Newspaper Page Text
Page 8 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023
The Jenkins County Times
j enkinsc ountytimes .com
Painting Party Delights
Ladies at the VFW Hut
Bv Sarah Saxon, Reporter
for
The Times
The VFW I [ut on Community Drive
was filled with laughter, creativity, and
camaraderie on Saturday, October 28, as
several ladies gathered for a delightful
painting party organized by the American
Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
The attendees were greeted with a
plethora of painting options, allowing them
to choose from fall. Thanksgiving, and
Christmas-themed designs. Each participant
was given a canvas and a palette of vibrant
colors, transforming the room into a lively
studio buzzing with artistic energy.
The atmosphere was not just limited to
artistic pursuits; the array of treats provided
the perfect accompaniment.
Among the attendees were Shelley
Smalley Wolfe, Jessica Wolfe, and Ann
Smalley, who enthusiastically embraced
the creative process, painting with passion
and enthusiasm. Nikki Nelson, and Laura
Howard, also showcased their artistic
talents, adding to the vibrant and colorful
ambiance of the event.
The event's success can be attributed to
the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary's
dedication to fostering a sense of community
and creativity among local residents. Laura
Howard, one of the organizers, encouraged
those interested in joining the ALA or
participating in future painting parties to
reach out. She can be contacted at 912-
692-5991 providing a valuable resource for
anyone keen on getting involved in these
engaging and artistic gatherings.
For those who missed this event, there
is undoubtedly anticipation building
for the next painting party, promising
another evening of artistic exploration and
community bonding. The American Legion
Ladies Auxiliary is open to both Jenkins
and Screven counties.
JCHS Wins Cooperative
Spirit Sportsmanship Award
During halftime (from left to right) Planters EMC Assistant General Manager Norman Williams and Planters
EMC Director Horace Weathers by, III present the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award trophy to
JCHS Principal Rob Gray and JCHS Athletic Director Chuck Sanders. (Photo credit: Whitney D. Zeagler)
By: Randy Hill, Special Contributor
by
The Times
High school students face a multitude of challenges from navigating their future paths to
balancing academics and extracurricular activities. For those involved in sports, the pressure
extends beyond the classroom with a spotlight on their actions both on and off the field. In
Georgia, high schools are committed to nurturing these student-athletes, ensuring they not
only excel in their sports but also embody sportsmanship and class.
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and Georgia Electric Membership
Cooperatives, including Planters Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) recognize the
leaders of tomorrow with the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award. The awards are
presented annually to GHSA-member high schools with a winner in each of the 64 regions
from the eight classifications.
“Congratulations to all of the region winners of the GHSA Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship
Award for 2022-2023,” says Dr. Robin Hines, GHSA Executive Director. “It is an honor for
these member schools to be selected by their regions for this award. The characteristics of
good sportsmanship are critical to the development of our young people as they transition
into productive adults. The GHSA applauds our schools on this accomplishment and
appreciates Georgia’s EMCs for their support of this outstanding recognition program.”
Planters EMC Assistant General Manager Norman Williams and Planters EMC Director
Horace Weathersby, III, presented the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award to Jenkins
County High School Athletic Director Chuck Sanders and Jenkins County High School
Principal Rob Gray at halftime during a recent home football game.
Introduced in 2006, the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award program reinforces
GHSA’s philosophy which states: “Student athletes, coaches, spectators, and all others
associated with high school activity programs should adhere to the fundamental values of
respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.”
Schools such as Jenkins County High School have shown exemplary sportsmanship
across a variety of athletics, ranging from athletes to spectators. The Award also extends to
anyone involved in the athletic event, which honors the school and is a tribute to the entire
community.
The directors and employees of Planters EMC congratulate Jenkins County High School
for receiving the Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award.
Planters EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services
to 12,900 members in Bulloch, Burke, Effingham, Emanuel, Jenkins, Richmond and
Screven counties.
* JENKINS
^ COUNTY
SCHOOL SYSTEM
Historic Welcome Center
Celebrates Its Rich Legacy
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
The Sylvania Welcome Center, the
oldest state visitor center in the United
States, continues to receive recognition
and accolades for its outstanding services
and unique offerings. Recently, it was
nominated for the prestigious title of "Retail
Center of the Year," and its manager, Jessica
Godbee, was honored with the "Customer
Service Award" by the Georgia State Parks
and Historic Sites.
