Alpharetta-Roswell Herald - January 22, 2026

‘I HAVE HOPE TODAY’

Roswell advances generator request, defines data center

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell City Council is entering the final stages of approving installation of a backup generator at the Roswell Water Utility after the Committees of Council meeting Jan. 13.

King’s dream warms souls in St. James annual march

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. resounded in the hearts of the hundreds who marched from St. James Community Church, down Academy Street to Alpharetta City Hall Jan. 19.

Earlier that morning, church members and guests filed out of St.James after a two-hour worship service, carrying signs, chatting and holding coats, shawls and scarfs tight.

See MARCH, Page 11

Standing amid an energetic crowd, Senior Pastor the Rev. Dr. Gregory S. Williams contemplated the significance of the gathering at the end of the church’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. walk. “I have hope today,” Williams said, smiling.

Last year, Roswell received $573,686 in grant funding from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency to install a backup generator at its water treatment plant near Grimes Bridge Park. Pending council’s approval of a $210,000 construction contract with Ready Power, the city will provide a local match of $36,618. Due to cost constraints, a standby generator was removed from the plant’s design plans in 2015, which led to lower scores on state inspections.

“From the state’s perspective, because we did not have a backup generator, it was seen as a minor deficiency,” said Brian Watson, director of Environmental Public Works.

Currently, if power goes out at the Roswell Water Utility, it will tap into the Fulton County water supply to continue providing service to roughly 20 percent of Roswell residents using the service.

See REQUEST, Page 11

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Sandy Springs officer helped girlfriend allegedly cheat Alpharetta police exam

By CARL APPEN carl@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — A Sandy Springs police officer found himself in hot water after allegedly helping his girlfriend cheat on an Alpharetta Police Department exam in August, according to records obtained by Appen Media.

The Sandy Springs officer was a sergeant at the time but has been demoted after an internal investigation concluded he violated the department’s rules of conduct. Police officials also required him to write a letter to the statewide law

POLICE BLOTTER

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Gaming computers stolen from Jordan Court store

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Two gaming computers were reported stolen from a discount department store Jan. 4.

CUSTOM FRAMING

Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the Jordan Court business about 1:20 p.m. after a shoplifting was reported.

The store manager told officers a woman entered the store with a computer box and used it to steal the computers, police said. The woman allegedly removed two computers from their boxes and placed them in the box she had entered with.

The woman approached customer

enforcement accreditation agency recommending his girlfriend have her certification revoked.

Appen Media and its AlpharettaRoswell Herald newspaper obtained copies of that investigation, the board letter and other public documents that describe the allegations.

According to those materials, the woman was a Sandy Springs police officer for eight months before the department released her during field training in December 2024. She then applied to join the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

Alpharetta leadership said they would not normally have hired her,

service representatives, asking to return the computers in the box she entered with. She was declined a return and left the store with the two stolen computers, police said.

The computers were valued at $1,100 each.

The incident was classified as a felony theft by shoplifting of more than $500.

— Jon Wilcox

Burglars remove cash from Avalon store safe

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A store in the Avalon shopping center reported a burglary and theft of thousands of dollars Dec. 31.

Alpharetta police said officers were dispatched to the store about 5:30 a.m. after an alarm sounded there.

Officers found a front window broken and a fire extinguisher lying on the ground nearby. Police cleared the store but found no one inside.

according to public documents. However, according to the Sandy Springs investigation, the sergeant called an Alpharetta detective to vouch for her. He also allegedly told Alpharetta she did not have a good match with her Sandy Springs Field Training Officer (FTO) and that the FTO had since been removed from several department assignments.

During the internal affairs probe, the sergeant told Sandy Springs officials the two were not in a relationship at that time of the phone call but became involved later.

See CHEATING, Page 7

A safe in the front counter was found opened, and a store manager reported about $2,500 missing from it. A key is required to open the safe, according to the incident report.

The manager said a similar incident occurred in April when the same window was broken and money was stolen from the safe.

The manager allegedly said she suspects the person responsible for both crimes is someone familiar with the store because they appeared to know the location of the safe’s key.

The woman told police an assistant manager and employee had been fired that year.

Avalon security camera recordings showed a suspect taking a fire extinguisher from a nearby parking garage, police said. The suspect attempted to enter the store using a keycard, failed and smashed the window to enter before fleeing on foot, police said.

— Jon Wilcox

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Affordability, literacy are priorities for General Assembly

By ZOE SEILER zoe@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Literacy and affordability are among the top priorities for lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly going into the 2026 legislative session. The Legislature gaveled in on Monday, Jan. 12.

Crossover Day is scheduled for March 6 and the General Assembly will adjourn on April 2.

This year will see lawmakers appealing to their bases, Republican and Democrat, as many run for a statewide office. In November, voters will choose a new governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, among other elected offices.

Rep. Scott Hilton (R - Peachtree Corners) noted there will be some politicking. Sen. Kim Jackson (DSenate District 41) said there will be more speeches from the Senate floor. State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) said the discussion will be driven by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ desire to run for governor.

“I think about one-third of the Senate is running for another office,” Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D - Decatur) said during a DeKalb Democrats webinar on Jan. 6. “That’s not unusual. That’s a pattern, and it’s more a pattern of the Senate than the House.”

Education

During a press conference on Jan. 7, House Speaker Jon Burns (RNewington) said literacy is his No. 1 priority.

In 2025, literacy efforts included

increasing access to dyslexia screening, expanding training resources and providing literacy coaches. The House will continue to build on those initiatives, Burns said.

“We’re going to put forward an initiative to put literacy coaches in every elementary school in Georgia,” Burns said. “We believe that will be a difference maker, that will give our students further hands-on support as it comes to their challenges in literacy.”

Both chambers are anticipated to take up cell phone bans in schools. Burns said the House will look at banning the devices in high schools.

“I believe that’ll be something we will certainly have a lively discussion about, and certainly want to respect parents and their freedom of security for their students,” Burns said.

Hilton agreed and has done some work on classroom technology and on ensuring schools are cell phone-free. He is the secretary of the House education committee.

He will be working to allow redshirting across school districts. This is the practice of holding a child back and delaying their start in kindergarten or first grade. Hilton said that is a topic that has come up in his district, which represents Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Peachtree Corners.

Gwinnett County Public Schools began standardizing its enrollment practices in 2025, requiring 5-year-olds to start in kindergarten and 6-year-olds in first grade, 11 Alive reported. But under that policy, a 5-year-old currently in preschool might have to start first grade, instead of kindergarten, at 6.

“That’s a pretty significant jump,”

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Hilton said on the Georgia Politics podcast.

He will introduce legislation that gives parents that choice back.

“What it involves is those who are entering kindergarten or first grade at a younger age, parents find holding that child back for an additional year to be incredibly successful,” Hilton said.

While Burns said literacy is his top priority, affordability has become the theme of the upcoming session.

“You’re going to hear affordability coming out of GOP mouths and Democrats’ mouths,” Jackson said on the Jan. 8 episode of the Decaturish Download podcast.

Housing affordability

Legislation in the House will include property tax reform, as assessments have drastically increased across the state. The House will focus on eliminating property taxes on primary residences.

“For the vast majority of Georgians, our homes are our single largest investments in our lives,” Burns said. “For that investment of a lifetime, I don’t think any of us in Georgia should ever face the possibility of losing our home because we can’t afford to pay rent to the government.”

Oliver noted, during the webinar, that Democrats have ideas to address housing affordability as well.

“The inability of people to buy houses, to stay in houses, to be a tenant whose property is maintained according to the law, all of that is really bad right now,” she said. “This year, I think housing is going to take a more front row position.”

