Johns Creek Herald - January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026 | AppenMedia.com

Fulton County organization counts number of homeless

Volunteers aid

By AMRITHA ALLADI JOSEPH newsroom@appenmedia.com

needy ahead of ice storm

outdoors, scanning parking lots, ready to serve hot meals to the unhoused.

ROSWELL, Ga. — On the eve of a winter storm expected to ice power lines and roads, volunteers donning coats and beanies waited

Their mission: To get an accurate count of Fulton County’s homeless population by offering them warm meals, toiletry kits and blankets.

The annual Point-In-Time survey of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness is underway in Fulton County. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires federally funded Continuums of Care (CoC) to survey people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The Fulton County

JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA

Ric Skees stands by one of his watercolor paintings at his exhibit at the Johns Creek Arts Center Jan. 23.

CoC represents a network of service providers and government agencies committed to ending homelessness across the county. It excludes the city of Atlanta. Last year, the county identified 241 homeless individuals. More than 40 percent were unsheltered.

See SURVEY, Page 21

Retired architect turns focus to art

By JON WILCOX | jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Twenty years ago, Ric Skees was captivated by the color of the rising sun.

“It’s hard to explain,” Skees said.

A successful architect at the time, Skees had little experience as an artist, but the then-Charlotte, N.C., resident felt something compelling him to paint. Working in his kitchen, Skees suddenly found himself spending mornings capturing the mesmerizing orange hue and replicating it with paint.

“I would go light blue, dark blue in the sky, and build down to this peach color in the sunrise, and then put the trees in,” Skees said. “It was just a connection.”

That inexplicable experience led Skees on an artistic journey, shifting his focus from designing buildings to pottery, photography and paint.

Now a Johns Creek resident, his work is on display at the Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road, Building 700, in January. The exhibit features a broad sample of his body of work, 40 paintings, 40 pieces of pottery and countless photographs.

It’s only apt that his works should be featured at the Arts Center. A self-described lifelong student, the Johns Creek artist spends several days each week taking classes there in pursuit of perfecting his craft.

See SKEES, Page 20

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Woman cited for DUI after crash at police stop

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — An Alpharetta woman was arrested on a driving under the influence charge after her SUV crashed into an Alpharetta police traffic stop Jan. 17, damaging two patrol vehicles, police said.

Alpharetta police said two officers were conducting the traffic stop on northbound Ga. 400 at the Haynes Bridge Road off-ramp about 1:41 a.m. An SUV driven by the 45-year-old woman allegedly struck an unoccupied patrol vehicle with her vehicle.

The collision pushed the patrol vehicle into a second police vehicle. That vehicle was occupied by a 39-year-old officer, a woman who was present for a ride-along and Axel, a K-9 in the rear compartment.

Another officer was standing

at the front-passenger-side tire of the occupied patrol vehicle. The officers, woman and K-9 were not injured in the crash.

The occupants of another vehicle stopped earlier by police – a 21-year-old Palmetto man and 19-year-old Fairburn woman – were standing near the occupied police vehicle. The impact threw the man onto the pavement. The woman said the impact left her with arm pain.

A 28-year-old witness said he saw the SUV drive straight into the back of the rear-most patrol vehicle. That patrol vehicle sustained severe damage and was disabled. The occupied patrol vehicle sustained damage to its rear bumper and lift gate.

Officers arrested the SUV driver, taking her to a nearby hospital before transferring her to the Alpharetta Detention Center. She was not injured, police said.

Johns Creek lines up events for 2026

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — From holiday gatherings to outdoor concerts, the City of Johns Creek is welcoming a new community space with a year jam packed with public events.

The year will mark the completion of the The Boardwalk at Town Center, which city officials describe as a recreational and community anchor point.

Construction of the $39 million The Boardwalk is slated for completion in the summer. Located behind City Hall, the project includes an outdoor amphitheater, pond overlooks, pedestrian plazas, trails through wetlands and terraced seating.

Events in Johns Creek hold a special importance for the community as gathering points allowing neighbors

and families to mingle, said Stephanie Donaldson, executive director of Johns Creek’s The Arts Center.

The Arts Center frequently attends events in the city, often hosting a tent to provide children with art activities.

“These events really bring together the community, a community that's a celebration of all the diverse groups of people,” she said.

They also serve as an essential way for the city’s many cultures to celebrate one another, she said.

“It is people from all walks of life coming to the Lunar New Year festival or to the Diwali festival or Juneteenth,” Donaldson said. “I love that because we're learning about everybody else's customs and becoming a more involved community with each other”

See EVENTS, Page 17

Blessed Trinity’s Spak covers sports spectrum

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — With a busy fall semester over, Blessed Trinity senior and four-sport athlete Addie Spak had some time recently to reflect on her young career.

Holding varsity letters in softball, flag football, basketball and lacrosse and being named to the all-region team in all four, Addie said October is jam-packed with basketball tryouts kicking up, more frequent games in flag football and softball playoffs.

When not on a field or court, she enjoys crosswords and other puzzles and brain games.

She maintains above a 4.0 GPA.

Addie’s parents Beth and Ryan say she developed strong time-management habits at a young age thanks to the same determination that has carried her athletic career.

Ryan said her athleticism stretches back to when she rolled over while getting weighed immediately after being born. He said her balance has always been remarkable, along with a persevering and easygoing attitude that never allowed her to feel frustrated by failure, just inspired to try again.

Beth and Ryan met as students at St.

