Milton Herald - January 22, 2026

Milton High Hall of Fame inducts 8 new members

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Milton High School inducted eight people to its Hall of Fame Jan. 10, honoring the athletic, academic and military achievements of the former students and faculty. Retired Milton faculty and 2022 Hall of Fame member Jackie Angel has been involved with organizing the Hall of Fame ceremonies since they began in 2016.

Principal Brian Jones praised Angel, saying that when he first took the job at Milton, he had planned to replace all department heads. However, after speaking with Angel, he said that he felt it would be “career suicide” to do so because of what she contributes to the community.

He said Angel is the reason that the Hall of Fame tradition has been so successful.

Angel told Appen Media she is always happy to celebrate Milton graduates alongside the eight other members of the committee.

“It’s so much fun, because we get to bring alumni and faculty back that it’s like a reunion of sorts,” she said. “We would love to see more community members come. What’s really special is our history includes over 100 years, through all the buildings we’ve occupied it’s always been Milton High School.”

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 2325, 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.

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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 enforcement accreditation agency recommending his girlfriend have her certification revoked.

Appen Media and its Sandy Springs Crier 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, 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

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officials the two were not in a relationship at that time of the phone call but became involved later.

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 lesslethal 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 depart -

ment’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.

Milton Library launches America250 lecture series

By HANNAH YAHNE hannah@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — More than 70 people turned out Jan. 13 for the first lecture in the Milton Library’s America250 series, a program featuring the partnership of John and Abigail Adams.

Marianne Holdzkom, Ph.D., a professor at Kennesaw State University, imparted her knowledge of the couple gained through years of studying the colonial and revolutionary history of the United States. She published a book in 2023 analyzing the way the second president is portrayed within popular culture and among scholars.

Holdzkom guided attendees through the Adamses’ relationship, pieced together through the couple’s correspondence beginning in 1762. It was the first of around 1,100 letters shared between the power couple, as Holdzkom referred to them.

“She changed him,” she said. “And, so, I think that’s one of the reasons why this love story of theirs is so remarkable.”

Dr. Marianne Holdzkom, second from right, stands with members of the Robert Forsyth Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Jan. 13 after giving a lecture on John and Abigail Adams for the Milton Library’s America250 series.

When John traveled during the American Revolution, Abigail grew independent. She raised four children on her own, educated them and maintained farmland alongside their hired farmhands. The Adamses had no slaves.

“This is one thing that makes this couple different from a lot of other founding couples,” Holdzkom said.

“John and Abigail Adams never owned an enslaved person.”

Another rarity was Abigail’s will, dis-

covered after her death in 1818. She had a couple thousand dollars in war bonds and jewelry that she left to her granddaughters and nieces, and John served as the executor of her will.

As America’s 250th birthday approaches, so does the 200th anniversary

Over 70 attendees listen as Kennesaw State professor Marianne Holdzkom shares details on the life and partnership of John and Abigail Adams at the Milton Library’s first installment of the America250 lecture series.

of John Adams’ death. Holdzkom said she’ll be in the couple’s hometown of Quincy, Massachusetts, that day, and that there’s nowhere she would rather be.

Carl Jackson, a member of the Milton Historical Society since 2020, said Holdzkom brought the couple to life in her lecture. It wasn’t so much about the politics or issues at the time, but about the connection the Adams shared.

See LIBRARY, Page 21

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.

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 (D - Senate 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 (R - Newington) 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

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.

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,” 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

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 one-year 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.

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My purpose is to help people get from where they are to where they want to go.

STEVE BEECHAM, founder, Home Town Mortgage

8 | Milton Herald | January 22, 2026

Mortgage 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

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.

BUSINESSPOSTS

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 The Green and Under

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the Stars as a way to give artists a platform and provide residents an after-hours 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.”

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Appen Media launches state politics site Georgia Press

By HANS APPEN hans@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — Appen Media, publisher of Decaturish and the Georgia-based Herald, Crier and Ink newspapers, today 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 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.

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.

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Mark your calendars and come join us for the 2026 State of the City on Wednesday, January 28 as Mayor Peyton Jamison highlights some of the City of Milton’s noteworthy accomplishments in the past year, and what in to come in 2026! This is a free event, however guests are asked to RSVP as seating capacity in the Milton City Hall Council Chambers is limited. Please RSVP to rsvp@miltonga.gov by Friday, January 23 with the names of the people in your party.

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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.

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SPORTS

GIRLS: TITANS 55, BEARS 53 – OT; BOYS: BEARS 65, TITANS 55

Cambridge teams split with Blessed Trinity

By ANNABELLE REITER annabelle@appenmedia.com

MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge High School hosted Blessed Trinity boys and girls for a region basketball matchup Jan. 9 and came away with mixed results.

