TIFTON'S 'QUEEN

OF ARTS' DIES

SYD BLACKMARR RECOGNIZED STATEWIDE

FOR PROMOTING ARTS IN SOUTH GEORGIA

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

Syd Blackmarr, 89, Tifton's "Queen of Arts," died Tuesday at her residence after an extended illness.

Recognized statewide for promoting the arts, Blackmarr has been honored in Tifton with the main stage at Fulwood Park named in her honor as well the former Tifton Museum of Arts & Heritage renamed the Syd Blackmarr Arts Center.

In 2014, Blackmarr received the Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities in recognition of her lifetime commitment to Georgia's civic and cultural vitality through excellence and service to the arts. She had also received the award in 1981.

The National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts honored Blackmarr in 1991 with the first Selina Roberts Ottum Award for Arts Leadership, the highest honor in the field of local arts agencies. 

She founded the Arts Experiment Station at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1976, fostering the creation of eight local arts councils. It was the first rural arts consortium in Georgia and created arts-in-education programs in six counties.

Her work led to cities, counties, and private sources increasing their appreciation of the role of the arts in community building. Blackmarr also promoted collaboration across the region, organizing the Performing Arts and Art & Entertainment Series at ABAC, which attracted large audiences and continues today as the ABAC Arts Connection.

Blackmarr was the driving force in creating Tifton's Love Affair Fine Arts Festival, one of Georgia’s premier arts festivals from 1983 through 2014. She also helped establish the Arts in Black Festival and encouraged the development of La Fiesta del Pueblo, both of which affirmed cultural diversity.

In her later years, Blackmarr continued as an advocate for partnerships with educational, artistic, and funding agencies that have brought support for arts and humanities programs to rural counties all across South Georgia.

"As a result of her decades of work in this field, a legacy of strong arts organizations, museum exhibits, preservation projects, and public art continue to thrive in South Georgia," Gov. Nathan Deal said when presenting her with the Governor's Award (pictured with Deal's wife Sandra).

On Tuesday, Mayor Julie B. Smith said the "loss of the pioneer of the arts for not only TIfton, but the South Georgia region will leave an incredible void. Syd’s vision of arts being affordable, available, and accessible to all led her to make such a wonderful difference for us all.

"I’m honored to have known her, and I see everyday the impact she had – from the public art in our town, to the Citizens Art Collection in City Hall, to the performing arts at the Tift Theatre, Syd had a part of it all and so much more. The best way to honor her is to carry on her mission for future generations," the mayor said.

Wayne Jones, director of the ABAC Arts Connection, said Blackmarr’s true impact on Tifton and South Georgia is immeasurable.

“She brought people together continually to create an atmosphere the arts could thrive in,” Jones said. “The formation of that multi-county cooperative was one of the most unique things she did. And as a result, so many of those communities have grown and have their own arts programs now.”

Joy Yost, executive director of the Tifton Council for the Arts, said Blackmarr "was a huge mentor for me. She guided me and helped me understand the impact the arts have on lives, how they improve the quality of life for everyone in our small town.”

Yost said that the arts was Blackmarr’s heart and soul, and that she is thankful that Blackmarr instilled in her a vision for what the arts could be in the community.

When she received the Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities in 2014, Blackmarr said: "I am deeply humbled and so aware that the award I received from the governor has my name on it, but it really belongs to all of you who, for so many years, supported, encouraged, worked, and helped to make the arts thrive in Tifton and South Georgia. It has been a fabulous journey. Let's keep it moving forward together."

See full obituary below in today's Grapevine edition.

Teachers, administrators, and staffers in Tift County Schools gather Tuesday for a convocation at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. The theme was 'Building Blue Chip Talent,' and the employees sported hard hats, work vests and some even wore tool belts.

TIFT SCHOOLS START NEW YEAR FRIDAY

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

For students in Tift County schools, the summer break ends this week as school starts on Friday.

Tift teachers, administrators, and staffers gathered Tuesday for a convocation kicking off the school year. The theme was "Building Blue-Chip Talent," and everyone wore hard hats and work vests.

Some new information for the school year: Drop-off times for most of Tift County elementary schools will begin at 7:10 a.m. That means school starts and students will be considered tardy at 7:45 a.m. 

Exceptions are the drop-off time for J.T. Reddick and Len Lastinger schools will begin at 7 a.m., and drop-off time for Omega Elementary will begin at 7:15 a.m. School starts and students are considered tardy at 7:45 a.m.

The middle schools' and high school's drop-off time begins at 7:45 a.m., with the schools starting at 8:30 a.m. 

Dismissal for all elementary schools is 2:45 p.m. For Eighth Street Middle, Northeast Middle and Tift County High, dismissal is 3:30 p.m.

Tift County schools employees at Tuesday's convocation kicking off the 2023-2024 school year.

EX-COOK COUNTY DEPUTY

ARRESTED ON BURGLARY, RELATED CHARGES

By FRANK SAYLES JR.

Tifton Grapevine

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested a former Cook County Sheriff’s Office deputy on several charges related to a burglary.

Trey Thomas Kenny, 33, of Hahira, is charged with first-degree burglary, two counts of eavesdropping and surveillance, theft by taking, second-degree criminal damage to property, three counts of possession of a firearm during a felony, stalking (misdemeanor), and violation of oath of office.

Kenny was arrested on Friday, the GBI said.

On Wednesday, July 19, the Alapaha Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office requested the GBI to investigate the actions of the former deputy, who was terminated July 7 from the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Adel.

Kenny is charged in a home burglary and related multiple crimes that occurred between June 30 and July 11, the GBI said.

During a hearing in Cook County Magistrate Court on Monday, a judge denied bond.