Pius X High School and graduated in 1996, Ryan a football player and Beth a threesport athlete in softball, basketball and tennis.

Although Beth was a member of the inaugural UGA softball team and left as the program’s all-time leader in hits and stolen bases, Addie grew up playing baseball on a boys team until freshman year of high school.

In sixth grade, Addie picked up softball, doubling up to play softball in the fall and baseball in the spring. It was no surprise. She’s multi-tasked since she was 4 years old.

Addie also played soccer, football and basketball with boys in elementary school. Ryan said one reason she became so confident in who she is, is the support she received from her teammates at a young age.

“Sometimes, when the other team would come onto the field, they would start chirping about there being a girl on the team,” he said of Addie’s baseball experience. “But her teammates were the first ones to stand up for her and tell them that she was a starter and ‘just wait, you’re gonna change your opinion in a minute.’”

See SPAK, Page 18

FEBRUARY

February 2

Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall - 7 p.m.

February 9

City Council Work Session

City Hall - 5 p.m.

City Council Meeting

City Hall - 7 p.m.

February 12

Arts, Cultural, & Entertainment Committee

City Hall - 6:30 p.m.

February 16

Presidents Day

City Offices Closed

February 17

Board of Zoning Appeals

City Hall - 7 p.m.

February 18

Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee

City Hall - 6:30 p.m.

February 21

Lunar New Year Celebration

Heisman Field - 11 a.m.

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

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Northern Ridge announces team of new Eagle Scouts

ALPHARETTA, Ga.— The Northern Ridge Boy Scout District (cities of Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton) is proud to announce its newest Eagle Scouts, who completed their Eagle Board of Review Dec. 30, 2025 at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church.

Top row, from left Joshua Ellis, of Troop 1818, sponsored by the North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center. Joshua’s project was the design and construction of 23 wooden and epoxy mezuzah covers for the sacred mezuzah scroll, while serving as decorative and meaningful pieces for Jewish homes. These Mezuzah covers were shipped to Israel to benefit the people who lost their homes during the war through the Chabad of Eilat.

Emanuel Guzman, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Emanuel’s project was the design and construction of three small stool platforms, a large platform to secure the large training drainage pipe, three sets of barrels fastened together to act as a hiding place for children, replacing the shed door and lock and adding a drainage system to the shed that will also collect rainwater for irrigation purposes for the Alpha Team K9 Search and Rescue team Training Facility, for ATSAR.

Ranjithkumar Loganathan, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church. Ranjithkumar’s project was the design and construction of a seesaw, bench and mulching for the Shiva Durga Temple.

Vishvajith Murugan, of Troop 27, sponsored by the Johns Creek Christian Church. Vishvajith’s project was the design and construction of four benches and mulching a pathway leading to the benches for the Sri Shiva Durga Temple of Atlanta.

Tarun Thalluru, of Troop 2143, sponsored by The American Legion Post 251. Tarun’s project was the

refurbishment of several benches, boardwalk and the design and construction of two new benches for FurKids Animal Hospital.

Bottom row, from left

Ethan Brock, of Troop 430, sponsored by St. David’s Episcopal Church. Ethan’s project was the removal of the old boat racks and the construction of new boat racks, both the single-man and the fourman, for the St. Andrew’s Rowing Club. Ethan also cleared the pathway to the river of overgrowth.

Scott Sadow, of Troop 1818, sponsored by the North Metro office of the Marcus Jewish Community Center. Scott’s project was the design and construction of four benches for Rock Springs Park.

Justin Jern, of Troop 1134, sponsored by St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church. Justin’s project was the design and construction of an outdoor classroom with six wooden benches and a raised wooden panelboard to mount a whiteboard, and shingles on the library box for Jacob’s Ladder and school for special needs students.

Kenneth Lee Withers, of Troop 69, sponsored by Alpharetta Methodist Church. Kenneth’s project was the design and construction of six wooden benches for the outdoor basketball court at Northwestern Middle School.

Puneeth Sreerama, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Puneeth’s project was the design and construction of four two-person benches with armrests, two 6-foot picnic tables and two signboards to guide visitors to place their shoes in the designated shoe storage areas for the Hanuman Mandir.

Rohan K. Dalal, of Troop 2000, sponsored by Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. Rohan’s project was the design and construction of two outdoor benches with a storage section and a balance beam with a colored tile pathway to the beam for children and adults at the Spectrum Autism Support Center.

Marilyn Monroe, photographer bond shapes Cullen’s new historical fiction

By KATHY DES JARDINS CIOFFI newsroom@appenmedia.com

Marilyn Monroe admirers and historical fiction fans alike will find much to fancy in Atlanta author Lynn Cullen’s latest release.

In “When We Were Brilliant,” launched Jan. 20, Cullen doubles down on the fictional biography genre by delving into the unlikely relationship between Monroe and acclaimed documentary photographer Eve Arnold. In Cullen’s tale, the iconic sex symbol literally comes into fresh focus through the lens of her most trusted photographer.

Cullen, the internationally bestselling author of 11 titles, has long blended bygone

Tuesday, Feb. 4, Ashley Jordan discussing “Once Upon a Time in Dollywood,” a Reese’s Book Club Pick. 7 p.m. Book purchase required. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. read-it-again.com.

