back. Lee said it’s easy to feel “part of the cattle herd” in other doctors’ offices, but that has never been the case at Iris. “You are recognized as a person who has an individual situation,” Lee said. “You never leave here with a depressed mindset. You leave with hope.” Campagno said doctors don’t often share physical rehabilitation as an option following cancer treatment. “I really had to push to get the referral,” Campagno said. According to breastcancer.org, exercise after cancer treatment can help mitigate side effects from treatment and even reduce the risk of cancer returning. Even when she did get a referral for physical therapy, her doctor questioned why she wanted it. Campagno wondered why rehabilitation was not an automatic part of her treatment plan after chemotherapy. Physical therapy appointments are individualized and private. Patients are often covered only by a thin paper sheet while therapists manipulate their bodies to relieve tension in their pectoral muscles.

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Just opened? Appen Media publishes New Business Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenmedia.com/newbusiness. 5 | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026

Alpharetta asks Fulton County to support North Point hockey project By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga — Fulton County’s participation in a North Point tax allocation district marks a critical step in attracting a national hockey team, Alpharetta city officials said. At an Oct. 21 Fulton Board of Commissioners meeting, the city was scheduled to present an agreement that could bring Fulton County on board to redevelop the area. Fulton County is forecast to contribute $192.42 million in additional county tax funds generated by the tax district, compared with $109.12 million from the city. The agreement is contingent on securing a hockey team. Without one, no county money can be used. In a unanimous vote at an Oct. 19 meeting, council members approved the agreement and sent it to county commissioners. City Manager Chris Lagerbloom

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

The Alpharetta City Council discusses an agreement that would allow Fulton County to contribute tax increment funds to a proposed North Point sports entertainment district at a Oct. 19 meeting.

said the county’s contribution and its potential to help attract a hockey franchise are “critical.” “Reinvestment is important because I don’t think the project would happen otherwise,” Lagerbloom said. North Point Mall owner New York Life has partnered with developer Jamestown to reinvent the aging mall site as a major sports entertainment center an-

chored by a 20,000-seat hockey arena. The proposal also includes amenities such as a 2,000-seat community hockey rink, a 4,000-seat music hall, a 500-seat movie theater, a 45,000-square-foot conference center, a 400-room full-service hotel, a 300-room hybrid hotel, 750,000 square feet of office space and 1,385 for-rent multifamily homes. The North Point project is competing with The Gathering at South Forsyth, which also intends to land a national hockey team. In 2024, Forsyth County voters approved a referendum allowing the creation of their own tax allocation for the project. In 2025, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, the County Development Authority and the Forsyth County Board of Education signed off on agreements that call for servicing debt on a $225 million project bond tied to securing a team. The agreement between Alpharetta and Fulton County could fund improvements for the North Point project. Without it, the project’s scale

would likely be insurmountable by private funding alone, city staff said. “A site that is entitled and financeable when the league is ready to act is better positioned to capture that opportunity,” the city said. Lagerbloom said city officials are now working to bring Fulton County Schools on board. School district taxes in the tax district could provide an additional $185.26 million. Council members said they believe it is in everyone’s best interest to invest in the area. The area surrounding the mall has seen significant declines in property value in recent years. Estimated 2024 city, county and school district property taxes on mall real estate and commercial personal property fell by nearly 53.5% compared with five years ago. “This isn’t just good for Alpharetta. It’s good for the county. It’s going to be good for the school district,” Mayor Jim Gilvin said after the vote. “Whether they participate is up to them.”

6 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

SPORTS

Blessed Trinity softball falls to Cartersville By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Blessed Trinity Titans softball season ended Oct. 21 when the team fell to Cartersville in a playoff series. Their final two wins came in the first round of the Georgia High School Sports Association 5A playoffs, in an upset against Dutchtown. The Titans and their fans made the trip down to Henry County, where they scored 27 runs to the Dutchtown Bulldogs’ four. Senior Florida Atlantic University commit Chelsea Lewis reached her third school record in the series against Dutchtown with her 42nd RBI of the year, setting the single-season record. Lewis leads the team in batting average and doubled her career home run total this season, putting up eight. Her first two records were single-season and career home runs. Lewis told Appen Media after the first-round win that the team knew they had a tall task ahead of them facing Cartersville, but regardless, it was a celebratory moment for the senior class who hadn’t made it past the first round since freshman year.

ANNABELLE REITER/APPEN MEDIA

The Blessed Trinity Titans softball team celebrates their first round playoff win against Dutchtown after the final out Oct. 14. “It’s a really close bond that we’ve all created here,” she said. “Blessed Trinity softball is probably the best thing that I’ve ever been a part of, and I’m so grateful for the family that has developed me as a player and I’m so thankful that I get to play with these girls. It’s actually crazy [to look back at the last four years], and I just hope that we can keep it going as long as possible.” One motto she has repeated to her team is that “it takes everyone” to

come together. “We don’t need one solo person,” Lewis said. “It doesn’t take the senior who sets the home run record. It takes the freshmen in the dugout that are calling out the runners, and it takes everyone.” Junior Piper O’Neill pitched the entire series with Dutchtown, including a 15-0 shutout in the first game. Head coach Scott Harrison said the way she “stepped up and held [Dutchtown] down” was a major contributing factor

to how well his team executed. “They prepared well; they had a really good attitude all week about practice,” Harrison said. “We’ve worked so hard up to this point.” This season, with the new playoff structure based on Post Season Ranking (PSR), Harrison said he structured the team’s schedule to be tough to boost their chances of getting a home playoff series. The Titans kicked off their season Aug. 7 against Walton before a tri-match the following day against Long County and Roswell. Blessed Trinity finished the regular season at 17-9, ranked 18th in PSR, and fell just short of a home playoff series. In a tough region that helped build the team’s PSR, the Titans finished third in Region 6-5A with four losses. They split the series with Marist and St. Pius X and dropped both games to Cambridge, a top10 team in the state. The out-of-region opponents they faced included Westminster, Temple, Mount Paran, Decatur and Mount Vernon. Harrison said he feels the team has performed consistently on offense, defense and pitching even in a tough schedule.