The investigation is still ongoing. The GBI asks that anyone with information to contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Office at 229-896-74711 or the GBI regional investigative office in Douglas at 912-389-4103.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be given to the Alapaha Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office for review and prosecution.

Coach Mike Brumby awards 'Ladder Leaper' trophies to Jett Arant, left, and to Isaiah Hellman, right, who both tied for moving up the most positions in summer tennis competition.

BRUMBY TENNIS ENDS SUMMER COMPETITION WITH AWARDS

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

The 30th year of Brumby Tennis’ "Fridays at ABAC" competition has wrapped up for the summer, and trophies have been awarded.

Coach Mike Brumby said the competition on Fridays this year saw 100 players from at least 12 Georgia counties, including six players from Atlanta, and even two from New Jersey. Players' ages ranged from seven to 70, Brumby said.

"I was very pleased with our final Friday at ABAC this summer; weather was nice, play was strong, and great sportsmanship was popping up everywhere," he said.

Both Tift County High School's and Tiftarea Academy’s No.1 boys tennis players, Maitrey Patel and Max Reed, joined the fray to compete for the top position. Harding Brumby returned to No. 1 overall after missing last summer's competition because of an Air Force assignment in Djibouti, Africa.

The biggest trophies each summer go to the player who moves the furthest up the ladder; this year's "Ladder Leaper" which was a tie between Jett Arant and Isaiah Hellman, who moved up 17 positions. Fifteen players rose at least 10 places during the summer competition, Brumby said.

This year's Sportsmanship trophy was awarded to Ellis Dix.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Applications Are Invited by All Qualified Persons for

THE POSITION OF:   Marketing/Public Relations Professional

ANNUAL SALARY:   Commensurate with Experience

GENERAL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS: This grant-funded position will work with faculty and staff at the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health on developing and promoting a citizen science data collection program for invasive species (www.wildspotter.org). This position will also lead the promotion and marketing of all Center programs and services (www.bugwood.org).

Specific job responsibilities include working with center leadership and leading a team that will promote or create an intended public image for Wild Spotter and Center, collaboratively developing marketing and fundraising campaigns affiliated with this project and the Center, producing marketing/PR content across a variety of mediums, and establishing/maintaining relationships with representatives of the Federal/State/Local partners.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field with experience interpreting scientific material into accessible messages and stories, and designing effective communication campaigns tailored to specific target audiences.

INQUIRIES: For more details and to apply, go to: https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/326869. You may also contact Chuck Bargeron at cbargero@uga.edu with any questions. 

ASHBURN REDEDICATES 'BIG PEANUT'

Tifton Grapevine Staff Reports

More than 150 folks gathered Thursday to rededicate the "Big Peanut" monument in Ashburn, which was destroyed nearly five years ago by Hurricane Michael.

The restoration of Georgia's official peanut monument cost approximately $70,000 with funds coming from the state and 16 local organizations and businesses.

Craftsmen from a Turner County company, Sercer Machine & Fabrication of Rebecca, replicated the peanut, retaining its shape and making it just a bit bigger atop its existing base.

The 20-foot-tall Turner County landmark was built atop a crown on a brick base in 1975. It was named the state’s official peanut monument in 1998. For nearly a half century, the "Big Peanut" has been a well-known landmark off Interstate 75 with the distinction of being the world's largest peanut.

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

OBITUARY

Sydney Carol "Syd" Willis Blackmarr, 89, of Tifton

TIFTON – Sydney Carol (Syd) Willis Blackmarr, 89, of Tifton passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at her residence.

A Requiem Mass will be held for Ms. Blackmarr at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton with The Rev. Leeann Culbreath officiating. A reception at The Syd immediately after the Requiem Mass will thank those who participated in giving life to her vision for the arts.

Born September 4, 1933, in Tampa, Florida, Ms. Blackmarr was the daughter of the late John Franklin Willis and Reba Burns Willis. She was the founder and Director of the Arts Experiment Station at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. After retiring, she continued working in arts as a consultant, community organizer, and leader until her death. She was an active member of Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton.

Ms. Blackmarr is survived by two daughters, Amy Carol Blackmarr of Tifton and Elizabeth Kelly Blackmarr of Durham, North Carolina; one brother and sister-in-law, the Rev. Marshall Burns Willis and his wife Rose of Thomasville; and one grandchild, Maxwell Rose (Sushi) Blackmarr Soucy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Syd Blackmarr Arts Chair of the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence, P.O. Box 714, Tifton, GA 31793 and Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church (Fund for the Arts), P.O. Box 889, Tifton, GA 31793.

You may offer condolences to the family at the online guest registry at www.bowen-donaldson.com. Services for the Blackmarr family are under the care and direction of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.

DPH RELEASES TIFT FOOD SCORES

The Ga. Department of Public Health (DPH) conducts inspections of food-service establishments and issues food-service scores based upon compliance with health regulations.

If a food-service establishment receives a grade of “C” and or “U” during a routine

inspection, then the health department must conduct a follow-up inspection to ensure the issues have been corrected.

During the past two months, the following food-service establishments were inspected in Tift County:

TIFTON GRAPEVINE'S CAT OF THE WEEK

“Tux” is all ready for adoption at the Tift County Animal Shelter. To adopt him and to see other pets available, visit the shelter between 1-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or call 229-382-PETS (7387).

WORK BEGINS ON TIFTON'S UNION DEPOT

~ JULY 28, 1899

Work began on the long-anticipated Union Depot in Tifton on July 28, 1899. The contract was let to W.A. Miller of Waycross, and the building was scheduled to be finished in 90 days. Meanwhile, the crossing at Love Avenue and Main Street was torn up and being paved with Alachua rock, said to be "one of the best and most substantial pavings in existence.'

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Tifton Grapevine

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Frank Sayles Jr.

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Bonnie Sayles

Managing Editor