About The Sylvania times. (Sylvania, Ga.) 2022-current | View Entire Issue (May 8, 2024)
Hit,tonta * Newington * Rocky Ford Sylvania Oliver Cooperville Dover Halcyondale Mit t haven THESYLVANIATIMES.COM 912-451-NEWS (6397) or 478-401-5007 Follow Us on Facebook | f \ www.facebook.com/thesylvaniatimes T THE SYLVANIA TIMES VOL.3 NO. 17 May 8, 2024 LEGAL ORGAN OF SCREVEN COUNTY Sylvania, Georgia $1.25 Lifestyles ..2 | Editorials ..7 | Church News ..5 | Sports ..3 | Obituaries ..8 | Legals ..9-10 | Farm & Land.. 12 | Booking Log ..10 Monday - Friday 7:30 - 5:00 Saturday 7:30 - 5:00 CLOSED ON SUNDAY The helpful place 912.564.2003 136 Industrial Road - Sylvania, Georgia 30467 Ace REWARDS [1 ail c cts r— <U - « S' 1 -te on S-H J9 -1 <C W Market on Maple Draws Crowd for Opening Day -Sarah Saxon. Reporter The Market on Maple kicked off its 2024 season to an enthusiastic crowd on Thursday, May 2. It is a vibrant market featuring a variety of items, amidst anticipation from attendees eager to explore the offerings. Marking the beginning of a seasonal tradition, the market is set to grace the city landscape every Thursday from May through September, welcoming visitors from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. With a commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering community connections, the Market on Maple promises to be a hub of activity and commerce throughout the season. City Manager Stacy Mathis and Chamber Director Kylie Forehand expressed their delight at the overwhelming turnout for the opening day. Both officials emphasized the significance of community support and the invaluable contribution of vendors in making the event a resounding success. "This was one of the biggest Market openings that we've had, and we are incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic support from our community and the dedication of our vendors," remarked Stacy Mathis. "The Market on Maple represents a celebration of local talent and entrepreneurial spirit, and we couldn't be more excited about the season ahead." Kylie Forehand echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the anticipation for the upcoming months of the market season. "The energy and excitement here today are palpable. We are thrilled to see the Market on Maple become a thriving gathering place for our community, and we look forward to the diverse array of goods and experiences that each week will bring." From artisanal crafts to farm-fresh produce, the Market on Maple offers something for everyone, fostering a vibrant tapestry of local culture and commerce. The vendors who were part of the opening day were OF Country Farm, Jacob’s Produce, Sylvania Florist, Ogeechee Peaches, Dragonfly Sweets, Kildare Station, Rosa Teague Sweets, Blend Company, Cottage Geeks, Christy’s Crafts, Vitale in the South, Tiny Little Beads, Louise Brinson Produce, Daily Bread, Mel’s Munchies, Froyo Bean and Boone’s Blazin’ Bites. Photo by: Sarah Saxon United Methodist Church Removes Ban on LGBTQ Clergy Ordination -Special to The Times In a landmark decision, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church has unanimously voted to abolish the ban on the ordination of clergy who are "self-avowed practicing homosexuals," overturning a prohibition that has been in place since 1984. The decisive vote took place during the morning plenary session on May 1, where General Conference delegates approved the change alongside 22 other pieces of legislation on the consent calendar. This method allows delegates to pass multiple petitions in bulk if they have overwhelming support in the legislative committee and do not have budgetary or constitutional implications. The vote on the consent calendar saw overwhelming approval, with 692 delegates voting in favor and only 51 opposed, < The United Methodist Church marking a significant 93% approval rate. The announcement of the decision was met with applause from both delegates and observers present at the conference. Among the key changes approved on the consent calendar is a directive that superintendents are not to penalize clergy or churches for either holding or refraining from holding same-sex weddings. Additionally, the General Conference has urged the Council of Bishops to prioritize inclusivity in naming representatives to ecumenical organizations, considering factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, disabilities, sexual orientation, and economic condition. This move by the General Conference reflects a broader trend of the denomination quietly reversing longstanding restrictions against LGBTQ members. More potential changes are anticipated in the