See SOFTBALL, Page 7

SPORTS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026 | 7

East Forsyth girls flag football team part of a growing sport

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BY KATHERINE DAVIS newsroom@appenmedia.com GAINESVILLE, Ga. — East Forsyth High School’s girls flag football team picked up two wins in a round robin on Monday, Oct. 26, including an upset over North Hall High School, 14-6, before shutting out West Hall High School, 30-0. Now in its second season, East Forsyth’s program is the newest girls flag football team among Forsyth County’s public high schools. Girls flag football continues to grow rapidly across Georgia and the country, creating new opportunities for female high school athletes to compete. Flag football is one of the fastestgrowing high school sports in America. Nationally, girls flag football participation increased from 15,716 athletes in the 2021-22 school year to 102,360 in 2025-26, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. In Georgia, participation more than doubled over the same period, growing from 3,866 to 8,320 athletes. The number of schools in Georgia offering the sport also rose from 176 to 301. The East Forsyth High Broncos entered the doubleheader ranked fourth among six teams in their division, while North Hall was ranked second and West Hall sixth. Against North Hall, the Broncos overcame an early deficit to secure the 14-6 win. North Hall scored first in the second quarter, but East Forsyth responded immediately with a touchdown by Bella McDowell and an extra point to take a 7-6 lead. Aubrey Dunn added

Softball: Continued from Page 6 “We set it up to be hard; we were asking to give us really good teams that were going to win 15 to 20 games,” Harrison said. “Pretty much all the teams that we picked to play are almost all in the playoffs now. We let our girls know that there’s not really any nights off, and if you don’t show up and play, you’re going to lose to these teams.” Harrison highlighted the senior class’s leadership, which gave the team an added boost, including Lewis and another Division I commit, Addy Wilson. Wilson is also a member of the women’s baseball national team that dominated the 2026 World Cup in July.

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East Forsyth players celebrate a touchdown during a game against West Hall at East Forsyth High School in Gainesville, Georgia, on Oct. 26. East Forsyth won 30-0.

a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, followed by another extra point to seal the win. East Forsyth carried momentum into its matchup with West Hall, winning 30-0. Bailey Groover scored twice, and McKenna Hall added a rushing touchdown. A pass to Sydney Honea just before halftime extended the Broncos’ lead to 24-0. Charlie Cummings added one more touchdown in the second half to complete the shutout. None of the touchdowns in the game was followed by a successful extra-point attempt. In the other round-robin matchup, North Hall defeated West Hall 26-0. The wins bring East Forsyth’s overall season record to 7-7 and its region record to 4-3. The 2027 World Cup will be held in Rosemont, Ill. Wilson said it was a fullcircle moment to be selected to a team alongside players she idolized, even one she did a project on in elementary school. Harrison said Wilson’s experience has brought the Titans to another level. “She’s reading things on the field three or four steps before they happen, which is something you love from a player that’s already physically talented,” he said. “She gets that from playing in all these different levels, playing baseball, playing softball, playing at the elite level. She comes with a lot of stuff you don’t teach — she just shows up.” On senior night, the junior class got to tell the seniors how much their leadership has meant to the team.

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Fall into sold: Seasonal updates that help your home shine Brought to you by Heather Lee, of HOME Luxury Real Estate, North Atlanta, HeatherLee@HOMEgeorgia. com, 404-455-9506 There’s something especially inviting about a home in the HEATHER fall. A welcoming front LEE porch, soft lighting, and comfortable gathering spaces make it easy to imagine settling in. For homeowners considering a move, the season offers an opportunity to refresh their home and highlight what makes it special. Preparing to sell doesn’t always require a major renovation. Thoughtful updates, routine maintenance, and a little seasonal styling can help your home feel fresh, cared for, and ready for its next chapter. Make your entrance memorable Start where buyers will: at the curb. Keep fallen leaves cleared, trim overgrown shrubs, and refresh beds with neatly spread mulch or pine straw. Clean the front door, sweep the porch, and make sure house numbers are easy to see. A simple color change of the front door can make a lasting difference! For a seasonal touch, try a pair of planters filled with mums or a simple autumn wreath. Keep decorations understated so buyers can appreciate the architecture and entrance. Cleaning, landscaping, and freshening the front entry are among the home-preparation steps recommended by the National Association of REALTORS®. Let the light in With daylight hours getting shorter, lighting deserves extra attention. Wash windows, open blinds, and pull back heavy curtains to showcase natural light. Clean light fixtures and replace burned-out bulbs, choosing a consistent light color within each room. Before showings, turn on lamps in darker corners and check the lighting at the front entrance. The goal is a home that feels bright and welcoming from the moment buyers arrive. Refresh the rooms buyers remember Walk through your home with fresh eyes. Are scuffed walls, worn cabinet pulls, or a dripping faucet

