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Vol 2 No 41 December 2 5, 2024
Quality News That Affects You
Milieu, Georgia $1.25
Geneva Saxon Recognized
for 33 Years of Service to
Prenatal Care
-Parrish Howard and Joe Brady
For nearly 33 years, Geneva Saxon has been a guiding
light for pregnant women in Jefferson County, ensuring they
received the care and support needed to protect themselves
and their unborn children. Saxon, who recently retired just
shy of her 89th birthday, was celebrated by Jefferson Hospital
for her decades of service to the facility, its patients, and the
community.
Saxon’s journey began in 1993 when she was recruited to
help open Jefferson County’s first prenatal clinic at Jefferson
Hospital. At the time, the county faced a high maternal
morbidity rate, and many women struggled to access care in
Augusta or elsewhere.
“In this county, there was a high morbidity rate, and they
could not get to Augusta,” said Amy Bedingfield, Saxon’s
colleague of 20 years. “Jefferson Hospital partnered with MCGI
to start the clinic and offer prenatal care to women here. We
probably had 150 new patients a month who would come until
their very last month for regular visits before delivering in
Augusta.”
Reflecting on the clinic’s early days, Saxon recalled her first
patient.
“It was her birthday, and she was just 12 years old,” Saxon
said. “That let me know it was necessary that we have this in Jefferson County for the people who could not
get to Augusta.”
Many of Saxon’s patients were high-risk, dealing with conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Others,
like her first patient, were extremely young. Saxon took it upon herself to help these women access Medicaid
and receive the care they desperately needed.
“Geneva was so much more than an office manager,” Bedingfield said. “She was a mentor, a nurturer, and a
prayer warrior for these women. She teased them, played with them, and personally cared for them, especially
those facing real struggles. She took every patient under her wing.”
The week before Thanksgiving, Jefferson Hospital held a special ceremony to recoggjg
Geneva Saxon
RA r,T F, NOTES
—r-O. f •'
John Paul Hearn, Supermtenuam,
Jenkins County School System
This week’s paper hits the stands on Christmas Day. I hope
that you and your family take time to enjoy each other this
week. Remember to “be where your feet are” and let all of the
outside noise stay outside for a bit. We have so much to be
thankful for here in Jenkins County and our school system. It
is my hope and belief that our best days are ahead, and I can’t
wait to see what 2025 has in store for us. In honor of Christmas
Break, here is a War Eagle version of ‘Twas The Night Before
Christmas.
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the school.
The buses were empty, the air crisp and cool.
The hallways stood silent, the classrooms were bare,
For Christmas break started — no students were there.
The banners still hung in the school with great pride,
And the mascot, the War Eagle, perched high inside.
The trophies stood gleaming, the scoreboard stood still.
While the campus lay quiet on the frost-covered hill.
The students were home, all snug in their beds,
While memories of victory danced in their heads.
The band’s final notes had long faded away,
The cheers of the fans would return another day.
But out on the quad, there arose such a sound,
I peeked through the window, my heart started to pound.
I raced to the door, not believing my sight,
For the War Eagle mascot had taken to flight!
With wings spread wide, cutting sharp through the air,
The War Eagle soared — it was truly rare!
It circled the flagpole, it perched on the dome,
As though guarding the school that we all called home.
Its feathers were golden, its presence was grand,
A symbol of strength for our school and our land.
It seemed to be saying, with each powerful flap,
That tradition and spirit would never collapse.
And then, from the distance, a whisper was heard,
A message that carried like a spoken word:
“To the students and teachers, to fans far and near,
Enjoy your break now, but I’ll see you next year.
We’ll cheer even louder, we’ll fight, and we’ll soar,
For War Eagles rise — and come back for more!”
It screeched one last time, then flew into the night,
Disappearing in shadows, away from my sight.
But I heard it cry out, as it vanished from view:
“Merry Christmas to all — and War Eagle to you!”
St. Nicholas Toy
Box Celebrates
lOth Year
-Joe Brady, Editor
In its tenth consecutive year, the St.
Nicholas Toy Box, a heartwarming
initiative spearheaded by Spring Creek
Auction and Jenkins County Times, has
once again made a significant impact,
bringing joy to over 1300 Jenkins County
children since its inception.
