Leadership Colquitt is a community leadership initiative sponsored by the Rural Development Council in partnership with the Fanning Institute for Leadership, The University of Georgia. For the past four years Colquitt-Miller County Chamber of Commerce has received grants or sustaining grants to cover the cost of these classes.
The program includes an orientation, six three-hour classes, a regional tour and graduation. The classes cover, Understanding Leadership, Group Problem Solving and Decision Making, Group Dynamics and/or Personal Discovery, Community Unity and Local Governments, Socio-demographics and Economic Development.
This year’s regional tour included Flint Riverquarim and I-Maxtheater in Albany, lunch at Bo Henry’s Harvest Moon, a visit to Stillpond Vineyards and a tour of Jones Ecological Center.
The Colquitt-Miller County Chamber of Commerce held its fourth graduation on Monday, November 14. Rep. Gerald Greene was the featured speaker. He gave interesting highlights of his recent trip to China, his work with the state legislature and leadership tips. He encouraged graduates to get involved in their churches, the chamber and other organizations. “Volunteering is your way to give back,” he said.
Linnie Gibson spoke about “My Leadership 2002 Experience.” Kathie Lomineck spoke about “My Leadership 2003 Experience,” and Debra Bryan spoke about “My Leadership 2004 Experience.” Mary Nell Rentz and Samuel Miller each offered their remarks about “My Leadership 2005 Experience.” The class of 2005 included Buddy Baker, Mable Baker, Glenda Chandler, Sandra East, Claude Gordon, Laura Hall, Charlotte Kikel, John Lane, Sam Miller, Caroline Raines, Mary Rentz, Cleve Roland, Jennifer Trawick and Lonnie Wade.
Chamber of Commerce president, Veryl Cockey, expressed the steering committee’s congratulations to the class. She also expressed appreciation to the committee for their commitment to the program. They included Debra Atkinson, Debra Bryan, Jim East, Gail Evans, Linnie Gibson, KaCee Holt, Kathie Lomineck, Jewel Maddox and Cory Thomas, and are all graduates of Leadership Colquitt.

The official holiday season opened this past weekend in Colquitt as Hometown Holidays got underway Saturday morning.
Even though shoppers awoke to chilly temperatures, it didn’t dampen the day as shoppers filled the stores early to find bargains that the stores had to offer for the annual event. Most people stated they were more in the Christmas spirit since the weather was cooler outside.
Entertainment was held throughout the day with different local talents performing with some of the best gospel music you’ll find anywhere.
The fabulous bake sale, once again, was a huge success. Some of the most delicious homemade goodies you’ll ever find were made by some of the best cooks in the country.
Santa made it around town on the Colquitt/Miller County Fire Department truck and said he would be back several times in the near future.
The lucky winners of the participating businesses and merchants of Colquitt Coupons are as follows: A+ Car Wash, Delores Greene; American Pie Etc., Wayne Varnum; Blooming Business, Joyce Cook, Wilma Fleet; Chick-A-Dees, Virginia Whitaker; Cedar Head Mayhaw Co., Paul Daughtry; Bride & Gift Gallery, Elizabeth Perkins, Toni Privett, Vivian Cook, Tabitha Stolze; Grow Drug Co., Curlie Kyles, Susan Grimsley, Michelle Franklin; Crooked Oak Golf Course, everyone was a winner until November 30; Dixie Detailing & Accessories, Evelyn Newberry; Fre-Jan’s, Amy Summerlin, Susan Kelley; K-Lynn’s Jewelry, Sharon Karter; Into the Forrest, Angie Masters; Natural Effects, Rita Smith; PeopleSouth Bank, Michael Joiner; Market on the Square, Tonya McConnell; Petro, Rita Smith; Chan Long, Linnie Gibson; Kay Ford, Wynelle Cutchen; Royal Collection, Kaye Braswell; Swamp Things, Ruth Merritt; Nora Kate’s, Ruth Hester; D & G Sunbeds, Beth Whitaker; Subway, Jeffrey Bevis, Wanda Griffin, Joyce Cook, Robert Elizondo, Megan Strickland; Wilkin’s IGA, Annie Collins; Miller County Liberal, Sherry Calhoun; Helen’s Pirate’s Cove, Pam Mock, Jeff Cox; Colquitt/Miller Arts Council, Barbara Worsley; Pat Sammon Chevrolet, Stanley Tyner Sr.; The Wear House Etc, Marilyn Brackin; Hardee’s, Tabitha Stolze, Sandy Stolze, Cindy Hudson; Moore’s ACE Hardware, Tammy Collins, Diana Dowdy; The Posie Patch, Amos George; Road Runner Seafood, Inez Henry, Diana Dowdy; Red’s Liquors, Annette Knight; Tarrer Inn, Rebecca Dozier; Bevis’ Furniture Company, Joanne Holland, Brandi Phillips, Emma Richardson, Georgia Mae Jay; MacArthur’s, Jennilee Cook; Merchants & Farmers Bank, Brandi Phillips; Twelve Oaks Antique, Felix Tabb Jr., Joyce Arline; RonCam, Angela Salter; Pic-N-Sav, Angela Salter, Jean Vistart; and Tradition’s, Linnie Gibson.
Each winner has until December 31, 2005, to claim and use their winnings at the participating business where the gift was won.
This was one of the many ways Colquitt merchants and businesses show their appreciation to their customers and clients.

