🌱 Johns Creek City Council's 5 Priorities + New Book Vending Machine

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Johns Creek.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and cooler. High: 53 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories in Johns Creek today:

1. Over the weekend, the Johns Creek City Council stayed at the AC Hotel in Greenville, S.C., for its annual planning retreat. Johns Creek Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer facilitated discussion to identify five priorities and ten secondary focuses for the council. The council decided that municipal elections, Creekside Park, Town Center, economic development, and Recreation and Parks are the five priorities. (Appen Media)
2. Abbotts Hill Elementary in Johns Creek unveiled a new book vending machine, named Inchy the Bookworm Vending Machine, on Jan. 13. The machine, funded by the Abbotts Hill Elementary Parent Teacher Association's annual Fun Run, dispenses books from different grade levels. Instead of money, students use special tokens earned through "excellence points," which are given for good behavior, participating in monthly Learning Commons contests, and completing book bingo. (Appen Media)
3. On Monday, Jan. 30, Drew Connell announced that he is stepping down as head football coach at Johns Creek High School. Connell was hired as head coach less than one year ago and is leaving after the program’s worst record since the 2014 season. In a tweet, Connell wrote that he wishes the program "nothing but the best." (Scorebook Live)

Today in and around Johns Creek:

• Wednesday Weekly Networking At Johns Creek Chamber Offices (9:30 AM)
• Energy Yoga At Ocee Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Wednesday Blues Free Concert Series At Billy Allens in Milton (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Johns Creek City Council recently approved a $240,280 contract with CMC to extend the turn lane into Autrey Mill Middle School. The right turn lane extension will run along Old Alabama Road. (North Fulton News via Twitter)
• On Feb. 16, join Mental Health Advocate Michael McCullar for a seminar that focuses on "dialogue with suicidal persons and the reduction of lethal means." The event, entitled "Suicide Prevention: What to Say. What to Do." will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall/Council Chambers. Click here to sign up. (Johns Creek Police Department via Facebook)
• Finding your next home shouldn't be a headache! Check out the latest homes for sale in the Johns Creek area, including a large four-bedroom in nearby Suwanee for $425,000. (Johns Creek Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Queen Custom Couture — (Visit website)
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Events:

• “Love Is in the Air” Exhibit & Chocolate Truffle Tastings - February at the Cumming Arts Center (February 2)
• Free Photography Event: "Light Is Hope" Juried Exhibition Grand Opening & Juror's Talk (February 4)
• Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia (February 7)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra Hearts and Harmony Gala (February 10)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)
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Announcements:

• Senior Independent living, assisted living, and memory care listings!!! NEW LISTINGS (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!