Friday, July 19, 2019 Tifton, Georgia

IHeardIt@tiftongrapevine.com ~ 478-227-7126 ~ www.tiftongrapevine.com

Volunteers and entire families help push the beached whales back out into the sea Tuesday on St. Simons Island. A Tifton man was among the volunteers.

TIFTON MAN HELPS BEACHED WHALES RETURN TO SEA NEARLY 50 WHALES COME ASHORE ON ST. SIMONS ISLAND

Scores of beachgoers jumped into the surf late Tuesday afternoon to aid nearly 50 pilot whales who began beaching themselves on St. Simons Island. At least one Tiftonite was among the volunteers who helped save the whales and push them back into the water. John R. Tibbetts of Tifton was at the beach with his wife Rhonda Garrett when the whales began coming ashore just north of the King and Prince Hotel. Tibbetts was the 2018 Georgia Teacher of the Year. "We happened to witness a pod of whales beaching themselves at St Simons. John jumped in to help push some out into the water," Garrett said on social media. She said the beaching "was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever witnessed. I was in awe." Tibbetts said he "got to help save a couple of whales that were beaching themselves. .. There were, thankfully, a good many people around." The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said that at least three whales died after at least 47 pilot whales beached themselves at St. Simons Island. "While further strandings are possible, Georgia Department of Natural Resources biologists hope the threat to this pod of pilot whales has passed," the DNR reported. " Brunswick boat pilots spotted the whales on Wednesday morning. As of that afternoon, the pod had moved even farther offshore." Glynn County officials t hanked everyone who stepped up to help the pilot whales, which can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. It’s unclear what led to the mass stranding, but DNR officials said that “among cetaceans, pilot whales are the most common species known to strand in mass numbers.” The whales usually swim 100 miles offshore.

AG MUSEUM TAKES 'ONE SMALL STEP'

This Saturday, July 20, is the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, and the Ga. Museum of Agriculture  on Saturday observes the event by opening a special exhibit. Entitled  “One Small Step,” the  exhibit will  characterize what  life was like in  Tifton on  that day in 1969. The  John Wayne film  “True Grit” had just appeared on  movie screens,  gasoline was  32 cents per gallon,  The Beatles had recently released the song  “Get Back,” and  Richard Nixon was in his  first term as  president. Throughout the world,  people  were  glued  to mostly  black-and-white TVs  on that  Sunday, July 20, 1969 , as astronauts  Neil Armstrong  and  Buzz Aldrin  stepped onto the  moon . The lunar module,  “Eagle,”  landed on the  moon’s surface  at  4:18 p.m.  At  10:56 p.m. ,  Armstrong  set foot on the  moon , proclaiming to the world, “That’s  one small step  for man,  one giant leap  for mankind.” “What was  life  in a  typical home  in  South Georgia  like on  that day ?” asks Museum Curator Polly Huff . “Our  goal  with the  exhibit  is to  center  it around the  event  on the  moon  but  ground it  with  historic artifacts  that  show home life  as it was on  that day ." The  exhibit  will remain on  display  through  July 31 .

Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Chula, Ga., is seeking a part-time Worship Pastor. Persons interested in the position should submit a letter of interest and a resume by mail or email.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church ATTN: Worship Pastor Committee 293 Mt. Zion Church Road Chula, GA 31733 Email:  aaronjfrasier923@gmail.com

UGA OFFERS TIPS ON WATERING YOUR LANDSCAPE

Landscape irrigation can be tricky, especially in the summer . During July — Smart Irrigation Month — University of Georgi a experts have advice on how to use irrigation efficiently. Typical lawns and plants require one to 1.5 inches of water per week, said Rolando Orellana , an urban water management agent with UGA Cooperative Extension. Consider the water source , air circulation , slope, drainage and other conditions of the landscape when creating an irrigation plan. “Make sure you know the plants in your garden,” Orellana said. “Not all plants have the same water requirements. You can ask your Extension agent to find out more information about plant water requirements ." The best time to water landscapes is between 4-9 a.m., keeping in mind that deep, infrequent watering is best to avoid waste, run-off and evaporation, Orellana advises, adding that gardeners should water by hand when possible. While hand-watering is preferred, it is not always practical. When using irrigation equipment , be thoughtful about how, where and how often to turn on your sprinklers . Before setting them up, consider: How much of the landscape needs to be watered? Where can the equipment be placed to reach the maximum amount of area and provide even coverage?  Where are the outdoor water sources located, and where can one be added if needed? From there, choosing between systems such as soaker hoses, a drip irrigation system or a sprinkler system becomes easy , Orellana said.

