Tifton ranks 24th in Georgia's 'Prettiest Small Towns,' according to Southern Living magazine. Pictured above is Tifton Gardens in Downtown Tifton.

TIFTON: ONE OF GA's 'PRETTIEST SMALL TOWNS'

ACCORDING TO SOUTHERN LIVING MAGAZINE

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

SouthernLiving.com recently ranked "Georgia's Prettiest Small Towns," placing Tifton at No. 24 in the Peach State.

While the editors at Southern Living didn't disclose their criteria for the rankings – which, of course, are subjective – they admitted that "in a Southern state with countless small towns that are as welcoming as they are beautiful, we had a hard time picking our favorite places. Georgia is filled with gems."

They noted that "Tifton comes by its moniker 'The Friendly City' honestly. Surrounded by quiet stretches of Georgia farmland but with a lively small-town feel, there's a bunch to do in town, including shopping at places like The Big Store and The Pineapple Post. It's a center for agricultural research, so you might want to visit ABAC's Georgia Museum of Agriculture while you're in town."

Abbey McLaren, Tifton's downtown development director, was nonplussed about landing on the list below several other area cities: Americus was ranked No. 1; Moultrie, No. 18; and Thomasville, just above Tifton at No. 23.

"It’s an honor for Tifton to be recognized for the charm and character that we all know and love," McLaren said.

"Our tree-lined streets, friendly proprietary businesses, and beautiful architecture truly set us apart from other communities, and I feel that is what draws people in. From stopping through on your way to your family vacation to shopping downtown or to seeking the unique qualities for your next cinematic production, Tifton has so much to offer.

"We are thrilled that Southern Living sees that in us, too," she said.

Rounding out the list of the state's Top 10 "Prettiest Small Towns," behind Americus was Blairsville at No. 2; Blue Ridge, No. 3; Brunswick, No. 4; Clayton, No. 5; Covington, No. 6; Dahlonega, No. 7; Darien, No. 8; Dillard, No. 9; and Dublin, No. 10.

COVID-19 CASES RISE IN TIFT, AROUND GEORGIA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

COVID-19 cases and have been steadily rising in Tifton and throughout Georgia in recent weeks, but are still far below the number from even a year ago, according to state and federal data.

Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients in the state have risen 33% in one week, from 233 to 309, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We currently have six COVID patients admitted at Tift Regional Medical Center, which is not an alarming amount,” said Charlotte Griffin, TRMC infection prevention lead. 

“The increase we have been seeing is within the outpatient setting. Our primary care practices and convenient care clinics have recently been treating about 20 mild COVID cases per clinic, per day. If area residents are showing symptoms of COVID, we encourage them to wear a mask, which can help ward off the spread of infection,” Griffin said.

During the past two weeks, confirmed and suspected COVID cases in Tift County rose from 82 to 116, according to the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Tift cases per 100,000 population – a standard measurement across the country – rose from 201 to 284, according to DPH data.

A new COVID variant, EG.5, is present in Georgia but health officials say there is no indication it is responsible for the recent rise in cases and statewide hospitalizations.

Coach Noel Dean

Tift County Blue Devils

Coach Erik Soliday

Tiftarea Academy Panthers

TIFT COUNTY, TIFTAREA FOOTBALL COACHES LOOK AHEAD TO SEASON

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

Local head football coaches Noel Dean and Erik Soliday previewed their upcoming seasons at Wednesday's Tifton Rotary Club meeting.

Dean is beginning his third season coaching the Tift County Blue Devils and his 35th year as a coach. Last year was the most games he had ever lost in a season – one win and nine losses.

“We went through a series of events," Dean said. He had started the year with 110 players and ended with 70. This year he has nine seniors and 120 kids.

Dean said he decided to build the team's foundation the right way, even though he knew there would be some some initial losses.

He discussed what he calls the Blue Devils' four tridents: 

– The first priority is academics, so that is the first pillar. Players must pass all their classes. “That’s just going to happen,” Dean said. “If we’re not doing that, then why are we even here?”

– The second is commitment. “Are we on time? Do we show up to everything?” Dean said.

– The third pillar is character. For instance, he said stealing and lying are not fixable; they are intentional, and they speak to who you are.

– The fourth pillar is pure strength. “It’s hard to play football if you you’re not strong. It protects your body. It builds your self-esteem,” Dean said. 

“We have the conversations.” He always asks his kids, “What are you trying to accomplish?” Eventually, they begin owning their own behavior.

“We have a lot to look forward to,” Dean said. “We can be better. Seven kids are holding Division 1 offers. I feel really good about where we are. Our kids won’t quit.”

Tift County has a scrimmage at Lowndes County High tonight. The Blue Devils official season opens next Friday night at Coffee County.

Soliday, in his sixth year as head football coach of the Tiftarea Academy Panthers, said his team was very young last year with a lot of freshmen and sophomores. This year they have a lot of players returning.

“They have a lot of experience with the big things, so now we can focus more on the small things,” Soliday told Rotarians.

The team’s motto this year is "212," the temperature at which water boils.