Thursday, Feb. 5, Finding Your Writing Community, led by author J.M. Tompkins, founder of Speakeasy Authors Community and Creativity Untamed. 6:30 p.m. Free. Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming. forsythpl.org/ event/15245841

Saturday, Feb. 7, Share the Love of Reading family event spotlighting local children’s author Danny Schnitzlein and his book, “Gnu and Shrew,” with free copies for the first 100 families. Presented by Roswell Reads, in partnership with the Roswell Library, Friends of the Roswell Library and Bookmiser, in memory of Roswell Reads volunteer Darla McKenzie and her husband, Michael McKenzie. 10:30 a.m. Free. Roswell Public Library, 115 Norcross St. roswellreads.com

Saturday, Feb. 7, Andre Benjamin, “Ashman Chronicles Volume 2: The Upside of Odd.” 10:30 a.m. Free. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. Poeandcompanybookstore. com.

Saturday, Feb. 7, Lynn Cullen, “When We Were Brilliant,” Galantine’s Day celebration with Mary Kay Andrews. 2 p.m. $24, includes chocolate tasting and light refreshments. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. Also, Thursday, Feb. 12, in conversation with Colleen Oakley at Gwinnett County Public Library-Duluth Branch, with books sold by Johns Creek Books. 6:30 p.m. Free. 3180 Main St., Duluth. lynncullen.com/events/ Thursday, Feb. 12, “Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior” conversation. 6 p.m. Either $27 with book, or $5 admis-

facts with lyrical fiction. But a book about a blond bombshell is a first for the awardwinning author of “Mrs. Poe,” about Edgar Allen Poe’s wife, and “The Woman with the Cure,” concerning the woman who helped eradicate polio.

“The experience of writing this book was like no other for me,” Cullen said. “It felt like Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold were whispering in my ear and it was all I could do to keep up with them.

“These two brilliant women were talking and I was listening, which was an exhausting but exhilarating experience,” Cullen said, noting the end result was similarly satisfying.

“I feel like this is my best book yet, and I'm so eager to share it with readers.”

She will be doing exactly that during a number of engagements, including two listed below with other February author events.

sion only. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. Poeandcompanybookstore.com

Saturday, Feb. 14, Sheila Ray Montgomery, “The Feral Butterfly.” Noon. Free. Read It Again Bookstore, 3630 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 314, Suwanee. read-it-again.com Tuesday, Feb 17, A Novel Idea with authors Josh Wikoff, Catherine Mathis, Shay Rodricks with “Contested Land, Uncontested Truth: The Essential Guide to Israel’s Legitimacy," "Ines: The Queens of Portugal Trilogy" and "The Nightshade" respectively. 7 p.m. Free. Roswell Junction, 340 S. Atlanta St., Roswell. anovelidea.us.

Saturday, Feb. 21, Romance Panel with five local authors. Noon. $25, including bingo, appetizers and drinks. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. poeandcompanybookstore. com/all-events

Monday, Feb. 23, Terah Shelton Harris, “Where the Wildflowers Grow,” presented by Atlanta Authors in partnership with Roswell Roots and Bookmiser. 6 p.m. $21, which includes the book, or $5 general admission. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. bookmiser.net/events.html

Tuesday, Feb. 24, DL Mitchell releasing “Marina Mews: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery.” 5:30 p.m. $24.95 with book, or $5 admission only. Poe & Company Bookstore, 1890 Heritage Walk, Suite P101, Milton. poeandcompanybookstore.com/ all-events

Saturday, Feb. 28, Carolyn Newton Curry exploring “Trudy’s Awakening,” hosted by Bookmiser and Friends of the Sandy Springs Library. 2 p.m. Free. Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs. bookmiser.net/events.html

To submit an author event for the upcoming month, email Kathy Des Jardins Cioffi at kathydesjardins3@gmail.com by the 15th.

Just

Forsyth County clears way for its own straw into Lake Lanier

By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials say a $7,600 easement approved Jan. 8 will jump start one of its largest capital projects in history and allow the county to declare water independence for the first time in decades.

For nearly 40 years, a multistate federal lawsuit has forced the county to source nearly all of its water from a Lake Lanier intake facility owned by the City of Cumming. But, a 2021 U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for the county to access water from the lake.

The easement allows access to a 180-foot-deep wet well shaft to be located on county-owned property adjacent to Tidwell Park on the lake’s eastern side.

This is the first step in an almost $200 million project to create the county’s own water intake facility.

County Manager David McKee said the easement marks the start of a new era in county infrastructure.

“This has been 20 years in the making,” McKee said. “Previous elected officials that have worked on this truly would cry at the fact that this is happening. This is a once in a lifetime permit.”

Purchased for $7,600 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the easement will allow the construction of

An underwater intake will be connected with a subterranean pipe to a to a nearby pumping facility near Tidwell

a 2,000-foot long, 72-inch diameter pipeline to transfer lake water.

County officials say the project will provide a variety of far-reaching benefits to county residents, including cleaner water, redundancy in case the

city-owned site goes offline and cost savings.

Project construction is expected to continue through 2031 and include road improvements, intake and tunnel infrastructure, a pump station and

transmission main pipeline.

The underground station housing five 20-million-gallon-per-day pumps will be connected to a 90-foot-deep

Continued from Page 8

intermediate shaft near the edge of the lake. An intake structure about 40 feet under the surface on the lake’s floor will be built with barges to connect with the intermediate shaft.

The water will be conveyed to the county’s Antioch Water Treatment Plant before distribution to residences and businesses.

McKee said he hopes next to bring construction contracts to commissioners for consideration and potential approval.

