About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 2023)
yHs!! Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 3:00 CLOSED ON SUNDAY .Year brings thoughts’bfTalljpie i can create. A new jo.b., a new helpful 912.564.2003 7\|New 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Georgia 30467 Httxonta * Newington * Rocky Ford * Sylvania * Oliver * Cooperville * Dover * Halcyondalf * Mttthavf.n Editorials ...11 | Church News ...3 | Sports ...4 | Obituaries ...6 | Legals ...7 | Farm & Land...10 | Comics 8 | Crossword ....8 LJ O i—j o pr CO in <ji a o CO o CO Bryant Sworn in as Chaplain for Sheriff’s Department By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for The Times In a ceremony held on Friday, December 15, Bonita Thomas Bryant took on a new role as she was officially sworn in as the Chaplain for the Screven County Sheriff’s Department. The ceremony, administered by Sheriff Mike Kile, marked the beginning of Bryant's official duties in providing spiritual guidance and support to the law enforcement community Notably, prior to her official swearing-in, Bryant has already been making a positive impact through her dedication to teaching a women’s Bible study within the Sheriffs Department. The program has garnered a commendable response from female inmates, with an average attendance of about 15 ladies, each equipped with their own donated Bibles. Bryant, an Ordained Pastor at Good Samaritan Church, brings a wealth of spiritual knowledge and a commitment to community service to her new role. Currently pursuing a Biblical Counseling/Theology Degree online through Liberty University, she aims to complete her studies and graduate in the Winter of 2025. Expressing her passion for people and her desire to share the teachings of God, Bryant stated, “I have a love for people and wanted to help them leam the word of God.” Sheriff Kile recognized her dedication and approached her with the opportunity to extend her teachings to female inmates, providing a source of comfort and guidance through the teachings of Jesus. Sheriff Mike Kile swears in Bonita Thomas Bryant as Chaplain. Photo by: Sarah Saxon Sheriff Mike Kile spoke highly of Bryant, acknowledging her commitment to both her faith and her desire to make a positive impact within the Sheriff’s Department. He expressed confidence in her ability to provide support not only to the staff but also to those in custody As Chaplain, Bryant is expected to play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and spiritually nourishing environment within the Sheriff’s Department. Her appointment reflects the department's commitment to holistic well-being and a compassionate approach to law enforcement. Sylvania Ford Distribution Site for Toys By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for The Times Lorie Autry, Willie Haynes, and Ken Thomas overseeing the collection of toys at Sylvania Ford. Photo by: Sarah Saxon Lorie Autry, the Executive Director of the United Way of Screven County, Ken Thomas, the Sales Manager at Sylvania Ford, and US Marine Chief Warrant Officer 3 Willie Haynes convened to oversee the collection of toys for the annual Toys for Tots campaign. Residents of Screven County displayed immense generosity this holiday season, with Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home and Screven County Schools serving as local drop-off points. These locations brimmed with new toys, all destined to bring smiles to the faces of boys and girls on Christmas morning. The essence of the Toys for Tots initiative is beautifully encapsulated in its mission statement: "Our mission is to provide toys, books, and other gifts to children in need at Christmastime - and beyond! This way, we'll be able to bring thejoy of Christmas and send a message of hope to children in need throughout the year. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of those children." dd rrrm i IKE@SQ.rt IKLo©Iiw Ford Bv Joe Brady, Editor for The Times Screven County 4-H Member, Wins Statewide Christmas Card Contest By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for The Times The holiday season has an extra sparkle for the Wiltse family in Sylvania as their talented daughter, Ava Wiltse, emerged victorious in the 2023 State 4-H Christmas Card Contest. Ava, a Junior 4-H member, showcased her artistic prowess, capturing the festive spirit and earning accolades for her creative masterpiece. Ava Wiltse. the daughter of Rev. Jason and Emily Wiltse, stands out not only for her artistic abilities but also as a remarkable 8th-grade homeschool student. Being one of seven siblings, Ava balances her time between academic pursuits, 4-H activities, and family life. For her efforts, Ava not only received the statewide recognition, but was also given a price of $100. Known for her vibrant personality and diverse interests, Ava is not just a talented artist but an active participant in her homeschools group and the local 4-H community. Her passion for sketching and drawing has now gained statewide recognition, adding another feather to her cap. Aside from her artistic endeavors, Ava finds joy in baking delectable treats, diving into a variety of books, and showcasing her musical talents by playing the violin. Her commitment to her pursuits and her enthusiastic engagement in the community have made her a standout member in both her homeschool group and 4-H. Lauren M. Clark, Ava's 4-H teacher, expressed her pride in Ava's achievement, stating, "Ava's dedication to her craft is truly commendable. Winning the state contest is a testament to her artistic skill and creative vision. I'm not only proud of her but also thrilled to share the joy by distributing her winning cards to individuals and businesses here in Screven County." For those who wish to share in Ava's success and spread the holiday cheer, the opportunity to order her winning Christmas cards is available. Interested individuals can place orders through the official 4-H contact at facebook.com/georgia4Hfoundation. Jada Abraham, Rain Cail, Leo Joyner, Mackenzie Preston, Joshua Williams. Photo contributed. Tucked away within the historic confines of Rocky Ford City Hall is a literary haven that many may not be aware of - the Rocky Ford Library. As the resident librarian, Jane Rahn affectionately describes it, "This is my Norman Rockwell town." Jane's love for her community and its quaint library shines through as she unveils plans to elevate the library into a vibrant hub of learning and community engagement. The shelves of the Rocky Ford Library are a testament to the generosity and support of the town's residents. Jane explains, "On these shelves are the love and support of our town; they have donated books by the tote full." The library, furnished with donated books, has become a repository of community spirit, reflecting the literary interests and passions of its residents. Jane Rahn envisions a future for the library that extends beyond its current offerings. "I would love to offer computer workshops for our older patrons, an afterschool program with some of our retired educators, and even drama classes! I would enjoy doing a drama about the founding of Rocky Ford." Her ambitious vision reflects a commitment to making the library a dynamic and multifaceted community resource. Supporting the Rocky Ford Library is simple and accessible to all. Residents can fill out a membership card and start borrowing books at two-week intervals. Additionally, the library welcomes book donations of all sorts and on most subjects. Jane Rahn also spearheads a thoughtful initiative known as the "red ribbon program." She explains, "We tie a red ribbon around six magazines and take them to our homebound patrons." This initiative ensures that even those who cannot visit the SEE LIBRARY ON PAGE 9 library in person Jane Rahn SCMS awards REACH Scholarships By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for I I11 : TIMES Screven County Middle School hosted a REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Signing Day Ceremony for the 2023-2024 REACH Scholars on November 1st, 2023. The finalists are Jada Abraham, Rain Cail, Leo Joyner, Mackenzie Preston, and Joshua Williams. Upon successful completion of the program, the students earn a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 max/year or $ 1,250/semester) towards the cost of attendance at a HOPE-eligible postsecondary institution. The REACH Program has helped many students throughout the state of Georgia since fomier Governor Nathan Deal launched it in February 2012. The mission of the REACH Program is to ensure that low income, academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college, and achieve postsecondary success. With continued support from the community, we are looking forward to all the great things that lie ahead with the REACH Program. If you have questions or want to donate monies you can contact Lori Burns, REACH Coordinator at 912-451-2000.