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drawing attention away from the space itself? Consider touching up paint or repainting heavily worn rooms in a soft, neutral shade. Address loose handles, sticking doors, and other small repairs. In kitchens and bathrooms, begin with a thorough cleaning and clear countertops. Evaluate larger projects with your real estate professional before committing, taking your home’s condition, competing listings, and budget into account. Create warmth without adding clutter Fall styling works best with a light touch. A textured throw, fresh bedding, and a few pillows can introduce warmth while keeping rooms open and comfortable. Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths and give each space an obvious purpose. An inviting chair beside a window can suggest a reading spot; a tidy desk can show how a spare room functions as an office. Staging helps buyers understand a home’s

spaces and picture how they might live there. Give outdoor living one more moment Here in the Atlanta area, fall can be a wonderful season to enjoy a porch, patio, or deck. Clean outdoor furniture, remove tired summer plants, and arrange seating to highlight the space. Keep leaves cleared from decks and steps, and make sure pathways are well lit. A simple outdoor seating area can help buyers imagine morning coffee, weekend gatherings, or a quiet evening at home. Put seasonal maintenance on the calendar Schedule heating-system service if it’s due, replace filters as recommended, and check weatherstripping around exterior doors. Have gutters and downspouts cleared, and address known leaks or drainage concerns. If your home has a fireplace you plan to use, arrange any needed

inspection and cleaning before lighting it. Keep records of completed service and repairs so you can readily share accurate information with prospective buyers. Choose updates with a plan Every home has different priorities. One may benefit most from fresh neutral paint and improved lighting, while another needs landscaping or a few maintenance items addressed before photography. Before spending on improvements, develop a preparation plan with your realtor®. No update can guarantee a particular sale price or timeline, but a thoughtful approach can help you direct your budget toward the changes that matter most for your property. Whether you’re preparing to list this fall or getting a head start on spring, begin with a welcoming entrance, bright rooms, and well-maintained spaces. Those details help buyers see the possibilities—and imagine making themselves at HOME.

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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Georgia’s transfer on death deed looks simple and quick. So what’s the flip side? Brought to you by – Holly Geerdes, Estate Planning Attorney, GK Law Group We practice in more than 25 states, including many that have had TOD deeds for years. Georgia passed its TOD deed law in 2024. When a legal document looks simple and quick, it's worth asking what the catch is. A TOD deed works like a beneficiary designation for your house. When you pass away, the property goes to the person named on the deed. The upside is that it may let that property skip probate. Here's what most people don't hear: It isn't automatic. Your beneficiary has to sign and record an acceptance affidavit with the county after your death. Until they do, the property stays tied to your estate. No one has to tell them the deed exists while you're alive, so they may not know to look for it. If your beneficiary dies first, the plan fails. If your only beneficiary dies before you, or before they finish accepting, the gift can lapse. The house falls back into your estate, and often into probate, which is exactly what you were trying to avoid. You can't keep it in the bloodline. Your child gets the house outright. When your child dies, it passes under their will. If they have no will, it passes under Georgia's

intestacy law, and a surviving spouse with no children inherits everything. Your house could end up with your son-in-law, and then with his next spouse. Divorce and lawsuits. Once your child owns the house, it is exposed to their creditors and lawsuits. Inherited property usually starts out as separate property in a Georgia divorce. But if your child adds their spouse to the deed or puts marital money into the house, it can become divisible. No estate tax planning. A TOD deed doesn't reduce estate taxes. The house counts in your taxable estate, and once your child owns it outright, it counts in theirs too. That makes it a poor fit for larger estates. You can't customize it. There's no way to hold the property for a minor, protect a child with special needs, mental illness, financial problrems, stagger distributions overtime, or name someone to break a tie between siblings who disagree. It does nothing if you become incapacitated. It only works at death, and your agent under a power of attorney can't sign one for you. It covers one property. It isn't a plan. A TOD deed can be the right tool in the right situation. For most families, though, it's a band-aid, not a strategy. Come visit our workshops to learn more.

Protect Your Assets, Your Home, And Your Family In 3 Steps

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“We thought we were going to downsize.” Brought to you by – Bath and Kitchen Galleria For years, local empty nesters shared a common retirement playbook: wait for the kids to move out, sell the sprawling suburban family home, and downsize into a smaller, low-maintenance condo or townhouse. But in today’s economic climate, that traditional transition has hit a major roadblock. A perfect storm of financial hurdles is forcing North Atlanta homeowners to rethink their long-term plans. High interest rates mean giving up an incredibly low, locked-in mortgage for a new, costlier loan. When you factor in skyrocketing moving costs, the surprisingly elevated price tags on smaller new builds, and steep capital gains tax implications, downsizing simply doesn’t make financial sense anymore. Instead of moving out, local homeowners are choosing to stay put and adapt. “We are seeing a massive shift in how people view their long-term investments,” says John Hogan, president of Bath & Kitchen Galleria. “Homeowners look at the math and realize that reinvesting into their current property is much smarter than absorbing the massive friction costs of selling and buying in this market. They are choosing to transform the space they already love.” The most common adaptations focus on the two highest-traffic zones in the home: the kitchen and the primary bathroom. For empty nesters, the goal is no longer about maintaining a showroom; it is about lifestyle, connection, and longterm viability. In the kitchen, the focus is on hosting the next generation. Homeowners are actively tearing down walls to open spaces,

allowing the kitchen to flow naturally into family areas to accommodate growing families and holiday gatherings. Renovation plans are also tackling longstanding storage limitations and creating smarter, more ergonomic work areas that blend daily living with entertaining. “The kitchen remains the heart of the home, but its role changes when the kids move out,” explains Bobbie Kohm, VP of design at Bath & Kitchen Galleria. “It becomes a hub for extended family visits. We are designing open-concept spaces with intelligent zoning and custom storage solutions, so the home functions perfectly whether it’s just two people on a Tuesday or twenty people on Thanksgiving.” Meanwhile, bathroom renovations are heavily prioritizing “aging in place.” Homeowners are planning to ensure they can live independently and safely for decades to come. Modern, upscale renovations are seamlessly blending luxury with safety. Remodels routinely incorporate curb less, zero-entry walk-in showers, non-slip flooring surfaces, and beautifully integrated, sturdy grab bars that look more like high-end fixtures than medical equipment. Additionally, these projects are solving chronic ventilation issues, eliminating persistent mold and mildew problems to ensure a healthier indoor environment. By upgrading their existing properties, North Atlanta residents are successfully bypassing a stressful real estate market while drastically improving their daily quality of life. The home that raised the family is successfully adapting to host the grandchildren. To learn more, contact Bath & Kitchen Galleria in Alpharetta at 770.661.0073.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

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REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

Congratulations to Our Clients on Winning

31 Professionalism Awards

Recognized by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association for excellence in new home construction and marketing.

