Eunice Mixon reading to youngsters on June 30, 2016, at the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence's Summer Accelerated Reader Center hosted at the United Way of South Central Georgia.

A recipient of numerous local and state awards , her accolades include being named the 2018 Distinguished Older Georgian by the Georgia Council on Aging, the 2018 Tift County Senior Citizen of the Year, a member of Tift County's "Wall of Fame" by the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, receiving the inaugural  Eunice L. Mixon Award  created by the  State Bar of Georgia , being named by the  Ga. House of Representatives  as one of  25 Women for the 21st Century  along with such Georgians as  Coretta Scott King  and  Rosalyn Carter , receiving the Tifton Judicial Circuit Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award and having a scholarship named in her honor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College that is awarded to a Georgia resident who "demonstrates exemplary integrity, honesty, leadership, professionalism and community involvement ."

She attended the University of Georgia , attaining a master’s degree and specialist degree in education . She taught eighth-grade science and high school biology, chemistry and physics for 30 years in the Tift County School System , and was an instructor at ABAC .

In 1974 , gubernatorial candidate George Busbee , acquainted with Miss Eunice through advocacy for teachers in the Legislature, appointed her as his Tift County campaign chairman, and her success at grassroots organizing gained her a reputation as a valuable political ally in South Georgia .

Her "down-home, country dinners " at her home were legendary , with guests such as United States senators and state Supreme Court justices rubbing elbows with Tifton residents .

She campaigned for numerous candidates through the years, including President Bill Clinton , U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn , U.S. Sen. Max Cleland , Congressmen Charles Hatcher and Roy Rowland , and state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin .

Miss Eunice served as a delegate to the 1988 and 1992 Democratic National Conventions , and as a member of the Georgia Democratic Executive Committee .

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.

Who wants new Christmas dinnerware? Save the Date!!!

Because we truly appreciate our customers, we will give away two eight-place settings of Christmas Dinnerware

on Black Friday, Nov. 23,

and two eight-place settings of Christmas Dinnerware

on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24.

Be sure to visit us on these two days to register.

We also have more free goodies for our wonderful customers!

All customers on these two days will receive a free 4-piece set of Christmas napkin rings and a Bridgewater candle with purchase. We may add more surprises, so stop by and see us!

Please remember to shop Local and support your local families.

It's nearly December, and there is still plenty of high school football in Tift County as local teams continue to move up the ladder in state playoffs.

The Tift County High School Blue Devils, ranked 13 with an 8-4 record, play a state quarterfinal match tonight against the sixth-ranked Archer High Tigers ( 10-2 record) in Lawrenceville.

The Blue Devils are now in the "Elite 8" after defeating East Coweta High last Friday night, 24-17.

An online streaming service, t he NFHS Network , is broadcasting the game live for a fee .

Meanwhile, Coach Erik Soliday's Tiftarea Academy Panthers continue to roll over opponents, beating Trinity Christian, 49-7, last Friday in its quarterfinals. Tiftarea Academy now faces John Milledge Academy Trojans at 7 p.m. today in Chula in semifinal playoffs.

The Berrien Network will broadcast the game online at www.berriennetwork.com

Dr. Joseph Knoll, scorekeeper; from left, Dr. Bret Wagenhorst, co-sponsor; Ethan McBrayer, third place; Matthew Gillis, second place; Wyatt Thompson, first place; Dr. Renata Elad, proctor; and Keri Jones, CPA, emcee. Not pictured, organizer Margaret Kelley.

STUDENTS COMPETE IN GEOGRAPHY CHALLENGE

The Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence recently hosted the sixth annual Geography Decathlon competition for local high school students at the Tifton-Tift County Public Library. 

The event consisted of a 50-question written qualifying test. The top scorers on the written test went on to compete in a quiz bowl -style competition. The students participating in the quiz bowl were Hayes Jones, Lleyton Callison, Wyatt Thompson, Matthew Gillis, Ethan McBrayer, Emily Golden, Jaylen Bryant, Reese Hilton, Chandler Livingston, Nate Fortson, John O’Quinn, and Jimmy Kemerait . 

At the end of the quiz bowl rounds, the top three finishers were first place, Wyatt Thompson from Tiftarea Academy ($500 scholarship winner); second place, Matthew Gillis from Tift County High ($250 scholarship winner); and third place, Ethan McBrayer from Tiftarea Academy ($100 scholarship winner).

The faculty advisors for the students were Coach Jon Koran from Tiftarea Academy and Dr. Shelley Fandel from Tift County High School .

HELP THE YMCA HELP A CHILD

THIS CHRISTMAS

The Tiftarea YMCA Christmas event for needy children will be at 9 a.m. Dec. 8, in the TRMC Events Center on Carpenter Road.

