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Johns Creek resident finishing work on true crime podcast ► PAGE 4 O c t o b e r 2 9 , 2 0 2 6 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 3 0 , N o . 4 4

Ariel Lawhon to headline literary fair By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Family YMCA. The event location rotates between the participating cities each year. This year, it featured a bounce house, inflatable slide, face painting, cornhole, lawn games, a dance zone and Kona Ice.

“The Frozen River,” beloved by book clubs and historical fiction fans alike, has sold nearly 2 million copies since its 2023 release. Now author Ariel Lawhon is back with a new tale about an old legend, which she will detail Nov. 14 at the Johns Creek Literary Fair. The fifth-annual event, the New York Times bestseller’s only Georgia appearance, will be from 3-7 p.m. at a new location, Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road. Lawhon will be discussing her latest LAWHON release, “The Pirate Queen,” a sweeping historical adventure inspired by the life of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Irish folk heroine who risked everything to defend her people on the high seas. In addition to “The Frozen River,” Lawhon’s other titles include “Code Name Hélené,” “I was Anastasia” and “The Wife, the Maid, and the Mistress.” Her novels have been translated into more than 30 languages and have been Good Morning America Book Club, Library Reads, Costco, Amazon Spotlight and Book of the Month Club selections.

See DAY, Page 10

See LITERARY, Page 17

KATHERINE DAVIS/APPEN MEDIA

Shreya and Niam Manghnani pose for a photo at North Fulton Special Needs Field Day at Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek on Oct. 24. The event is an annual collaboration between the cities of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and The Alpharetta Family YMCA.

Adaptive Field Day offers inclusive recreation for North Fulton families BY KATHERINE DAVIS newsroom@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga — Children and families gathered at Cauley Creek Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 for Adaptive Field Day, an annual event organized by North

Fulton Special Needs. The event is part of a series of Johns Creek events to enhance self-esteem and independence and promote community involvement. The field day is an annual collaboration between the cities of Milton, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Roswell and the Alpharetta

2 | October 29, 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

Canton teens charged in parking lot beating

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

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Two Canton teens were charged with aggravated battery after allegedly beating another teen at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the venue about 4:45 a.m. Oct. 3 for a reported assault that occurred about six hours prior. An 18-year-old Clemson, South Carolina, man told officers he and friends were visiting for a Treaty Oak Revival concert at the amphitheater. He said they were in their truck and preparing to leave when the Canton teens exited their own nearby truck and approached them. The Clemson teen said he could not remember anything after the Canton teens pushed him out of his truck. A video recorded by one of the victim’s friends showed one man pinning his wrist with a cowboy boot and punching his face with a closed fist six times. The video showed the other Canton teen walking over and punching the victim’s nose before both left in their truck. Officers identified the suspected assailants as two 17-year-olds from Canton by calling one’s father after running the truck’s registration. The Clemson teen was taken to a nearby hospital where physicians found he suffered broken bones in his face and nose as well as dental injuries. Officers said he was covered in blood. — Jon Wilcox

Stop leads to drug charges for Dunwoody man ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A 42-year-old Dunwoody man was arrested on drug charges after officers allegedly found ecstasy, psilocy-

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PUBLIC SAFETY bin mushrooms and THC gummies during an Oct. 4 traffic stop. Alpharetta police said an officer stopped a vehicle at Old Milton and Westside parkways about 2 p.m. for speeding and improper lane change. While speaking to the man, who was driving, officers noticed signs of impairment and began an intoxicated driving investigation. The officer allegedly observed the man had droopy eyelids, slurred speech, watery eyes and an odor of alcohol coming from his face. The man allegedly told the officer he was “bashing drinks” at an upscale Alpharetta restaurant. A roadside breath test showed his BAC at 0.143 grams, police said. After the man was arrested on an intoxicated driving charge, police conducted a search. The search found 4 grams of MDMA, 3 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, two packages of THC gummies, marijuana, rolling papers and a marijuana grinder with residue, police said. The man was charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of drug-related objects, driving under the influence, speeding and failure to maintain a lane. — Jon Wilcox

Laundry detergent thefts lead to arrest ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell police said they arrested a man Oct. 6 after he allegedly stole laundry detergent from two stores. Officers responded to a shoplifting call at a Publix grocery store on Market Boulevard after 9 p.m., but the man had already left the scene. The store manager showed police video footage of the man. Police said the video showed the man walking past a checkout area with two backpacks. The manager said the man had different types of liquid laundry detergent, along with containers of laundry pods, in those backpacks. While leaving the scene, the man dropped one backpack outside of the store, employees said. The value of the merchandise in that backpack was $166, officers said. Police said they recognized the man from prior shoplifting incidents. Publix employees

said they also recognized the man, saying he had shoplifted on previous occasions. Two hours later, officers were dispatched to a Walmart Supercenter on Mansell Road in response to another shoplifting call. After reviewing that store’s video, officers said the male was the same one who had allegedly shoplifted from the Publix store earlier that evening. Officers said the man tried to steal additional liquid laundry detergent and laundry pods. They said the video showed the man walking past a checkout area with two backpacks and a container of laundry pods. Walmart store employees said they confronted the man, who dropped one of the backpacks and the laundry pods. That backpack, according to police, contained two containers of laundry pods worth a total of $120. Officers later arrested the man after seeing him walking along Mansell Road. Officers said they returned stolen goods in his possession to the Walmart store. — Hannah Yahne

Pine straw workers raise price after job, woman says ROSWELL, Ga. — A woman told Roswell police Oct. 2 that she paid $1,500 for pine straw work at her home on Tyson Court after the workers charged more than the price they had first given her, according to a police report. According to the report, three men came to her home and one of them quoted her $5 per bale. When the work was done, the men said they had laid 468 bales and asked for $2,300. They did not show her any proof of how many bales they used. The woman and her daughter talked the men down to $1,500 and paid them because the men would not leave without being paid, the report said. The officer found similar complaints about the same men in nearby jurisdictions. In June, the Roswell Police Department posted on Facebook warning residents about scams by unsolicited workers, especially pine straw sellers. Solicitors in Roswell must have a permit and must show it when asked. Police recommend that residents hire only reputable workers and avoid unsolicited offers unless a final price is agreed on ahead of time. — Hannah Yahne

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 3

FOUR YEARS IS ENOUGH. NO PROGRESS FOR NORTH FULTON. 2022

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ELECTION DENIERS Bridget Thorne co-sponsored the resolution to appoint election deniers to Fulton County’s Board of Registration and Elections.

