About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 21, 2024)
Page 8 - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 The Sylvania Times thesy lvaniatimes .com -Obituaries- Retta Hester R e t t a Hester, age 68, wife of Rick Harris Hester, passed away on Saturday evening, February 10, 2024, at Memorial University Medical Center- Savannah. Retta was bom on April 19, 1955, to the late George Henry Edwards and Dorothy Scurry Edwards Brannen. She was an elementary school teacher at Screven Elementary for 17 years, and a member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, and time and laughter among family and friends. Retta was also fond of fishing, even cleaning the catches herself. In addition to her parents, Retta was preceded in death by her stepfather, James W. “Bill” Brannen. Those who will cherish her memory include her husband, Rick Hester; sons and daughter-in-law, Jason & Wendy Oliver, Daniel Edwards Oliver; sisters and brothers-in-law, Anne & James Zuber, Nancy & Ed Seufert; grandchildren and their spouses, Kameron & Kayla Oliver, Brannen Oliver & fiance Lacey Mabli, great-grandchildren. Aubrey Oliver, Ansley Oliver; several nieces and nephews; and two special dogs, Maggie & Cricket. No services are planned at this time. Memorial Contributions may be made to American Heart Association at www. heart.org Please share your thoughts and memories about Retta and her life at www. thompsonstricklandwaters.com. 4W Theresa Diane Morris Adkins Mrs. Theresa Diane Morris Akins, age 67, died Sunday at her residence in Sylvania, under the care of Regency Southemcare Hospice. The Statesboro native was a paramedic and Medical Billing Clerk, with Screven County EMS, for many years. She received her associate degree in medical billing from Ogeechee Technical College. She was of the Baptist Faith. Preceding her in death, were her partner, Robert Akins,; Mother, Joyce Evans, Father, Ernest Morris, brothers, Ricky and Timmy Morris and a sister, Michelle Portwood. Surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Carol and Matt Stone of Ludowici and Ann Royal of Sylvania; a son Matthew Royal (Chrissy) of Sylvania; a sister and brother-in-law, Cara and Mel Bullard of Rockyford; nine grandchildren, Christina Stone (Laz), Sierra and Bubba Owen, Dalton Farrer, Cassie Fareer (Kevin), Caleb Royal, Haley Royal, Rebecca Lynn, Elijah Royal and Thomas Royal and four great grandchildren. The family received visitors on Thursday from 10:00am until 11:00am in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro. Funeral services followed the visitation at 11:00am with Rev. Bill Kent Officiating. Friends may sign the online register book at www. joineranderson.com. Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the- arrangements. n l(»ncr Emma Lee Jenkins Mrs. Emma Lee Jenkins, 64, of Girard, Georgia, was bom September 29, 1959. She entered into rest on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Family visitation was held Friday, January 26, 2024 at 10:30 - 11:30am and public visitation was held from 3:00- 6:00pm at Phinazee and Son Funeral Home, 404 West 8th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 27, 2024, 11:00am at the One in Christ 145 Glisson Road, Girard, GA 30426. Interment was at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church 1395 Stoney Bluff Road Girard, GA 30426. Phinazee & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the services. PHINAZEE & SON F kJ M C H A IL HOME Julie Teresa Reddick Bragg Julie Teresa Reddick Bragg, age 68, of Sylvania, Georgia passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Memorial University Medical Center- Savannah. Julie was bom in Sylvania, GA, to the late couple Robert S. “Pee Wee” Reddick & Christie Lariscy Reddick, on October 26, 1955. Julie was a bank teller and auditor for Farmers & Merchants Bank for 39 years. In her retirement, she enjoyed reading, gardening and being outdoors. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Those who will cherish her memory include her loving husband of 40 years, Sol Bragg; daughter and son-in-law, Holly & Clint Boykin; sons, Matt Bragg and Christopher Bragg; sister and brother-in-law, Cynthia & Don Glisson; brother and sister-in-law, Bobby & Penny Reddick; grandchildren, Mallory Kate Boykin, Noah Clint Boykin; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held on February 20, 2024, at Thompson Strickland Waters Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Wes Withrow officiated. Interment followed at Screven County Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers: Ethan Bragg, Nolan Bragg, Chad Willis, Ken Pierce, Ryan Glisson, Zach Reddick Please share your thoughts and memories about Julie and her life at www.thompsonstricklandwaters. com. JFSf NOTICE OF HEARING ON AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE A public hearing will be held at Sylvania City Hall located at 104 South Main Street, Sylvania, Georgia, 30467, on March 6, 2024, at 6:00 pm to discuss the following proposed amendments to Sylvania’s Zoning Ordinance: An ordinance to amend the code of ordinances of the City of Sylvania to provide an exemption from the special events ordinance for events held on property located in C-l and C-2 zones for which a special use exception has been granted for commercial leasing for weddings, receptions, social gatherings, business