Hilton is passionate about housing, especially for first-time homebuyers. He plans to look at how the buying process can be made easier and how the housing supply can be increased.

“We’re not building [starter homes] these days and it’s because there’s so much red tape and regulation that developers have to put up with,” Hilton said on the Georgia Politics podcast. “There are ways the state government can help reform that permitting process so that you see a larger supply of homes, which will drive down the cost.”

Senate Democrats will have legislation on corporate housing to at least examine who owns housing in Georgia.

“It’s one thing if you’re a Georgia citizen who’s like a mom and pop and you own two houses that you rent out to people,” Jackson told Georgia Press. “It’s another thing when you own hundreds of houses in an entire neighborhood;

perhaps you should not be paying the same kind of property taxes that the rest of us are because you’re running a major corporation.”

Data centers and other topics

The Legislature will take up the issue of data centers, though lawmakers aren’t sure what that will look like yet.

“That’ll be interesting to see how that plays itself out. Consumers are telling us that ‘I don’t want my rates to go up to subsidize data centers,’” Rep. Scott Hilton (R - Peachtree Corners) said. “I’m supportive of that, to make sure that the consumers know that they’re not footing the bill for data centers.”

Lawmakers tried to repeal data center tax credits in 2024, and Hilton added that it may come up again.

“Based on Georgia’s cheap power and available land, I don’t see a reason right now why we would need one. The governor said we needed some predictability in keeping that in place,” Hilton said.

During the Jan. 6 webinar, Rep. Oliver said there is legislation in the House and the resource management committee has been evaluating the issue.

“It’s something that I’m watching with interest because I think bipartisan elected people are feeling the heat on the interest of data centers because of the way it impacts our water,” Oliver said.

On the Decaturish Download, Jackson said a bill calling for a oneyear moratorium of data centers will be introduced to gain a better understanding of the impact the facilities have on municipalities and resources.

Republican Senate leaders are going to look at eliminating the personal state income tax by 2032. The proposal would waive income taxes up to $50,000 a year for individuals and $100,000 for married couples starting in 2027, the Georgia Recorder reported.

“I’m sure that will take a sizable amount of debate in the Legislature this coming year,” Jackson said.

Jackson anticipates seeing legislation regarding elections.

“I suspect there will remain attempts to shut down Sunday voting, to make early voting optional for municipalities and jurisdictions,” Jackson said. “I don’t think it will be included in the omnibus, but there will certainly be a movement towards paper ballots once again.”

The General Assembly passes the state budget each year, which is the only piece of legislation they are required to approve. Oliver said it is the most important bill lawmakers take up.

Roswell’s Green Street converted to one-way

ROSWELL, Ga. — Green Street is now a one-way road for southbound traffic running toward the site of the Roswell’s new parking deck.

The city posted on Facebook alerting residents of the conversion Jan. 19. Roadway signage has been in place to prepare drivers for the change.

The switch is a part of the Green Street Activation Plan that was approved by the City Council in March 2024 to improve connectivity and walkability in the area. Staff say the improvements will provide safer, easier access for pedestrians and drivers near the new parking deck.

The 395-space parking deck at the corner of Green Street and Ga. 9 is estimated to be completed in May.

Hannah Yahne

SCREENSHOT

A map shows the conversion of Green Street into a one-way road going southbound toward Roswell’s new parking deck at the corner of Green Street and Ga. 9.

Gala fundraiser invites guests to view public Apple artifacts

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art invites tech fans to the fifth annual BYTE fundraising gala for a first look at the museum’s exhibit of more than 2,000 Apple artifacts.

The fundraiser will be held Saturday, March 21 from 6:30-11 p.m.

The Mimms Museum is a nonprofit attraction in Roswell housing one of the world’s largest collections of digital-era artifacts and rotating art exhibits. This year’s gala will mark the official unveiling of the museum’s newest exhibit, “iNSPIRE: Fifty Years of Innovation from Apple.”

Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, “iNSPIRE” explores Apple’s key contributors, innovations and cultural impact through immersive exhibits and creative installations that showcase five decades at the intersection of technology, art and creativity. Rare collector’s items, unique documents and behind-thescenes stories of Apple’s groundbreaking products will also be on display.

The exhibit will open to the public April 1.

“BYTE brings our community together to celebrate innovation, creativity and the stories behind the technology that

shapes our lives,” said Lonnie Mimms, founder and board chair of Mimms Museum. “This year, we’re especially excited about the debut of ‘iNSPIRE’ and the opportunity to recognize the pioneers whose work in design and development helped contributed to many transformative moments in modern technology and culture.”

The gala will begin with a cocktail reception featuring hand-crafted drinks, followed by a chef-curated dinner accompanied by electronic violinist Michelle Winters. The event will be hosted by Fox 5 Atlanta’s feature reporter Paul Milliken as guests enjoy after-hours access to the museum’s collection of computing artifacts and art installations.

Live and silent auctions will run throughout the evening, featuring unique experiences, artwork and collectibles. All proceeds benefit the museum’s educational initiatives, preservation efforts and future growth.

For more information on BYTE26 general admission tickets, sponsorships and reserved tables, visit the museum’s website.

Hannah Yahne

Continuum of Care to maintain housing project applications

By AMRITHA ALLADI JOSEPH newsroom@appenmedia.com

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Amid a climate of federal cutbacks in social spending, the Fulton County Continuum of Care Board of Directors voted Jan. 15 to continue its push for grant funding to help in its fight against homelessness.

Right now, the organization is operating with a loose consortium of agencies and civic groups to address the needs of the homeless. It is seeking federal money to help solidify its efforts into a coordinated countywide action plan.

The Fulton County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board voted on Thursday to move forward with its previously approved housing project applications for Fiscal Year 2025, opting for continuity amid major federal policy shifts.

At its most recent meeting held virtually, the board approved continuing all projects originally planned for the 2024–2025 funding cycle under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The decision allows Fulton County to submit all 24 existing renewal applications without changes, reallocations or funding reductions.

“What the Continuum of Care was originally allocated for 2024 and 2025, we’re just going to keep going with that,” said board Vice Chairperson Tanya Morris, noting that anticipated changes in fiscal year 2025 make this a year to avoid restructuring programs.

HUD released the fiscal 2025 notice on November 13, 2025, which included

significant changes to prior years’ COC program rules, including the elimination of standalone transitional housing and street outreach programs, as well as proposed caps reducing permanent housing funding to 30 percent of a COC’s allocation, according to the National Association of Counties. Those changes prompted a lawsuit by national homelessness advocacy organizations, causing HUD to temporarily pause on the 2025 proposed changes and restore the

prior year grant rules. A revised NOFO has been released for public review but remains inactive due to ongoing litigation.

Looking ahead, the Fulton board anticipates that the 2026 notice, which is expected as early as spring, will largely mirror the 2025 framework, including permanent housing caps. As a result, members cautioned against making major changes now only to face stricter requirements next year.

Beyond funding decisions, the

board discussed broader homelessness challenges across Fulton County.

Secretary Sheila Louder said she is wary that major international events, such as the FIFA World Cup games that Atlanta will host later this year, tend to draw temporary support for removing homeless individuals from the streets “for show.” She recalled that after the Summer Olympics hosted in Atlanta in 1996, homeless individuals were “left hanging dry” once the event ended. In response, Fulton County Community Development Director Stanley Wilson said that if such events create opportunities to address homelessness, “you take what you can get.”

The board also agreed to solicit feedback from the full CoC membership on its draft strategic plan. Louder emphasized that any strategy should include stronger engagement with elected officials and expanded access in South Fulton. Louder questioned whether the South Fulton Homeless Assessment Center is adequately meeting local needs, citing limited hours.