WITNESS 11 Bridget Thorne was identified as Witness 11 in the affidavit used to secure the warrant that led the FBI to seize hundreds of boxes of Fulton County’s 2020 election records.

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COMMUNITY

4 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Johns Creek resident finishing work on true crime podcast By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — From “The Vanishing Point” to “Atlanta Monster,” Jaime Albright has worked on some of the most recognizable true-crime podcasts. But one case in particular hits especially close to home for the Tenderfoot TV producer and Johns Creek resident. Mercedes Lynn Chico-Sims, 17, was found dead on May 29, 2019, in the pool area of The Atlantic Newtown apartment complex, 9230 Nesbit Ferry Road. The community lies just down the road, less than a quarter mile, from Albright’s home. “My children went to school with Mercedes, and I remember the day we found out she was missing,” Albright said in October. “It was so close.” Seven years later, Albright is putting the finishing touches on a podcast exploring what happened to the teen, the investigation into her death and who might be responsible. Albright worked directly with Laurah Norton, creator of “The Fall Line” serial investigative podcast. “There's a bit of guilt. I think we all should have cared more,” Albright said. “We all should have kept up. I don't

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know. It's just that part of it bothers me.” Albright said she is still workshopping a title for the six-part podcast but expects to release it before the end of 2026. Episodes will run about 30-40 minutes and could include bonus content. Albright said she anticipates releasing episodes in batches to let listeners binge them. “People think, ‘You can put out a podcast really quickly. Why is it taking you so long?’” Albright said. “Because it's important to verify information, to fact-check, to not wrongfully accuse someone of something.” Mercedes, a student of Centennial High School, snuck out at night, hours before she was found dead, her mother Tiffany Sims said. In November 2025, Elijah Foster pleaded guilty in Fulton County Superior Court to concealing the death of another and making a false statement. He was sentenced to six years in prison and four years of probation. A senior assistant district attorney said Mercedes had met with Foster that evening at the pool after attending a party earlier in the day. No one has been charged with causing her death.

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“To be honest, let's say she was a teenager who was going through some things; it still does not mean what happened to her was justified,” Albright said. The site where Mercedes was found lies just over the Johns Creek city limits in Roswell, so the Roswell Police Department investigated the case. Officer Tim Lupo, the department's public information officer, said the department stands by its work. “Our hearts remain with the family of Mercedes Chico-Sims, knowing time does not erase the pain of grief,” he said. “As with every death investigation, the Roswell Police Department’s work on this case was meticulous and comprehensive, resulting in the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the suspect on all charges supported by the available evidence.” Despite Foster’s conviction, Albright said she believes many questions remain unanswered. “There were things we thought a lot of people forgot about Mercedes. What we learned was there were a lot more people like me, who just assumed there had been closure,” she said.

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 5

6 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

COMMUNITY

Forsyth resident launches podcast about vision loss By KATHERINE DAVIS newsroom@appenmedia.com CUMMING, Ga. — For people living with vision loss, everyday life can become isolating. Charity Roach, a Cumming resident who has spent decades living with vision loss, hopes to change that through her new podcast, “Central Vision Podcast.” Roach co-hosts the weekly podcast with Austin Linton, who has Usher syndrome, a condition that includes vision loss and congenital hearing loss. Together, they discuss topics ranging from mental health to parenting. Roach also hopes to bring that same sense of connection to Forsyth County by organizing a community group for visually impaired residents. Roach was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that gradually affects peripheral vision, in her early 20s. At that time, she still had about 40 to 50 degrees of vision. Today, she has just 3 to 4 degrees of central vision remaining, which inspired the podcast’s name. “First it’s like looking through a toilet paper roll or a paper towel roll,” Roach said, describing what she sees. “Then it becomes looking through a McDonald’s straw, and I would say mine is like a coffee straw.” Originally from Bay City, Michigan, Roach moved to Cumming in March 2017.

RECREATION & PARKS

KATHERINE DAVIS/APPEN MEDIA

Charity Roach poses for a portrait in her home studio in Cumming, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Roach, with her cohost Austin Linton, launched a podast in August about living with visual impairment. She said she has had positive experiences with other residents and has never been denied service because of her guide dog. However, getting around Forsyth County independently remains difficult. Since she no longer drives, she coordinates rides with her husband, friends and youngest daughter. “I wish there were more options for public transportation. They have Access Forsyth, but it’s not convenient,” Roach said.

Access Forsyth requires rides to be scheduled in advance, making it difficult to accommodate last-minute plans. Roach would also like to see more accessibility features downtown, such as audible pedestrian signals. The podcast idea grew out of Roach’s own experience with isolation. During a trip to Michigan to receive a new guide dog through Leader Dogs for the Blind, she connected with others who understood her experiences. “I found that being around people who I didn’t have to explain my vision impairment to, who were in a similar situation as I was, was very freeing for me,” Roach said. “To share my story with people was important, and I wanted to give other people a way to share their story and to know that they weren’t alone.” Roach said the podcast helps people feel accepted and understood through shared experiences rather than focusing primarily on education or advocacy. She also hopes the podcast helps sighted listeners and caregivers better understand how to offer assistance and understand what kind of help visually impaired people want and don’t want. “It feels really nice to know that you’re not alone and that is exactly what their podcast does for me,” said Stephanie Fineout, a listener and past guest on the

NOVEMBER

podcast. “It’s just listening to two people talk about things that really hit home for me and they help.” Fineout, who also has Retinitis Pigmentosa, lives in Louisiana but is friends with Austin Linton through Facebook. After listening to the first episode of “Central Vision Podcast,” she reached out and became friends with Roach. Fineout says she listens to every episode and takes away something new from each one. “You start to realize that you really can have an absolutely full life and I’ve always kind of known that, but it really does help to see that there are other people out there that are visually impaired really living their lives and to the absolute fullest,” Finout said. Now, Roach hopes to create a similar connection in Forsyth County through an informal gathering where visually impaired residents can share experiences and enjoy one another’s company. She is still working out the logistics but hopes to start meeting after the new year. Roach also encourages people experiencing vision loss to seek resources such as cane training or assistive technology to help them maintain their independence. “It’ll take time. It’ll take effort, and it can be a little scary, but it’s well worth it in the end,” Roach said.