55+ Community of the Year – Soleil Belmont Park

ALSO WINNER OF BEST AMENITY PACKAGE, BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN & NUMEROUS HOME DESIGN AWARDS Celebrating an incredible 21 OBIE Award wins, Patrick Malloy Communities enjoyed an extraordinary evening of recognition, highlighted by Soleil Belmont Park earning the prestigious 55+ Community of the Year honor. Additional awards for Best Amenity Package, Best Community Landscape Design, and Best Corporate Design Center, along with recognition across home design and marketing, reflect the exceptional vision and craftsmanship behind its communities.

PMCommunities.com | 770-635-4080 305 Belmont Park Court Canton, GA 30115

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026 | 13

David Patterson Homes 3 PROFESSIONALISM AWARDS | 2 GOLD & 1 SILVER David Patterson Homes earned three OBIE Awards recognizing exceptional craftsmanship and architectural design. Creekside Overlook received two Gold honors for single-family home and building design, while Downtown Fausett in Dawsonville earned Silver for its thoughtfully designed townhomes.

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LLANE & Co celebrated 16 OBIE Marketing Awards in its inaugural year, recognizing excellence in branding, digital marketing, and creative strategy.

For more information on the represented communities, please visit LLANECO.com or scan the QR code.

LORI LANE | 404.969.LANE(5263) | INFO@LLANECo.com © 2026. All rights reserved. LLane & Co Real Estate is a licensed real estate brokerage. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information is believed accurate, but not warranted. Subject to change without notice. See agent for details.

14 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

PROVIDED

Patrick Malloy Communities wins 21 OBIE Awards, including 55+ Community of the Year for Soleil Belmont Park Brought to you by – Patrick Malloy Communities Patrick Malloy Communities celebrated an exceptional night at the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association’s 46th Annual OBIE Awards, earning 21 awards, including 16 Gold and five silver honors. Among the evening’s most prestigious recognitions, Soleil Belmont Park in Canton was named 55+ Community of the Year, further establishing the community as a leader in resort-style active adult living. Held October 24 at the Georgia Aquarium, the annual OBIE Awards recognize excellence in residential construction, architecture, community planning, interior design, amenities and marketing throughout metro Atlanta. Soleil Belmont Park’s 55+ Community of the Year honor highlights the success of Patrick Malloy Communities’ vision to create more than beautiful homes. The community

offers an exceptional resort lifestyle where residents enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere, recreational opportunities and meaningful connections with neighbors. “To receive 21 OBIE Awards in one night is an incredible honor, and having Soleil Belmont Park recognized for 55+ Community of the Year makes it especially meaningful,” said Patrick Malloy, founder and president of Patrick Malloy Communities. “What I’m most proud of is the team behind it.” Located in Canton, Soleil Belmont Park features thoughtfully designed homes complemented by an impressive resort featuring a clubhouse with a coffee shop, cocktail bar, resort-style swimming pool, fitness facilities, pickleball and tennis courts, bocce ball, community gardens, dog park, event lawn, and inviting gathering spaces. With more than 50 resident clubs and an active calendar of social events, the community provides homeowners with

opportunities to stay active, pursue interests and build lasting friendships. In addition to the coveted 55+ Community of the Year distinction, Patrick Malloy Communities received gold awards for Best Amenity Package, Best Community Landscape Design and Best Corporate Design Center. These honors recognize the attention to detail that defines the company’s approach to community planning and the homeowner experience. The company’s success extended to home design, with multiple gold awards recognizing single-family homes across several price categories, architectural design and interior merchandising. Soleil Belmont Park also achieved outstanding recognition for its marketing efforts, earning 10 additional awards. Gold honors included Best Community Website, Best Email Marketing Message, Best Online Banner Ad, Best Social Media Campaign, Best Advertising Campaign and Best Marketing

Campaign. Silver awards recognized the community’s brochure, billboard, flyer and onsite signage. The award-winning marketing initiatives were developed in collaboration with LLANE & Co., the company’s sales and marketing partner. Founded in 1994, Patrick Malloy Communities has developed more than 11,000 homesites and sold more than 7,000 homes, representing over $4 billion in residential sales. Its awardwinning portfolio includes the Soleil active adult communities in Canton and Snellville, along with traditional and luxury residential neighborhoods throughout Georgia. “For us, the goal has never been simply to build houses,” Malloy said. “We want to create places where people are genuinely excited about the life, they are going to have there.” For more information about Soleil Belmont Park and Patrick Malloy Communities, visit PMCommunities. com or call 770-635-4080.

