Georgia Chamber named Carpenter Rookie of the Year

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2018 Spring Government Affairs Council meeting on St. Simons Island and handed out several awards. First-term House of Representatives member Kasey Carpenter, R-Dalton, was named Rookie of the Year. Carpenter earned an A+ on the Chamber Scorecard after completing his first year in the state House. At the meeting, the organization announced its 2018 “Legislators of the Year” in recognition of state Representatives and Senators who championed pro-business policies that encourage growth and economic opportunity throughout the state. David Raynor, Georgia Chamber senior vice president of public affairs, congratulated each of the recipients. “The elected officials selected for these awards have demonstrated exemplary service and dedication to our great state,” Raynor said. “On behalf of businesses across all industry sectors, we applaud their steadfast commitment to advancing economic growth and mobility and look forward to a continued partnership.”

Summer hours set for San Juan’s outreach programs

BRANFORD, Fla. — The San Juan Catholic Mission’s outreach programs with free clothing and food distribution will go to summer hours this week.

The Food and Clothing Distribution program is held the third Friday of each month and for the summer months will be held from 9 a.m. until noon. Those hours will remain the same for July, August and September on the third Friday of the month.

The Advent Christian Church of Beachville continues to maintain a presence at the San Juan Ministry third Friday distribution providing lunches, snacks and cool drinks.

Anyone in need of free clothing, clothing to prepare for a job interview, a bag of food or lunch is welcome to stop by.

Anyone interested in contributing to either the clothing distribution or the food pantry, can bring contributions to San Juan Mission, 304 Plant Avenue SE in Branford. Items can be left on the patio or in the Church Office during normal business hours.

Rose Queen to be crowned Saturday

THOMASVILLE — The time-honored tradition of crowning one young woman as Thomasville Rose Queen will continue later this week when eight contestants compete for the crown. Thomasville’s Rose Queen Pageant, presented by Junior Service League of Thomasville will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, June 15 in the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium.  The pageant is a scholarship competition for local young women who are rising seniors. This pageant not only serves as an opportunity to win the highly-sought after title of Thomasville’s own Rose Queen, it also prepares each contestant to succeed with their endeavors as they move toward college and later in their chosen professions.

“As a scholarship pageant, what is most important is the process that we use to teach these young women a variety of skills they can use in the real world,” says Tourism Director for the City of Thomasville and Rose Queen Committee member Bonnie Hayes. “Through writing and interviewing skills, poise and presentation, public speaking and community service — the young ladies who compete must embody all of the qualities that we look for in someone to represent the character of Thomasville.”

“We do not envy the judges’ job; all eight contestants are talented, smart and exceptional. I have been so impressed with the diversity of talent, intelligence, drive, dedication, athletic ability and articulation these young ladies possess, they will use all of that to step into the role of Rose Queen and serve as an ambassador for our city,” said JSL President and Pageant Coordinator Mariam Mirabzadeh. “Not only are these precious young ladies growing as individuals through the process of poise, interview, public speaking, fitness routines, etc., but they are growing as a group — and it’s truly special witnessing that.”

To choose only one Rose Queen requires an esteemed panel of judges who will carefully review each contestant during the competition.

Returning for a third year is Karla Heath-Sands, who will entertain the audience as emcee for the ceremony.

“We’re so happy Mrs. Heath-Sands will be joining us again this year,” says Mirabzadeh. “She has a true ability to get the audience involved. She is not new to the pageant world, she herself placed fourth runner-up at Miss Georgia when she was Miss Macon and then placed second when she served as Miss Brunswick-Golden Isles.”

Tickets for the pageant are on sale for $8 each at the Thomasville Visitors Center, 144 E. Jackson St., and also will be available at the door the evening of the pageant.

For more information, visit jslthomasville.com or email tjslpresident@gmail.com.

‘Change’ in venue for annual coin show

TIFTON, Ga. — The annual Tiftarea Coin and Collectable Show returns this year with a change in venue. The Springhill Country Club will host the two day event, according to Ed Branch, treasurer for the Tiftarea Coin & Collectable Club. The show runs 9 a.m. — 6 p.m. on Friday June 15, and 9 a.m. — 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. This year, 20 coin and collectibles dealers are setting up show, according to Branch, who called it “a significant increase.”