City Calendar & Events! 2026

Nov. 4 Planning Commission Meeting City Hall - 7 p.m.

Nov. 14 Literary Fair Johns Creek United Methodist Church - 3 p.m.

Nov. 18 Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee City Hall - 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 Honoring Our Veterans Newtown Park - 9 a.m.

Nov. 16 City Council Work Session City Hall - 5 p.m.

Nov. 26 - 27 Thanksgiving Holiday City Offices Closed

Diwali Celebration Boardwalk at Town Center - 4 p.m.

City Council Meeting City Hall - 7 p.m.

Nov. 11 Veterans Day City Offices Closed

Nov. 17 Board of Zoning Appeals City Hall - 7 p.m.

Scan the QR Code to learn more or to contact the City of Johns Creek!

December - Save the Dates!

• Dec. 4 - Holly Jolly Block Party • Dec. 12 - Breakfast with Santa* Johns Creek City Hall | 11360 Lakefield Drive | Johns Creek, GA 30097 | JohnsCreekGA.gov

*Registration required

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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. 8 | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026

Giulia Italian Bakery opens in Alpharetta City Center By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Giulia Italian Bakery is now open in Alpharetta City Center, offering a daily selection of authentic Italian baked goods, all made from scratch with premium ingredients sourced from Italy. Long before customers arrive, the team at Giulia Italian Bakery is at work. Starting at 4 a.m., bakers make everything from croissants and bomboloni to baguettes, sourdough and seasonal pastries by hand. The menu also includes sandwiches, cakes and focaccia, all made from scratch with Italian cheeses, cured meats and other imported ingredients. “We believe there’s no shortcut to authentic Italian baking,” co-founder Seth Gjuka said. “We can’t wait for Giulia to become a fixture in downtown Alpharetta’s daily routine.” Gjuka founded the bakery with his brother, Ben, in 2020. In addition to the Alpharetta location at 24 S. Main St., the bakery also has storefronts in Peachtree Corners and Marietta. The bakery is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit giuliabakery.com.

Giulia Italian Bakery is now open at 24 S. Main St. in Alpharetta.

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Are you interested in attending one of the top-rated Comprehensive High Schools in Georgia? Come learn more about The Northview Experience featuring our CTAE pathway choices and our Magnet Schools of America 3DE program. Join us on November 4th from 6:00-7:30 at Northview High School. Fulton County Schools now offers open enrollment for all Fulton County residents and tuition-based attendance for non-Fulton County residents.

Northview High School, 10625 Parson Rd, Johns Creek GA 30097

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AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 9

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10 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

Day:

COMMUNITY

Continued from Page 1 The event welcomed families and children both with and without disabilities. Adaptive Field Day was originally scheduled for Oct. 10 but was postponed because of inclement weather associated with Hurricane Isaias. The event drew a smaller crowd than expected. However, for Johns Creek resident Sonam Manghnani, the smaller crowd made the event a better experience for her family. Manghnani attended the event with her two children, including her son Niam, who uses a wheelchair. “It’s a lot less crowded and less stimulating,” Manghnani said. “I feel like it’s easier for my son to just freely navigate his wheelchair around.” Volunteers helped some children participate by responding to their individual needs, like putting some bubble soap on a chair instead of the ground to make it easier for Niam to reach it from his wheelchair. There was also a station for people to make their own sensory bottle and music was concentrated in certain areas of the field rather than played all over. Manghnani said that being able to cater to certain needs and disabilities, visible or not, can make community events easier for some families to attend. “Just because a kid is in a wheelchair or kind of sitting in the corner, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to play and they don’t want to engage,” she said. “It’s just trying to find the right way to get them to be able to be involved.” Laura Henderson, a volunteer attending her first North Fulton Special Needs event, said she discovered the organization while researching services for people with disabilities. Henderson recently started Special Strong North Atlanta, a business offering adaptive activities and fitness for children and adults. She said the event’s broader purpose was to bring people together and raise awareness of the importance of inclusive community programming. “I really think that the bigger purpose is bringing the community together. So, [it’s about] having fun, enjoying beautiful weather and just having everybody come out and just enjoy the day together,” Henderson said.

Rebecca and Juan Nino jump in the bounce house at North Fulton Special Needs Field Day at Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek on Oct. 24. The event is an annual collaboration between the cities of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and The Alpharetta Family YMCA.

A boy goes down the slide at North Fulton Special Needs Field Day at Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek Oct. 24.

PHOTOS BY KATHERINE DAVIS/APPEN MEDIA

Graham and Todd Bitzer play cornhole at North Fulton Special Needs Field Day at Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek on the cities of Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell and The Alpharetta Family YMCA.

Freddy Nino gets his face painted at North Fulton Special Needs Field Day at Cauley Creek Park in Johns Creek Oct. 24.