The project provides a solution to a conundrum with roots in a decades-long legal battle between Georgia, Alabama and Florida over water usage. The “Lake Lanier Water Wars” began in 1990 after Alabama sued to limit Atlanta’s withdrawals from the lake, arguing it harmed downstream users. Florida contended Georgia’s siphoning of water impacted its oyster industry.

In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Georgia, allowing Forsyth County and other local governments to secure long-term water rights from the lake.

“Part of the settlement of that is Forsyth County gets a straw into Lake Lanier,” McKee said.

Since 1987, Forsyth County has contracted with the City of Cumming for water. Cumming was one of a handful of governments granted access to draw from the lake.

Contracts with Cumming allowed the county a water supply, but it came

at a price. Additionally, Forsyth County agreed to pay $11.4 million to help upgrade to the city’s intake facility.

Commissioner Todd Levent, who joined the County Commission in 2011, said he participated in discussions with Cumming over water contracts, describing the negotiations as often contentious.

Discussions over water rates and infrastructure investments often colored other city-county business, such as the distribution of sales tax dollars, Levent said.

(Former Mayor H. Ford Gravitt) would threaten to turn off the water,” Levent said. “He would hold us hostage on LOST and SPLOST.”

For years, Levent has supported the creation of a second water intake facility for two reasons, he said.

First, he said leaning on the City of Cumming has affected numerous other aspects of city-county business.

But more importantly, the facility will give the county a redundancy in case of an emergency that knocks the first facility offline, he said. Losing the only source of drinking water would represent a disaster for the county’s hundreds of thousands of residents and numerous businesses.

Should the city-owned facility go offline, the county’s reserves of water would likely only last a matter of days, Levent said.

“What the heck happens to the public?” he said. “It’s terrifying.”

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Student leads clothing drive to help community stay warm

tions to Forsyth County Fire Station No. 6. The items included more than 200 coats, jackets, hoodies, gloves and hats.

and

Anay collected, inspected and folded the clothing to ensure all articles were clean and ready for distribution.

In December, he delivered the dona-

Anay said the project demonstrated the power students can have in their community.

“This project reflects the impact that student-led initiatives and community collaboration can have, especially during the colder months,” he said.

— Jon Wilcox

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.”

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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.”

Norman Broadwell helped shape North Fulton history

The Broadwell family name is one of the best-known in North Fulton due in large part to John B. Broadwell (1855-1953) who was successful at just about everything he tried, and he tried many things. He was a cotton farmer, inventor and merchant. His distinctive brick building in downtown Crabapple, built circa 1905, still stands. He is known for his acclaimed double-jointed cotton, an improved cotton seed and plant that he actively marketed. I wrote a column about him in 2024.

Today’s column is not about J.B., however. It is about another accomplished member of the Broadwell family, Norman Broadwell, John B.’s second cousin and one of the few local descendants still bearing the Broadwell name.

The name originated in England in medieval times. William B. Broadwell (1656–1689) is perhaps the first confirmed Broadwell migrant to the Americas. He arrived in New Jersey in 1677. Jesse Broadwell Sr. (1748-1819) began the Broadwell migration to the Carolinas and Georgia after the American Revolution. His descendant, Jesse Jr. (1785-1860), and great-grandson, J.B. Broadwell, were responsible for the family population of the Milton/Crabapple area. Jesse Jr. obtained four Cherokee lottery land lots (160 acres) in Crabapple which made him the founding Broadwell presence in the community. Over time, the land lots were divided and subdivided among his descendants and their children. Norman’s daughter, Lesley, lives on one of the original land lot properties.

Jesse Jr.’s grandson or great-grandson was Homer W. Broadwell (circa 19021978), who married Mary Dean Earley (1916-2003) of Roswell. They were Norman’s parents, making Norman an important fifth or sixth generation link to the pioneer settlers of the area.

Homer was a carpenter. Mary was an expert seamstress at Lovable Bra Company in Atlanta. In the nearly 90 years before it closed in 1998, the company employed more than 3,000 workers throughout the world. Mary was sent to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico to teach sewing to local employees.

In addition to being part of a historic family, Norman has a fascinating background of his own. He was born and raised in Roswell. He has a sister, Eleanor Abner, a retired nursery schoolteacher and director in Arlington, Texas. Norm met his wife Martine when they were students at Vanderbilt Peabody College in Nashville. Marlene was born in Bowling Green, Ken-

tucky, and grew up on a farm in Pulaski, Tennessee. They have three children, Lara Walton, who worked with special needs adults before she retired, Lesley Broadwell, who is athletic director at Cambridge High School, and Neal Broadwell, a builder.

Norm attended Roswell High School where he lettered in four sports in each of his four years as a student. He particularly excelled in the hurdles where he came in second in the state track meet for two years. He was also a talented writer, and in his senior year won the Atlanta Journal Cup for Creative Writing.

Norm attended several universities, first Young Harris College where he ran hurdles in 1956-57. He attended Georgia Southern University for his final two years, then obtained a master’s degree in social studies from Vanderbilt Peabody College. Next was

UGA, where he obtained his education specialist degree and completed course work for a Ph.D.

“I never wrote a thesis,” he says. “By then I had three children and a hungry wife at home.”

Norm went to work in 1960 as a teacher of English and social studies at Milton High School. He coached football and basketball and won state football championships in 1960 and 1962. While at Milton, Norm started track and tennis programs and began the first Project Adventure rope course in the area. The program teaches students to trust each other in challenging conditions while building confidence and social skills.