events, musical events, theatrical events, films, and similar events, on Monday through Thursday after 6:00 pm and ending before 10:00 pm of the same day, Friday between the hours of 6:00 pm through midnight of the same day, or on Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 9:00 am and midnight of the same day. An ordinance to amend the code of ordinances of the City of Sylvania to provide for a special use exception for commercial leasing in C-l and C-2 zones for weddings, receptions, social gatherings, business events, musical events, theatrical events, films, and similar events and to further provide for the termination of special use exceptions where property is not utilized for the special use granted for a period exceeding six months. All members of the public are invited to attend. CITY OF SYLVANIA, GEORGIA Blair Causey, City Clerk Run 2/21 and 2/28 Property Tax Reform Passes Georgia Senate -Special to The Times Lt. Governor Burt Jones’s property tax reform priority, Senate Bill 349, passed the Senate. The legislation, also known as the “Save Our Homes” Act, aims to address longstanding issues with local property taxes. “Our goal has always been to keep costs low for Georgia families,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “Senate Bill 349 limits increases in property taxes year to year, reforms the appeals process, and allows for more transparency in our taxation procedures. This bill will make the taxation process both less confusing and less expensive for Georgia taxpayers.” SB 349 creates a mechanism for limiting year- to-year increases in home valuations for purposes of property tax to no more than 3% per year. In addition, SB 349 changes provisions relating to public notices of a local government’s intention to increase property taxes and makes changes to the process of appealing the tax assessor’s valuation for local property taxes. Lastly, the legislation modifies required information that must appear in the annual notice of a homeowner’s current assessment and alters the process for settlement conferences regarding valuations. -IDA- Continued from Page 1 went through the standard evaluation process based on merit and qualifications. Despite the differing opinions and concerns expressed during the discussion, the county commissioners proceeded with the vote. In the end, the majority of the board supported the IDA board's recommendation and appointed Ben Boyd to the IDA board. The decision highlights the complexities and challenges involved in the selection process for crucial positions within county programs. The debate also underscores the importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and addressing potential conflicts of interest in such appointments. -LIBRARY- Continued from Page 1 of restrictions on librarian certifications, a move that directly challenges the current system where the ALA is the sole accreditor of librarians in Georgia, according to the Secretary of State's Office. This change has raised concerns among opponents who fear it could lead to a decline in the quality and standards of library professionals in the state. Supporters of the bill argue that the ALA's leadership holds "Marxist" ideologies, asserting that taxpayer funds should not support an organization with such political beliefs. Additionally, SB390 claims that the ALA has used its certification process to promote its own political agenda. In response, the ALA issued a press release stating, “ALA is closely following Georgia Senate Bill 390 and is working to obtain more information about the proposed legislation. We remain committed to ALA’s mission of providing essential support, resources, and opportunities for every library and all library workers across the nation to ensure that every person and community has access to a library that provides free and unfettered access to a wide range of information that benefits all community members.” The Georgia Library Service voiced its concerns, stating that if SB390 passes, it could have a profound impact on Georgia libraries and universities, the potential loss of certification for librarians could lead to a reduction in support for MLS holders' salaries. Additionally, the bill might hinder libraries from participating in various grants, webinars, and events associated with the ALA and its affiliates, impacting National Library Month, Banned Books Week, and summer reading programs. Efforts to gather information from Sen. Max Bums' office have been unsuccessful as of press time, leaving many questions about the motivations and intentions behind SB390 unanswered. The bill's progression will undoubtedly be closely watched by library advocates, educators, and the broader community as it navigates through the legislative process. 