SPORTS

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 11

Hurley top American woman in record Chicago Marathon debut By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com CHICAGO — Roswell native Emma Grace Hurley finished seventh overall and was the top American at the Chicago Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:20:47. Shattering the record for fastest American marathon debut, Hurley made the fastest marathon performance by an American woman since the 2024 Paris Olympics. And it was her first time running more than 22 miles at once. “I am so proud of my performance today and returning to Chicago is a full-circle moment for me,” Hurley said. “This morning was a reminder to never limit what you think you’re capable of on race day.” Hurley came to Chicago to tackle a new challenge, returning to the city where she broke the American 8K record at the Shamrock Shuffle in March. Before the race, she said she was coming back with a lot more confidence and a lot less fear. The 2016 Fellowship Christian graduate now runs for ASICS and made her marathon debut in a prototype of the company’s Metaspeed Edge. After college, though, she didn’t see a professional career ahead of her. Despite winning a conference title in the 3K, she had never earned AllAmerican honors. After graduating from Furman University, Hurley quit training “cold turkey” for 16 months. Everything changed when she connected with the Atlanta Track Club and coaches Amy and Andrew Begley, who persuaded her to compete in USA Track & Field races. USATF is based in Indianapolis, and Hurley moved there to continue her training and pursue success. Hurley’s breakthrough came in 2022, when she ran a personal-best 32:50 to finish fifth at the USATF 10K Championships in New York. A second-place finish at the 2023 USATF 15K Championships in Florida convinced her that professional running was already her present, not just her future. Two more podium finishes, in Washington and New York, followed, and the next year she won the USATF Running Circuit title. Hurley’s marathon debut had been “hotly anticipated for years,” according to Runner’s World, since she followed her circuit title with a 1:08:26 halfmarathon debut in Indianapolis in November 2024. She has since added podium finishes at distances from the

KEVIN R. MORRIS/PROVIDED

Roswell native Emma Grace Hurley races toward the finish line at the Chicago Marathon Oct. 11. The Fellowship Christian School graduate finished in 2:20:47, the fastest marathon debut by an American woman.

mile to the half marathon. This year brought a setback at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta. Hurley was running second when she and two other leaders were led off course, costing her more than two minutes and dropping her to 12th. Her appeal was unsuccessful, but she still earned a spot on the U.S. team for the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen. There, Hurley ran a personal-best 1:06:23 in the half marathon. A few weeks later, she returned to Chicago for her marathon debut, where her goal was not a specific time but to come away with lessons to build on. She also finished seventh, inside the top 10. She and coach Andrew Begley said she plans to run a second marathon this fall before turning to shorter distances in the spring. According to Runner’s World, her Chicago performance improved her chances of making the 2028 Olympic team.

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12 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

2026 THANKSGIVING FAMILY MENU

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Sliced Boneless Ham

Honey Mustard Glaze (Serves 4-6) - $85

Herb & Butter Crusted Prime Rib Roast

With Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce ** Please allow 2 hours for reheating/finishing time ** (Serves 4-6) - $180

House Smoked Pork loin with a Citrus-Pomegranate Glaze Cabernet Brown sauce (Serves 4-6) - $65

House Made Lasagna

Select either Beef or Spinach Ricotta Cheese, House Made Marinara Sauce, Garlic, Fresh Basil ½ pan (Serves 8-10) - $60

THE FINAL TOUCH House Made Pies

Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie or Chocolate Cream Pie $25 each

House Made Cakes

10” Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham cracker crust 10” Brownie Crusted Caramel Cheesecake 10” Red Velvet Crusted Red Velvet Swirl Cheesecake 9” Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Icing $35 each

A&S Culinary Concepts

How do I order my meal?

THANKSGIVING

• Online: orders@asculinaryconcepts.com. Please send in your order via e-mail and one of our culinary liaisons will send you a confirmation. • Please call us at the culinary studio, 678-336-9196, and we will be happy to take your order over the phone. We will send you a confirmation via e-mail. • We ask that all orders be placed by Thursday, November 19th. We do realize that things happen at the last minute and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you.

When can I pick my order up?

• All orders will be available to be picked up from A&S Culinary Concepts Kitchen. – Wednesday, November 25th – Between Noon and 4:00 PM – Please specify your preferred pickup time when placing your order.

How is the order presented?

• All orders are delivered in oven-ready containers or disposable platters and bowls, with heating instructions.

• 9945 Jones Bridge Road

•

John

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 13

Let Us Help with Your Thanksgiving With Our Oven Ready Meals

2026 THANKSGIVING MENU Turkey

22-24 pounds (Serves 12-15) - $180 each 16-18 pounds (Serves 8-12) - $150 each Select either Brined and Roasted or Smoked on our Primo Ceramic Grills ** Please allow 2 hours before serving for reheating/finishing time **

Cedar Plank Smoked Canadian Salmon (2 lbs.)

Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Smoked on our Primo Ceramic Grills (Serves 4-6) - $75

Herb & Butter Crusted Prime Rib Roast With Au Jus and Creamy Horseradish Sauce ** Please allow 2 hours for reheating/finishing time ** (Serves 4-6) - $180

• We can usually help with any type of specialty meal or diet. There may be an added charge, depending on what is needed. That charge will be discussed at the time of the order. • Delivery is available at $75 per order (within a 5-mile radius of the kitchen) • There may be an additional charge for orders outside our usual delivery area.

House Made Lasagna

Chopped Romaine, Shredded Red Cabbage, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Apples, Carrots with Cider Vinaigrette

Side Dishes

Roasted Mushrooms, Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onions and Kalamata Olives, with Pesto Vinaigrette

Select either Beef or Spinach Ricotta Cheese, House Made Marinara Sauce, Garlic, Fresh Basil ½ pan (Serves 8-10) - $60

• NOT for pick up. • $200 minimum order for delivery, plus delivery fee.

What about payment?

• Your final invoice will be sent out Tuesday, November 24th

What is your cancellation policy?

• All cancellations/changes by Wednesday, November 18th, for a 75% refund. • Any cancellations after November 19th are subject to a 50% surcharge of the total invoice.

ns Creek, GA

•

Fall Salad

Spinach Antipasto

Serves 4-6 people - $18 each

Caesar Salad

Cranberry Sauce

fresh cranberries, cinnamon, orange and lime

Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Focaccia Croutons, with House Made Caesar Dressing

Corn Bread and Sour Dough Stuffing

Gravies and Sauces

Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Roasted Seasonal Vegetables Creamy Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash

Cornbread Muffins and Dinner Rolls

celery and onions

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole roasted walnut, Cinnamon & Panko Crust

Creamy White Cheddar & Bacon Macaroni & Cheese made with penne pasta

Is there a minimum order?