The Titan girls won in a 55-53 overtime thriller, while the boys were dominated by the Bears 65-55.

In the first matchup, the Cambridge girls got out to an early 18-8 lead in the first quarter. They were able to sink tough shots while BT struggled to get their offense moving.

The Titans found their rhythm in the second quarter, taking their first lead with a 3-pointer by forward Chelsea Lewis off an assist by point guard Addie Spak.

The pair was named to the allregion first-team in basketball last season as well as in both softball and flag football – winning a state title at the Benz – this year.

Both are committed to play Division I softball. Spak will play for Washington University of St. Louis next year and Lewis, a junior, will suit up for Florida Atlantic.

Lewis had eight points in the win and shared some background on growing up competing alongside Spak.

“We have awesome chemistry that allows us to play really well together in all of our sports,” she said. “We’ve played together since fourth or fifth grade.”

Lewis and senior Stephanie Schott formed a tough post defense that repeatedly stifled Bears drives in the second and third quarters.

Schott led the Titans with 23 points, a penetrating force in the paint and just as effective from outside of the arc with three 3-pointers. Schott is committed to play basketball for Bethel University.

Titans head coach Tim Rountree said his team has made improvements this season to pull off their first region win.

“I’m super proud of the girls, proud of the way we fought in the second quarter,” he said. “When we gained our composure, realized and get into our sets and be a little more deliberate about what we wanted to achieve and do on offense, that was big for us.”

Tough defense from both teams kept the game close in the last three quarters with the lead not reaching more than four points at any time.

Cambridge has several multisport athletes of their own, with three lacrosse players in the starting lineup.

Senior Gabi Johnson, who is committed to Florida for lacrosse, forced the overtime period with a running lay-up in the final seconds to tie the score at 48 points apiece.

She pushed through for another last-second lay-up in traffic at the end of the overtime period, but it cut the Bears’ deficit from 4 points to 2.

In the boys game, Cambridge dominated all 32 minutes, but the lead slipped slightly in the second half.

Forward Carter Higdon had a near triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists to lead the Bears.

The lead grew to more than 30 and remained above 20 down the stretch until the Titans caught fire, going on a 19-7 run in the third quarter and a 15-0 to close out the game. It wasn’t enough, as Cambridge senior Christian Fraiser helped maintain the Bears’ lead with clutch shots to quell the momentum shift.

“There’s a lot to learn, there’s a lot to grow, but we’re in a good spot,” he said. “Moving forward, having

that in the back of my mind, staying disciplined over the course of four quarters.”

Cambridge boys head coach David Akin said he was pleased with Fraiser’s shot selection, but the team needs to maintain focus even when the lead stretches.

“Adversity is either going to pull you apart or pull you together, and I’m afraid tonight it pulled us apart,” he said. “We’ll be back this week to practice. We’ll be ready for Westminster, I can assure you that.”

Blessed Trinity had a largely successful night outside the arc, hitting 10 3-pointers while shooting 41.7 percent. But, the team struggled at the free-throw line and inside the arc against the Cambridge defense.

BT’s bench provided much of the spark in the fourth quarter and cut the lead from 31 earlier down to 10.

Titans head coach Mark Moses said gaining momentum again after a team flu bug has been a challenge.

“We’ve got to develop that toughness and that blue-collar mentality,” he said. “We’re just chipping away at it every day, grinding it out. We’re gonna see if we can put it all together before early February.”

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. 6. Bad to the bone. Closet type. ‘66 Michael Caine comedy 7. Vociferate Stalone boxing flick. Also-ran.

2,300-mile Walk for Peace spreads 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.

experience that neither will forget.

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

See MEYERS, Page 20

Bhikkhu Paññaka leads the group of monks on their Walk for Peace on Jan. 4 in Ogletho rpe County. Note that Bhikkhu Pañ ñakara 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.

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Fame:

Continued from Page 1

Athletic Director Kory Keys described Angel as the “driver of all of this,” even though “she doesn’t like taking credit.”

The “Red Jacket” ceremony, in which new Hall of Fame inductees are honored with a sport coat, was held in between the girls and boys basketball games Jan. 9.

On Jan. 10, there was a celebratory dinner before the formal ceremony with keynote speaker Mayor Peyton Jamison.

Jamison, a graduate of Roswell High, didn’t shy away from turning the 70year rivalry into a punchline. Only one class of 2025 inductee took (insincere) offense.

Jamison shared his pride in the graduates achieving incredible feats in many different realms.