“The times I’ve been there no one has been there,” Louder said, adding that she has observed police officers paying out of pocket for hotel rooms to accommodate homeless individuals encountered after hours. A facility open from 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. would better address locals’ needs, she said.

Board Chairperson Maggie Goldman said the strategic plan addresses high-level priorities, but specific implementation of the plan, such as the actions outlined by Louder, would need to be addressed by the committees designated in the plan.

Fulton Schools’ pre-K lottery open to families within district

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The lottery to secure a seat in one of Fulton County Schools’ 94 pre-K classrooms for the 2026-27 school year is open now through March 3.

The school district’s pre-K program is available to children who are 4 years old by Sept. 1 and reside within the district attendance zone. New hires of Fulton Schools and returning

employees for the 2026-27 school year are considered in school zone for all Fulton County schools.

The lottery application process is the only way to get a spot in Fulton County Schools (FCS) pre-K classrooms before May 1. Families that enter will be placed in individual school lotteries, which will be held March 23-25, and be notified by the

end of day on March 27.

Classroom seats are not secured until a child is selected through the lottery and the required documents are verified and registered with FCS.

The lottery funded pre-K classrooms are in 50 elementary schools across the school district. Classes are pending until state funding is awarded through the state’s

Bright from the Start program.

General education pre-K classes will include 20 students. Inclusion pre-K classes will have 12 general education students and six students with individualized education programs. To join the pre-K lottery and learn more information, visit the Fulton County Schools website.

— Hannah Yahne

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Cheating:

Continued from Page 2

The Alpharetta recruiter said he would not have moved the candidate forward without that recommendation.

He added that he learned the two were in a relationship when the sergeant pinned on her badge during the Alpharetta swearing-in ceremony, according to the Sandy Springs report.

After the ceremony, the woman was taking an exam in order to use the less-lethal weapon Taser 7. While taking the test in a room with two other Alpharetta police officers, she called the Sandy Springs sergeant and read him questions, according to the investigative report. The sergeant, who had been a Taser 7 instructor at Sandy Springs, allegedly gave her the answers.

One of the woman’s peers reported the incident to their supervisors, Alpharetta department officials told Appen Media. After investigating the situation, they terminated the woman’s employment and notified the Sandy Springs Police Department.

“We take violations of integrity seriously and act decisively when our standards are not met,” Alpharetta officials said.

Upon receiving notice of the incident, Sandy Springs opened an internal investigation.

During that process, the sergeant admitted to helping the woman with answers but said he didn’t know she was taking a test until after the fact, according to the report. If he had known, he told investigators, he would not have answered her questions.

Following the investigation, Sandy Springs officials handed down a determination that the sergeant’s

actions constituted a violation of the department’s code of conduct.

Officials took particular issue with the sergeant’s involvement in the woman’s hiring at Alpharetta and his alleged comments about the Sandy Springs field training program.

The sergeant, who has been with the department since 2017, was at one point a Field Training Officer himself.

Sandy Springs officials said the woman’s performance there was lacking and noted, “at the time of her release from the SSPD Field Training program, most of the FTOs documenting her poor performance were assigned to [the sergeant’s] shift. His recommendation to Alpharetta PD was inaccurate, misleading, and damaging to the reputation of the Sandy Springs Police Department.”

As part of the prescribed disciplinary actions, the sergeant had to give an in-person apology to the Sandy Springs FTO corps and the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

He also faced a demotion, four-day suspension, loss of take-home car for 30 days and mandatory training.

Perhaps one of the more heartwrenching punishments was the letter he had to write to the state law enforcement standards board recommending they revoke the woman’s certification.

A week after the investigation concluded, he sent the note.

“It is our duty to remove those that are unfit to remain in this profession,” it included.

As of Jan.14, the woman is still eligible for duty, but the accreditation agency has a flag on her file for review.

While the man lost his rank of sergeant, Sandy Springs said he will be eligible to test for promotion in September.

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8 | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | January 22, 2026

Broker finds new life helping people realize dreams

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — After the Great Recession, Steve Beecham found himself at a crossroads.

For the Alpharetta mortgage broker, the global market decline of 2007-2009 meant a dramatic dip in business, losing his office near Haynes Bridge Road and moving into his parents’ home.

“I went from living in a milliondollar house to living in my mama’s basement,” Beecham said. “I lost everything.”

The professional crisis was so severe that he found himself asking what he was doing with his life.

“I’m sitting here doing no business, got no money coming in, and so I started thinking, ‘Do I really want to be in this business?’” Beecham said.

Standing in the wreckage of a firm he had built over years, Beecham began to think about what mattered the most to him. The answer he found had little to do with mortgages and everything to do with people.

“My purpose is to help people get from where they are to where they want to go,” he said.

More than 15 years later, that perspective has served the longtime Alpharetta resident well. His business Home Town Mortgage is back on its feet, and Beecham has found new purpose in serving his community.

Behind his home at 199 Academy St., Beecham’s office bears little resemblance to the garage he renovated and repurposed. The room, which he affectionately calls a “man cave,” is where he gets much of his work done.

Framed awards and profile articles line the walls amid trophy mounts of snow geese, an impala, warthog, stags and other game he hunted himself. On a coffee table lay the four books he has authored. Along the top of another wall

stretches his name spelled out in green letters, the sign from his first business, a men’s clothing store.

On his desk, where he often resides with feet propped up, sits a multi-screen computer with whatever catches his interest – newsletters on writing and networking or financial data. Behind him along the rear wall, are two barrels of custom bourbon

he commissioned from a Thomasville distiller.

The handsomely decorated office is well suited for meeting clients, but Beecham says most prefer to consult over the phone. Customers have changed with the times, and first-time home buyers now make up a significant portion of his business.

Beecham said it’s important to meet

those younger families on their own terms, many of whom grew up in the digital age and prefer doing their own research. Instead of simply explaining principles like property taxes and homeowners insurance, he sometimes tactfully guides the conversation to ensure they are abreast of the topics.

Appen Media launches website focused on state politics

By HANS APPEN hans@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Appen Media, publisher of Decaturish and the Georgia-based Herald, Crier and Ink newspapers, announced the launch of GeorgiaPress. com, dedicated to in-depth political coverage and essential reporting on the issues shaping Georgia.

GeorgiaPress.com will focus primarily on Georgia politics—state government, elections, policy and power—while also covering other important and timely current events affecting communities across the state. The site is designed to fill critical news gaps, connect local and statewide issues, and deliver clear, independent journalism to readers across Georgia.

Publisher Hans Appen and Deputy Editor Zoe Seiler will lead GeorgiaPress.com, with the full backing and support of the entire Appen Media newsroom. Seiler continues her news coverage in DeKalb County for Decaturish.com and Decaturish Ink newspaper, as well.

“Georgia needs strong, consistent political coverage that goes beyond headlines and explains how decisions made under the Gold Dome affect people statewide,” Appen said. “GeorgiaPress. com reflects our mission to lead Georgia’s political coverage while filling gaps left by shrinking newsrooms.”

Seiler said the new platform will emphasize accountability, context and reach.

“Too many important stories, especially in underserved areas, don’t get the attention they deserve,” she said. “Our goal is to provide fair, thorough reporting that helps Georgians understand what’s happening, why it matters and how it will impact them. We want to connect

Beecham:

Continued from Page 8

“They don’t want to ask, so what you do is say, ‘Hey, do you know anything about property tax? You’re gonna have to get homeowners insurance,’” he said. “Do you know what that covers and how that works?”

