Optim Medical Center-Screven invites local media to attend and cover a community colon cancer awareness event designed to help families start conversations and take action on lifesaving screening.

EVENT:             Get Your Rear in Gear: From Polyp to Prevention

WHAT:             Walk-Through Colon Health Event featuring “Nolan the Colon” inflatable exhibit

WHEN:            Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE            Optim Medical Center-Screven

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, yet it is one of the most preventable cancers with routine screening. Screening now begins at age 45, and younger adults are being diagnosed more frequently.

In Screven County, 10 residents were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, and the average age at diagnosis was just 48. This event aims to bring awareness to the community and make it easier for families to learn about screening and connect with care.

Media interview opportunities include:

• Susan Lee, Screven County colon cancer survivor, who will share her personal story:

“Listen to your body. As a busy working mom, I almost ignored my lower right belly pain. Optim Medical Center-Screven saved my life. Dr. Morgan and the radiology team diagnosed my stage 3 colon cancer at 46, and Dr. Odom with MetroSurgical was my surgeon. Don’t delay. Get screened at 45.”

• Dr. Sidney Morgan and Dr. Prakul Chandra, Optim Primary Care, available to discuss screening guidelines, risk factors, and prevention

• Healthcare professionals from HomeTown Health and MetroSurgical discussing colonoscopy and early detection

• Community leaders and school partners helping families start conversations about screening

Visual opportunities:

• Walk-through inflatable colon “Nolan the Colon” (on loan from City of Hope Atlanta)

• Community members and students learning about colon health

• Demonstrations including colonoscopy prep tasting and screening education

• On-site signups with primary care providers

This free, family-friendly event is designed to make an important but often uncomfortable topic easier to discuss and to encourage screening that can save lives.

✨💖 MAD Competition Team Showcase 💖✨

Maggie’s Academy of Dance invites the community to a night of talent, confidence, and big stage energy as their MAD Competition Teams debut the 2025–2026 competition routines.

Each dancer will perform all of their routines, giving the audience a glimpse of the hard work, passion, and sparkle that goes into competition season. The showcase also provides the dancers an opportunity to rehearse in a true performance setting before competitions begin.

🩰 Showcase Details:

📅 March 5th

⏰ 6:30 PM

📍 SCHS Auditorium

🎟️ $5 Tickets

The community is encouraged to come cheer and support the dancers as Maggie’s Academy of Dance kicks off an exciting competition season. 💙✨

Give Blood. Give Hope.

We are truly blessed to have Ms. Madison as a part of our community. She has always been a joy to be around, known for her kind heart and the light she brings to those around her. Madison’s story is one of strength, resilience, and compassion, and her impact continues to inspire everyone who knows her.

Please join Shepeard Community Blood Center, Madison, and her family for a Replenishment Blood Drive on Thursday, February 19, from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Sylvania, GA.

This blood drive is a meaningful way to support those in need while honoring Madison’s journey and celebrating the strength she represents within our community.

Blankets of Love in Screven County

Sylvania First Methodist Church is hosting a Blanket Drive throughout the entire month of February, and they invite the community to join them in helping keep Screven County warm.

New blankets may be dropped off at the church office during the month of February. Every donation makes a difference and helps provide comfort to neighbors in need.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support one another, and wrap Screven County in warmth and care.

Thank you to Sylvania First Methodist Church for their heart for service and for being a valued Chamber member.

🧺💙 Let’s show what community looks like, Screven County!

No date? No problem! 💘 This year, Valentine’s Day is for the singles.

Chamber Member Billie-Jo’s Place invites the community to join them for Singles Night + Speed Dating. The event kicks off at 8 PM with speed dating, followed by an evening of drinks, music, and meeting new faces.

Whether you’re looking to make a connection or just have a fun night out, this event has something for everyone. Worst case: you get a drink. Best case: you get a date. 😏💋

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at Billie-Jo’s Place!

Screven County, let’s show our support!

Join us on February 10, 2026, at 12 PM at Little Dipper Coffee & Ice Cream for the iGot Campaign Kick-Off in support of Ogeechee Technical College!