REAL ESTATE REPORT • Sponsored Section

AppenMedia.com | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026 | 15

New name. New team. New way forward. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties introduces the New Homes Network. Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties A new chapter in new home sales and marketing is taking shape at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. Building on the foundation of its established new homes program, the company has introduced the New Homes Network (NHN), bringing a new name, a new team and a new way forward to its work with builders and developers. Led by Senior Vice President Chuck MacPhee, the network combines decades of industry experience with fresh thinking about how new homes are marketed and sold. Its approach centers on flexible partnerships shaped around each builder’s goals, communities and opportunities. “We’ve reimagined the New Homes Network with a more innovative approach to selling and marketing new construction,” said MacPhee. “By bringing the right people, resources and partnerships together, we help builders reach more buyers, create stronger demand and accelerate sales.” A second-generation Realtor®, MacPhee brings extensive experience in builder operations, community marketing and sales strategy, supported by longstanding industry relationships. Joining him are Marketing Director Nicola

Schwab, Client Services Director Wendi Johnson and the support of the company’s award-winning marketing team of creative and digital specialists. Together, they bring sales leadership, marketing and client support into a coordinated effort focused on helping builders move their businesses forward. Among the team’s initiatives is the Sales Acceleration Program, designed to increase exposure, generate traffic and create more sales opportunities. “This is an exciting new chapter for our established new homes business,” said DeAnn Golden, President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties. “Our new team brings fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to helping builders succeed.” For builders, the New Homes Network combines specialized expertise with the reach of more than 1,250 sales associates across 25 branches, backed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices national and global resources. For buyers, it supports connections to new construction choices across the communities they call home. The name is new. The foundation is established. The focus is on what comes next for builders, buyers and the communities they help shape together. For new homes sales and marketing inquiries, please contact Chuck MacPhee 678.578.6767. NewHomesNetwork.com.

COURTESY BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

Pictured from left, Marketing Director Nicola Schwab, SR Vice President Chuck MacPhee, Client Services Director Wendi Johnson.

Designed to Make a Statement. Set on 3.3 acres with its own pond, this 6,500+ sq. ft. new construction estate showcases striking modern industrial farmhouse design, soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and top-of-the-line curated finishes. Highlights include a main-level primary suite, a masterpiece kitchen with Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a separate scullery kitchen, and resort-style outdoor living with a heated saltwater pool and outdoor kitchen creating an extraordinary setting for everyday living and effortless entertaining.

Chuck MacPhee Senior Vice President

M (404) 234-7286 O (678) 578-6767 chuck.macphee@bhhsgeorgia.com

1350 A J Land Rd, Canton, 30115

5 Bedrooms | 5 Full Baths + 3 Half Baths | $3,495,000 ©2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

16 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

AIKENOMICS

OPINION

Wall Street is celebrating ... so why is Main Street suffering? The stock market is booming, but American families aren’t feeling particularly wealthy There is something rather fascinating happening in the American economy D.C. AIKEN right now. Wall Guest Columnist dcaiken.com Street continues to celebrate, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average recently trading above 50,000, while millions of Americans are wondering how much more expensive everyday life can possibly become. Apparently, Wall Street and Main Street are living in two very different economies ... and unfortunately, only one of them seems to be having a good time. Let’s start with the stock market. Corporate earnings have remained relatively resilient, investors continue to find reasons for optimism and the financial markets have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to look past geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, the average American family is dealing with mortgage rates

above 7.50%, gasoline prices that have taken a bite out of household budgets and persistent inflation that continues to make everything from groceries to homeowners insurance more expensive. So how can Wall Street be doing so well while Main Street is struggling, despite what political rhetoric you may be hearing? The answer comes down to a fundamental economic distinction: The stock market measures expectations about future corporate profitability. It does not measure the financial well-being of the average American household, and those two things don’t always move together. Consider the housing market. The 10-year Treasury yield has recently pushed above 5.30%, reaching levels not seen since 2007. That has helped drive mortgage rates to their highest levels in nearly two decades. For a family purchasing a $400,000 home with 5% down, the principal and interest payment at 7.50% is approximately $2,657 a month. At 6.50%, that same payment would be approximately $2,402. That’s an additional $255 every month, or more than $3,000 annually, simply because the cost of borrowing increased 1

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percentage point, and that doesn’t include property taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance or the rising cost of practically everything else. Now add another complication: energy prices. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Persian Gulf has created considerable volatility in oil markets. Higher energy costs don’t simply show up at the gasoline pump. They eventually work their way into transportation, manufacturing, food distribution and ultimately consumer prices. Economists call that cost-push inflation. Most Americans simply call it another expensive trip to the grocery store. Here’s where things become particularly interesting. The Federal Reserve is trying to control inflation without unnecessarily damaging

economic growth. But higher oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and persistent inflation make that balancing act increasingly difficult. And while Wall Street can celebrate strong corporate profits, Main Street must contend with the higher borrowing costs and everyday expenses that accompany this economic environment. There is, however, another side to this story. The American economy remains remarkably resilient. Employment, consumer spending and corporate investment can continue supporting growth even when household budgets are under pressure, at least for now. But resilience and affordability are not the same thing. A rising stock market may make investors feel wealthier. It does very little for a young family trying to qualify for its first mortgage or a homeowner struggling to make the monthly budget work ... and perhaps that’s the real economic story of 2026. Wall Street measures wealth by what investments are worth. Main Street measures prosperity by what a paycheck can buy. Until those two measurements begin moving in the same direction, don’t be surprised if the celebration on Wall Street sounds a little hollow to everyone else. After all, you can’t pay your mortgage with the Dow Jones Industrial Average. 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.