Beecham said he prefers to treat business as a relationship, inviting clients to call or text him at any hour with questions. Recently, he received a text about 10 p.m. from a woman asking about a wire transfer. Beecham, who was relaxing at home watching TV, happily obliged.

“I say that I’m open 24/7 like Waffle House,” he said.

Building trust is a new priority for Beecham, who said he focuses now on relationships rather than deals. The financial assistance he provides is less about commissions and more about the satisfaction from seeing clients succeed.

“Relationships are what drives everything, and they’re based on trust,” he said. “The whole thing rotates around helping other people.”

He also has applied that philosophy to his place within the Alpharetta community.

Beecham decided he wanted to share his love for music by creating concerts for community members. He helped start the concert series On

Appen Media has launched GeorgiaPress.com, a new site focused on in-depth Georgia political coverage, elections and policy, with statewide reporting, a weekly newsletter and the Georgia Politics Podcast.

readers to the Gold Dome.”

In addition to daily digital reporting, readers can subscribe to a weekly Georgia Press newsletter featuring a curated selection of political coverage and statewide news. GeorgiaPress.com will also serve as the home of The Georgia Politics Podcast, the state’s leading political commentary podcast, featuring in-depth conversations, analysis and roundtable discussions on Georgia’s political landscape.

The Green and Under the Stars as a way to give artists a platform and provide residents an afterhours escape.

Seeing his neighbors dance and gather at the downtown events has been a real joy, giving a level of satisfaction that surprised him.

Beecham said he has thought about retirement, but he’s realized two things. He loves his work, and he has a lot more to do.

Looking forward, he said he has a plan to create a new business that can simultaneously fill a financial hole in the city while helping residents and businesses actualize their dreams.

He has rented an Alpharetta building that he hopes to soon transform into a community bank.

Unlike a regional and national bank, a community bank is better positioned to make modest loans to small businesses and individuals, he said. Larger banks are often less incentivized to make those loans, but for small businesses they can be transformative.

“Say you’ve got a business, and you’re a landscaper and you need another truck or a bulldozer, or you’re a restaurant, and you want to remodel,” he said. “These people are frustrated.”

As Beecham continues building his mortgage business and raising capital for his bank, he said he remains focused on his guiding principles.

“The essence of the purpose is, ‘How can I help my fellow man?’” he said. “I’m looking for ways to give.”

Audiences can find additional photos, commentary and extended coverage through Georgia Press’ social media pages on Facebook and X, further expanding engagement and access to statewide reporting.

Appen Media aims for GeorgiaPress.com to become a go-to source for political news, insight and analysis grounded in real-world community impact. GeorgiaPress.com is now live.

GIRLS: EAGLES 54, HORNETS 32; BOYS: EAGLES 67, HORNETS 60

Milton handles Roswell on the hardcourt

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — Milton High’s girls and boys basketball teams came home winners Jan. 16 following a region matchup double header at Roswell.

Regardless which sport, there is always extra motivation when these schools meet, illustrated by the 65 fouls called in the two games. Nearly twothirds of the infractions occurred in the boys game.

Packed stands in the Roswell gymnasium made for a loud environment that forced 22 missed free throws by the Eagles.

Even so, Milton had enough in the tank to overcome their longtime foe.

The rivalry stretches so far back that some in the Milton community are known to not wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. The football matchup has often been scheduled as the last game in the regular season.

The girls took the court first, with Milton cementing their dominance in the third quarter after a slower start to the first half. The Eagles stretched the lead from 6 points at halftime to 20 by the end of the third frame.

By the final buzzer, Milton sealed a 54-32 win over a Roswell squad that struggled to get their offense flowing.

Milton guard Deyva Davis led the charge with 19 points, seven rebounds and four steals against the Hornets. She said a pep talk from her coaches at halftime helped her to concentrate on playing off two feet to maximize her agility.

She also discussed looking ahead to the Eagles’ next game against Starrs Mill.

“As a team, we really came together today,” she said. “We played [Starrs Mill] for a scrimmage our first game of the season, and we won. They’re a shooting team, so we’ll have to close out well, but I think we’ll do pretty well against them.”

The Eagles were dominant defensively, with a steal discrepancy of 16 to 8. They also outrebounded the Hornets 38-31.

Milton head coach Triston Cooper said the rivalry is always a motivator, but he has the utmost respect for the Roswell staff that have always “been good to [him].”

“I’m just proud of the girls,” Cooper said. “We’re 6 and 0 in region, and we’re accomplishing the goals we set out to accomplish.”

Roswell got out to a hot start initially, connecting on their first shot of the game and sinking one out of their next three. After taking their only lead of the game to go up 5-4, the Hornets offense ran cold,

with Milton stringing together several defensive stops, only allowing one more made basket in the quarter.

The Hornets found their rhythm slowly but weren’t able to keep pace with Milton in the second half.

Receiving far fewer whistles than the Eagles, the Hornets sank every free throw to maximize the scoring opportunities they did get.

Roswell head coach DJ Moore said starting two freshman guards and losing his two main playmakers from last year has been an up and down process, but he has been pleased with the progress.

“We’re growing every day,” he said. “I’m looking more for a late-season run. That light will click any moment, and when that light clicks, it’s gonna be hard to beat us.”

In the boys game, Milton got out to an early 7-4 lead in the first quarter before a 14-3 Roswell run took hold to close out

the frame with the Hornets ahead, 18-10. Roswell held on to the lead down the stretch while Milton’s momentum slowly built.

Milton forward Niko Bratton posted his second straight 30-point game with 30 points and 17 rebounds, his efforts keeping the Eagles within striking distance in the first half.

He told Appen Media that while coming off a two-game losing streak with a 64-48 win over Seckinger Jan. 13, the losses to region foes Gainesville and Johns Creek earlier this month were a major source of fuel for his team.

Bratton said beating a motivated Roswell team required a toughness that coaches have been instilling. He brought a year of experience matching up with the Hornets to help the underclassmanheavy Eagles.

“It starts with the little things,” he said. “We took time, and it took bonding

… we trust each other and just found the right pieces. I’m proud of the team, we just put our heads down and got to work.”

Bratton ran the pace in the first half, responding to “overrated” chants from Roswell’s student section with lockdown defense and dominant drives on the other end.

He had a big momentum swing at the end of the first half, successfully defending a dunk attempt, then commanding the offense to chip away at the deficit.

The game was tighter after the break, with the lead never exceeding 8 points. The fourth quarter turned into a shootout, the highest-scoring frame for both teams.

In the second half, Milton newcomer Jackson Harrison – who transferred this season from Scottsdale, Arizona – led the charge with 16 of his 21 points coming in the last two quarters.

In the end, Milton’s momentum continued, while the Hornets peaked too early. The Eagles closed the game out with a 6-2 run, final score 67-60.

Milton head coach Allen Whitehart said earlier region games prepared his team to put up a strong finish against the Hornets.

“In this region, nobody’s got an easy night,” he said. “We’ve had some losses where I thought teams out-tough’ed us, but I thought tonight we were the tougher team, especially when it counted. We made the plays when it counted, and that’s kudos to those kids for locking in and listening.”

Roswell head coach Ty Phillips said hydration would be a priority before the Hornets’ next game against his brother, Seckinger’s head coach Greg Phillips. In the fourth quarter, Roswell’s rotation was hampered when two players west down with leg cramps.

Ty said freshman Chase Jackson was diligently watching this game last year, which ended in a close Eagles win in overtime. The live film study paid off, as Jackson led the Hornets with a careerhigh 32 points.

Basketball is a family affair, as Ty’s son Trey made his return to Roswell’s starting lineup after a chin injury that took him out for a week.

