🌱 Johns Creek Native Strikes Deal On Shark Tank + Biden Awards Locals

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Johns Creek Daily. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Some clouds, then sunshine. High: 55 Low: 32.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

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Here are the top three stories in Johns Creek today:

1. Stephen Fazio and Johns Creek native Austin Hillam created ZipString, a string launcher that can fly at approximately 35 miles per hour, and started selling them from the basement of Hillam's Johns Creek childhood home. The two struck a deal on the longtime TV show "Shark Tank" on the Dec. 9 episode (available on Hulu and ABC, for anyone who missed it!). Fazio and Hillam asked for a $100,000 investment in exchange for the investor getting a 10 percent equity stake. After a bidding war between investors, the two settled on a $100,000 investment, with investors Herjavec and O'Leary for a combined 20 percent equity stake. (Finger Lakes Times)
2. On Jan. 6, the second anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, President Joe Biden awarded citizen medals to 14 Americans. Fulton County election workers Shaye Moss and Ruby Freeman were awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest award an American citizen can receive. The mother and daughter were falsely accused of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Biden said, "Ruby and Shaye, you don't deserve what happened to you. But you do deserve the nation's eternal thanks for showing that dignity and grace of 'We the People.'" (The Pulse)
3. The City of Johns Creek is seeking volunteers to serve on City boards including the Construction Board of Appeals, the Johns Creek Vitality Advisory Committee, and the Arts, Cultural and Entertainment Committee (ACE). Residents who are interested can nominate themselves for board positions and apply at the link. Applicants can apply for more than one board. (Johns Creek GA)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Open Mic At Adobo Taqueria and Tequila Bar (6:00 PM)
• Public Information Meeting for Recreation & Parks Strategic Plan At the Newtown Community Clubhouse (6:00 PM)
• Zoning Public Participation Meeting At Johns Creek City Hall (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to the Johns Creek High School Wrestling team! The team came in fourth place at Region 7-6A Duals and become the first team in school history to advance in the Dual tournament. (Johns Creek Athletics via Twitter)
• Andrew Simmons of Johns Creek won two races for the Auburn Tigers swim and diving team on Jan. 7. The two victories were the first for the sophomore. (Auburn Tigers)
• Tired of looking through the same old real-estate listings? Check out the latest homes on the market in the Johns Creek area, including a cozy three-bedroom in nearby Suwanee for $370,000! (Johns Creek Patch)

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• Pre-K Open House (January 18)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update.

— 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!