Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1530620
12 maconmagazine.com | December 2024/January 2025 B efore I took on this role at Macon Magazine, I wanted to create Macon's version of Humans of New York. Thanks to a Downtown Challenge grant to implement the Macon Action Plan, The Maconites became realit y in 2017. It gave me the opportunit y to document 100+ downtown dwellers, alongside the brilliant photographer Mar yann Bates. One of the most memorable conversations was with a visionar y Maconite, my friend and colleague, Josh Rogers. His vibrant life ended too soon on Sunday, November 24. Mercer Universit y Chancellor Dr. Kirby Godsey reflects further on page 109. Josh felt like Downtown Macon's rise is "not normal." Read more here. "I guess it really just started when I knew I wanted to be in downtown Macon… But, it's sort of like the decision to go to Mercer. The minute I set foot there, I knew that was where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do. And I felt the same way about downtown…So, whatever it's taken for me to be downtown is what I've done… And at this point, the memories the y [my kids] have of Macon, I'm proud of those memories. And I'm proud that the y'll be able to say, 'Macon's my hometown.' And, I'm sure that the y won't resent me making that decision for them, that this is where the y're gonna be born and raised. I can't imagine living anywhere else on Earth right now, just because of the quality of life I've got ever y day. It's amazing. I've been incredibly lucky. I really don't deserve to have been this lucky. I'm not always good at making the right decisions, but I'm really good at making decisions. I've been right more than I've been wrong. But, I've been willing to decide quickly. So, that's what I'm most excited about is…just being able to share what we've been able to accomplish." He goes on to name qualities that set Downtown Macon apart: all local developers; businesses are " 100% locally owned, locally designed, family run;" and the place-based approach that can't be replicated, "that's special to us." My family's last NewTown Macon Tour of Progress was with him and his family as our guide. We will always see Josh as our best , most beloved guide. And we know that his legacy must continue. As we look to 2025, dream big – as Josh did. You'll f ind plent y of reasons in these pages. We'll thrive if we do. And you'll f ind me wearing my "i love macon" pin, just as Josh did on the daily. Let's do it all in his honor. Editor's letter | DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 Editor, Susannah C. Maddux @susannahcmaddux "Not normal" is our standard – and we keep loving Macon BELOW Macon Magazine staff (missing a few!) gathered to celebrate plans for the new year at MM HQ. We answered the question: How will you thrive in 2025? on our website. Join the story. @maconmagazine We want to know your story. Join the conversation @maconmagazine or email us hello@maconmagazine.com.