He left Milton in 1969 to be the social studies department chairman and later assistant principal at Riverwood High School in Atlanta. He returned to Milton High in 1982 as assistant principal.

In 1991, he left Milton to help open the new Chattahoochee High School as assis-

tant principal and retired the next year. He then taught Georgia history to 8th graders at Webb Bridge and Sandy Springs middle schools for several years before his final retirement.

In retirement, Norm continued his involvement with the log cabin built in the mid-1930s on the Milton High School campus by student members of Future Farmers of America. He was involved with its educational program and was instrumental in its preservation and relocation to a small Alpharetta park on Milton Avenue in 2017. Norm was inducted into the Milton High School Hall of Fame in 2022.

He and Martine put their love of history to work in unique ways. For five or six years in the 1980s, Norm published the monthly Hardscrabble Papers which chronicled local history. He and Martine established History Mystery where for eight years members of the Alpharetta Historical Society guessed the identities of celebrated native Georgians at meetings in the Mansell House. The couple formed and ran Alpharetta Pickers for several years where members brought to meetings and discussed unusual historic items from their homes.

Things are quieter now in the Broadwell household. The couple spends time with their daughters, son, three grandchildren and friends and otherwise keep active as retired couples should.

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.

OPINION

Some interesting facts about our local area

So, I have wanted to write a census column – or columns - for quite some time. I just have the idea that with enough digging, that there is some good stuff buried in all the data. So, I started looking just after the new year. Most of the data I have been mining is from the 2020 United States Census, so it is somewhat dated but still relevant.

I looked at data for four cities –Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek and Milton – for no particular reason other than they are in our distribution footprint. I really did not have a pre-conceived agenda as to what I was looking for other than to see if I could find interesting or surprising stuff. Most of my data came from QuickFacts.census.gov and some came from Claude – Anthropic’s Ai app.

Factoid 1: One of my cities is not majority white! Any guess? The answer would be Johns Creek. According to the 2020 census data the city is composed of 49.8% white and 50.02%

Events:

Continued from Page 3

Some of the year’s highlights include:

Lunar New Year

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21

Atlanta Athletic Club fields

1930 Bobby Jones Drive

Battle of the Bands

7 p.m. March 7

Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Adaptive Game Night

5:30 to 8 p.m. March 20

Park Place inside Newtown Park

3125 Old Alabama Road

Daffodil Days Spring Carnival

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28

Atlanta Athletic Club fields

1930 Bobby Jones Drive

Easter Bunny Hop

4 to 8 p.m. April 3

The Boardwalk at Town Center 11360 Lakefield Drive

every other race. The other 3 cities ranged from 65% white in Roswell to mid 50s in Milton and Alpharetta. “Asian” was the largest secondary percentage in Johns Creek at 28.3% followed by 20.7% in Alpharetta and 16.5% in Milton.

Related factoid: According to the U.S. Census Bureau (in 2012), the United States overall is projected to become a minority white nation around 2043, with non-Hispanic whites making up 49.7% of the population. Other projections which take immigration, birth and death rates into consideration suggest a slightly later date – around 2046 or 2047. According to Claude, at that time, our population breakdown will be:

Non-Hispanic white – 49.7%

Hispanic – 24.6%

Black – 13.1%

Asian – 7.9%

Multiracial – 3.8%

Factoid 2: One city had the highest percentage of households where a language other than English was spoken. Again, it’s Johns Creek at 37.6%. It is closely followed –surprisingly – by Alpharetta at 31.5%.

Factoid 3: The percentage of owner-occupied housing was highest

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK/PROVIDED

Johns Creek will host the Easter Bunny Hop April 3 at The Boardwalk at Town Center.

International Fest

Noon to 6 p.m. May 2

Atlanta Athletic Club 1930 Bobby Jones Drive

Summer Concert Series

Concert 1: March 15

Concert 2: May 8

Concert 3: June 5

Concert 4: July 3

Concert 5: Aug. 7

Concert 6: Sept. 12

Touch a Truck

10 a.m. to noon May 16

City Hall 11360 Lakefield Drive

– again – in Johns Creek at 79.7%, followed by Milton at 73.8%, Roswell at 71.2% and Alpharetta at 68%. Go figure. Obviously, if it is not “owneroccupied,” it is rented.

Factoid 4: Which city has the highest percentage of adult residents who do not have health care coverage (as of 2020 data)? The answer was Roswell at 10.2%, followed by –surprise – Alpharetta at 6%, Milton at 5.3% and Johns Creek at 4.4%.

According to Claude, in 2024, an estimated 8% (27.1 million people) of all Americans had no health care coverage, and among working age Americans (age 18-64), 11.6% (27.8 million) did not have health care coverage. Of note, there is a high correlation between race and whether or not someone has health care coverage. Hispanic adults have the highest uninsured rate at 23%, followed by Black adults at 12.3%, Asian adults at 6.9%, and white nonHispanic adults at 6.8%.

Factoid 5: Which city has the highest “retail sales per capita” and why? The number one city – by a huge margin - is Alpharetta with an average retail sales per capita of $49,222, followed by Milton at

Movies at the Park

7 p.m. June 12

Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater inside

Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Juneteenth Celebration 5 to 9 p.m June 20

Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Independence Day Celebration 6 to 10 p.m. July 3

The Boardwalk at Town Center 11360 Lakefield Drive

Adaptive Recreation Dance Night 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 21

Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Pup-A-Palooza

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19

Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Patriots Day

8:30 a.m. Sept. 11

Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Adaptive Recreation Game Night

7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 9

$37,561, Johns Creek at $10,140 and Roswell at $8,909. Why? Johns Creek and Roswell have significantly higher average median household incomes, yet Alpharetta by far averages the highest sales per capita. The answer – I think – is that those numbers can be skewed when a city is a shopping destination for those who live outside the city; a city is a retail hub or a job engine; or the city has lots of big-ticket sales (like those generated by auto dealerships). “Check” on all the above for Alpharetta, I guess.