“One degree makes a big difference,” he said. “They’ve got the big picture. Now we’ve got to get the little picture.” 

Hand placement, head placement, stepping with the right foot, are the little things that lead to scoring a 60-yard touchdown or a receiver catching a 50-yard pass, Soliday said. 

Other little things, he noted, are the way you present yourself, the way you behave in class, the way you do your homework, the way you act on the field – “all those things make a difference in who you are and what kind of football player you are,” Soliday said.

Tiftarea has a difficult schedule this year, he said. “We’re playing bigger schools and teams that were state champions and runner-ups.” 

He said the Panthers coaching staff is him, his son, and one other coach, which he said is probably one of the smallest coaching staffs in America. He said the coaches do it all, “take out the trash, do the laundry, paint the lines, and mow the lawn."

For the scrimmage this week, one coach is driving the equipment truck, and the other two are driving the team buses. 

Soliday said his team has more players than usual this year. “Normally, we have 30; we’ve got 45 this year. We’re two deep everywhere. We’ve got backups on some spots that can actually play.”

And there’s more competition for each position. “That makes everybody a little better when you’ve got competition for a spot,” he said.

He invited Rotarians to attend a Panthers game. “It’s a nice atmosphere on a Friday night. We bring some food trucks in, you can make an evening of it,” Soliday said.

Tiftarea Academy scrimmages at Southwest Georgia Academy tonight. The Panthers officially open their season next Friday at home against Bulloch Academy.

At the surprise ceremony naming the Bateman Center's computer learning room for her are Shirley “Coach” Strawter, holding plaque, along with some of her former co-workers, friends, school officials, Tiftarea YMCA representatives, Bateman Center officials, and local children.

BATEMAN COMPUTER ROOM NAMED FOR LONGTIME EDUCATOR COACH STRAWTER

By BONNIE SAYLES

Tifton Grapevine

The Tiftarea YMCA, staff of the city's Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center, and former co-workers caught The Rev. Shirley “Coach” Strawter by surprise Wednesday in dedicating the center’s computer learning room in her honor. 

“I told her we wanted her to come and bless the facility and do a poetry reading from her anthology of poems,” said Tyler Riddle, chief volunteer officer of the Tiftarea YMCA.

A group of educators from Len Lastinger Elementary, where Strawter was the physical education teacher for decades, offered to purchase everything needed to equip the computer learning room if the YMCA would dedicate it in her name, Riddle said.

Seven computer stations, a copier/printer, and tables and chairs are provided through their donation. Students can use them to do their homework, especially using the same apps that they use in their classroom. 

“Coach Strawter was my coach at Len Lastinger,” Riddle said. He said the dedication will continue her legacy of caring for the children of South Tifton.

Riddle also serves on the Tifton Urban Redevelopment Board that oversees activities at the Bateman Youth Center. 

“Shirley Strawter, we are beyond grateful for your exemplary contributions to our community,” a statement from the YMCA said. “The direct impact you have had on the multitude of young girls and boys in our community is unmatched. We are delighted to have your name and legacy to be honored by dedicating the computer lab room at the new Bateman Center to you.

“We only hope to continue what you have started with bringing the community together!”

Tiftarea Academy varsity cheerleaders put together welcome bags for new families for this past Wednesday's Open House. The school year begins today.

TIFTAREA ACADEMY BEGINS NEW YEAR

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Tiftarea Academy (TA) opens the 2023-2024 school year today.

"We can’t wait to have our students filling our classrooms once again," Heather Fletcher, TA's development and marketing director, said Thursday.

"We will begin with an enrollment of 650, which is an extremely healthy number for us. We have welcomed some new staff members this year and look forward to the energy and passion they will add to our classrooms and hallways, along with our long-standing faculty members."

Fletcher added: "Softball has already begun, and we will host our first home football game next Friday night. Exciting times are ahead! "

Among the new additions at Tiftarea Academy is Coach Russell Guess, the new head coach for girl's basketball. Guess has more than 14 years of experience and knowledge of coaching basketball, with the last four years at Deerfield-Windsor School. He

recently retired from the Navy Reserves after serving 30 years.

Coach Guess will meet with the team today and will hold a "meet the coach" event with parents at 7 p.m. Monday in the TA gym.

Tiftarea Academy, founded in 1969 in Chula, is an independent coeducational, college preparatory nonprofit day school serving students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Director of Children’s Ministries

Tifton First United Methodist Church (TFUMC) in Tifton, Georgia

(https://www.tiftonfirst.org) is searching for a full-time 

Director of Children’s Ministries / Christian Education. 

We are looking for an individual who is a solid role model and spiritual director with an energetic, enthusiastic, and creative spirit to lead these program ministries at TFUMC. The Director will work with other staff under the direction of the Senior Pastor, the Staff Parish Relations committee and the Children’s Leadership Committee to develop and conduct overall children’s educational programs 

and ministries for TFUMC.

Director of Children’s Ministries:  

Primary responsibilities will be focused on Infant thru 5th Grade and include oversight of the nursery program. The Director will work with other staff members under the direction of the Senior Pastor to develop overall educational programs and ministries for TFUMC. 

