Friday, November 28, 2025

Tifton, Georgia

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Renita Redding of Northside Elementary School, at center holding certificate, was one of nine Tift County teachers surprised in their classrooms last week with an Excellence in Teaching Award designation from the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence. School officials, Foundation representatives, friends, and family members are among those who gathered for the surprise presentations.

HONORING TIFT'S TOP TEACHERS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

During American Education Week, nine Tift County public school teachers were tapped last week as recipients of the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award by the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence. 

Foundation representatives, school officials, and recipients' family members surprised the teachers with the honor at their schools. Students in the classrooms joined in to congratulate their teachers.

The teachers honored are: Susan Nimmo, Michelle Boney, and Reneasse Chatfield from Annie Belle Clark Elementary School; Haley Stinson from Len Lastinger Elementary: Ashly Webster from Matt Wilson Elementary; Renita Redding from Northside Elementary; Hunter Green from Omega Elementary; Mason Grant, and Matthew Blankenship from Tift County High School.

The teachers are nominated by a student, parent, peer, or administrator. In early 2026, the recipients will be honored with an awards banquet, and the Foundation for Educational Excellence will present the teachers with an honorarium. 

The Foundation has been recognizing teachers of excellence in Tift County public schools for more than three decades.

'NATURE QUEST' TO EXPLORE FIRE FOR HEALTHY FORESTS

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Another NatureQuest free outdoor activity for children and youth is planned for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Gaskins Forest Education Center in Alapaha.

"This month we will be discussing 'Fire For Healthy Forests.' Forestry professionals and ABAC students will be present to educate children about the importance of small, good fires for forest health," said Avanlee Kennedy, a natural resources student at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and student coordinator of the program.

Scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon, the session is free but registration is required. Parents must accompany their children.

All are encouraged to wear clothing for the outdoors, bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, their own drinks and snacks – and to wear closed-toe shoes.

On the first Saturday morning of each month, the NatureQuest program has been featuring free outdoor explorations focusing on a different topic.

Contact Heather Brasell to register or for questions: heather.brasell@gmail.com, 229-339-3966. 

Gaskins Forest Education Center is located at 3359 Moore Sawmill Road in Alapaha.

'TOYS FOR TOTS' COLLECTING GIFTS FOR AREA NEEDY KIDS

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

People all over Tift, Turner, Ben Hill, and Irwin counties are providing Christmas joy to local children by donating toys to South Central Georgia "Toys for Tots."

“We serve children birth to 12 year olds with toys, sports items, books, and school supplies,” said local Toys for Tots Coordinator Shirene Daniell.

Items may be dropped in more than 50 boxes locally until Dec 13, Daniell said. She recommended following instructions on the boxes for local donations.

In 2024, 10,137 items were distributed in the four local counties, supporting 1,888 children.

Toy drop-off locations include banks, stores, restaurants, and other businesses and the lobby of Tifton City Hall.

Drop-off locations include: Aero Boutique, Agri Supply, Ameris Bank on Old Ocilla Road and Second Street, Beall’s Outlet, Chick-fil-A, Colony Bank, Commerce Bank, and seven locations of Dollar General.

Also Ellie’s Boutique, First Methodist Preschool, Fulp Family Medicine, Griffin Dodge, Griffin Ford, Honda of South Georgia, Logan’s Road House, Longhorn Steak House, Lowe’s, Mallory Ward Dance, Northeast Middle School, Newton Body Shop, Ollie’s, Pineapple Post, Plantation 59, Rehab Services Lymphodema Center. 

And Smile Doctors, South Georgia Banking Co. on Second Street and Tift Avenue, Staples, Synovus Bank on Love Avenue, Tenneson Nissan, Tift County Sheriff’s Department, Tifton Police Department, Truist Bank, TWM, Walgreens, and the Wiregrass Resource Group on Third Street.

The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children at Christmas. The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is that through the gift of a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope can be sent to America's less fortunate children.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity created at the behest of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991.

Donations to the program may be made here.