Next census column we will look at trends in the demographics of the working age population. Is our workforce expanding or contracting? Why? Should we care? Stay tuned.

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Mark Burkhalter Amphitheater at Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Trunk or Treat

6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21

City Hall

11360 Lakefield Drive

Diwali Celebration 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7

The Boardwalk at Town Center 11360 Lakefield Drive

Honoring our Veterans 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 7

Veterans Memorial Walk at Newtown Park

3150 Old Alabama Road

Literary Fair Nov. 14

City Hall

11360 Lakefield Drive

Holly Jolly Block Party

4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4

City Hall

11360 Lakefield Drive

Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 12

Park Place at Newtown

3125 Old Alabama Road

Spak:

Continued from Page 4

One coach Addie played baseball against reached out to Ryan to let him know about the Breakthrough Series, an invitation-only development camp put on by the MLB where players work with Olympians, former National Team members and coaches.

The coach nominated Addie for the Breakthrough Series, and she attended the camp three times on the baseball side and once on the softball side in 2025 where she was coached by Jennie Finch.

Beth said the maturity and independence Addie gained are just one part of the meaningful experience of the Breakthrough Series.

“It gave her an experience that was all her own,” she said. “Friends that we don’t really know because we didn’t get to be there to see it. It’s a really cool experience for them.”

In 2024 while still involved on the baseball side, Addie did a crossover day to softball where she impressed coaches from the MLB development program, along with her eventual college coach.

Addie chose Washington University in St. Louis after connecting with the coaching staff and the program. She was also impressed by their facilities and felt she would do better there as opposed to several Division I colleges she visited.

She won MVP this year in her last time being able to attend the camp before aging out. She wasn’t pleased with her four hits in two games but said her defensive performance may have pushed her over the edge for the award.

“I was being vocal, and I was the only third baseman,” she said humbly of the win. “During the fielding part, I was giving my all-out effort, and I made a couple of good defensive plays.”

Beth added, “the only way she knows how to play is all-out.”

A few months later, Addie and several others from the Breakthrough Series were honored at game two of the MLB World Series in Toronto.

Addie chose her older brother Brady as her chaperone for the celebration where she met several current and former MLB players.

Addie and other award winners from the Breakthrough Series were honored on the field before the national anthem and got a VIP experience for game three. It was a busy week for the Spak family, as Beth was inducted to the St. Pius X Hall of Fame the same day.

Family support

Ryan is a Johns Creek native and coached Addie and Brady in many sports when they were young. Both sets of grandparents still live nearby and attend many of Addie’s games.

Beth grew up in Connecticut and moved to Johns Creek right before high school. The 1995 St. Pius softball team won a state championship, and Beth went on to win another while coaching at Blessed Trinity with a high school teammate.

Addie occasionally claims the latter title as well, under “in utero” accomplishments, because her mom was pregnant with her at the time.

Beth started coaching at USF after graduate school in Massachusetts and was drawn to the strength side of coaching. She now is an assistant softball coach for Blessed Trinity and previously served as the strength coach for the Johns Creek baseball and girls lacrosse teams.

Beth also has coached Addie’s travel team in softball.

SPAK FAMILY/PROVIDED 2025 MLB Breakthrough Series Softball MVP Addie Spak, third from the right, stands with other honorees at the Major League World Series in Toronto Oct. 25.

Beyond softball

After softball season ended with the Titans’ firstround loss to Ola High, Addie shifted her focus to flag football.

She was named to Score Atlanta’s preseason Miss Georgia watchlist and propelled her team through many tough games. Head coach Brandon Harwell set up the schedule to strengthen the team en route to their goal of securing a title for the first time in three years.

Defeating eventual 2A champions Greenbrier in their first game of the season, the Titans then traveled to Alabama to play the No. 2 team in the nation, the Central Red Devils.

Those games, along with other top opponents such as Southeast Bulloch and North Oconee, gave BT invaluable experience that made the difference to push them to a title.

The same day as the game with North Oconee, the Titans wrapped region play with a game against Milton, another top-ranked team in the state.

Milton and Blessed Trinity met again for the title game, and the match went into overtime. The first time the two met in mid-November, BT was unable to connect in the overtime period and suffered an 18-12 loss.

Both teams had improved their performance on extra points since, with the first four touchdowns in the title game followed by a successful extra point. Milton faltered while attempting a triple-option extra point on the fifth touchdown, leaving BT with the lane open to bring it home.

Addie then threw a successful pass to receiver Hannah Daley and ran the extra point in herself for the win. She said softball got her used to high-pressure moments like that extra point.

“One of the best parts of the season was us coming together,” she said. “We took so many more risks during the season with who we were playing and how it was set up. Our second game of the season was against who would be the national champions.”

With lacrosse season approaching, Addie says the team is hungrier than ever.

She says there is no bigger motivator than two straight losses in the title game to the same team, Cambridge.

“We haven’t stopped talking about it since we lost that day,” she said. “We knew that they had the upper hand last year, but we have been working together preseason this year, we’re more prepared. We’re more developed, a year older, and we really just want to win.”