On Saturday, November 19, the MCHS Varsity Competition Cheerleading squad traveled to Colquitt County High School to compete in the South Georgia Cheer Fest.
Miller girls hit a near flawless routine after having to make changes on Thursday night and again on Friday afternoon due to injuries.
When scores were read, Miller County had received first place, defeating second place Turner County, and third place Hawkinsville. Other teams defeated were Atkinson County and Baconton Charet.
When asked about the competition, Coach Susan Wade replied, “This is a young group of girls that have really stepped outside of themselves to perform at 100 percent. I could not be more proud of them at this point in the season.”
In addition to first place, MCHS girls competed in a lib off with eight other squads and placed second.
The squad will compete at Worth County High School this Saturday, Nov. 26, at 12:30 p.m., with awards being announced at 1:20 p.m.

The Miller County Ministerial Association held their Community wide Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 20, at Colquitt Freewill Baptist Church.
The Rev. Kent Barwick welcomed the overflow congregation to the meeting. A super song service followed with choir, group singing, solo’s, congregational participation and instrumental selections.
Just prior to the special speaker being introduced, the congregation was invited to greet those around them as the choir sang “The Family of God.”
Rev. Barwick then introduced the guest speaker, the Rev. Joe Romigh, pastor of the Colquitt United Methodist Church.
Rev. Romigh thanked all the different churches for attended the service and gave an inspirational sermon on how thankful we should be for our faith and what we have.
A Happy Thanksgiving to all was given by the attending pastors of the ministerial association.

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and Spring Creek Park is beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the days are being counted down for the official lighting of the lights.
The lights will officially be turned on, marking the beginning of a joyous holiday season on Wednesday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m.
This year, several more attractions have been added to the park for everyone to enjoy. For the first time, a 40 ft. tree will be the center attraction for the park.
Now as the season grows nearer, everyone will be anxiously awaiting for the appearance of that jolly, fat fellow wearing the red, fur-trimmed suit and roaring, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” This will be the time Spring Creek Park will really be aglow. On each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, drive through the park and enjoy the scenes from dark until 10:00 p.m.
Many individuals, clubs and organizations have contributed to this project, and all citizens of Miller County should be proud of this attraction.
Every year, the park employees do their best to make sure it is something that everyone, young and old, will be sure to enjoy.
Inside the park entrance, there will be a box bearing the sign, donations.
There’s no way to measure the excitement of children as they make their way into the park and watch their eyes and faces as they have visions of sugar plums in their heads.
Everyone is encouraged to visit the park and enjoy the lights of the joyous holiday season.

Week of November 20, 2005