0 sing to God your hymn of gladness I was reminded of a time back about ten years ago, when I was sitting in the hospital next to my Mother and on the other side was another lady that seem to do nothing but stare at the televison and hum a familar tune. However, I could not put my finger on the name of the tune at the time. Then a few days later, it clicked. I remembered what the tune was. It was "O sing to God your hymn of gladness". I am not sure it is a hymn everyone may be familiar with, however I did remember it from my childhood. One night we were sitting in the parlor of a home with a friend of my grandmother's, while my Mother and her were in the next room talking with a neighbor. For some reason it seems like, something was wrong with her. Or something like that. Anyway, I was sitting with my friend Shawn and my grandmother's friends maid. The maids name was Franny. Oh, she was so sweet. Everytime I would visit, she would bake me the best chocolate chip cookies and place them in a delicious bowl of vanilla ice cream. This time, she made a helping for me and my friend Shawn. He would always ask, "you always get this grand treatment when you come here?" and I would always respond with, "of course, this is my grandmothers friend and her maid." He was amazed. You see, he didn't get out of the city too much. I think the only time he ever saw the country, was when his Mother and Dad would let him go off with me and my family. My Mother and grandmother spent a good bit of time with my grandmothers friend that evening and so we spent time with Miss Franny, Playing cards, telling jokes and singing. This particular evening Miss Franny had charles Fran(?ois Gounod a special song to sing to us. She said, "she learned it as a little girl from her great grandmother."Now", she said, "my grandmother was a slave woman and she sang this to me as I would go to sleep at night. This is the only verse that she knew." Then with a beautiful soft voice she began to sing...."0 sing to Godyour hymns of gladness, ye loving hearts your tribute pay. Your Lord is bom this happy day. Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness, O sing to God your nymns of gladness " I remember her voice being so beautiful. I remembered some of the words, however at the age of 12, I simply remember her voice more than anything. I was simply stunned at the clearness, the perfect diction, and the adoration in her voice. It was like an angel had appeared and started to sing. I have to say, it was one of the most memorable times in my life. I will never forget it. "Oh, sing to God your hymn of gladness", was written by hymn writer, Charles Francjois Gounod in 1866. It was known by some as the "Song of the Nuns". In 1868 in a review in Tne Musical Times is was said, "perhaps this is one of the purest pieces of inspiration ever conceived by this composer." And, I would have to agree. I hope you enjoy the words as much as I did as a twelve year old boy, as Miss Franny sang it to us. O sing to God your hymns of gladness. Ye loving hearts your tribute pay; Your Lord is bom this happy day. Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness. Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness; O sing to God your hymns of gladness. Mark how the Mother lulls to slumber Her new bom Babe with tenderest love. And guards her treasure from above! O blessed Child with her who bore Thee, We, too, will kneel in faith before Thee. O God Incarnate, we adore Thee! O Word of God for us incarnate, By faith we hear Thine angels sing. Their hymns of praise to Thee their King. We join with them in adoration. We pour to Thee our supplication. That Thou wouldst grant us. Lord, salvation. -OPTIM- Continued from Page 1 providers. Optim Hospital CEO, Lagina Evans of Optim Medical Center-Screven, was among the esteemed attendees honored during the annual gathering. The event served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and recognition of the vital role played by mral hospitals in their communities. HomeTown Health, LLC has been a cornerstone for mral hospitals, offering a range of services such as advocacy, education, business partner service indexing, industry conferences, and strategic support. As part of its commitment to fostering healthcare in mral areas, the organization has established key partnerships with the Department of Public Health and Department of Community Health in various states. With a quarter-century of experience, HomeTown Health has evolved into a dynamic force in the healthcare sector, providing expansive grant-based resources to its member hospitals. These resources, made possible through collaborations with government departments, aim to enhance the quality of healthcare services in mral regions. Currently partnering with over 70 mral hospitals in the Southeast, HomeTown Health continues to make a positive impact on the healthcare landscape. Member Optim Medical Center Screven is a cmcial player in providing healthcare services to their local community. In her remarks at the event, Lagina Evans expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration facilitated by HomeTown Health. "As we navigate the challenges and opportunities in mral healthcare, organizations like HomeTown Health play a pivotal role in fostering a network of support and resources," said Evans. "We are honored to be part of this community of dedicated healthcare leaders." As HomeTown Health looks ahead to the next chapter, the organization remains committed to its mission of strengthening mral hospitals and ensuring access to quality healthcare in underserved areas. The 25th- anniversary celebration and the success of the 17th Annual Georgia Rural Hospital Leadership Day underscore the organization's enduring impact on the healthcare landscape in the Southeast. SANDERS MONUMENT COMPANY 1484 Halcyondale Rd., Sylvania, GA Kenneth & Stacy Sanders Owners 912-425-7870 or 912-451-6382 sandersmonumentco@gmail.com sandersmonument. com