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PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | November 5, 2026 | 17

The history and joys of mahjong Many people believe that pickleball has taken over our society. It certainly is a phenomenon. I have written a column about it. But there is a new kid on the block, and that is the Asian tile game mahjong, which BOB MEYERS Columnist is currently undergoing a massive resurgence across the United States, including in north Fulton and Forsyth County. Many pickleball clubs also host mahjong. In this column, we will explore its history, where it came from and why it is growing so fast all around us. Mahjong is not new. It is thought to have originated in China in the mid-1800s. However, its origin is much older, having most likely evolved from madiao, a 17th-century Ming dynasty paper card game. Around the 1850s, the paper cards gave way to solid tiles made of bamboo and bone. Today, to millions of people around the world, the game is a ritual and a passion. Over the past century, it has followed a strange trajectory in this country, experiencing three separate waves of popularity. In the 1920s and 1930s, it became a very popular family game thanks to aggressive marketing and adoption by wealthy families. Mahjong parties became fashionable. Eddie Cantor’s hit song “Since Ma Is Playing Mah Jong” helped fuel a nationwide craze for the game. Mahjong-themed clothing became the rage. In 1937, the National Mah Jongg League (the game has had various spellings over the years) standardized an American version of the game. In the 1950s and 1960s, it again spiked in popularity as families moved into new postwar suburbs. Young mothers and housewives used the game to socialize outside of traditional volunteer or child-rearing duties. In the past year, Yelp reports an increase of more than 4,500% in online searches for the game. Part of the reason, according to some people, is a desire, especially among young people, to get away from digital fatigue in favor of screen-free socializing. There is a wonderful array of places where people can play with other enthusiasts at all skill levels — public libraries, businesses and restaurants, for example. “Mahjong brings people into the library

and allows us to contribute to the mahjong community,” said Todd Williamson, branch manager of the Milton Library. The library has two drop-in times: Mondays from 2 to 4 p.m. and the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 1 to 3 p.m., with three to five tables of four players each. Twice a year, newcomers can learn how to play during a six-week course at the library. Countless small businesses cater to individuals and groups who want to learn and develop their skills in this rather complex game. Teresa Hill founded Mahj in the Burbs after knee surgery in 2024. She had time on her hands, and she loved mahjong. She had a set of mahjong tiles, and her friends helped her convalesce by playing the game with her. She began hosting games at Never Enough Thyme, a popular restaurant in downtown Alpharetta. Her three instructors have more than 100 years of combined experience teaching mahjong. So far, Mahj in the Burbs has taught more than 1,500 students in Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell. “We have 48 to 72 players at each openplay event and tournament,” Hill said. “We are serious about mahjong and how we teach.” Even the celebrated Painted Horse Winery in Milton offers residents an opportunity to learn and play. “Mahjong is a worldwide craze,” said Pamela Borgel, an equestrian and the founder of the Painted Horse Winery and Vineyard in Milton. “My husband, David, and I even

MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART — NATIONAL MUSEUMS IN BERLIN

A colored woodcut shows women in China, probably playing madiao, a predecessor to mahjong, during the Qing dynasty in the second half of the 18th century.

played during our recent trip to Europe. We began providing mahjong at the Painted Built for memories, Horse Winery last February. On Thursday for community made nights, about 60 people attend our Mahjong Built for memories, Club.” made The club also meets Friday mornings. On for community. Built for memories, Wednesday evenings, certified teachers from Built for memories, the well-known Le Mahj Club offer Level 1 for made forcommunity. community. made and Level 2 lessons at the winery. “Mahjong has become an important part of our business,” Borgel said. Carly Hankins founded Le Mahj Club in Alpharetta in January, and it is already successful. The business operates throughout north Fulton, offering lessons, open play, We’re proud to introduce our a range of private events and partnerships new celebration of life center, with organizations such as the Painted Horse unlike anything else in Winery. the Atlanta area. “We host large and small corporate events and offer lessons,” Hankins said. “Le Mahj We’re proud to celebration introduce our new celebration We’re proud to introduce our new of life center,

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DEATH NOTICES Shirley Brown, age 88, of Roswell, GA passed away on October 27, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Club will host a mahjong retreat next January at the Lake Oconee Ritz-Carlton.” Forsyth County is also enthusiastically mahjong-active. Feed the Well Barbeque and Biscuit Barn is a very popular restaurant that Tonya and Darrin Cohen opened in 2021 on a historic property on Peachtree Parkway. Every Monday for the past five months, Andrea Teeter has offered mahjong open play and lessons there, with about five tables of players. All proceeds from the restaurant, including mahjong, support The Well Ministry, whose name is based on the biblical story of the woman at the well. “Mahjong helps the restaurant contribute to the community and to the ministry,” Tonya Cohen said. “Everyone wins.” Special thanks to Jennifer Dickson for her help with this column.

Whole life insurance and annuities underwritten by Forethought Life Insurance Company, Indianapolis, IN.

James Gisclair, age 82, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on October 23, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Susan Hassell, age 83, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on October 22, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

James Pollak, age 86, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on October 26, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

18 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Medley:

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 1 “It’s free entertainment,” Allen said. “All you have to do is walk around.” Gerber agreed. “And it’s close,” she added. The 43-acre property’s first phase includes 145,000 square feet of walkable retail and restaurant space as well as 110,000 square feet of office space, 340 rental homes, 133 for-purchase townhomes and a 25,000-square-foot plaza. A Trader Joe’s there opened months earlier. Backed by a $90 million construction loan, Medley’s second phase, Encore, broke ground in April and is slated to be completed in 2027. It will add an additional 408 luxury multifamily homes and 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. A hotel developed and operated by Mainsail Lodging & Development is expected to open in 2028. Several years in the making, the project brings trendy dining, shopping, hospitality, residential and office offerings to the heart of Johns Creek. The $560 million development sits on a former State Farm corporate campus inside the city’s Town Center district, which also hosts the newly opened Boardwalk outdoor recreation and community gathering space.

