About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 6, 2025)
C6 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 The Eatonton Aessenger www.msgrnews.com Eatonton man graduates from USMC boot camp CONTRIBUTED Private First-Class James Major Stanford, 21, of Eatonton, graduated Oct. 24 from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. Private First-Class Stanford successfully completed 13 weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD-Parris Island as one of 108 recruits in Training Platoon 3088. Following 10 days home on leave he will report to Camp LeJeune for two months at Infantry Training Battalion, then Military Occupation Specialty school at Camp Pendleton in California. Private First-Class Stanford is the son of Amy Stanford, and grandson of Margie and Lynn Stanford of Eatonton. EFD ready to fill Fireman Santa's Sleigh again Ian Tocher ian@msgrnews.com Tis’s the season for giving and the Eatonton Fire Department (EFD) is getting into the Christmas spirit through its 16th annual Fireman Santa’s Sleigh campaign for kids and families living within city limits. Officially, Eatonton’s city boundary extends in a 2.5-mile radius surrounding the historic downtown courthouse. “The Fireman Santa’s Sleigh program started with about 50 kids in 2009 but last year we delivered new toys and clothing to more than 200 deserving children, right here in Eatonton,” EFD Chief Jamey Williamson said. Williamson said new, unwrapped toys and clothing can be dropped off until Dec. 10 at the EFD station (214 W. Marion St., Eatonton 31024), with monetary donations also accepted at the same address, whether in person or through the mail. “We’ve found the people Biggest event ever for Smiles from the Heart NUTS. AH Angels Episcopal Church NUT SALE FEATURING A VARIETY OF NUTS Located at Schremmer’s Service Center 10-3pm 200 S Jefferson St, Eatonton, GA Saturdays, Oct 18th-Nov 22th MAMMOTH PECAN HALVES, Pecan PIECES, CASHEWS, PRALINE pecans, Mixed nuts and Walnuts PECANS $13 PER LB BAG AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS $12 PER LB BAG $1 PER BAG DISCOUNT ON 5 OR MORE BAGS. Lake Oconee Dentistry hosted Smiles from the Heart Oct. 17, providing a free day of dental care to 150 patients, marking the largest turnout since 2008 when the practice first hosted free dental events. "We couldn’t be more grateful for the oppor tunity to serve so many people in need,” said Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “Oral health plays a significant role in a person’s overall health. Many of these people haven’t had [dental] care in quite some time. Smiles from the Heart is a way for us to help those who have no means of affording much-needed dental care.” Registration began at . CONTRIBUTED Just some of the bicycles and other toys purchased last year for the Fireman Santa's Sleigh campaign, which the Eatonton Fire Department Chief Jamey Williamson hopes to exceed this year. of Eatonton and Putnam County to be very generous and we’ve been able to give kids some great presents each year, including bikes, so any amount is welcome, encouraged, and greatly appreciated,” Williamson said. “I think it’s also important to mention we do all our shopping right here in Eatonton, just to support our local stores and retailers who also give a lot back to the CONTRIBUTED Drs. David and Patti Bradley of Lake Oconee Dentistry (center) on Oct. 17 with team members at the Smiles from the Heart Free Day of Dentistry. 7:30 a.m., with patients lining up hours earlier that morning. Drs. David and Patti Bradley, along with their Lake Oconee Dentistry doctors, hygien ists, dental assistants, and front office staff, were community each year.” Applications for Fireman Santa’s Sleigh assistance are available at the above address and interested Eatonton-based parents or guardians are encouraged to visit the fire station as soon as possible. All applications must be returned to EFD by Nov. 26, with gift pick-up to be scheduled by appoint ment on Dec. 20 this year. Donations of toys as gifts should be dropped off by joined by Dr. David Miller and his team from Lake Oconee Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center to treat as many people as possible throughout the day. The doctors, in Dec. 10 at the fire station. The application also provides space to person alize gift requests for all children from infants to age 13 living at home with them. It asks for each child’s name, age, boy or girl, and their three “most wanted” Christmas presents (excluding electronics such as computers, TVs, game consoles, or cellphones). Bicycles remain as a gift option, however, not for anyone who received one from Fireman Santa’s Sleigh the previous year, Williamson said. "We look forward to this all year and we’re really hoping to set new Fireman Santa records again for both donations received and free gifts handed out,” Williamson said. “Each year I’m just amazed at the generosity of the people who live here in Eatonton and Putnam County,” he added. “This is a very caring community, so I’m pretty confident this year’s Fireman Santa’s Sleigh will deliver a record number of toys and gifts to deserving kids and their families.” cooperation with a crew of dental professionals and volunteers, provided extractions, fillings and cleanings, totaling over $48,000 in free care. Lakeside Church also was on hand to assist by grilling hot dogs for attendees throughout the day, and Marco’s Pizza donated lunch at a discount for the volunteers. “This event was really a community-wide effort. We had several commu nity partners, charities, organizations, and indi viduals help us spread the word and their help made all the difference,” Bradley said. “It was a privilege to be able to care for so many people.” — Contributed Fishtales reopens at new location ALL EATONTON For more information, call 404-210-4979 Look for us at The Mistletoe Market November Sth! FISHTALES CONTRIBUTED The all-new Fishtales by Elaine held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 17, at its new location at 1027 Lake Oconee Pkwy., Ste. 900, Eatonton, hosted by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Robbie King (front center, blue jacket) relayed that the official store opening day turned out to be one of its biggest so far for sales. Fishtales offers a wide variety of jewelry and womenswear brands, including Elan, Jude Connally, Johnny Was, Renuar, Jade, and Z Supply, among others, including contemporary lines such as Free People, and Flag & Anthem as well as Dolce Vita footwear for younger or more fashion- forward customers. It also carries a selection of menswear from Southern Marsh, Flag & Anthem, Life Is Good, Heybo, and others. SlD lwww.DowntownEatonton.com/eventsl 00 MISTLETOE elose Saturday, November 8, 2025 1 10:00am-3:00pm on the Lawn of the Putnam County 1 Courthouse 706.749.9150 120+ Arts & Crafts Vendors © Fun for the whole family! © Food Trucks: Cafe du Papa, Kona Ice, & Annie Lou's Seafood & More JOIN US! featuring art demonstrations by local artist BRIAN j DANSON, MAINE VET Georgia-Pacific www.mmcc-arts.org AT THE CENTER Pet Night Thursday Only! SPONSORED BY Scan to book your appointment! MADISON 1 MORGAN CULTURAL CENTER NOV 15 & 16 10AM - 5PM NOV 13 & 14 4PM -8PM 6 : 1