Strawberry, Spinach & Arugula

Cabernet Brown sauce (Serves 4-6) - $65

with balsamic glaze

What about delivery?

Holiday Green Salad

Granny Smith Apples, Sun-Dried Cranberries, Caramelized Pecans, Blue Cheese, with a Pomegranate-Balsamic Vinaigrette

House Smoked Pork Loin with a Citrus-Pomegranate Glaze

Sliced Boneless Ham

Can you provide specialty meals or diets?

Culinary Concepts Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Roasted Red Onions, with a White Balsamic-Local Honey Vinaigrette

Honey Mustard Glaze (Serves 4-6) - $85

G MENU FAQs

A&S

Green Bean Almondine

Julienne onion and roasted slivered almonds

$15 per Quart Turkey Giblet Gravy Marinara Sauce (For Lasagna) $18 Per Dozen Classic Cornbread Muffins House Made Dinner Rolls

THE FINAL TOUCH House Made Pies

Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie or Chocolate Cream Pie $25 each

House Made Cakes

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole Oregano and Lemon Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes

10” Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust 10” Brownie Crusted Caramel Cheesecake 10” Red Velvet Crusted Red Velvet Swirl Cheesecake 9” Chocolate Bundt Cake with Chocolate Icing $35 each

Fresh Salads

$18 per half dozen (Gluten-Free Available)

Maple Roasted Squash Medley with cranberry, sage and thyme

Serves 6-10 people - $25 a bowl Serves 12-20 people - $40 a bowl (Dressing served on the side.)

678-336-9196 •

Jumbo Brownies Jumbo Cookies

Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal, Double Chocolate Chip or Sugar $18 per dozen (Gluten-Free Available)

asculinaryconcepts.com

14 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

AIKENOMICS

OPINION

Mortgage rates didn’t kill housing market, but wrong conversation might Buyers are sitting on the sidelines. Maybe it’s time we changed the conversation. Thirty-year mortgage rates recently crossed the 7.50% threshold, grabbing headlines across the D.C. AIKEN Guest Columnist country and once dcaiken.com again dominating the housing conver sation. Unfortunately, something very predictable happened: Buyers hit the brakes. Some paused their home searches. Others decided they would simply “wait until rates come back down.”

And many who were already sitting on the sidelines found another reason to stay there. I understand it. What bothers me, however, is that many buyers are making that decision because they don’t know what we know. They see 7.50% and assume the conversation is over. I think that’s exactly where the conversation should begin. Stop selling the rate. Start solving the payment. For decades, real estate has revolved around one primary question: “What’s the sales price?” Maybe we’re asking the wrong question. In this market, the better question may be: “What monthly

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payment gets this buyer comfortable enough to buy the home?” Because once we start there, the entire negotiation can change. Consider a seller whose home has been sitting for 60 or 90 days. They’re considering a $10,000, $15,000 or even $20,000 price reduction because that’s what sellers have traditionally done when a house doesn’t sell. Cut the price. But does a $15,000 price reduction really change the buyer’s monthly payment enough to get them off the sidelines? Maybe, but probably not. What if some of those same dollars were instead strategically used toward a temporary interest rate buydown, closing costs or another financing structure designed to attack the buyer’s real problem: the monthly payment? Suddenly, we’re no longer just negotiating a sales price. We’re engineer ing affordability. This is where team matters. Higher rates don’t have to be just a buyer problem. When buyers stop buying, they quickly become a seller problem, too. That’s exactly why

today’s market requires the listing agent, buyer’s agent and mortgage professional to work together. The seller wants to sell. The buyer wants to buy. Our job is to figure out how to bridge the gap between the two. Waiting for mortgage rates to magically return to 5% isn’t a strategy. Creating a payment that works today is. There are still buyers who need homes. There are still sellers who need to sell. And there are still plenty of transactions waiting to happen. We just have to put the pieces together differently. Because a 7.50% mortgage rate doesn’t necessarily mean “No.” Sometimes it simply means: “Let’s find a better way to get to Yes.” 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.

PAST TENSE

OPINION

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 15

The different voting locations of the 1930s and ’40s People who lived in Dunwoody in the 1930s and 1940s voted at Nash’s Store. The store was on the west side of Nandina Lane from the beginning of the 20th century until the 1920s, when it moved to the corner of Chamblee Dunwoody and Mount Vernon roads. The store was also the location of Shallowford VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF District Court meetings. (“History of Columnist DeKalb County, GA 1822-1900,” by Vivian Price) Polling locations for DeKalb and Fulton counties were regularly listed in the Atlanta newspapers by militia districts, which were first established in 1784. Within the Cross Keys District, Brookhaven citizens voted at Harkey’s Pharmacy, located in the business district on Peachtree Road and next door to Brookhaven Hardware. City Hall was the location for voters in Chamblee, also part of the Cross Keys District. In Doraville, voting took place at the family-owned Munday’s Store. The Oak Grove District of Fulton County, today’s Sandy Springs, voted in the “vacant store next door to Sandy Springs Pharmacy.” (Atlanta Journal, Nov. 1, 1936, “Location of Ballot Boxes, Fulton, DeKalb County”) Farther down Roswell Road in Grogan’s District, voters went to D.H. Brantley’s store and service station, also known as The Pines. Those living in Roswell were told to vote at Cecil Coleman’s Filling Station.