Care: Continued from Page 4 Campagno said it’s “as invasive as mental health therapy.” But “this is the first touch that’s welcome and warm, not painful or uncomfortable,” Campagno said. Coming out of trauma with a purpose Patients keep returning to Iris for the community it offers. Lee said the camaraderie and friendships she has found there are “priceless.” “That’s the beauty of this place,” Lee said. “You get access to other people.” In 2025, Iris nearly closed because of a lack of funding. The nonprofit had to stop offering free exercise classes, and Lee said learning about its financial trouble was an absolute shock. Loreti said her staff made it a priority

Rate: Continued from Page 1 Bradberry and council members agreed the city’s financial position is strong, noting its surplus and funded public safety departments. Bradberry

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Visitors stroll through Medley after its ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 29. City officials have said they envision Medley, Town Center and The Boardwalk as the start of an exciting new future for the heart of the city. “We’re going to make this the third place that Johns Creek has been lacking,” Mayor John Bradberry said at the event. “Today is a pivotal time in the history of our city and our community.” Dining and drinks Medley has 20 eateries ranging from fast-casual restaurants and bars to upscale dining. STIR, located at the edge of Medley’s outdoor event space, features an upscalecasual American and seafood menu. The restaurant has patio seating, an indooroutdoor bar and wide windows that open

during nice weather. “The dining experience is … very lively, outgoing, energetic,” said Kevin McDevitt, service manager. Menu items include roast beef melts, marinated hand-cut sirloin steak frites, seared tuna, shrimp scampi, fresh oysters and more. The restaurant’s name comes from its premium cocktail list, which features, among other highlights, espresso martinis, elderflower sours and old-fashioneds. Ice is made in house with a special directional plate freezer that makes two crystal-clear 300-pound blocks at a time.

businesses. Visitors can curate their looks at The Commodore barbershop, the Sugarcoat beauty bar or the BODYROK Pilates studio. They can also pick up clothing, gifts, jewelry and books at a number of retailers. Carolyn Gordon, owner of Moop’s Boutique, said her shop specializes in European-chic apparel and accessories. “It has more of a quirky, preppy, but very sophisticated style,” she said. “And it’s classic, so it doesn’t really go out of style.” Gordon said her business moved from Alpharetta after doing business there for 10 years. Nicole Lee, an area therapist, said she was doing an “hour of self-care” by spending some time perusing Moop’s clothing during her lunch break. She said she was impressed with the eclectic fashions on display, something she said big-box stores often fail to deliver. “If it’s a small, more boutique store, I might have a piece that if I wear it out with some friends … people will be like, ‘Oh, that looks new. Where did you get that?’” she said.

Local shops and self-care Medley also offers numerous highend shops as well as beauty and wellness

If you go Medley is located at 11650 Johns Creek Parkway at the intersection of Johns Creek Parkway and McGinnis Ferry Road. Individual store and restaurant hours vary by location. For information, visit medleyjohnscreek.com.

not to let the strain affect their work. “Cancer treatment is scary enough, and you have enough uncertainties; the last thing you need is the probability that this place is going to close,” Loreti said. “… This one place that’s your safe space, where you can just be yourself.” Donations help cover the cost of care, even for insured patients, Loreti said. Average insurance reimbursements cover only 33.7% of the cost of care, and patients pay a $25 co-pay at each appointment. Philanthropy is supposed to cover the remaining cost. “If we don’t raise the money, it’s a loss on our bottom line,” Loreti said. In 2025, Iris administered 5,600 physical therapy appointments. If everyone selfpaid, the rehabilitation center would have made $665,000. Instead, patient payments totaled $78,000, and insurance reimbursements totaled $347,000, leaving Iris to fundraise $240,000 to offset the cost of care. Iris also provides financial aid for

patients without insurance and covers the cost of care and any transportation assistance. Loreti said smaller nonprofits are feeling the squeeze from federal grant cuts. Private philanthropy has covered some funding gaps, but leaves little for small nonprofits that rely on annual grants. “We saw a pretty significant decline in grants that we had gotten every year,” Loreti said. “All of these nonprofits are starting to feel the squeeze, and that’s where individuals have to step in.” The individuals helping Iris are mainly patients, she said. “They want to see us succeed, so they are willing to reach out to their networks to ensure that we can continue to operate,” Loreti said. Some patients offered to pay for exercise classes. Patients can now purchase a pack of five classes for $60 or 10 classes for $90 – well below the market rate for surrounding exercise studios, Loreti said.

This year, Iris has already seen more than 800 patients across 4,500 appointments. They need to raise at least another $500,000 by year’s end to meet their budget. “It will be a stretch, but I have faith we can do it,” Loreti said. Campagno is one of the patients who has stepped in to help Iris. She is hosting Mahj in Full Bloom on Oct. 27 and has raised more than $7,000 for Iris through the event. Mahj in Full Bloom will be hosted at Iris, 7820 Roswell Road. There will be raffles, snacks and mahjong starting at 6 p.m. Click here to register or donate. Campagno said she constantly works to honor her friends who have died from breast cancer. “You can come out of trauma with a purpose,” Campagno said. “And I feel like that’s what’s changed in me.” To learn more about Iris Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, visit irisbcr.org.

added that the rollback rate will help residents better afford the increased cost of living. The maintenance and operations levy is expected to generate about $22.77 million. Johns Creek’s taxable digest has increased about 1.92 percent from $6.5 billion to $6.6 billion. “I’m supporting the rollback, also,”

Councilman Larry DiBiase said. “People ask me all the time, ‘How in the world can Johns Creek keep its millage rate so low?’ We are the lowest among Fulton County.” In 2025, Johns Creek’s millage rate was the lowest among Fulton County cities, according to Develop Fulton County, the county’s official economic development finance agency.

The next lowest city millage rates were 4.503 mills for Milton, 4.731 mills for Sandy Springs and 4.949 mills for Roswell. For Fiscal Year 2026, Roswell has adopted a property tax rate of 5.232 mills. Sandy Springs plans to keep its 2026 millage rate at 4.731. Alpharetta has adopted a levy of 5.750 mills. Milton approved a rate of 4.502 mills.