During the annual Y Christmas event, the organization reaches out to the community to help sponsor Christmas for underprivileged local children . The Y works closely with the local PattiCake House and Toys for Tots to reach as many children as possible. Last year, 152 underserved children were given a special Christmas. 

"This is one of the most rewarding events we do. To see the way these kids react to receiving these gilts, many of which are just basic necessities , is truly humbling ," said Darian Peavy , the YMCA's chief executive officer.

The Tiftarea Y is asking folks to offer a helping hand by adopting a local child for Christmas . The YMCA has a list of children whose families will not be able to provide Christmas gifts for them without outside assistance .

Donors are asked to provide a child with a laundry basket wrapped in clear cellophane filled with shoes, underwear, clothing, a Bible and toys . All baskets need to be dropped off at the YMCA office, at 1657 S. Carpenter Road , no later than  Monday, Dec. 4 .

^{Children will be invited to an event during which Santa will be present.}

^{Residents may also help by making a monetary donation to sponsor a child .}

^{To sponsor a child , call 229-391-9622 .}

WOMAN'S CLUB DONATES TREE TO GARDEN

The Tifton 20th Century Library Club recently donated a lemon tree to the North Central Avenue Community Garden . Club President Shirene Daniell stands with Brad Barbee , volunteer at the garden and grounds supervisor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College .

ABAC Presidential Scholar on National Championship Team

Jacob Smith , one of two Presidential Scholars in this year’s freshman class at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College , was a member of the Bleckley County FFA team which recently captured the national championship in Ag Mechanics at the National FFA Convention .

Smith , a forestry major from Cochran , is a 2018 Bleckley County High graduate. Since Smith was a part of the qualifying state championship team in the spring, he was able to continue his relationship with the team as a college student.

No stranger to national competitions, Smith placed third in the state and national FFA forestry competitions in 2017 . In 2018 he was recognized on the floor of the Ga. House of Representatives and state Senate as a member of the national championship forestry team.

RURAL CENTER'S AG SUMMIT LOOKS AT LABOR, EDUCATION NEEDS FOR

STATE'S LARGEST INDUSTRY

Georgia’s Rural Center will host the 2018 Ag Summit on Monday, Nov. 26 , at the Robert F. Hatcher Conference Center on the campus of Middle Georgia State University in Macon .

 

The summit will bring together state and national leaders to address issues related to how Georgia’s education system can meet the labor and leadership needs of Georgia’s largest industry— agriculture —in the future .

“Through the summit, the Rural Center’s goal is to ensure that, as we move forward, we have the educational infrastructure in place to prepare workers and leaders capable of maintaining Georgia’s position as a leading producer of agricultural commodities nationally , while also meeting growing demand for agricultural products worldwide ,” said Dr. David Bridges , interim director of the Rural Center and an organizer of the event. 

The emphases of the inaugural summit will be the state’s agricultural employment opportunities and needs, and how to bridge the knowledge and skills gap common in the workforce.

Agriculture contributes $74 billion a year to Georgia’s economy and employs more than 410,000 people. Georgia leads the U.S. in annual production of numerous food, fiber and feed crops.

With the United Nations projecting that, by 2050 , the world’s population will grow by 34 percent to an all-time high of 9.7 billion people, growers and researchers are seeking innovative, economically sound ways to feed, clothe and shelter an exploding population.

Georgia’s agricultural workers and leaders will play a key role in meeting this demand and must be prepared to do so. 

Given the impact of Hurricane Michael on many Georgia producers last month, Bridges foresees recovery efforts will be among the discussion topics during the event as well.

For information on the Ag Summit or the Rural Center, visit www.ruralga.org or call 229-391-4847.

ABAC CHRISTMAS CONCERT

SET DEC. 4 AT THE TIFT

Sleigh bells will be ringing as the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Department of Fine Arts presents “A Christmas to Treasure” at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Tift Theatre for the Performing Arts.

“The entire community is invited to join ABAC faculty, staff, and students for a night of holiday cheer ,” said Dr. Susan Roe, head of the Department of Fine Arts . “This concert is perfect for every member of the family.”   

Music selections include “A Christmas Fanfare,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Merry Christmas to All,” “The First Noel,” “There is Faint Music,” “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Carol of the Drum,” “Ukrainian Bell Carol,” with the audience asked to join in singing “Joy to the World,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come all Ye Faithful,” and “Silent Night.”

There will also be a reading of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas."

For more information , call  229-391-4943.

Tifton First United Methodist Church

is in search of a Director of Music Ministries

who will coordinate all music programs within the church

to include opportunities for all age levels, as talent and commitment allow. 