The Director should possess or be pursuing a bachelor's degree; have experience working with and developing children’s ministries and/or children’s educational programs; and possess 

a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition.  

The Director should also be a vibrant, energetic person who can get TFUMC members excited about the Lord and can recruit and motivate volunteers to lead and teach under his/her direction.

The Director will:  

• plan, develop, and implement children’s ministry program (nursery through 5th grade) 
• be the day-to-day leader of children’s ministries
• recruit and train volunteers and ensure adequate volunteer support
• ensure adequate adult-to-children ratios  
• be a liaison between the church and other community organizations, people, and resources that relate to FUMC children’s ministries 
• coordinate children’s ministry curriculum 
• assist in recruiting and provide ongoing support for teachers and facilitators   
• ensure that records of participation in programs are maintained
• develop and manage the children’s educational ministry budget  
• communicate in a timely manner as effectively as possible using all available resources (email, website, social media, newsletter, bulletin board, etc.)   
• work with other staff members and maintain a teamwork mentality 
• ensure that the Safe Sanctuary Policy is observed in all children’s ministry settings 
• make themselves available on an advisory basis to leadership of other age-level educational programs
• manage social media communication for children’s ministry
• plan and facilitate children’s events such as VBS 

This is considered a Full-Time, permanent staff member of TFUMC. We expect the Director to work with, support ministries of other staff members and to be a vibrant and visible member of TFUMC staff. 

Qualifications include:

• having or nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree in appropriate area of study
• experience working with and developing Christian Children’s Ministries and/or children’s educational programs 
• the ability and vision to develop and implement sustainable leadership structures and programs 
• demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills
• the ability to communicate well with children, parents, volunteers and other staff members
• possess a strong personal faith consistent with the United Methodist tradition
• an understanding of, and ability to use digital technology and social media to communicate with children, parents, and staff (Remind, Canva, Google Docs, Microsoft Windows software)

Salary and benefits commensurate with education and experience.

Position available August 15, 2023 – Applications accepted until position is filled.

To apply: please EMAIL a current resume; a one-page statement summarizing 

why you are interested in and qualified to fill this position; names 

and contact information for three (3) references.

 Please EMAIL the items to: jmichaelmoore57@gmail.com 

J. Michael Moore, Chairman, Staff Parish Relations Committee, 

Tifton First United Methodist Church, 107 West 12th St., Tifton, GA

www.tiftonfirst.org

TAGA OFFERS BIKE SAFETY TIPS

The Tift Area Greenways Association (TAGA) is offering the following bicycle safety tips.  Biking is an enjoyable and healthy activity, and safety is paramount.

As a public service, the Tifton Grapevine is sharing the tips with the community.

BIKE SAFETY TIPS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

To Subscribe, Click Here!

Your free subscription allows you to receive our MidWeek and Weekender editions in your in-box, along with occasional Sponsored Editions.

Your subscription is free because of the support of local advertisers.

Please support the businesses and organizations who make this possible.

To Contact Us, Call 478-227-7126

COVID-19 data released from the 

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) as of Aug. 9:

TOTAL TIFT COUNTY CASES: 7,005 ....................................... TOTAL TIFT DEATHS: 178

CONFIRMED TIFT CASES - 2 weeks: 26 ....................................... DEATHS - Past week: 0

CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES: 116

TIFT CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks, per 100K population: 284 

_______________________________________________________________

GEORGIA TOTAL CASES: 2,375,257

GEORGIA CONFIRMED & SUSPECTED CASES - 2 weeks: 6,271

TOTAL GA DEATHS: 35,535 ....................................................... GA DEATHS - 2 weeks: 17 

YOUR GUIDE TO ACTIVITIES THIS WEEKEND IN

THE TIFTAREA

Saturday, Aug. 12, is National Bowling Day. While it’s possible that bowling-style games originated in ancient civilizations, the modern game is credited to Germany. President Harry Truman opened the first bowling alley in the White House in 1947. President Eisenhower closed it. When Lyndon Johnson became president, he opened a bowling lane in the Old Executive Office Building next to the White House. President Nixon, an avid bowler, used the bowling facility frequently, eventually opening a lane under the north portico of the White House.

FRIDAY, AUG. 11

• Tifton-Tift County Public Library closed for maintenance, all day, Tifton
• Tift County High Blue Devils football team scrimmage @ Lowndes High Vikings, 7 p.m., Valdosta
• Tiftarea Academy Panthers football scrimmage @ Southwest Georgia Academy, 7 p.m., Damascus

SATURDAY, AUG. 12

• Downtown Tifton Second Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Tifton

ADVERTISE

YOUR

YARD SALE HERE!

TO ADVERTISE YOUR

RESIDENTIAL YARD SALE,

CONTACT US at 

yardsales@tiftongrapevine.com 

or 478-227-7126

Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

"Marbles," a male pooch, is ready to become part of a new family. Come see Marbles and other pets available for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter on Highway 125 South, open between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For additional information, call 229-382-PETS (7387).