GEORGIA MAIN STREET PROMOTES 'SHOPPING SMALL'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

This Saturday is "Small Business Saturday," annually marked on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage shopping at local, independent businesses. It is a day dedicated to supporting community businesses and promoting them during the holiday shopping season.

The Georgia Main Street Program is encouraging Georgians to support their local businesses and downtown districts by "shopping small." Every dollar spent at a locally owned business helps strengthen local communities, create jobs, and preserve the unique character of historic downtowns, the Main Street Program said.

According to the American Independent Business Alliance, an average 48% of each purchase at local independent businesses is recirculated locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores.

A report from Main Street America indicates that 80% of small-business owners live in the community where their business is located and are more likely to invest in their communities by sponsoring youth sports leagues, community development projects, arts and culture, and other activities.

“I see so many of our local merchants supporting civic clubs, local organizations, fundraisers, sports teams, and more. Every dollar you spend at a local business impactfully keeps that money local,” said Abbey McLaren, interim Tifton Main Street director. 

“Shopping local isn’t just about finding the perfect gift — it’s about investing in the people and places that make our communities special,” said Cherie Bennett, director of the Office of Downtown Development and Georgia Main Streets. “Our downtown businesses are the heart of Georgia’s cities and towns, and they rely on community support now more than ever.”

In 2024, Georgia’s Main Street communities reported nearly $614 million in private investment, the creation of more than 3,600 new jobs, and the opening of more than 675 new businesses.

Retirement Sale Now Underway!

THE BIG STORE | 346 MAIN STREET | DOWNTOWN TIFTON

TIFTON CITY COUNCIL,

TIFT COUNTY COMMISSION TO HOLD WORKSHOPS NEXT WEEK

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Both Tifton City Council and the Tift County Board of Commissioners have workshop meetings next week.

City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, and the County Commission meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Below are the agendas for both meetings, which are open to the public.

ABAC ALUMNI SHARE EXPERIENCES AS LAWYERS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

Two Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) alumni, attorneys Alexus Holton and Hannah Woods, returned to campus recently to share their law school journeys and professional experiences with current students.

“It was a privilege to welcome attorneys Holton and Woods back to campus to share their experiences in law school and the legal profession,” said Dr. Joseph S. Devaney, ABAC political science professor and pre-law advisor. “Their success reflects the quality of preparation our students receive, and their expertise provides invaluable insight and inspiration for those pursuing careers in law.”

The event was co-sponsored by the Pre-Law Club and the Department of History and Political Science.

Holton, a former Fillies soccer player, graduated from ABAC in 2018 with a degree in rural studies. She went on to earn her juris doctor from Mercer University in 2021 with a focus on tax law and later received her master of laws in tax law from the University of Miami School of Law in 2024. She is an associate attorney at The Mathis Law Group and holds both a Georgia and Florida bar license.

“My professors at ABAC prepared me for the rigors of law school, and I am confident the new classes and programs offered now will further strengthen students aspiring to become attorneys,” said Holton. “I’m proud to be an ABAC graduate and grateful for the chance to pour into students the same way I was poured into during my time in Tifton.”

Woods was active in ABAC’s concert band and the College Republicans before graduating in 2017 with a rural studies – politics and modern cultures degree. She earned her juris doctor from Mercer University in 2021 and serves as an associate attorney at Speed, Seta, Martin, Trivett, Subley & Fickling LLC, where she specializes in workers’ compensation claims.

“I was impressed by the students’ questions and their eagerness to learn more about the legal field,” Woods said. “It was exciting to hear about the new pre-law programs ABAC has developed with the help of the same outstanding professors who once taught me. I wish all the current and future pre-law students well, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the ABAC community that gave so much to me during my time as a Stallion.”

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK

BEGINS MONDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

 As winter approaches, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) along with the National Weather Service (NWS) is getting ready for Winter Weather Preparedness Week, set for Dec. 1-5.

The week encourages Georgians to educate themselves about winter weather threats, update or develop a family communications plan, and ensure their Ready Kits are equipped with essential items to prepare for winter weather. 