Ty told Appen Media that execution is at the forefront of his mind in preparation for the upcoming region tournament.

“Proud of my kids for fighting, I’m really proud of the effort,” he said. “We have played a brutal schedule, nine of our 11 losses are to teams ranked nationally or in the state. But we have gotta learn how to execute and finish better down the stretch.”

March:

from Page 1

Temperatures in the 30s did little to discourage the crowd, who made the 1-mile walk past streets cordoned off by police to First Baptist Church of Alpharetta.

The event was about remembering King’s mission of breaking down barriers and unifying America, Williams said. But it also was about looking toward the future and the work yet to be done, he said.

“There’s a lot of division, and I think today helps,” Williams said. “I believe that we can change the world, one act at a time, one event at a time, one person at a time.”

Organized in 1867 as the Alpharetta Colored Methodist Church, St. James has found allies within the city, Williams said. Those relationships are crucial to the church’s mission of bettering Alpharetta.

“We have our finger on the pulse of everything that’s going on in the city,” Williams said. “The thing about our church is that we are working towards change. It’s not just a change on Sunday. It’s what we do outside of church.”

Numerous public officials stood with the marchers, including Mayor Jim Gilvin, who offered an address praising the church and its role in promoting unity.

“St James is an anchor to our community and to our faith community specifically,” Gilvin said during the walk. “Our entire community now is based on tremendous diversity,”

That celebration of diversity was not always the case in Alpharetta and is all more the reason why it must be recognized today, the mayor said.

Request:

Continued from Page 1

The other 80 percent already receives water from Fulton County.

In October 2020, Roswell’s water treatment plant lost power for three days, and the utility had to purchase nearly $12,000 worth of water from Fulton County.

“If we would’ve had a standby generator, that would have been avoided,” Watson said.

The contract will come before the City Council for a formal vote in the coming weeks. The Committees of Council serves as a work session for council members to discuss items before they are brought before the City Council for formal vote.

In other matters, council members reached consensus on approving Garrison Hill subdivision’s request to join public water utilities.

Tomika Bacon, president North Fulton Area Section of the National Council of Negro Women, said she, too, was optimistic about the future as she walked.

“It’s important to continue to

Since Roswell adopted a private to public policy for water systems in 2015, two subdivisions have transferred their water system to the city. The homeowner’s association (HOA) at Garrison Hill asked the city to take over its water for the first time in 2019 and again in 2025.

Staff expect to break even on water meter purchases and the nearly $19,000 in infrastructure improvements. The Garrison Hill HOA will reimburse Roswell for the improvements, and individual homeowners will purchase meters from the Roswell Water Utility for $2,000 each.

Councilwoman Eren Brumley asked why Roswell would be taking over the subdivision’s water system as opposed to Fulton County. Watson said it’s because the Water Utility already provides service to its main meter, putting the neighborhood in the city’s footprint.

As of July 2025, residents served by the Roswell Water Utility pay a base

remember the legacy and the work, but also to paint the picture for the next generation of our leaders,” she said. “It’s awesome seeing all the young people here.”

Those young people stand on the

rate of $10.35 each month for a water meter measuring between 5/8 inch–3/4 inch. Water rates are tiered with from 0 to 5,000 gallons adding $5.60 to the monthly bill.

In Fulton County, residents are billed bi-monthly with a base charge of $11.25 each bill plus usage rates. The county has three tiers with additional charges varying based on a customer’s water usage.

Last year, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved an annual 5 percent increase to water and sewer rates through 2027. Service recipients saw a 51-cent increase to their base water and sewer rates this year.

If the construction contract is approved, staff expects construction to begin by March.

The City Council also advanced two text amendments relating to data centers for addition to Roswell’s Unified Development Code. This follows the City Council’s vote Jan. 12 to implement a

shoulders of community advocates who came before and carry the torch of progress into the future, she said.

“We need to continue to think about new ways that we can continue to keep his legacy alive,” she said. “From helping the homeless to ensuring people have food security, there’s just so many ways that we can continue.”

Andre Thomas, Alpharetta resident and longtime church member, said he agrees much work is yet to be done.

“Even in today’s world, in 2026, there’s still injustice. There are still people who are marginalized. There are still people who are forgotten,” he said. “We want to make sure that those people have a voice.”

He viewed the march and holiday as a way of reminding the community what King stood for.

“We want to help celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Thomas said. “He stood for equality, justice for all. We don’t want that to be forgotten.”

temporary moratorium on data centers through April 12.

The first amendment defines “computer or data processing” and “data and digital storage center.” The other text amendment proposes excluding data and storage centers and trailer storage from qualifying as warehouse and distribution centers within the code.

If approved, these terms would be the first in the zoning code pertaining to data centers. Planning and Zoning Director Jeannie Peyton said the current code allows for misinterpretation or legal loopholes developers could take advantage of.

The development code’s definition of an office currently allows for computer or data processing centers. Without defining these and data centers themselves, Peyton said the code had a gaping hole.

All items will proceed to the City Council for a first reading during its Jan. 26 meeting at 7 p.m.

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Can shingles shots lower the risk of Alzheimer’s?

As researchers continue to search for the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, herpes viruses remain prime suspects. The herpes family of viruses includes herpes simplex 1 (HSV - the cause of cold sores) and varicella zoster virus (VZV – the cause of both chicken pox and shingles). Both HSV and VZV cause inflammation and, in some cases, cell death. They both have been known to cause brain infections (encephalitis) and thus it stands to reason that these viruses might increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Moreover, herpes viruses are with us for life. A lifelong infection that can cause inflammation in the brain… seems like an excellent candidate for causing at least some cases of dementia. Researchers speculated that herpes viruses might be a cause of the famous “amyloid” protein found to build up in Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, proving that these viruses cause dementia has been challenging. Every few years, conflicting studies come out that strengthen then weaken the evidence of an association between HSV, VZV and dementia. Most studies have been retrospective cohort studies meaning the study looks back at a group of patients and sees whether the group that developed dementia was also more likely to have been diagnosed with herpes or shingles. Cohort studies are not as effective at proving associations as randomized controlled trials, but large controlled trials are expensive and challenging to perform. No definitive randomized trial to answer the question has been carried out.

However, the next best thing to a randomized controlled trial happened in Wales, where results of a vaccination policy provided surprising insights. On September 1st, 2013, the country of Wales began a vaccination program that made people aged 79 years old eligible to receive the shingles vaccine. Those already 80 years old were ineligible. Every year, those who turned 79 became eligible as well. Researchers assumed that there should be very little difference between those who were barely still 79 and received the vaccine and those who were 80 and barely missed the cut-off. What they found was that those who received the shingles vaccine were about 20% less likely to develop

dementia than were the unvaccinated. Just as exciting, those who were already diagnosed with mild dementia or “mild cognitive impairment” were less likely to suffer disease progression and die from dementia (as recorded on death certificates) than were the unvaccinated.

Interestingly, even some past studies that seemed to not find a link between herpes viruses and dementia identified subgroups that suggest an association. For example, one study found that a diagnosis of shingles itself wasn’t a risk factor for dementia, but a diagnosis of shingles involving the eye or the tissue around the eye (herpes ophthalmicus) was associated with an approximately 6 fold increase in dementia incidence. This makes sense because many times the shingles virus reemerges in a nerve that goes to the arm, the leg, the chest, the belly or the back. Presumably, in these cases, the virus is primarily living in nerves near the spine and not in the brain. In contrast, shingles in and around the eye indicates infection of a cranial nerve – a nerve with a direct link to the brain. The shingles virus is the only human virus conclusively known to replicate in cerebral arteries and to be able to cause diseases of blood vessels that supply the brain. Researchers speculated that herpes virus in a cranial nerve might cause diseased blood vessels leading to dementia.