The Director of Music Ministries will collaborate

with the pastors, music and worship teams to provide music

for traditional and contemporary worship services. 

The Director of Music Ministries will lead the chancel choir,

other musicians and the congregation in traditional music worship

for 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services and support leadership

of our contemporary service held at 10:42 a.m.

Attendance averages 100+ at 9 a.m., 200+ at 11 a.m.

and 65+ at 10:42 a.m.  

Tifton, Georgia, is located on I-75 north of Valdosta and south of Macon.

 The population of Tifton is approximately 17,000

with an additional 23,000 living in the surrounding county.

Please mail resume and contact information for three references to:

 

Tifton First United Methodist Church 

107 West 12 ^th Street

Tifton, GA 31794

www.tiftonfumc.org

"TDawg" is the newest addition to th e University of Georgia Tifton Campus  dawg family. He has been installed at his permanent home at The Oaks at Carpenter Apartments on the corner of Carpenter Road and Oak Point Avenue .

Jill Whitley  has painted TDawg with  City of Tifton  landmarks . Sponsored by Tifton Apartments , TDawg joins other UGA Bulldog statues around town.

Black Friday , the day after Thanksgiving , is known as one of the biggest shopping days of the year with special deals .

The annual lighting of the Tree of Life serves as a symbolic tribute to friends, family and lost loved ones during the holiday season.

Sponsored by the Tifton Junior Woman’s Club , this year’s tree lighting ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Anita Stewart Oncology Center.

 

Lights on the tree may be purchased in honor or memory of someone, with all proceeds benefiting patients of Hospice of Tift Area and the TRMC Anita Stewart Oncology Center who need extra support . 

 

“It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the Tree of Life ,” said Kristy Daniels , manager of Hospice of Tift Area . “This is the 33rd year of this annual event. We want everyone in the community to bring their families and friends. Together we will enjoy a moving candle-lighting ceremony and wonderful, live holiday music . And, of course, we’ll have a visit from Santa Claus . Afterwards, everyone is invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments .” 

 

Daniels said that purchasing a light for the Tree of Life is a tax-deductible gift which will help Tift Regional’s hospice and cancer patients who may have difficulty paying utility bills because of financial constraints or may need special comforts while undergoing treatment. 

 

“These are just examples of how the Tree of Life helps our patients and their families as they undergo a challenging time,” said Daniels. “It has really touched the lives of many people in our community.”

 

To contribute to the Tree of Life , visit  www.tiftregional.com/TOL . Contributions are accepted until Dec. 31 . Call  229-353-6330   for information.

 

In past years, the Tree of Life lighting ceremony has been held on TRMC's front lawn . Since construction is starting in December on the new emergency center and patient tower , the event has been moved to the hospital’s cancer facility , the Anita Stewart Oncology Center at 1623 Madison Ave.

A VETERANS STORY

THIS OLD HAT

Part Three

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the last of three parts written by local author and Vietnam veteran Warren Robinson of Lenox in observance of Veterans Day this month.

By WARREN ROBINSON

Special to the Tifton Grapevine

John 15:13 in our bible says, “Greater love has no man than this, that a man would lay down his life for his friends.”

Fast forward to the present day . My boys are not whiners or mired in self-pity. They are, however, proud of their service when they were willing to lay down their lives for their country, and many did just that, even when it was popular not to do so.

I overheard one of my boys recently telling his friend about his experience with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam . He was only 18 years old at the time. He jumped out of a Huey helicopter into what seemed like a quiet landing zone. His platoon moved out toward a tree line about 300 yards away and proceeded cautiously into the jungle . 

A short time later, the boy was hit in the head and immediately fell to the ground, seemingly dead. He said he could not move or speak but he was aware of what was happening around him, and he could hear his buddies talking to each other. His buddies thought he was dead , but they refused to leave him there in the jungle and carried his body to a dust-off chopper for extraction. The medics thought he was dead and focused their attention on other wounded boys.

Arriving at the aid station, medical personnel thought he was dead also, but one young nurse recognized a sign of life in him, and because of that, he survived his wounds.  

Today , he wears a black patch over his eye , the right side of his head is mangled , and he has gone through constant pain and suffering as a result of his wounds. I was struck with amazement and admiration as he said, “If I were put in the same circumstances again, I would make the same decision to serve my country , even knowing what the outcome would be.”

To read the rest of this installment, Click Here!

YOUR WEEKEND

...at a Glance

FRIDAY, NOV. 23

SATURDAY, NOV. 24

THIS WEEKEND'S

YARD SALES

To see this Weekend's Yard Sales,

CLICK HERE!

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Tifton Grapevine

e-published every Tuesday and Friday

Frank Sayles Jr.

Editor & Publisher

Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor

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