About The Jenkins County times. (Millen, Ga.) 2023-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 25, 2024)
axrt uoa cxyu^rext for Christmas Teast/ fYjHILY VALUE SAVINGS INSIDE THIS 540 East Winthrope Avenue. - Millen, Georgia enkins ©ounty JT MONARCH OF JENKINS COUNTY^/NE imes Home and Digital Subscribers: 582 Weekly Newsstand Sales: 308 MEWS Weekly Social Media followers: 3,307 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