Whether herpes viruses infect brain cells and contribute to Alheimer’s disease protein “amyloid” or whether the viruses indirectly cause dementia by damaging blood vessels, the takeaway seems to be that herpes viruses do play a role in at least some cases of dementia given that vaccination is sometimes preventative. If you are interested in lowering your risk of shingles, your internist or family physician is the most likely doctor to offer a shingles vaccine. Your dermatologist will often assist with managing “cold sores” (herpes simplex), shingles outbreaks and some of their complications, while an emergency visit to the ER or an ophthalmologist is needed if you suspect you have shingles in or around the eye. Even those who have received a vaccine can sometimes suffer an attack of shingles, and early treatment with oral antiviral pills can greatly improve one’s chances of a good outcome.

Happy Birthday 1961!

Brought to you by - SeniorSource

A new year has arrived and that means a new group of Americans, about 4.1 million this year, will be celebrating their 65th Birthday! That also means they’ll be qualifying for Medicare.

Becoming eligible for Medicare is a milestone that should be celebrated!

Ever since you started working, you have paid a large chunk of your annual Federal taxes to this cause. Now it’s time to reap the reward of great health insurance via Medicare.

Still working? If you already have great health insurance through your employer and will keep working, you may want to stay on that coverage instead of joining Medicare. Definitely check with your employer’s HR Department or benefits person to verify whether you are allowed to stay on the employer coverage once you reach age 65.

If you have individual health insurance coverage, you will be required to join Medicare at age 65 in order to have health insurance.

Ready to enroll into Medicare?

Independent agents, like SeniorSouce, assist consumers in finding Medicare insurance that helps fill the gaps that Medicare does not pay. Before we can help,

you will need to enroll into Medicare via the Social Security Administration website at SSA.gov, enroll via a phone appointment with Social Security, or pay a scheduled visit to your local Social Security Office (pack your lunch).

Don’t miss your window to enroll into Medicare!

You have a 7-month window to join Medicare at age 65. This window is 3-months prior to your birthday month, the month of your birthday, and 3-months after. For those older than age 65 and leaving employer insurance, your time frame can be shorter depending on the Medicare insurance plan you are choosing.

Check with an independent insurance professional, like SeniorSource, as your specific situation might be different from the general guidance above.

I wish each of you readers a happy and healthy new year! Eat healthy and stay active, and hopefully you won’t have to use your health insurance as much in 2026.

If you are turning 65, leaving group health insurance, moving to a new location, or any other reason that requires choosing a new Medicare insurance plan, we are your source! Give us a call today at (770) 913-6464 or reach out to us on our website at SeniorSourceMedicare.com/ contact-seniorsource.

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A Walk for Peace brings new mindfulness

When 19 Buddhist monks departed from the Huong Dao Buddhist Temple in Fort Worth, Texas, on Oct. 26, 2025 on a historic Walk for Peace across 10 states to Washington DC, they knew there would be some unique challenges. They also believed deeply that the walk would inspire many people to have greater awareness of “peace, loving kindness and compassion.” Both results came to pass as thousands of people in Georgia and other states have reached out to the monks on their 120-day, 2,300-mile journey.

Buddhist monks have a long global history of walking for peace, but the 2025-2026 walk from Texas to Washington D.C. is the first large scale U.S. peace walk.

The monks have been hiking at a quick pace through towns and on rural highways, stopping only for meals and overnight hospitality. They mingled with hundreds and sometimes thousands of local residents and people who traveled long distances to meet them and to listen to short evening lectures. Being in the presence of the monks has been for virtually everyone a deeply meaningful, sometimes lifechanging experience.

Accompanying the monks is their faithful dog Aloka the Peace Dog. Aloka, who has a natural heart shaped mark on his forehead, was once a stray who followed a group of monks for 100 days on a peace walk across India that included the current March for Peace leader Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakara. Aloka is about 4 years old and has his own Facebook page, “Aloka the Peace Dog,” with about 560,000 followers. The monks often stop briefly to allow children to pet the always calm Aloka.

But the walk has not been without problems.

One monk, Bhante Dam Phommasan was seriously injured by a car near Houston on Nov. 19. He underwent surgery to amputate a leg on Dec. 3. When he was able, he flew to Atlanta and continued his recovery at the Wat Buddha Khanti Lao Buddhist temple in Snellville, his home temple. He reunited with the traveling group when they arrived at the temple after passing through

STEVE COLQUITT/PROVIDED

Bhikkhu Paññakara leads the group of monks on their Walk for Peace on Jan. 4 in Oglethorpe County. Note that Bhikkhu Paññakara is wearing only socks. The monk behind him is walking barefoot with tape and bandages on his feet. Some monks wear sandals or sneakers. Foot and calf problems are common on the walk. The monks are presently scheduled to arrive at the U.S. Capitol in Washington in mid-February.

Atlanta in late December. His return was symbolic and described as emotional and a symbol of resilience and acceptance. He has not returned to walking.

Some of the monks have suffered serious foot problems. After two months of continuous walking on roads, some hot, wet, irregular and rough, a number of the monks had serious foot problems. During their stop in Morrow, just south of Atlanta, Grady Health staff treated the monks’ sores, calluses, blisters and aching leg muscles. Many monks walk without shoes. Their training probably reduced the severity of injuries. They were used to daily walking meditation, minimal footwear and mental discipline that helped control pain and discomfort. Medical services from other counties also provide assistance.

The monks create a major impact wherever they go. They spent the night of Jan. 3 at the Oak Ridge Lodge, a popular event facility in Arnoldsville,

a rural Georgia town of some 500 inhabitants near Athens. It was the monks 70th day on the road. Wingate Downs, owner of the lodge, says more than 500 people came to hear the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakara speak that night.

“I was struck by how quiet and respectful the public was. I loved seeing how reverent they were with their hands on their hearts or in prayer positions,” says Wingate.

The monks wanted to sleep on the floor wrapped in the blankets they carried with them.

Alpharetta residents Mike Buchanan and his girlfriend Deborah Eves waited on the side of a rural road for the Walk for Peace to pass by. Gradually, a large crowd gathered, eager to see and be inspired by the monks.

“Strangers became friends as we all waited,” says Mike.

Mike reported that the experience made people feel part of something

residents

Eves and

found out how to locate the Walk for Peace via live updates of its location online. It was a very emotional experience that neither will forget.

bigger than ourselves.

He said, “People realized that if these guys can do what they are doing, it should be easy for us to be a little bit better -- to heal ourselves while helping others.”

Deborah commented, “This event was different from anything I have ever experienced. A common purpose and outlook was shared among strangers. A monk handed me a flower as they quickly walked by.”

The walkers spent the night at a farm. In his speech that evening the Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakara spoke about mindfulness and how people should treat each other. Mike summed up the experience by saying “none of us were the same people that night that we were in the morning.”

To track the Walk for Peace or for instructions on how to experience their journey in person go to Facebook Walk for Peace.

Bob is a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission and Director Emeritus of the Milton Historical Society. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

MOVIES

1. Female relation. ‘75 Richard Dreyfuss horror flick. Nap.

2. Climbing vine. Hitchcock title. Can’t stand.

3. Monthly expense. Highchair part. 2009 Sam Worthington fantasy. 4. Chess piece. Demi Moore fantasy. No-no.

5. William H. Macy comedy. Mouth piece. It might be wild.

6. Bad to the bone. Closet type. ‘66 Michael Caine comedy.

7. Vociferate. Stalone boxing flick. Also-ran.

1 Female relation. ‘75 Richard Dreyfuss horror flick. Nap.

2. Climbing vine. Hitchcock title. Can’t stand.

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 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 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!