Since its opening in 1962, the Sylvania
Welcome Center has been a beacon of
hospitality and a testament to the enduring
importance of showcasing Georgia's
culture, history, and hospitality. This
iconic landmark has become a must-visit
destination for travelers and locals alike.
Jessica Godbee, who has been the
dedicated manager of the center, is at
the forefront of its success. She, along
with assistant manager Justin Brannen,
welcomes an average of 200 visitors per
day. Their commitment to providing top-
notch customer service and promoting
Georgia's local products has not gone
unnoticed.
The center proudly offers a variety
of Georgia Grown products, including
magnolia loom t-shirts made from 100%
Bulloch County cotton. These unique shirts
come with a QR code that allows customers
to view a photo of the exact field where the
cotton was grown. Additionally, visitors can
explore award-winning Woodpecker Trail
olive oil from a 6th-generation Glenville
family farm, moonshine pickles, Stuckey's
items, local honey, and more.
Surprisingly, the most requested item at
the center is not a product but rather good
old-fashioned paper maps. Jessica explains,
"Younger people, especially, say they want
to see a bigger picture than what's offered
on their phone screens." This demand for
traditional maps reflects the timeless appeal
of physical guides in an increasingly digital
world.
Jessica is a native of Burke County and
began her illustrious career with the visitor
center in 2007, while Justin joined the team
in 2018. Their dedication and passion for
their work have contributed significantly to
the center's continued success.
Situated along U.S. Highway 301,
the Sylvania Welcome Center is a living
testament to the vision of Governor Ernest
Vandiver, who believed that tourism could
enhance Georgia's image and serve as a
catalyst for economic growth. This visitor
center predates the interstate highway
system and once served as the "short route"
to Florida for visitors from coastal states.
Nestled behind the center is a charming
park complete with picnic tables
and grills, providing a serene and
picturesque spot for visitors to enjoy.
Notably, the Sylvania Welcome Center
is the only visitor center in the state
that still offers free Coca-Cola products
and Georgia Peanuts. Visitors are even
known to snap pictures with "Cousin
Jimmy," a cardboard cutout of former
President and fellow Georgian, Jimmy
Carter, adding a touch of local charm to
the experience.
As the Sylvania Welcome Center
continues to uphold its legacy and
receive accolades for its contributions
to Georgia's tourism, it remains
an enduring symbol of Southern
hospitality and a gateway to the state's
rich history and culture.
Name
Address
Phone Number
Mail To:
Jenkins Co. Times
P.O. Box 1448
Mi Men, Ga. 30442
Or Call: (912)451-NEWS (6397
or (478)401-5007
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2 year
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$42.00
Hydrant Flushing and Flow
Testing Planned in Millen
By Joe Brady,
Editor
for
The Times
The City of
Millen Utility
Department
has
announced a
vital initiative
to improve
water quality
and maintain
the efficiency of its water supply system. From November 14th to November
16th, the utility department will be conducting hydrant flushing and flow testing
throughout the town.
The primary objective of this operation is to remove settlement build-up and
harmless impurities that may have accumulated in the water distribution system
over time. Wnile these impurities do not pose any health risks, flushing the hydrants
and conducting flow tests is essential to ensure clean, safe, and high-quality water
for the residents of Millen.
During this three-day period, residents and businesses in Millen may experience
temporary inconveniences such as discolored water and lowered water pressure.
To minimize these disruptions, the City of Millen Utility Department recommends
that residents refrain from doing laundry between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
on these specific days. This precaution will help prevent any potential staining of
clothes due to discolored water.
If residents have any questions or concerns regarding this operation or its impact
on their water supply, the Utility Department is available to assist. You can contact
the Utility Department at 478-982-6100 for any inquiries or to report any issues
related to the hydrant flushing and flow testing.
City officials encourage residents to be understanding and patient during this
necessary maintenance process. The efforts to maintain and improve the water
supply system will ultimately contribute to a cleaner and safer water supply for all
residents of Millen.