“As we saw earlier this year, the impacts of winter weather can be felt across the entire state of Georgia,” said GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb. “We want our residents to prepare for winter weather before it hits so they are not caught off guard.”

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is designed to raise awareness of winter weather hazards and reinforce understanding of winter weather terminology. Each day during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, GEMA/HS will share winter weather preparedness information through social media channels.

For tips and tools to get ready for winter weather, Click Here.

GDOE SETS EDUCATION PRIORITIES FOR LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) has announced its 2026 legislative priorities, which includes an additional $10,000 in raises for Georgia teachers and staff during the next five years.

“Our 2026 legislative priorities – built on the foundation of our Student Bill of Rights – outline the next steps to ensure every Georgia student is prepared for life,” said Superintendent Richard Woods. 

“From supporting the whole child and strengthening our educator workforce to modernizing school funding and expanding opportunities from classroom to career, these priorities reflect our continued commitment to students, educators, and local communities. I look forward to working alongside Governor Kemp and the General Assembly to build on Georgia’s strong foundation and advance our shared vision of making Georgia the top state for talent,” Woods said.

Among other priorities listed are:

• Continue investments in after-school and summer learning opportunities;

• Expand mental health funding;

• Develop tomorrow’s leaders through a focus on character education and financial literacy;

• Expand opportunities for digital literacy, computer science, and AI ethics;

• Establish a competitive state salary schedule for classified staff;

• Expand the teacher salary schedule beyond 21 years;

• Restore funding to increase compensation for educators who earn a leadership degree;

• Fund a School Resource Officer in every school;

• Establish a Statewide Attendance Officer;

• Increase grant funding for charter school facilities;

• Implement statewide financial reform for at-risk school districts;

• Expand funding for support staff, technology, and the education of students in poverty;

• Include autism in QBE to ensure funding for services and support;

• Adjust staff ratio in the QBE formula to increase funds for elementary art, music,

and physical education;

• Increase substitute teacher funding to meet modern-day costs;

• Fund classroom supplies, teacher professional development, and teacher leader stipends.

TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

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622 Tift Ave. N., Tifton

Nov. 21

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YOUR GUIDE

TO ACTIVITIES

THIS WEEKEND

IN THE GREATER

TIFTAREA

Today, Friday, Nov. 28, is "Black Friday," so named because it was seen as the day when retailers finally turned a profit for the year, moving from the "red" to the "black." The term goes back more than a century. The day after Thanksgiving traditionally became the start of the Christmas shopping season when folks flocked to stores to begin Christmas gift shopping, finding their treasures before they were sold out. Today, Black Friday is still a day for sales, but "Black Friday Specials" are now often advertised throughout much of the month rather than being one special day,

Born on Nov. 28: John Bunyan, English minister & author, 1628-1688; William Blake, poet, 1757-1827; Berry Gordy, Motown Records founder, 1929- ; Randy Newman, singer-songwriter, 1943- ; Paul Shaffer, keyboardist, band leader, 1949- ; Ed Harris, actor, 1950- ; Jon Stewart, writer-comedian, 1962- .

FRIDAY, NOV. 28 – Black Friday

• Ferry Lake Lights, free display, 6-11 p.m., 1719 Ferry Lake Road, Tifton

• Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane football @ Heard County High Braves, GHSA playoff, 7:30 p.m., Franklin

• Worth County High Rams football vs. Gordon Lee High Trojans, GHSA playoff, 7:30 p.m., Sylvester

SATURDAY, NOV. 29 – Small Business Saturday

• Ferry Lake Lights, free display, 6-11 p.m., 1719 Ferry Lake Road, Tilton

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TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S DOG OF THE WEEK

"Kerri" is a one-year-old sweetheart who came to the animal shelter as a stray with a loving personality. She’s friendly with everyone she meets and gets along with other dogs. Kerri’s playful spirit and gentle nature make her the perfect companion for any family. Visit Kerri and see other pets available for adoption between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

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