3. Monthly expense. Highchair part. 2009 Sam Worthington fantasy.

4. Chess piece. Demi Moore fantasy. No 5. William H. Macy comedy. Mouth piece. It might be wild.

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9. 3 8 96 6 5 3 8 92 4 2 46 93

Bad to the bone. Closet type. ‘66 Michael Caine comedy

Vociferate Stalone boxing flick. Also-ran.

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

How to Solve: Kakuro, also known as Cross Sums, is a challenging number puzzle, solved in a crossword style grid. The rules are easy: A number above the diagonal line in a 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.

Now may be the start of new normal in labor

RAY APPEN Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmedia.com

Anyone interested in a crystal ball into the future may have just found it. One of the few talking heads that I follow is a guy named Peter Zeihan. Peter is a demographer, an author, and a geopolitical analyst. Every weekday he sends out an email that links to his (typically) 5-minute YouTube commentary on current events ranging from financial, to geopolitical, to social and political subjects.

He is not an advocate for the left or the right. In fact, he has a very low opinion of Obama’s presidency as well as Trump’s. He also says that the numbers for electric vehicles simply do not make sense – that they contribute more to the environmental degradation than the alternatives –and that the U.S. cannot afford not to continue burning fossil fuels to meet our immediate and mid-term energy needs – as dark and forbidding as that sounds. He simply takes a hard and educated look at the numbers, especially population trends and history – which often provides critical context. Then, he gives you his opinion of what those numbers suggest and why you should care.

Population trends are one of his principal markers for what the future looks like – big picture. The larger the workforce, the more goods and services are produced and consumed. More people getting a paycheck means more people spending money. The more money that is being spent, the more credit is available in the system, and vice versa.

People in the workforce – generally those ages 18-65 – drive consumption. They are getting married, making babies, buying houses and cars and more. That is, they are making money and spending it. Then they retire and their consumption falls off the cliff. They save. They become more frugal. They consume much less. Instead of paying into the Social Security system including Medicare and Medicaid, they begin withdrawing from it, leaving those still working to support it.

The problem, as Peter says, is those 65 and over – as a percent of the population – is rapidly increasing in most countries, while the percent under the age of 65 – those paying into Social Security – is shrinking.

Here is a comparison of the number of retired people per 100 working-age adults in 2000 and 2050 across seven major countries

Data provided by ChatGPT.

Japan is forecast to experience massive stress on its economic system by 2050. A retiree is projected to be supported by only 1.3 workers, and the country is expected to experience a projected net loss of 25 million workers (compared to the workforce in 2000). Tremendous stress occurs on pensions, health care and the labor pool. Germany and China are close behind with 2 workers per 1 retiree by 2050. Germany, China and Russia all face critical declines in both share and absolute working-age population through 2050.

The U.S. and Canada numbers look better. The U.S. is expected to realize a net increase of 50 million working-age individuals by 2050 from the year 2000 labor pool of 188 million. Mexico’s net working-age numbers are projected to add approximately 40 million – a huge percentage gain from the year 2000 base of 63 million and will be in the best shape of all with 1 retiree per 3-4 workers in 2050. This could have a huge economic upside if jobs and productivity grow. Of note, Mexico is the only western country projected to realize a net percentage increase in the workforce relative to total population by 2050.

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Projected total population change from the year 2000 to projected 2050 for select countries is as follows: U.S.: +35%; Mexico: +50%; Canada: + 29%; China: 0%; Germany -13%; Japan: - 17%.

Note, when there is no absolute growth in total population – or a loss –and that is combined with an increasing aging population, economic viability and GDP growth is increasingly less viable.

Fertility rates, morbidity rates and immigration are core drivers of population growth in general.

Having fun exploring the story behind flower names

In the spring and summer, we are especially busy in our gardens, loving the beauty and fragrance of many familiar flowers while the bees and butterflies fly about as we work. Winter is a time of anticipated relaxation for gardeners, usually spent planning next year’s garden, often with the help of gardening books. One I recently discovered discusses the common names we use for plants, rather than their often complex and hard to remember Latin names. How did some of those names come to be used? For fun, here are a few:

Dogwood (Cornus) – This is a familiar tree whose flowering beauty is striking every spring. But, what does it have to do with dogs? Most likely this naming has to do with the hardness of the wood. There is an old English word, “dagwood.” Slender stems of the tree’s hardwood were used for “dags” (daggers, skewers and arrows). Sometime in the early 1600s, dagwood was changed to dogwood as language developed.

Bee balm (Monarda) – Sounds like a balm for the bees themselves, but if you notice, this plant does not attract bees. Hummingbirds, yes. There is a resin derived from the plant which can be used for soothing bee stings. Therefore, the balm is really for you!

Foxglove (Digitalis) – Foxglove’s spire of blooms is tall and pointed, very finger-like, thus the proper name of Digitalis. The common name of foxglove comes from this delightful story: a fox was having a hard time sneaking into the henhouse to grab a quick meal. A hint from the naughty fairies was to slip his paws into the glove-like blooms of the plant so he could silently sneak up on the chickens. If you look into the flowers, you will see the fox’s paw prints.

Forget-me-not (Myosotis) – There are many stories about how this little blue flower got its name. In every story, a lover trying to cross a river to reach his sweetheart gets swept away by the current but manages to grasp some flowers on the bank to throw to her as he calls out, “Forget me not!”

Naked ladies (Lycoris) – This lily-like flower grows from a bulb, but by the time the stalk and flower appear, the leaves at the base have disappeared and seem a bit “undressed.” I have also heard them

Pictured are forget-me-nots at the top, foxglove on the bottom left, St. John’s wort on the middle right, and Impatiens on the lower right.

called surprise lilies, as no leaves were there to announce their arrival.

Obedient plant (Physostegia) –This is a beautiful native plant, but obedient it is not. I planted it only once. After it spread aggressively, I ended up having to remove it, as it threatened to take over the flower bed. But on the spike of the plentiful and lovely blooms, if you push a single flower to the side, it will stay there. Therefore, it is obedient—a little bit!

Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) – This common native plant does have a striking look with red stems and purple berries that birds love to eat but then leave

purple “deposits” on your car or elsewhere. The berries are poisonous to mammals, and pokeweed can cause severe dermatitis. Surprisingly, the boiled young leaves are supposedly quite tasty and were often eaten in the rural South and known as poke salet. In the 1960,s there was a popular ballad called “Poke Salad Annie” about a poor rural southern girl who gathered the leaves for salad. Maybe it’s pokeweed because it aggressively pokes its nose up through the soil everywhere!

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) – These beautiful, shadeloving plants are popular in gardens

About the author

This week’s guest “Garden Buzz” columnist is Roswell resident, Dianne Short. Dianne has been a Master Gardener for 22 years, taking her initial training in Virginia. In 2013, she moved to Roswell to be near grandchildren and affiliated with the North Fulton Master Gardeners. Dianne is a retired school social work specialist. Her interests are organic gardening; native plants; and attracting birds, bees, and butterflies to her garden.

for their color and abundant flowers. If you look closely for the seed pods, gently hold one between your fingers and give a small squeeze. The seeds will explode outward, as if impatient to get out and spread, which they do generously. They come back every year in my garden. In the United Kingdom they are known as Busy Lizzies as they are always about the business of spreading.

St John’s wort (Hypericum) –“Wort” is an archaic word meaning plant or herb. This herb has a calming influence when ingested and was often carried by missionaries due to great regard for St. John the Baptist. It also comes into flower around June 23, which is St. John’s Day, which may also account for its common name.

