🌱 Rep Au Speaks On Bill Affecting Trans Youth + Johns Creek Festival

Hello, friends! It's Thursday in Johns Creek and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 48.

Big love to our local sponsor. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

Suffering from peripheral neuropathy? RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers in NW Atlanta, Decatur, Johns Creek, and Gainesville can help. 89% of patients have seen relief within 12 weeks using their special non-invasive ultrasound device — and it's covered by Medicare and many insurance plans. Forget the pain, tingling, and numbness caused by diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or even chemotherapy — call RealWave Neuropathy Treatment Centers at 877-301-3441 or visit them here to learn more.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Here are the top three stories today in and around Johns Creek:

1. On Tuesday, Mar. 14, the House of Representatives' Public Health Committee approved a controversial bill that would ban certain therapies and surgeries for transgender Georgia youths before the age of 18. Physician and Rep. Michelle Au, D-Johns Creek asked the bill's sponsor, Sen. Carden Summers R-Cordele, "Why do you think the judgment of the Georgia state legislature should supersede what the American Academy of Pediatrics has determined to be best practices in caring for gender diverse children?" Summers responded, "Instead of having a surgery ... before the age of 18 years old ... I want to put a pause there. I don't think any child should have irreversible surgery. … Our job here is to protect children." (Northwest Georgia News)
2. The City of Johns Creek's 2023 “Taste of the World” International Festival will take place on Saturday, Apr. 29. According to the city, an estimated 17,000 visitors will arrive for the festival. It is the celebration of the diverse cultures in the city and features traditional food, music, art, and vendors from the many different cultures. Click here for location, parking, band line-up, and more. (North Fulton News via Twitter)
3. About 12.5 miles away in Roswell, police arrested a 15-year-old male and another 17-year-old male, Ar'Zjon King, in connection to the fatal shooting of another 17-year-old. In early March, officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to the face at a home in the 500 block of Wexford Hollow Run. The 15-year-old is facing aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, tampering with evidence, obstruction, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce. King is facing a tampering with evidence charge. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

Today in Johns Creek:

• Free Outdoor Fitness At Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park (10:30 AM)
• Young Artists At Ocee Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Cooking and Crafts At Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center
  (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss the Latin Dance Party on Apr. 15! Dance all night long with DJ King Tito at Tony's Sports Grill in Johns Creek. (Johns Creek Patch)
• Browsing new home listings near Johns Creek on the internet can be fun, but nothing compares to seeing it in person. Check out the upcoming open houses in the Johns Creek area, including a large four-bedroom in nearby Berkeley Lake on Sunday, Mar. 19. (Johns Creek Patch)
• City of Johns Creek said to come hungry to Daffodil Days! There will be so many great food options to choose from on Saturday, Mar. 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. (City of Johns Creek, Georgia - Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Irish Song and Dance (March 17)
• 3hr Salsa Boot Camp at HDC Studio + Evening Latin Night Tonys Johns Creek (March 18)
• Saint Patrick's Weekend Latin Night @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat Mar 18th (March 18)
• Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra - On Broadway! (March 25)
• Easter Family Fun Festival (April 9)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll see you soon!

— 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!