About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 31, 2024)
rORANGE Httxonta * Newington * Rocky Ford * Sylvania * Oliver * Cooperville * Dover * Halcyondalf * Mtt.t.havf.n Possum Eddy Treat The Birds in your Backyard Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 3:00 CLOSED ON SUNDAY CLOSED ON 912.564.2003 SUNDAY 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Georgia 30467 ACE REWARDS VOL.3 NO. 3 January 31,2024 | LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY | Sylvania, Georgia $1.25 Editorials ..5 | Church News ..3 | Sports ..11-12 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9 | Farm & Land..13 | Booking Log ..7 | Crossword ..10 CO U1 01 01 0 CO o co in h. On the evening of January 26, the Screven County Chamber of Commerce members at the First Baptist Church for the annual banquet.The event, sponsored by Farmers and Merchants Bank, was a celebration of community, recognition, and shared achievements. The attendees were welcomed by the soothing sounds of Carlos Carvajal's violin, setting a serene ambiance as guests mingled and enjoyed a delightful charcuterie in a cup prepared by the local Food Lion. The evening continued with an invocation, followed by an exquisite dinner prepared by Golden Bee Patisserie, featuring a Spring Salad Mix, Honey Garlic Chicken Breast, Shrimp and Grits, Seasoned Green Beans, and Rolls, guests were waited on by members of the SCHS FFA. The honey butter for the rolls was courtesy of Honey Toast Farms. Keynote speaker Andy Durrence of JTEKT addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's values and the significance of effective management in business leadership. Durrence's insights resonated with the chamber members, highlighting the need for businesses to remain valuable in a rapidly changing landscape. Kylie Forehand, President, and CEO of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce took the stage to provide an overview of the chamber's achievements in 2023. Notable accomplishments included participating in ribbon cuttings, hosting anniversary celebrations, luncheons, customer appreciation days, and business after-hours events. The chamber welcomed 30 new members, ending the year with a total of 155. Forehand expressed her excitement about the success of the shop local punch card initiative during the holiday season, which saw 1,000 punch cards distributed to local businesses, resulting in $7,500 spent locally in just 30 days. The chamber also sold $26,930 in chamber bucks, supporting local member businesses. Looking ahead to 2024, Forehand outlined plans to create more networking opportunities, offer additional education events for members, and revise member benefits to better serve the community. The goal is to reinstate Leadership Screven by 2025. The awards ceremony recognized outstanding businesses and individuals in the community. Donkey's Discount received the Small Business of the Year award for their exemplary customer service. Ross Drugs was honored as the Medium Business of the Year, and JTEKT, received the Large Business of the Year award. The Screven County Board of Education was recognized as the Non- Profit Business of the Year. Riverside Rayne was named the New Chamber Member of the Year, highlighting their active participation and partnership with the chamber. The prestigious Agnes Tebeau award, given to an individual going above and beyond for the community, was presented to Len Stafford for his selfless dedication and support of Screven County events. As the event drew to a close, Georgia Speaker of the House Jon Bums left the audience with a poignant message: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with friends." The 50th annual meeting of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce was a resounding success, showcasing the strength and unity of the local business community as they look forward to another year of growth and collaboration. Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50th Anniversary By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for The Times Tramaine Melvin & Spike Albritton Donkey’s Discount Small Business of the Year Ken Thomas & Chris Griner Ross Drugs Medium Business of the Year Hoke Reeves & Jonathan Thomas Koyo Large Business of the Year Dorothy Glissen & Len Stafford Leslie Daniel paints picture of Agnes Tebeau Volunteer Award 2024 Chamber Dinner Jim Thompson & Brett Warren Profit Award Screven County BOE Rocky Ford City Council Swears In Two Members Judge Debbie Brown swears in Wayne Bragg and Melissa Smith as new city council members for Rocky Ford. By: Sarah Saxon On January 23, the Mayor and City Council of Rocky Ford came together for their monthly meeting, addressing various matters crucial to the community's well-being and development. The meeting commenced with the traditional invocation and pledge of allegiance, setting the tone for a productive session. Mayor Ken Mock presided over the meeting, joined by Secretary Shannon Phillips, Drew Dudley, Inez Lane, Ralph Mock, and the recently appointed council members Wayne Bragg and Melissa Smith. A significant part of the agenda involved the swearing-in ceremony for the new council members. Probate Judge Debbie Brown administered the oath of office to Wayne Bragg and Melissa Smith, officially welcoming them into their roles as integral members of the City Council. In a unanimous decision. Drew Dudley was nominated and approved to serve as the Mayor Pro- Tern, indicating the council's confidence in his ability to fulfill this important position. Chief Tony Taylor took the floor to present the Police Department report, highlighting those 22 tickets that had been issued over the past month. By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for I I IE TIMES Additionally, Chief Taylor proposed the addition of a part-time police officer to the department, subject to approval by the council members. Ralph Mock was designated as the on-call person for any Water Department-related issues, a decision aimed at ensuring swift responses and efficient management. Mayor Ken Mock, while continuing to be the on-call person for the Recreation Department, expressed the need for a dedicated individual for the Street Department. Secretary Shannon Phillips provided an update on the city's financial matters, mentioning that Richard Deal had initiated an audit of the city's books. Mayor Mock brought attention to the Recreation Department building, proposing plans for repainting, and the possibility of installing a metal roof on the main structure. The council also discussed the idea of adding picnic tables around the recreation area and playgrounds, enhancing community spaces. In a positive development. Rocky Ford secured a Norfolk Southern safety grant exclusively eamiarked for the Police Department. Chief Taylor outlined the department's plan to utilize the funds for acquiring a tag reader and computer software, which would contribute to generating additional revenue for the town. The city is also exploring funding opportunities from the LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant) to facilitate the paving of roads. Notably, Main Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 17 and Doster Road were identified as priority areas for potential improvement. The meeting concluded with the unanimous decision to renew the Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement/Hazard Mitigation Letter. This agreement signifies that the county will aid Rocky Ford in the event of disasters, whether natural or man-made, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the community. As the city embarks on these initiatives, the Rocky Ford City Council remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and fostering a safer and more vibrant community. Rhonda Hinson, music teacher at Screven County Elementary School, sits at the piano playing and reflecting on her win as the 2024 Georgia K-5 VFW Teacher of the Year. Photo by Sarah Saxon Hinson Chosen as K-5 Georgia VFW Teacher of the Year By Sarah Saxon, Reporter for The Times In recognition of her dedication and excellence in education, Rhonda Hinson, the music teacher at Screven County Elementary School, has been selected as the K-5 Teacher of the Year by the Department of Georgia VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). The prestigious award will be conferred at the upcoming awards banquet scheduled for February 10, hosted at the Macon Marriott City Center. Hinson's journey in the realm of music education is marked by a profound commitment to her craft and an unwavering passion for nurturing young minds. Graduating with a degree in Piano from Weslyn College, she furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a master's in Piano and another master's in music education, both from Florida State University. During her time at FSU, Hinson actively contributed to SEE TEACHER, PAGE 6 SUPER BOWL LVIII MARKET % fre-sk Fbbc{, fJarket of 'fewkms CbcwL 540 E Winthrope Ave, MiLlen, GA 30442 CBS, Nickelodeon & Paramount - 6:30 p.m. EST