Learning about these common names gave me a new perspective on some old plants. Keep in mind the reason they have botanical (Greek or Latin) names is because the same plant can be called different things in different parts of the world, emphasizing the global nature of horticulture and our shared common interests across the globe.

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://appenmedia.com/opinion/ columists/garden buzz/.

Mark your calendar for next year’s Garden Faire: April 11, 2026.

T:\ADS_2026\City of Roswell Legals\ Comm-Dev

Labor:

Continued from Page 17

All this matters because GDP growth falls when the labor pool shrinks – in relative and absolute terms; the tax base narrows with increasing retired cohort; and pension and healthcare costs grow faster than the revenue to support it.

Overview: North America is comparatively the strongest demographic position going forward worldwide. Mexico and Canada add significantly to this favorable position. We should consider this as we make policy decisions in the future.

East Asia and Europe face significant structural headwinds, and China is in the worst shape of all.

The future looks bright for us through mid-century and probably past. This should be the “Northern Hemisphere century” – if the present administration

doesn’t blow it. Find out more about the future! Peter Zeihan’s “The End of the World is just the Beginning” offers a fascinating overview of what may be in store for us. If he is only right even half of the time, what a century we have in front of us!

AAPPEN PRESSCLU

PLACE: ROSWELL CITY HALL

38 HILL STREET, SUITE 215

DATE & TIME: FEBRUARY 5, 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE: APPLICATION FOR: Full Pouring/Liquor, Beer, Wine/ Sunday Sales

APPLICANT: Katelyn Johnson

BUSINESS NAME: Taste Buds Kitchen Alpharetta

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 2612 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, GA 30022

City of Roswell Notice of Public Hearing

Place: Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Ste. 215

Date & Time: 10:00am, February 5th, 2026

Purpose: Consumption on the Premises, Full w/Sunday Sales

Applicant: Freddy G Pena Castillo/ Mr. Churro LLC

Business Name: Pico e Gallo Mr. Churro

Business Address: 1585 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Ste. 200, Roswell, GA 30076

DEATH NOTICES

Cynthia Bratton, age 78, of Roswell, GA passed away on January 10, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Ann Gephart, age 89, of Johns Creek, GA passed away on January 8, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Kincaid, age 75, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 6, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

William Mack, age 93, of Roswell, GA passed away on January 10, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Randy Knighton City Administrator Mary Robichaux Mayor

City of Roswell Notice of Public Hearing

The following items will be heard at a public hearing held by the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026, 6:00 PM, at Roswell City Hall, Council Chambers, 38 Hill Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075.

a. ZHPC-1225-000010 – 1028 Canton Street

The applicant, Aliza Gray/Table & Main, is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for a commercial rear addition; Land Lot 387.

b. ZHPC-0126-000003 – 1076 Canton Street

The applicant, Marcus Mello/The 1076 Club, is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness for alteration in the shoring process; Land Lot 387.

The complete file is available for public view at the Roswell Planning & Zoning Office, 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, GA, (770) 817-6720 or planningandzoning@roswellgov.com.

Refer to www.roswellgov.com.

Charles MacWilliams, Jr., age 95, of Roswell, GA passed away on January 5, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Karen Miller, age 79, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 6, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Morris Moore, age 83, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 8, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marilyn Roe, age 74, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 6, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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Donor Operations Supervisor

The Donor Operations Supervisor (Full-time) The Donor Operations Supervisor manages the donation door process and delegates tasks to staff, volunteers, and community service workers. As the face of NFCC, they provide excellent customer service while greeting donors and ensuring donations are properly removed from vehicles and sorted in designated areas. They are responsible for maintaining the security of merchandise and keeping all areas clean and organized.

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If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume to jobs@nfcchelp.org

Sr. ERP Manager sought by an IT service & solutions co. located in Duluth, GA. Reqs min. Bach’s deg in Electronics Engg, Comp Engg, IT, or a rltd field AND 5 yrs of progressive, post-baccalaureate exp in ERP system mgmt. Send resume to: SK AX USA Inc., (formerly SK C&C USA Inc.) @ 2055 Sugarloaf Circle, Ste 500, Duluth, GA 30097. (Work site: 1110 Sanctuary Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009).

Public Relations Specialist (Alpharetta, GA) Dvlp & implmnt strat PR campaigns to enhance brand awareness & reputation. Reqs Bachelor’s deg or foreign equiv in Public Relations, Comm, or a closely rltd field; 2 yrs exp in job, as Front Desk Agent, or rltd occupation; 2 yrs concurrent exp in customer comm, customer svc, mngng prod features, svcs, & special promos. Send resume to Caitlin O’Neal Heisey, Gibson Landscape Services, LLC, 11395 Old Roswell Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Lead System Engineering needed by AT&T Services, Inc., in Alpharetta, GA to design scalable, highperformance, and reliable system architectures and platforms with complex interdependencies. Apply at http://att.jobs/, select JOB SEARCH and APPLY and select Search by Requisition Number at the left bottom of the page and enter Job Number: R-92542.

Sawnee EMC is seeking a Coordinator, General Accounting to oversee and supervise the Bookkeeping and General Accounting staff. This position will verify, allocate, and post details of business transactions, authorize, and execute cash/wire transfers for payments; assist in creating reports, analyzing ledger accounts, and maintaining subsidiary records. Requires: a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years related experience and/or training in an accounting/ bookkeeping to include a minimum of two (2) years’ experience as a supervisor or manager in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, January 30, 2026. Apply online: www. sawnee.coop/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Protected Veterans. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

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Cumming, GA & various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S.: Invlv in STLC. Autmt & optmz test cases for Mobile Apps, ensrng rbst functnlty for both iOS & Android pltfrms. Create & mntn rusbl test autmtn frmwrks. Dsgn cmprhnsv Autmtn Test Plans & Strtgs algnd w/Prjct Rqmts. Cndct Sys, Intgrtn, Cross-Brwsr Testing & UAT. Test code in AWS CI/CD Pplns & mntr prfrmnc. Autmt end-to-end web App Test scnros u/Rest Assured & Selenium frmwrks. Mnge test scripts & RTM for cmprhnsv bug trckng & rprtng. Create burndown charts & prvd daily progress rpts. Skills Req’d: AWS, Json, Soap, Rest API, Oracle, SQL, Selenium, TestRail, Postman, HP ALM & Jira. Bachelor’s in Sci, Tech, or Engg (any) w/5 yrs exp in job off,d or rltd occup is req’d. Mail CV: HR., Mission IT Consulting, LLC., contact@missionitc.com.

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Ent. Lvl to Sr Lvl. SaFe Product Mngrs. are needed for our Alpharetta, GA office. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Soft Snippets Inc. at 1051 Cambridge Sq., Ste. C, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Process Engineer (Syensqo Specialty Polymers USA, LLC / Alpharetta, GA) – Develop & improve manufacturing processes for the company’s portfolio of specialty polymer products; optimize process designs & industrial roadmap, reshoot process problems, & implement safe, cost-effective process improvement. Reqs Master’s in Chemical Engrng, Manufacturing Engrng, or clsly relatd field & 1 year exp in job offrd or as Research Assistant, Process Engrng Intern, or in simlr positn(s) in academic research or the chemical manufacturing industry. Bkgrd in educ, trainng, or exp must incld a strong technicl bkgrd in chemical engrng; knwledge w/ stats & relatd computer softwre; knowledge of mass & energy balances; exp in flow sheet preparatn & design/specificatn of chemical process equipmnt; knwledge of Matlab/Scilab; exp w/ Microsoft apps. Resp to sian.weekley@syensqo.com; ref job title #0638 in subjct line.

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