“This year, we served over 50 families,
which translates to over 150 kids,” shared
Jacinda Ford, chairperson of the toy box
board. “This couldn’t have been possible
without the help of the community and the
dedicated toy box team.” Notably, County
Commissioner Jonathon Powell has joined
the board, and Shonna Wright has joined
the team, contributing to the initiative’s
growth and success.
Toys for the St. Nicholas Toy Box
are generously donated through various
channels, including Spring Creek Auction,
ScotBilt, Long Branch Church of God, and
private donors. Sam Eades, the auctioneer
for Spring Creek Auction explained, “The
bulk of the toy donations come through
Spring Creek Auction customers who give
all year.” The outpouring of support from
the community has been instrumental in
ensuring the success of the annual initiative.
Ford expressed her gratitude, “It takes a
team to get it done, and the board thanks
everyone for coming together to make
a positive impact on the lives of local
children during the holiday season.”
The St. Nicholas Toy Box was founded
ten years ago by Spring Creek owners
Sam Eades and Joe Brady. The initiative
was bom out of the realization that Toys
for Tots, while a noble cause, was not
keeping local toys within the community.
Affectionately known as “The Toy Box,” it
has grown to become the largest toy relief
group in the county, ensuring that the spirit
of giving remains local and benefits those
in need.
As the St. Nicholas Toy Box continues
to thrive, its founders, organizers, and the
supportive community are reminded of the
profound impact a united effort can have
on creating a brighter and more joyful
Christmas for children in Jenkins County.
Roy Cook Honored for
24 Years of Service on
Jenkins County Board
of Education
-Joe Brady, Editor
The Jenkins County community celebrated the remarkable career
of Mr. Roy Cook during the Jenkins County Middle High School Fine
Arts Night, as he retires after 24 years of dedicated service on the
Jenkins County Board of Education.
Mr. Cook, who has been a member of the board since January 2001,
was recognized for his instrumental role in shaping the Jenkins County
School System. Over the course of more than two decades. Cook has
witnessed and contributed to significant changes that have improved
educational opportunities for students across the county.
“Thank you, Mr. Roy, for your dedication to the Jenkins County
School System,” said Dr. J.P. Hearn, Superintendent, expressing the
gratitude of the entire school community during the evening's tribute.
“Mr. Roy served on the board of education for 24 years. He served
from January 2001 to December 2024. That is a long time. This year's
senior class was not even born when he started his tenure. In fact, the
graduating class of 2019 was probably the last class of students that
were bom when he took office. He has led through good times and
challenging times. Mr. Roy has always led with a student-first mindset.
SEE COOK ON PAGE 2
JCMHS Fine Arts
Night Brings Holiday
Cheer and Creativity
-Joe Brady, Editor
Christmas shoppers and music lovers gathered last week
for a festive evening at the Jenkins County Middle High
School (JCMHS) Fine Arts Night held in the Pal Theater.
The event featured a joy fill Christmas concert by the
talented JCMHS band, along with a chance to take home
unique, student-created artwork just in time for the holidays.
The highlight of the evening was the band’s stellar
performance, which filled the auditorium with classic
Christmas tunes, spreading the holiday spirit to all in
attendance. Meanwhile, attendees enjoyed a lively auction
featuring original artwork crafted by the talented students of
War Eagle Art.
From beautiful music to creative masterpieces, the event
provided a perfect blend of entertainment and holiday
shopping. The evening was a tremendous success, thanks to
the support of parents, teachers, and community members
who came out to celebrate the students’ hard work and
talents.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making
JCMHS Fine Arts Night a memorable and festive occasion!
Congratulations
to Jeff Murray for his dedication and hard work in our
Pulmonary Rehabilitation program! Your commitment
and progress are truly inspiring! Jeff is pictured at left with
Keith Baker, Director of Pulmonary Services.
"I'm going to do
whatever I have to do
and I'm not ever
quitting."
JENKINS COUNTY
MEDICAL CENTER
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
at Jenkins County Medical Center is
designed to help patients recover from
acute lung disease or lessen the severity of
chronic pulmonary conditions including
COPD, emphysema, asthma, chronic
bronchitis, and post-COVID issues.
For details, call 478-982-4221 or go to
jenkinsmedicalcenter.com
under the “Services” tab