Puzzles

rier 1/15/26 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 .........................November 5, 2026 | 19

EITHER OR 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 2. Roomy vehicle. Whacks or slimy critters. Half moon tide. 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome. 4. Ice house. Sled dog or robust. Moonfish. 5. Verdant or a drunk. King of the road. Imp. 6. Suite place. Cruddy. Rubella symptom or impetuous. 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or carpenter’s tool. Chubby. PuzzleJunction.com

2 3 4 5 6

/8/26 Sudoku 7

How to Solve: Each line in the Either/Or 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 1. Sweeper or Scots heather. Twosome. Pulse. 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 thepuzzle, line. Buteach here’s the catch! Theand clues aremoon not in order To the solve thevehicle. Sudoku column 2. Roomy Whacks or row, slimy critters. Half tide.- so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Got it? Good luck! boxformust contain to 9. 3. Fake or pillow covering. Honeyed drink. Loathsome.

4. Ice house. Sled dog or robust. Moonfish.

75. Verdant 2 or a drunk.9King of the road. Imp. 6. Suite place. Cruddy. Rubella symptom or impetuous. 1 4 6 7. Breakfast offering. Aircraft or carpenter’s tool. Chubby. 5 3 6 1 7 3 1 5 3 4 7 9 4 9 5 3 2 How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. 5 2 The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a Copyright ©2026 PuzzleJunction.com

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

Solution 7 3 8 5 4 1 6 9 2

2 9 6 8 3 7 1 5 4

5 1 4 2 9 6 8 7 3

3 4 1 9 7 5 2 8 6

9 7 2 6 8 3 5 4 1

6 8 5 4 1 2 9 3 7

8 5 3 1 2 4 7 6 9

4 2 9 7 6 8 3 1 5

1 6 7 3 5 9 4 2 8

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 1/15/26 Crossword

Across

1 Giraffe cousin 6 Renown 10 Pesky insect 14 Speeder’s bane 15 Legal claim 16 NV city 17 Karate experts 19 Consequently 20 18-wheeler 21 Foolhardy 22 Western ﬁlm classic, The Magniﬁcent ___ 23 Showman Ziegfeld 25 Tin can appliance 27 Large bird of prey, the Great ___ 31 Filth 32 Cereal grain 33 Condo division 35 Knitting ___ 39 All excited 41 Type of stare or cartridge 43 Diva’s song 44 Indicate 46 Moonshine mix 48 Mornings, for short 49 Burden 51 Gainsborough painting 53 Withstand 55 Hostel 56 Explosion 57 Wilted 60 Jason’s ship 64 Final notice 65 Embarrassed to the hilt

PuzzleJunction.com

21 23

35 42

45 49

47 51

48 52

67 Exploding star 68 Above 69 The Republic writer 70 Water pitcher 71 Sets 72 Brusque Down 1 Globes 2 Curly cabbage 3 Comic Sandler 4 Appease 5 Aggravate 6 Chigger 7 Suffers 8 Modus operandi 9 Print measures

10 Healthy Chinese beverage 11 Audacity 12 Infuriate 13 Warner Bros. creation 18 Grizzly, e.g. 22 Arid 24 Singer Rawls 26 Walking papers 27 Egg on 28 The latest thing 29 Town on the Thames 30 ___ Abner 34 Scottish cap 36 Ho-hum 37 Airport pickup 38 Effortless

40 Kindergarten reward 42 Apprehend 45 Race track tipster 47 4th century barbarian 50 Computer key 52 Empower 53 Pasta shape 54 Gullible 56 Dog treat 58 Matinee ___ 59 Driving direction ﬁnders 61 Back 62 Catches on 63 Native Nebraskan 65 Dust remover 66 Pertinent

See puzzle solutions on Page 20

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THE FUTURE OF LOCAL NEWS

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Continued innovation in digital media has changed the ways in which people buy, sell and interact with products and services. It has caused businesses to reassess the ways in which it communicates with potential customers and advertises its products. It has been well documented that these changes have had a destructive impact on local newspapers, which continues to be a primary source for local news, but is no longer a primary source for local advertising dollars – historically the lifeblood for reporters and their coverage. At Appen Media Group we want to address this conflict head on, and build new and innovative approaches to monetizing local news and creating a sustainable future for local journalism in metro Atlanta.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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24 | November 5, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Final Weeks!

STORE CLOSING

Free Design Consultation! Free Delivery Within 20 Mile Radius!

Going Out Of Business

60-75% OFF Entire Store!

Over 1,000 Rugs in Stock! All Sizes and Colors!

A few examples of our Going Out of Business prices: 13x20 hand-knotted rug 100% wool – $9,850 now $1,250 11x16 hand-knotted rug 100% wool – $7,500 now $1,050 8.5x11.5 antique heriz – $11,500 now $2,500 – 5 available 5x8 woven – $1,000 now $175 – 30 available 3x5 old 100% wool – $1,200 now $175 – 20 available Runners in all different sizes, colors, and qualities – 150 available Big selection of 10x14, 12x15, 12x18 and larger.

Store Closing Means Unbeatable Savings.

Thousand plus rugs are available in all sizes, colors, and styles new and antiques from all over the world with unbelievable prices. This is your opportunity to purchase premium rugs at some of the lowest prices we’ve ever offered. These savings are only available while inventory lasts, so don’t wait to find the perfect rug for your home.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:30 am - 7 pm | Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm 11266 State Bridge Rd, Suite 300, Alpharetta, GA 678-404-7555 * All sizes are approximate. | License #15200