ABAC students, from left, Kristi Guerrero from Moultrie and Melvin B. Whitsett from Tifton pose with ABAC Professor Andrew McIntosh during their visit to the state of Washington.

ABAC STUDENTS LEARN FROM WORLD-RENOWNED SCIENTISTS IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Traveling to the northwest corner of the United States to scan rodent specimens may not sound like a good time but for two students and their professor from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College , it’s an experience they will never forget. Professor Andrew McIntosh and students Kristi Guerrero and Melvin B. Whitsett traveled from Tifton to Seattle, Wash. , where they scanned rodent specimens from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture . “We took the specimens from the Burke Museum and scanned them at San Juan Island ,” McIntosh said. “The whole point of the trip was to digitize specimens from this museum and specimens from Florida’s Natural History Museum and upload the digitized images online so they can be freely available for others to use.” The ABAC group traveled by ferry from Seattle to San Juan Island and stayed for two weeks. During that time, they were fully trained on a micro CT scanner by world-renowned researchers in scientific imaging. The ABAC representatives scanned more than 100 rodent specimens. Whitsett , a biology major from Tifton , said it was a struggle learning the machine and how to properly pack the specimens: “The task was difficult but not impossible ." McIntosh said the trip was funded by the Overt Grant, whose purpose is to make scans of vertebrate specimens from natural history museums to be available completely free online.

CAMP AIDS KIDS COPING WITH GRIEF

Hospice of Tift Area is holding a free day camp designed to help children dealing with grief. "Camp Reflections" will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Tift Regional Community Events Center on Carpenter Road. Facilitated by professional staff, this free day camp offers a supportive environment for children coping with grief. During the past decade of the program, Camp Reflections has served more than 150 children and more than 300 families with the help of 105 volunteers.  For information, contact Kathy.Moneypenny@TiftRegional.com , 229-353-6330 .

TIFTON STUDENTS LIVE LIKE THE FRENCH WHILE STUDYING ABROAD THIS SUMMER

Eating endless amounts of bread and cheese , touring a snail farm , and living like the French were some of the highlights for a group of students from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College who experienced a study abroad trip to France this summer . The focus of the group’s trip was Northern France . Their stops included Reims, Rouen , and Normandy . On June 6 , the group traveled to Normandy Beach to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day . The ABAC contingent also went for a bike ride at Versailles , toured Marie Antoinette’s home , picnicked like the French, visited with snails and ate much cheese and bread . There were several agriculture-related stops for those students who wanted to know more about agriculture in another country.

Tifton First United Methodist Church is in search of a Financial Secretary who will maintain all general accounting and payroll functions of the church.  General duties will include: record and deposit all contributions, prepare payroll and associated withholdings for church employees, maintain record of sick leave and vacation for employees, pay accounts payable bills and prepare monthly financial reports for Finance Committee and Church Council as part of annual budget process.    This position is currently available as a part-time position with the possibility of being full-time depending on the experience, expertise and interest of the candidate.  Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. The Financial Secretary will report to the Senior Pastor and the Finance Committee Chairperson to provide financial accounting and payroll for all church activities. Service 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

UNITED WAY HOLDS BACKPACK DRIVE

The United Way of South Central Georgia , based in Tifton , is sponsoring a Tiftarea Backpack Drive to collect new backpacks for local students . The drive, which is already underway, continues through Aug 5. Folks may drop off new backpacks to the United Way office at 211 Fourth St. in Tifton . The new backpacks may be dropped off between 10 a.m.-4 p.m ., or by appointment . For information , call 229-382-2881 .

CANCER COALITION REPS RALLY ROTARY

Cynthia George with Horizon Community Solutions told the Tifton Rotary Club on Wednesday the purpose of her agency and announced plans for an upcoming fundraiser Sept. 5. "My passion is, if people have cancer, that we catch it early," she said. One of five cancer coalitions in the state developing a five-year cancer plan, Horizon will develop new services for early detection of cervical, prostate, colon, areas and lung cancers. The agency serves 32 counties in South Georgia, arranging screenings for those who would not get screened because of financial or other constraints. "We also provide transportation assistance for treatment and doctor appointments," George said. She works closely with Tift Regional Medical Center, its physicians and the Tiftarea Commuity Health Center. The upcoming fundraiser, "The Night of Hope," on Thursday, Sept. 5, will be a night of music and dancing at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Cocktail buffet will be served, and there will be a live auction. Tickets are $75, and sponsorship opportunities are available. The Hollywood Band will provide Motown, Beach and today's music. Horizon board members Matthew Reed and Bruce Austin also spoke to Rotarians.