APPEN MEDIA FILE PHOTO

Over the years, some voting locations stayed the same, and others changed. At Grogan’s, the location changed to Morgan Falls School, and those living in Oak Grove voted at Sandy Springs School. The American Legion Hall, located close to the fire station, became Brookhaven’s voting place. The Dunwoody Grammar School served as a voting location for the Shallow Ford District, and Chamblee voted at Hughes Drug Store. (Atlanta Journal, June 6, 1950) If a town had a courthouse, it usually served as the polling location. Alpharetta listed the Old Courthouse, and the people of Decatur voted at their courthouse. The city of Atlanta began researching the feasibility of voting machines in 1941. After Roy LeCraw defeated

Mayor William B. Hartsfield by a little over 100 votes in the 1940 election, the city aimed for accuracy and faster results. When LeCraw returned to military service in 1942, Hartsfield became Atlanta’s mayor again following a special election. (Atlanta Journal Magazine, Oct. 14, 1945, “Voting Machines for Atlanta?”) By 1950, all Fulton County precincts had voting machines, and voters were encouraged to review the proposed constitutional amendments before going to the polls. A sample voting machine was placed in the Fulton County Courthouse so voters could become familiar with the new voting method. (Atlanta Journal, Nov. 5, 1950, “Voter’s Aid Asked to Speed Balloting”) It is important to note that the people voting in these locations and throughout Georgia were overwhelmingly white voters. Although the 15th Amendment gave Black men the right to vote, that right was not enforced, and there were efforts for decades to prevent them from voting. The 1965 Voting Rights Act finally brought about change. “The law outlawed literacy tests, poll taxes, and other obstacles to voting. It gave the federal government the authority to take over voter registration wherever voting rights were threatened.” (Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, “150 Years and Counting”) Award-winning author Valerie Biggerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media and the Dunwoody Crier. She lives in Atlanta. Write her at pasttensega@ gmail.com. Learn more at pasttensega.com.

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16 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

PRESERVING THE PAST

OPINION

‘It’s all about the donkeys’ in North Fulton, their history and purpose Donkeys are amazing animals and are not well understood. Often used as pets or to guard farm animals, donkeys have certain requirements to lead productive and happy lives. In this column, BOB MEYERS I will explain donkeys Columnist and their history. Donkeys originated in the distant past, most recently in arid parts of Africa. Spanish explorers introduced them to the Americas in the 1500s as working pack animals. Some writers emphasize biblical implications because donkeys played a significant role in the Bible and because most donkeys have a cross between their shoulders and along their spines, known as the Jerusalem Cross. The marking is attributed to a tradition holding that the shadow of the cross fell across a donkey’s back during Jesus’ crucifixion. Donkeys belong to the horse family and are descended from the African wild ass, an endangered species in certain arid areas of Africa. Fewer than 600 are thought to exist today. Humans domesticated the species in Africa about 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Historically, donkeys were used for human transportation, for carrying heavy loads and as food. Over the centuries, several sizes of donkeys emerged — mini, standard and mammoth — each with its own characteristics. Minis stand up to 36 inches at the shoulder. They are affectionate, make great pets and are low maintenance. Standard donkeys measure up to 54 inches and are most often pets and companions in this country. Mammoth donkeys measure more than 54 inches for females and more than 56 inches for males and are known for their strength and gentle manner. Regardless of size, all donkeys require plenty of social interaction, regular hoof and dental care, and adequate room to wander. By nature, they are herd animals, so they do much better if paired with a partner of the same sex. So, if you are thinking of owning a donkey, plan to own at least two, though not necessarily the same size. The bad news is that donkeys need to be rescued from their environments far more often than horses or other animals because, globally, they are among the most neglected, abandoned and abused equine animals. In some parts of the world, they are overworked or abused until they collapse and wind up in kill pens. Even in the U.S., many end up at live auctions, where they are purchased and shipped to slaughter.

BOB MEYERS/APPEN MEDIA

Most donkeys have a Jerusalem Cross between their shoulders and along their backs. Tradition says it originated when the shadow of the cross fell across a donkey’s back during Jesus’ crucifixion.

castrated. A young donkey is a foal. The word “donkey” is used as slang for someone who is stupid or stubborn, which is unfair to donkeys. Mule: A hybrid between a male donkey and a female horse. Burro: The term for a donkey in the American Southwest, where thousands of burros roam arid, hot desert rangelands. Wild burros and mustangs are protected by the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971. LESLIE WATSON/PROVIDED

Jackie Mannaert holds Ty and Sam, two of the 30 adoptable donkeys at Jack of Trades Donkey Rescue, a 501 (c ) (3) charity which she founded in 2020. To date the charity has found homes for more than 200 donkeys. We are fortunate in north Fulton to have a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and finding safe homes for abandoned or abused donkeys: Jack of Trades Donkey Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Alpharetta that “rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes” every suffering donkey it can. Jackie Mannaert, a longtime horse owner, founded the organization in 2020 after an impulse visit to a kill pen, where she surprised herself by buying nine donkeys. The experience defined her life’s work, and to date she has rescued and rehomed more than 200 donkeys. Her motto is “It’s all about the donkeys.” The organization currently houses about 30 donkeys that are looking for loving homes. They vary in size, age, color and personality. “We are a sanctuary that also finds homes for our donkeys after adequate training and daily handling,” Mannaert said.

I first met Mannaert at the annual Shindig, a popular fundraiser for the Milton Historical Society hosted by Byron and Laura Foster on their farm in Milton. She was accompanied by Jake, a delightfully friendly donkey the children in attendance loved to pet. Mannaert and her staff have a precise method of training the donkeys. The training is adjusted for each donkey’s personality and needs. Jack of Trades will hold its first Donkey Hay Day Fall Festival on Nov. 7 for adults and children. Attendees can meet retired Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis, spend time with the donkeys, and enjoy a food truck, cotton candy, and many games and raffles. For information and tickets, visit jackoftradesdonkeyrescue.org. Some useful terms Donkey: A male is a jack, and a female is a jenny. Jacks need to be

Some interesting donkey traits: High intelligence: They can solve complex problems. Exceptional sense of smell: They can detect odors several miles away, a skill that allows these hardy animals to survive in barren terrain. Sensitive hearing: They can hear the call of another donkey from miles away, thanks in part to their large ears. Impressive memories: They can remember other animals, places and people for years, an ability that allows them to navigate hostile environments. Close bonds: They form close friendships with one another that last a lifetime. Separating them can cause acute stress. Speed: They can run up to 15 mph. “Donkeys often come to our sanctuary following neglect that may have lasted for years,” Mannaert said. “These gentle creatures deserve a second chance. Our job is to give it to them through kindness, medical care and a safe place. The rewards to them and to the people who care for them are enormous and forever.”

AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2026 | 17

Literary: Continued from Page 1

RESS NP

UB CL

APPE

Lawhon will be in conversation with Patti Callahan Henry, the NY Times, Globe and Mail, and USA Today bestselling author of 17 novels, including her newest, “The Story She Left Behind.” Henry is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online “Friends & Fiction” live web show and podcast. This year’s event, presented by the nonprofit Arts On The Creek, in partnership with the City of Johns Creek, returns with some familiar features – including a panel of renowned regional authors – as well as some first-time offerings, such as an exclusive reception with the authors. The suspense panel, “Secrets, Lies & Alibis,” will feature Tiffany Crum, author of “This Story Might Save Your Life,” Emily Carpenter, whose latest thriller is “A Spell for Saints and Sinners,” and Matthew C. Smith with his new release, “The Ones in the Corner.” The moderator will be Valerie (V.M.) Burns, an adjunct professor in the Writing Popular Fiction MFA Program at Seton Hill University. Crum’s debut novel had over 140,000 Good Reads reviews in just four months. Carpenter’s 10th title has been optioned for TV, Smith does double duty as a practicing attorney and novelist, and Burns has authored five cozy mystery series. Additionally, a juried selection of 30 metro-area adult and children’s authors will be selling and discussing their books throughout the event. Two tickets levels are available: Free and $45 VIP, the latter of which offers a host of perks including a signed/personalized copy of “The Pirate Queen,” priority seating and a reception with the authors featuring light refreshments, a photo and swag bags.

IMAGE PROVIDED TO APPEN MEDIA

“The Pirate Queen,” Lawhon’s latest release, is a sweeping historical adventure inspired by a legendary Irish folk heroine. The schedule for the day is: • 3 p.m., doors open with 30 local adult and children’s authors promoting their work • 3:30 p.m., “Secrets, Lies & Alibis” panel • 4:30 p.m., VIP reception with Ariel Lawhon and Patti Callahan Henry • 5:30-7 p.m., Ariel Lawhon and Patti Callahan in conversation, followed by book signing For more information and to reserve tickets, go to ArtsOnTheCreek.org.

This year’s Johns Creek Literary Fair will feature a juried selection of 30 metro-area adult and children’s authors selling and discussing their books throughout the event. They include: • KRISTINE ANDERSON • KATHRYN ANTOINETTE • ANNE ARMISTEAD • TONI BELLON • CHUN BLEAU • STACY BYOUS • KAREN E. B. ELLIOTT • SHERRY ELLIS • ANJALI ENJETI • JANNA HERRON • PARUL KAPUR • WILLIAM KELY MCCLUNG • MICHELLE MCCRAW • ELIZABETH MICHAUD • BOBBY NASH • RENA OLSEN • MAUREEN PATTEN • ELISE PIOTROWICZ • DAVID AND JACOB RAPHAEL • JOLENE REEVES • CARRIGAN RICHARDS • G.A. SALLEE • LISA SCHOOLCRAFT • MIKE SHAW Built for memories, • N.J. SIMAT for community made • KIAH SMITH Built for memories, • BRENDA STANLEY made for community. • JOHN TURNER Built for memories, Built for memories, • LYDIA ABARCA MITCHELL for made forcommunity. community. made • TAYLOR WOOLLEY

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18 | October 29, 2026 | Johns Creek Herald | AppenMedia.com/Johns_Creek

GARDEN BUZZ

OPINION

Good gardening starts with good information Every few weeks, a Master Gardener sits down to answer a question someone in metro Atlanta is asking in their own backyard. Why are these old hollies so hard to keep up? What is boring tiny holes in my trees? Is there anything I can actually do about mosquitoes? On Jan. 19, 2023, I wrote the first Garden Buzz column, introLEE TANENBAUM ducing Appen Media readers to the Guest Columnist new series and to the North Fulton Master Gardeners. Since then, the series has grown to 118 columns of practical, research-based gardening advice, delivered in print and with an additional 2 million views in online newsletters. Appen Media is the reason those answers reach you. North Fulton Master Gardeners is a group whose purpose is "to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment." We work alongside the University of Georgia Extension Fulton County, and every one of us is trained and certified by the UGA Cooperative Extension. The key word is "educate." We are not selling a product or chasing a trend. We pass along what UGA's research shows actually works in Georgia clay and Georgia summers, and we give it away. Much of that happens in person: at Garden Faire, community classes, garden tours and our project gardens. But a class reaches a room. A column reaches a region. Look at what Garden Buzz readers have learned: how to replace tired foundation plantings; why ambrosia beetles, tiny as they are, can attack more than 100 species of trees and shrubs; how a rain barrel saves money and water; why the luna moth, with its pale green wings, is worth protecting; how phenology, the study of seasonal change in living things, can tell you when to plant; and how to fill a garden with fragrance in every season of the year. Each column is a small piece of practical knowledge, written by a UGA-certified volunteer or Extension expert, and handed to readers at no cost. But "no cost" to you does not mean no cost to produce. Appen Media provides the editors who shape the drafts, the photos and layout that make them readable, and a trusted platform readers return to week after week. It gives local voices like these a place to be heard. Without that partnership, the North Fulton Master Gardeners could not reach as many neighbors as they do. Appen Media has been essential to that mission. Without a local newsroom, information like this does not disappear. It just gets harder to find. It gets buried under ads, algorithms and gardening advice

Podcast: Continued from Page 4 Albright, who has also worked as a forensic interviewer, said she has spent countless hours on the podcast. She submitted a more-than $800