“Leadership is rarely loud in the beginning,” he said. “More often it shows up as preparation, as accountability, as choosing to do the work even when no one is watching. Milton High School understands that.”

Tim Cagle, class of 1976, was the first alum inducted into the class of 2025. Tim’s cousin Ben Cagle introduced him and shared an overview of a lifetime of achievements – and heartaches.

Tim still holds the baseball program’s record for most home runs and was responsible for a legendary play nicknamed “The Throw” against North Springs in the 1976 season.

Recruited out of high school and again while playing at Piedmont College, Tim chose to pursue a career in accounting. Ben credited Tim’s financial advice with playing a major role in the development of North Fulton.

Tim and his wife Janie founded the CLAY (Christ-Like Among You) Foundation in memory of their oldest son Clay, who died unexpectedly at age 11 from a heart condition. The foundation has supported Milton High students and other youths with funding for sports equipment and camps, counseling to those who have experienced trauma or abuse, funeral support and other assistance.

Dylan Cease signed a 7-year, $210 million contract to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays last month and found time in his busy schedule to stop by his alma mater for the Hall of Fame ceremony.

The 2014 Milton graduate is a twotime Cy Young finalist and most recently played for the San Diego Padres before signing with Toronto.

Cease told Appen Media that his favorite memories from Milton baseball were a series against Parkview and winning the state championship over longtime rival Roswell in 2013. Two of the three games against the Hornets were decided by one run, and Cease said that

memory is “hard to top.”

Footage of the 2013 title is available on YouTube. Cease said he was having a good experience being at home and taking part in the ceremony.

“I was really impressed by the other inductees,” he said. “There’s a lot of talented people here, and it’s fun to be a part of it. I still feel like I’m too young to be in the Hall of Fame, I still have a lot of things left to do, but it’s definitely really cool.”

Ian Dickinson, who was introduced by his father Eric, is a member of the class of 2000 and said in his speech that “this is for my kids.”

While at Milton, Dickinson set a record at the time for the state cross country course, winning the state meet twice in his sophomore and junior years. He went on to compete for UNC-Charlotte for a year, where he qualified for a Team USA dual meet against Great Britain, racing against Olympic champion Mo Farah in the 3K.

He later transferred to UGA and earned first team All-South region in 2003. Dickinson placed sixth overall in the SEC cross country championships and was a 2004 team captain.

Kyle Farnsworth was a three-sport letterman at Milton whose career included more than a decade in Major League Baseball, including two stints with the Braves. He later played semipro football.

Introduced by his mom Karen Farnsworth, she said she does not remember baby Kyle ever crawling; he went straight to running.

Kyle was a standout defensive/tight

end, but it was baseball that came calling at graduation when he was drafted to the Cubs in the 47th round of the 1994 draft.

After pitching 16 seasons and recording over 900 strikeouts, he wasn’t ready to retire from sports and pursued his love for football at the semi-pro level for five seasons.

Now, Kyle has been coaching and training athletes for 10 years and started the Stud Muffin Protein Packed Muffins company to provide healthy snack options.

Col. Jack Peevy, class of 1960, passed away in 2014 but was honored in the Hall of Fame with a speech by Jackie Angel.

After graduating from Milton, Peevy earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from North Georgia College (now the University of North Georgia) and was commissioned as a U.S. Army Infantry Officer to serve in Vietnam.

Peevy returned to service after spending over two years in the military hospital recovering from extensive injuries. After 30 years of military service, he became a real estate entrepreneur in North Fulton County. He died in 2014.

Daniel Pope, a 1993 graduate, played linebacker for the Eagles but displays a unique story of perseverance.

He was a walk-on for the Alabama Crimson Tide as a punter in 1994. He said the first time he punted a football in a game was in front of nearly 100,000 fans.

The idea came from Jack Harbaugh at Western Kentucky, where Pope in-

tended to walk on but did not end up suiting up. After taking a semester off to work, he enrolled at Alabama and was asked to walk on with no scholarship. Pope bet on himself, and it took him all the way to the NFL. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of college and later played for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ronald Tesch, principal of Milton High from 1998-2010, was also honored posthumously. He was instrumental in the plans for the current building, and his handprints are felt all over the school.

Tesch’s daughter-in-law Jennifer received the award in his place.

Shaun Verma, founder of MDJunior and iksa.ai, is a member of Milton’s class of 2013 and was introduced by former city manager, and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Lagerbloom.

Passionate about improving healthcare access for underserved communities, Verma started MDJunior, a student-run nonprofit, at the age of 14 for a high school project. The initiative has grown to more than 50 chapters in eight countries, impacting more than 10,000 patients through medical missions, public health outreach and youth leadership programs.