While some parents obstruct their children from playing their secondary sport as seniors to prevent potential injuries, Beth stresses Addie’s path is her own, and she will always encourage her daughter to do what she loves.

Ryan agreed, saying that even before elementary school Addie was insistent on playing multiple sports, and she has maintained advanced training and preparation for more than just softball.

Q & A

Q: What a year for your family in 2025! From the two MVP awards to the Hall of Fame induction and everything in between, what was your number one highlight?

Addie: Probably when I got to go to the World Series in Toronto. It was cool because I got to go on the field. It was just incredible. During the national anthem, I was right next to Bebe Rexha and Alessia Cara.

Beth: The MLB, but also that state championship. To me, that was the epitome of everything. I’ve coached a championship, I’ve won one as a player, but by far watching as a parent was the most stressful.

Ryan: Definitely the top mark was winning the state, but I think also it’s fulfilling for me to see as a parent, her teammates from other sports and friends from middle school still following and supporting her.

Q: What is it like being coached by your mom?

Addie: It’s great. (Laughs) She is my hitting instructor and fielding too, so it’s just like anything for softball I can just go to her, and we don’t have to pay someone else. Because she coaches my high school and travel teams, it’s nice that we get to have that extra time together for practices and games, especially the travel part before I go off to college.

Beth: It’s just nice to have that time together. Not many people get to say they have the time to do what they love and pass that along to their kid and their kid to love it just as much. I always wanted her to follow what she wants to do, but I love that she has fallen in love with [softball], and I do cherish every time we get to work together. We have some of our best conversations just about life when we’re hitting together and getting her reps.

Q: Who have been your biggest role models in sports?

Addie: There was a girl named J.J. that I played basketball with freshman year who is now a junior playing lacrosse at the Naval Academy [Jaclyn Johns, conference preseason DPOY]. She also won flag football MVP in the state championship, she was our point guard and a midfield-defender in lacrosse when they won three back-to-back championships, and she’s just the kindest soul. She’s been a great role model for me, she knew what she wanted to accomplish and didn’t let anyone stray her from what she wanted to do. So I would say my mom and [JJ].

Q: Would you ever consider returning to baseball? What is your goal for sports after college?

Addie: I don’t know, I want to go to medical school after my four years at WashU. I’ll just have to see, I have several friends from the Breakthrough Series in the WPBL so that’s cool to see. I’ll see how their experience is.

VPs (VICE PRESIDENTS)

1. Eisenhower’s VP. Wine country. Pie type.

2. Redhead’s dye. Washington’s VP. Sweater eater.

3. Clinton’s VP. Health check-up. Lure.

4. Sop up. Jefferson’s VP. Arizone city.

5. Pesky insect. “Peter Pan” Pouch. FDR’s VP.

6. Reagan’s VP. Outdoor fete. Type of sandwich.

1/29/26 Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com

7. Yellow-breasted songbird. Harrison’s VP. Send packing.

1 Bakery buys Witchcraft trials place. Bubbly drink.

2. Oak dropping. Pacific Islands hard drink. Moxie

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. Honeyed beverage. West Point student. Clan emblem.

4. Poker ploy. Beer type. Highway sign

5. Sensuous dance. Highlands liquor. Backtalk

6. Potato whiskey.

Skees:

Continued from Page 1

Arts Center Executive Director Stephanie Donaldson said the organization is proud to give the community a look into one of the local art community’s finest hidden gems.

“When I show people this exhibition, I tell them, this is one of our students. This is who our teachers are elevating,” Donaldson said.

The center decided to show Skees’ work when Donaldson and Program Director Althea Foster realized just how deep his talent ran.

“He said, ‘You should come over and see my house, come over and take a tour,’” Donaldson said. “I got the chills, and I instantly thought his body of work deserves a solo exhibition. It needs to be seen.”

Skees said he always follows his fascination, whether it be the distinct color of morning sunlight or the lines at the corner of a model’s mouth.

Skees’ approach to art lends his work uncanny inspiration and feeling, Donaldson said.

“I can look at them, and I can think, ‘I can feel the sun on my face. I can feel that frown,’” Donaldson said. “I can take all those emotions out of those pieces and actually feel them.”

At the Arts Center, his paintings line the walls of hallways and several rooms. His subjects, which range from female models to buildings to birds, all share something in common. Each has managed to capture his attention at one point or another.

On close inspection, his watercolor paintings are composed of careful blooms

Ric Skees stands by a panel of his artwork at his exhibit at the Johns Creek Arts Center Jan. 23.

that create a realistic but imaginative picture.

Much of his ceramic pottery, although they may seem simple at first glance, are mediations on the female form, hiding delicate curves in their lines.

Skees even contributed a schematic of his exhibit he drew up to pinpoint exactly where his works should be shown.

“We never had anyone do that,” Donaldson, smiling. “But he says, ‘Well, how do you determine your distance from the floors?’”

Skees may have left the architectural

world behind, but precision and hyperfocus remain key aspects of his process.

He often starts his painting process by sketching the form with charcoal before letting it sit for sometimes months so he can let the ideas stew in his brain.

Skees’ wife Tina said that focus is a driving force in his work and personality. He spends most of his time making art at a table in their dining room, listening to music to help channel his attention.

“He’s very focused, very focused,” she said. “He will put on some music on headphones and sort of go into the zone.”

She thinks he decided to pursue art because of changes in the architectural world that didn’t sit well with him. When Skees began his career, drafting and sketching were the norm. Now, computers have taken over.