KAREN BURPO/PROVIDED

Pansies are a fall favorite. written for someone three climate zones away who has never fought fire ants or a July drought. Gardeners understand investment better than most. Nothing grows on its own. You amend the soil before you plant. You water through the dry spells. You do not expect a harvest from ground you never tended. Local journalism works the same way. Right now, Appen Media is in the middle of its fall fundraiser, with a goal of $30,000. That money goes directly to the newsroom—the people who cover your city council, your schools, your local businesses, and, yes, your garden. So here is my ask. If a Garden Buzz column ever helped you choose the right plant, save a struggling shrub, identify a visitor in your yard, or simply look at your garden with new eyes, please consider making a gift to Appen Media this fall. Any amount helps. A contribution the size of a flat of annuals or a bag of good compost makes a real difference when enough readers give. North Fulton Master Gardeners will keep showing up with answers to your questions. Let's make sure there's still a place to print them.

public information request with the Roswell Police Department. She reviewed a mountain of body camera recordings and investigative records. Albright also spoke with many within the community, including Mercedes’ mother and family, fellow Centennial students and a former ad-

Think of it as tending the soil, so that next season, and the one after that, something good keeps growing here. Learn more at appenmedia.com/join. Happy Gardening! North Fulton Master Gardeners, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to educate its members and the public in the areas of horticulture and ecology in order to promote and foster community enrichment. Master Gardener Volunteers are trained and certified by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Previous Garden Buzz columns are featured at https://www.appenmedia.com/opinion/columnists/garden_buzz/. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the North Fulton Master Gardeners Inc. University of Georgia Extension Fulton County does not endorse specific businesses, organizations, products, services, fundraising efforts or charitable giving opportunities. Come visit us at the Alpharetta Farmers Market and the Sandy Springs Farmers Market.

ministrator, a maintenance man who was working at the pool and Roswell police officials. She also consulted with experts like an investigator at an area district attorney’s office, a drowning researcher and retired Atlanta homicide detective Vince Velazquez, who has been featured on “ATL Homicide” and

other true crime television shows and podcasts. Albright said that work has shed considerable light on the events of May 29, 2019. It also has led her deeper into the case. “It opened up a lot more questions for us, which I don't think we expected,” Albright said.

Puzzles

4/3/25 Connect-it

PuzzleJunction.com

Connect-It

Each line in the puzzle below has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 4 and 6 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 ..........................October 29, 2026 | 19

Dunwoody Crier 5/22/25 Crossword

COMPUTERS 1. Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together. 2. Arm or leg. It gets you around the monitor. Art supporter. 3. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data. 4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot. 5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit. 6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch. 7. Wine label designation. One of it’s jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel. PuzzleJunction.com

2 3 4 5 6

/15/25 Sudoku7

Computers 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 1. Oration station. It hosts other computers. Stick together. 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 onIt the line. Butaround here’srow, thethe catch! Theand clues not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually To the solve theleg. Sudoku puzzle, each column 2. Arm or gets you monitor. Artare supporter. be the second or the thirdnumbers answer in1that line. Got it? Good luck! boxformust contain to 9. 3. Command to Fido. Stand-offish. They hold data.

4. It’s a computer bane. Like a tortoise. Fishing spot.

8 6 6. In-box contents. It’s active in Sicily. Pigeon’s perch. 2 7 5 7. Wine label designation. One of its jobs is data storage. Chowder morsel. 1 2 3 8 7 1 4 6 3 7 5 8 5 4 2 How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. 7 9 6 The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a 5. Boredom. They are clickable. Citrus fruit.

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

2 3 9 8 4 6 5 1 7

5 8 1 3 7 9 6 4 2

1 7 2 6 8 3 4 5 9

8 5 4 2 9 7 3 6 1

3 9 6 4 5 1 7 2 8

1 Twinge 5 Soda fountain treats 10 Curly cabbage 14 Brainchild 15 Alaskan native 16 Pelvic bones 17 Computer virus isolation 19 At hand 20 Final (Abbr.) 21 Sign before Virgo 22 Thin ice, e.g. 24 Spirit of a people 26 Ticked off 27 City near LA 30 Russian favorite 34 Emcee 37 Dot follower 38 Pavement 39 Tokyo, once 40 Samurai, e.g. 42 Jeans brand 43 Deodorant type 45 Commotion 46 Secluded valley 47 Clean-up tool 48 Paradise 50 Discontinue 52 Polled 56 Rio ___ 58 Prescription checker (Abbr.) 60 Gardner of film 61 Joint problem 62 Stargazer 65 Ashtabula’s lake 66 Piece of cave art 67 Out of shape 68 Give temporarily 69 Gumption 70 Adherents (Suffix)

38 41

47 50 56

25 27

Down 1 Provoke 2 Grownup 3 Poet’s “below” 4 Needlefish 5 Lion’s pride 6 Singing voice 7 Muumuu accessory 8 Siberian feature 9 Hearty entree 10 Realm 11 Downwind 12 Make-up artist? 13 Corn serving 18 Likewise 23 At no time

25 Select 26 Thankless wretch 28 Gripe 29 Hockey great Bobby 31 Wooded hollow 32 Patella’s place 33 Egypt. solar deity 34 Basil, e.g. 35 Bouquet 36 Alone 38 Henhouse 40 Restroom sign 41 Chapel vow 44 Found 46 Fed. watchdogs (Abbr.)

48 Exhausts 49 Nobelist Pavlov 51 Monroe’s successor 53 Domesticates 54 Boxing card's main ___ 55 Pub game 56 Horror film staple 57 Destroy 58 Kukla, ___ and Ollie 59 Handout 61 Hair goop 63 Prefix with angle 64 Japanese sash

See puzzle solutions on Page 20

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Solution 4 6 7 5 1 2 8 9 3

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.

Across

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7 2 3 1 6 5 9 8 4

6 1 8 9 3 4 2 7 5

9 4 5 7 2 8 1 3 6

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6 8 2 5 7 Solution SOLUTIONS 3 1 2

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8 1 4 6 8 5

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