After graduating from Johns Hopkins, Verma continued working in the healthcare sector in New York before switching gears and doing some bootson-the-ground work in India. What he learned in that time informs his current venture providing post-prescription care with iksa.ai, a clinical healthcare service system.

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Lottery:

Continued from Page 1

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

Meyers:

Continued from Page 17

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 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

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.

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 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.

info@northsidechapel.com www.northsidechapel.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.

Library:

Continued from Page 4

“To me, it’s the best part of history,” Jackson said. “We’re not that different than the people that proceeded us, just the things around us might be different.”

The Milton Library will continue to collaborate with the Milton Historical Society and Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society to provide lectures on the country’s founding days. The Robert Forsyth Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution joined to help transport the crowd back in time.

Milton Branch Library officials say the turnout for the first lecture exceeded expectations.

The next lecture in the America250 series will feature North Springs High School history teacher Greg Brooking, Ph.D., to provide insight on Georgia’s political divisions, military challenges and contributions in the fight for independence. The event is Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road.

HANNAH YAHNE/APPEN MEDIA

Kennesaw State professor Marianne Holdzkom lectures on the life and partnership of John and Abigail Adams during the first installment of the America250 series hosted at the Milton Library.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING EXTENDED MORATORIUM

Notice is hereby given that on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Milton City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the possible, up to a 120-day, extension of the existing moratorium on acceptance of applications for minor subdivision plats within the AG-1 zoning district that create lots of less than three (3) acres in size, pursuant to the City of Milton Unified Development Code, Article XII, Administration, Section 12.6, Subdivision of Land. This moratorium, if extended, will continue while amendments to the Unified Development Code (following public hearings) are drafted and adopted, with such changes possibly altering regulations pertaining to the subdivision and development of small residential lots in AG-1. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, Georgia. All City of Milton residents and any other affected and/or interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend.

City Council of Milton

Invitation to Bid

FY26 Asphalt Reconstruction and Resurfacing Project #PW-PAVE26

ITB NUMBER 26-PW04

Bid Due Date:

February 11, 2026, by 2:00PM Local Time

Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps

Bid submissions will be publicly announced via a virtual bid opening at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids.

The City of Milton is requesting bids from qualified parties to provide asphalt reconstruction and resurfacing services within the city limits of Milton, Georgia. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin. The plans and specifications can be found in the solicitation of bids posted on the websites below. A bid bond of 5% is required when submitting bid response. The request for electronic bids for ITB 26-PW04, FY26 Asphalt Reconstruction and Resurfacing will be posted on the following websites the week of January 15, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/

Invitation to Bid

Fire Station Cascade Systems

ITB NUMBER

26-FD01

Bid Due Date: February 5, 2026 by 2:00PM Local Time

Electronic submission via: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bidsrfps

Bid submissions will be publicly announced on the above date at approximately 2:30 PM at the City of Milton City Hall located at 2006 Heritage Walk, Milton, GA 30004. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids. If the contract is awarded, it will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids. The City of Milton is requesting bids from interested parties to provide equipment and installation services for two (2) SCBA air compressors and fill station systems. A bid bond of 5% is required when submitting bid response. All qualified bids will receive consideration without regard to age, handicap, religion, creed or belief, political affiliation, race, color, sex, or national origin.

The request for electronic bids for ITB 26-FD01, Fire Station Cascade Systems will be posted on the following websites the week of January 15, 2026: https://www.miltonga.gov/government/finance/bids-rfps and https://ssl.doas.state.ga.us/gpr/

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!

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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.

AUTOMATION DEVELOPERS:

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.

IT Professionals: 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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Newspaper Delivery Route Openings with Appen Media Group

We are looking for one person or couple interested in delivering weekly newspapers in South Forsyth, Alpharetta and the Johns Creek areas.

Requirements: Must have a perfect driving record and background check, reliable transportation, honest, hard-working and positive attitude.

For more information or to apply, email heidi@appenmedia.com and include a paragraph or two about who you are and any relevant background/experience. In the subject line of the email please put “Delivery Route Application.”

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2025 in Review

Thank you for an extraordinary year!

Almost $43 million in closed and pending sales made possible entirely by your trust, support and generous referrals. I am truly grateful for every opportunity to guide you, your families and your friends through some of life’s most meaningful transitions.

I absolutely love what I do, and it’s your confidence in me that allows this passion to flourish year after year.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being such an important part of this remarkable journey.

Julie Martin

m. 770.668.4680 o. 770.442.7300 juliemartin@atlantafinehomes.com juliemartin.atlantafinehomes.com