“He felt he was losing touch with that hand-generated expression,” she said.

Skees said he also became dissatisfied with cutting corners and cost effectiveness over the purity of design.

“I’m a recovering architect,” he said.

But now as an artist, Skees has found a way to feed his creative engine, his wife said.

“His pursuit is to see and find extraordinary things around him and express them artistically,” Tina said.

DEATH NOTICES

Gerda Gardner, age 94, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 15, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Herbert “Larry” Smith, age 84, of Roswell, GA passed away on January 17, 2026. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Raymond Smith, age 81, of Alpharetta, GA passed away on January 15, 2026. Arrangements by

Survey:

Continued from Page 1

“The Point-In-Time count night is technically January 22, so you have to ask people if they were unhoused or unsheltered on January 22,” Fulton County Continuum of Care Board Chair Maggie Goldman said. She was addressing volunteers at the Point-inTime Command Center at the Roswell Senior Center on Friday, Jan. 23.

With icy conditions forecast through the weekend, volunteers asked where they could direct unsheltered people. North Fulton 2026 Pointin-Time Co-Chair Kelvin Thompson cited Sandy Springs and Cumming as the nearest warming centers, both notably far for some residents.

“We’re in a desert of sorts around some of those services,” Thompson said.

Fulton County District 4 Commissioner Mo Ivory agreed.

“Unfortunately, that’s a failure,” she said.

Ivory and District 1 Commissioner Bridget Thorne participated in the volunteer welcome on Friday. They shared recent developments and challenges in funding services for homeless populations. Thorne said Fulton County’s recently passed budget allocates $4.8 million for permanent supportive housing. That total reinstates $2.1 million in the budget for additional supportive housing projects following public outcry that the county honor a previous agreement with Atlanta to fund the services.

“All of those numbers are fantastic, but it’s not enough,” Ivory said. “We had to put a lot of pressure on our

commission to approve the $2.1 million for permanent supportive housing that was left out for the city of Atlanta. We do have resources that we could be pouring in.”

Efforts such as the Point-In-Time survey allow the county to get a clearer picture of the needs of people experiencing homelessness, Ivory said.

Outside of the Walmart on Mansell Road, volunteers waited with aluminum trays, ready to spoon out food to those who could use a hot meal.

Roswell resident Courtney Rozear has participated in previous brown bag efforts offering food to unhoused people, but she said the weather report for the weekend compelled her to do something more.

Alpharetta resident Kathleen Cherry said she was looking for ways to get more involved in the community.

“I feel like we have individuals in our community that are in need, and they are open to receiving resources and help,” she said. “If we approach them in the right way and are compassionate and kind, we’re going to be able to build the right connections tonight, hopefully, and then identify what resources we need in this community.”

Notice of Public Internet Auction

Johns Creek Police Department

Effective January 19, 2026, the Johns Creek Healthcare Association has formally filed a Notice of Intent to Dissolve with the Office of the Secretary of State, Georgia.

The following is a list of property located at the Johns Creek Police Dept. If you believe that you are the owner of this property, please call (678) 474-1600 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Proof of ownership and a valid ID will be required to claim any property. A public internet auction of the following items will begin the week of 2/09/2025. The auction’s website is www.propertyroom.com .

Items:

Computer Bag, Duffel Bag / Phone case, DHL ID, Sutton Bank Card / Mexican Passport / Ring / Gray Backpack with items / US Currency, Wallet / Georgia United Debit Card / Ps4, Ps4 Controllers, Xbox One S, Xbox Controllers, Samsung TV / Chase Debit Card / Debit Card / Black Backpack / Samsung Cell Phone / Wallet with misc. cards / Apple Phone & Case / Global Entry Card / Fitbit / Apple Phone / Basic Life Support card / Capital One Credit Card, Discover Credit Card / Backpack with contents / Firearms Case / Pants, White Underwear, White Hat, Airpods, Cigars, Lighter, Black Shoes, Condoms, Chapstick / Cell Phone / Cell Phone, US Currency, Pink Bookbag / Vaschy Backpack / Coast Soap Box, Face Mask, Hand Sanitizer, Vegtrug, Keyboard, Mouse, Surge Protector, Black Bag / Wallet with Picture, Play money, US Currency / GPS / Visa Debit Cards / Lawn Statue / Hiker Bag w/ Water bottles / Bag with Pet Supplies

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.

The Supervisor must be able to lift up to 75lb frequently and be on their feet most of their shift. They must enjoy staying busy, training and influencing other to work as a team in a professional manner within a fast paced environment. Must have the ability to work Tuesday through Saturday 9am – 5pm. An extraordinary Total Rewards Package is included with this opportunity!

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

Operations Research Analyst is needed in Johns Creek, GA at Geonamic Systems Inc. at https:// geonamic.com/careers/

Andritz, Inc. seeks Project Manager – Maintenance Performance for its office in Alpharetta, GA to support reliability engineering projects through machine troubleshooting, vibration analysis, and development of site-specific vibration monitoring strategies. 40% travel to domestic customer sites. Submit resumes to Suzanne.Fulton@andritz.com. Reference job title in subject line.

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.

| www.rot-doc.com

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What is the Education Answer Book?

For more than 35 years, Appen Media Group has published The Answer Book – a comprehensive local community guide. The Education Answer Book provides a packaged guide containing the most important information needed by current and new residents who make decisions about higher education, day care, pre-schools, private schools, tutoring, coaching and child development.

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