About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 3, 2024)
136 Industrial Road Sylvania, Georgia 304-67 912.564.2003 Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 3:00 Closed Sunday Httxonta * Newington * Rocky Ford * Sylvania * Oliver * Cooperville * Dover * Halcyondalf * Mtt.t havfn VOL.2 NO. 49 January 3, 2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25 Editorials ...11 | Church News ...3 | Sports ...4-5 | Obituaries ...6 | Legals ...7 | Farm & Land...10 | Comics 8 | Crossword ....8 LJ O co in <ji a o CO o CO IS Longtime Magistrate Judge Jimmy Griner Announces Retirement Plans By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times After nearly two decades of dedicated service on the magistrate bench, Judge Jimmy Griner of Screven County is preparing to bid farewell to his role at the courthouse as he enters his final year. A Screven County native. Judge Griner has been a steadfast presence in the legal community since 2003. As he looks forward to his retirement. Judge Griner reveals his plans to tackle a honey-do list that stretches over a mile long. "When I'm not working on that, I want to fish and spend time with my ten grandchildren," he explains. Alongside his wife Norma, the couple has shared a 20-year marriage and raised five children, expanding their family to include a total of ten grandchildren. While many in the community may recognize Judge Griner from his years on the magistrate bench, others may recall his earlier days as the owner of Cops & Robbers Music and Videos. Throughout his varied career. Judge Griner has maintained a strong desire to help people. "I've always had a desire to help people. From the early days when I was a small business owner to now as a judge, the opportunity to help others is rewarding." Beyond his duties as a magistrate judge, Jimmy Griner has served on the judicial council for two years, demonstrating a deep respect for the law and a commitment to upholding justice. In his role as a magistrate judge, he presides over civil filings under $15,000 and adjudicates cases involving landlords and tenants. Additionally, he handles foreclosure proceedings and addresses issues related to abandoned motor vehicles. When questioned about the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Judge Griner responded with clarity, "At 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, when I hang up my robe for the last time, I want to be remembered for doing my job as honorably as possible. That I have been honest and trustworthy." As Judge Griner embarks on the final chapter of his judicial career, the Screven County community reflects on the impact of his service, noting his dedication to justice and the well-being of the community. The upcoming year will undoubtedly be a time for farewells and reflections on the significant contributions of Judge Jimmy Griner to Screven County's legal landscape. Optim Medical Center-Screven Welcomes Dr. David Lariscy Introduces Cardiology Services to Enhance Local Care By Meg Pace, Special Contributor for The Times Optim Medical Center-Screven proudly announces the arrival of David Lariscy, MD, a Sylvania native. Dr. Lariscy's expertise in cardiology services marks a pivotal moment for the hospital, offering specialized cardiac care previously unavailable in the region. The introduction of cardiology services at Optim Medical Center-Screven reflects Optim’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility within the rural communities it serves. Dr. Lariscy brings an extensive background in medicine, boasting Board Certification in Internal Medicine, with a specialization in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Diseases. Hospital CEO Lagina Evans expressed excitement at the addition of Dr. Lariscy to the medical staff, stating, "Optim Medical Center-Screven is thrilled to welcome back a local talent like Dr. David Lariscy to our community. His dedication to cardiac care will undoubtedly benefit our patients." Dr. Lariscy's educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Georgia Southern University, followed by a master's degree in Biomedical Science at Barry University in Miami, FL, and Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados, where he graduated with highest honors. The strategic inclusion of cardiology services aligns with Optim Medical Center-Screven's vision to ensure comprehensive and accessible healthcare for the local population. This initiative not only addresses the unmet needs for specialized cardiac care but also reinforces the commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Dr. Lariscy will hold clinic every Monday from 9 AM to 4 PM at 209A Mims Road, Sylvania, GA. Patients seeking to schedule an appointment please call 912-681-2273. Cooper Funeral Home Distributes Toys Cooper Funeral Home employees collected toys at their first annual toy drive. The first annual toy distribution saw over 100 kids helped.“We start collecting the first of December up until the weekend before Christmas. I want to thank the city of Oliver, and the city and county of Sylvania and Screven,” explained Eric Cooper, funeral director and organizer of the event. Toys were distributed at the funeral home last Friday. Pictured are Rev. James Brown, Eric Cooper and Ezra Thomas are standing amongst the toys they collected for the toy distribution. Photo by Sarah Saxon 540 E Winthrope Ave, Millen, GA 30442 CHECK OUT OUR NEW FLYER IN THIS ISSUE! Christmas Cheer at AMI Kids Foster Group Home By Joe Brady, Editor for The Times The spirit of Christmas shone brightly at the AMI Kids foster group home in Screven County as individuals gathered for the seventh annual Christmas party. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, the event provided a glimpse into the remarkable work being done at this foster home. Contracted through the state of Georgia, AMI Kids serves as a haven for up to 24 young men between the ages of 12 and 18. At present, the home accommodates 22 boys, all of whom have found themselves in foster care for various reasons. Anna Herrington, a dedicated case manager with the group, emphasized that AMI Kids is not an institution for "prison kids." Instead, it acts as a transitional space for foster children, ensuring they have a stable environment until at least high school graduation. "These are foster children who, for one reason or another, end up here," explained Herrington. "Our goal is to provide a supportive environment so that when they leave, it's either to reunite with family or transition to another placement." Under the umbrella of the Screven County School System, AMI Kids ensures that no student is left behind. The organization offers tutoring for those in need, reinforcing its commitment to the education and well being of the young men in its care. AMI Kids Savannah River, a nonprofit organization with a history spanning nearly 50 years and branches across the country, is dedicated to helping youth develop into responsible and productive citizens. The impact of their work was evident at the Christmas party, where the festive spirit was palpable. A significant contributor to this annual celebration is Vicki Riley, along with the First Christian Church, who come together to sponsor the Christmas party for the boys. Riley coordinates private donations based on a Christmas wish list submitted by each young man, ensuring that each gift is chosen with care and consideration. The local Pizza Hut adds to the festivities by generously providing pizzas for the occasion. "Each kid is bought for individually. We are so grateful for our donors and sponsors," expressed Riley, who has been spearheading the Christmas party for the past seven years. For those interested in learning more about the AMI Kids program or how to contribute, Anna Herrington can be contacted at aherrington@ amikids.org. This festive event not only brings joy to the young men at AMI Kids but also highlights the importance of community support in ensuring a brighter future for these deserving individuals. MARKET