THESE GUYS ARE WAITING FOR YOU AT TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

The pets pictured above are among those at the Tifton-Tift County Animal Shelter awaiting adoption . Adoption fees cover discounted spaying or neutering, rabies and distemper vaccinations and worming . Additionally for dogs , it covers spay/neuter, rabies, parvo distemper vaccination, bordetella shot, heartworm testing and worming . The fee is $75 for cats and $85 for dogs, and ensures the pets are getting the proper start in life and are helping control overpopulation . The shelter is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 278 Highway 125 South . The phone number is 229-382-7387 . ___________________________________________

This look at this week’s pets is sponsored by Sayles Unlimited Health Promotions and Petandim , a supplement that’s scientifically formulated to helps pets fight oxidative stress. Petandim delivers the health your best friend needs to stay active for longer. It’s a human approach to healthier dogs and cats. Reviewed and approved by animal health consultants, Petandim is designed to extend your pet’s playfulness, happiness, and overall health. Call Bonnie for more at 229-848-2366 or visit: http://sayles.lifevantage.com/products/petandim-dogs/

NOW OPEN! Your new home for Georgia Craft Beers, Upscale Pub Grub, and Cigars. We offer a full menu with weekly specials. Live music every Friday or Saturday.

Check Tift Tap House on Facebook here for scheduled performers. Coming this weekend: The Tap Board! 41 taps on a wall, all Georgia Craft Beers, on a flight system. Choose four in flight to sample. We're open Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

AND come out this Sunday from 2-6 p.m. for a party on the patio, grill and chill. We will be serving hotdog and cheeseburger plates with french fries or fruit cups. Hotdog plate ~ $6 Cheeseburger plate ~ $8 ALL Georgia craft beers ~ $5  Domestics ~ $2 TIFT TAP HOUSE (229) 396-4964 219 Main St., Downtown Tifton

YOUR WEEKEND ...at a Glance  FRIDAY, JULY 19 Summer Sip & Stroll, 5 p.m., Main Street, Sylvester SATURDAY, JULY 20 Wiregrass Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-Noon., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton "One Small Step" exhibit opens, 10 a.m., Ga. Museum of Agriculture, Tifton

ADVERTISE YOUR YARD SALE! Inform Thousands of Your Neighbors through the TIFTON GRAPEVINE! Place your Yard Sale in this space! ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TO ADVERTISE YOUR YARD SALE HERE, CONTACT US at yardsales@tiftongrapevine.com or 478-227-7126 Fees are $1 per word, paid in advance

JULY 10 Glenda Jean Sauls Gosik, 80, Forest Park James Robert Gilbert, 88, Tifton Eula Batson Drake, 91, Fitzgerald JULY 12 Rosemary Willis, 52, Tifton Johnny Wilbur Harrell, 74, Ray City Kenneth Wayne "Kenny" Pridgen, 58, Nashville Ruth Morehead Poole, 93, Fitzgerald Louise Walden, 80, Quitman Sallie Bennefield, 92, Quitman Ada Mae Stewart, 100, Detroit, Mich. JULY 13 Bertice Lucille Butler Walker, 93, Tifton Letitia Ann Harrell, 61, Sycamore JULY 14 Marjorie Jenkins Tanner, 95, Sylvester Joan Crosby Ensley, 77, Sparks Karlee Youngblood Roach, 25, Fitzgerald JULY 15 Margie Ellis Whiddon, 93, Tifton Vernie Berney Greene, 76, Tifton JULY 16 Dewey Wayne Harrell Jr., 36, Adel JULY 17 Voncile Quinnette Bryant Taylor, 70, Sylvester Jim Tyler, 79, Nashville JULY 18 Lynda O'Neal, 68, Valdosta

Tifton Grapevine e-published every Tuesday and Friday Frank Sayles Jr. Editor & Publisher Bonnie Sayles Managing Editor

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