future, including the elimination of the ban on using United Methodist funds to "promote acceptance of homosexuality." Notably, the legislation approved explicitly protects the right of clergy and churches not to officiate at or host same-sex weddings, ensuring that individual beliefs and practices are respected within the denomination. Following the historic vote, retired Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in church life, offered a prayer, emphasizing the importance of serving with compassion and devotion. Similarly Bishop Karen Oliveto, the denomination's first openly gay and married bishop, expressed gratitude for the progress made and highlighted the ongoing commitment to inclusivity and acceptance within The United Methodist Church. EARLY VOTING BEGAN APRIL 29-MAY 17 Screven County Board of Elections Contact Information Check your voter registration information and view a sample ballot at: www.mvp.sos.ga.gov View Screven County Election information and news on Facebook at Screven County Board of Elections Find us on the web at www.screvencountyboc.com/ electionsadministration Email at registrar@screvencountyga.gov Or call us at 912-564-2153 Governor Kemp Signs Agricultural Legislation with Focus on Security and Support -Joe Brady, Editor Georgia Governor Brian R Kemp, flanked by key officials and legislative partners, has enacted a comprehensive package of laws aimed at bolstering the state's agricultural sector while enhancing security measures against external threats. The signing ceremony, attended by First Lady Marty Kemp, Lieutenant Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Bums, Commissioner Tyler Harper, and various state and local leaders, marks a significant step in safeguarding Georgia's vital agricultural industry. The legislative package encompasses a range of measures designed to fortify the resilience of Georgia's farming communities and protect vital agricultural assets from foreign interference and internal threats. Notable provisions include stringent regulations on the ownership of agricultural land and properties near military installations by individuals with ties to foreign adversaries. This measure seeks to prevent the exploitation of agricultural resources for nefarious purposes and safeguard critical national security interests. Governor Kemp emphasized the pivotal role of Georgia's farming families in driving the state's economy and underscored the importance of providing unwavering support amidst unprecedented challenges. These challenges include grappling with adverse federal energy policies, combating attempts by foreign entities to acquire farmland, and addressing the escalating issue of property theft, particularly livestock. "We are committed to standing by our farming communities and ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive," declared Governor Kemp. "By addressing the pressing issues facing our agricultural sector head-on, we are reinforcing Georgia's position as a national leader in agriculture while safeguarding our state against emerging threats." In addition to its agricultural focus, the legislative package encompasses measures aimed at addressing broader societal concerns. This includes initiatives to combat career burnout among healthcare professionals and crackdown on the illicit distribution of fentanyl-laced medications and controlled substances, underscoring the state's commitment to public health and safety. The collaborative efforts between Governor Kemp, state legislators, and stakeholders reflect a concerted commitment to fortifying Georgia's agricultural resilience and enhancing security measures to safeguard the state's economic and national interests. With these comprehensive legislative reforms in place, Georgia is poised to navigate the evolving landscape of agricultural challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. SCMS FFA Recognized -Erica Frost, Special Contributor Several members (Dakota Bragg, Riley Lamb, Stella McBride, and Jay Conley Smith) were recognized at the State FFA Convention last week for their Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs. Jay Conley, however, walked away, being named the State Winner in the area of Horticulture for his SAE Recordbook. These recordbooks are the start of the member's proficiency applications in high school. I am incredibly proud of our students, who were recognized for their hard work and success last week. »nder Sweet. In The Husk Yellow, White Or Bi Color Corn FARMERS FINEST® PICK UP YOUR COPY OF fr&sh. f&eti fatarket sf 3&iaIcuas 540 E Winthrope Ave - Millen, GA 30442 I T h e enkins ounty imes AT any of our checkouts Today!