All attendees will be entered to win $10 in Chamber Bucks—a fun way of our Chamber of Commerce saying thank you to showing up and supporting our local college and Chamber Champion!

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate education, innovation, and opportunity right here in Screven County. Your presence makes a difference!

When: February 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM
Where: Little Dipper Coffee and Ice Cream

Don’t miss out! See you there!

Join the Makery and Holly Boykin for a fun night painting the sweetest Valentine’s Day Crafts that everyone will love! Beginner friendly.

Please RSVP by Feb 4, 2026

Spring Recreation Registration Opens February 2!

Sign up online at screvenrec.com

📅 Important Age Control Date:

League placement is based on your player’s age as of 6/30/26 for Rec Leagues and all GRPA baseball & softball tournaments.

Don’t miss your chance to get in the game—register early and let’s play ball this spring! 🧢🏆

Hotel California, The Original Tribute to The Eagles, recreates the iconic sound of The Eagles, having performed with legends like the Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and REO Speedwagon. Since 1986, they’ve toured globally, thrilling audiences in places like Tahiti, Dubai, Japan, and Bermuda. Their dedication to faithfully capturing the Eagles’ music has set them apart from other tribute bands. Hotel California’s stage show is now one of the most popular productions on North American festival circuits, with original members in their strongest lineup yet. Fans return time and again to experience the warmth and nostalgia of the 1970s Southern California sound. With a history of performing in bands like The Guess Who and April Wine, the members bring unmatched expertise to every performance.

The Screven County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that tickets for our Annual Banquet are now available!

We can’t wait to come together and celebrate the achievements, partnerships, and community spirit that make Screven County such a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.

We also have sponsorship opportunities available to help make the night even more vibrant, memorable, and fun!

Dinner will be catered by Chamber Member Fish Eye Grill.

When purchasing your ticket, we kindly ask that you complete the short dinner survey provided immediately after checkout. You’ll be able to choose between:

• Teriyaki Steak Bites with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans

• CBR Pasta

An automatic link will appear after your purchase, allowing you to submit your meal selection right away. You’ll also receive an email with the same link so you can choose your dinner option anytime before January 10, 2026.

We look forward to celebrating with you at this special event!

Purchase your tickets here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/253176628137159

The Screven County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Food Lion To Go at Sylvania Food Lion will officially go live on January 28, 2026, with order pickup beginning at 9:00 AM.

The equipment installation is nearly complete, and training will begin in the coming weeks to ensure customers continue to receive the same great customer service they know and love—now offered in a new and convenient way.

To celebrate this exciting addition, the community is invited to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 8:30 AM on January 28 in the Food Lion parking lot. Join the Chamber in celebrating the launch of another convenient shopping option at your local Food Lion.

Come be part of bringing local shopping into a new era here in Screven County!

Cookies, Cocoa & Christmas Cheer!

It’s the sweetest time of the year! Join our Chamber Member for a cozy night of cookie decorating, hot cocoa sipping, and Christmas movie magic with 4-H friends!

4th-6th Grade

Tuesday, December 16th | 5:30–7:30 PM

$15 registration fee — includes pizza, cookies, cocoa, & movie!

Sign up by December 12th (spaces limited to first 25!)

Register by calling 912-564-2064 by December 12th! Spaces limited to 25!!

🎄 Mark Your Calendars! 🎄

Get ready for an evening straight out of a Hallmark movie...

✨ A Small Town Christmas Extravaganza ✨

📍 Downtown Sylvania, GA

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025

🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

We’re thrilled to bring our community another magical year of fun-filled tradition, local shopping, live music, delicious food, and holiday cheer.

Bring the whole family and come celebrate the season with us!

Please Join the community at “A Night In Bethlehem” in Newington, GA on December 6th at 5:00 PM!

ADDRESS: 174 Park Street, Newington, GA

All Are Welcome! They will have a Live Nativity Scene, Arts & Crafts, Music, and Cookies & Cocoa!

PLEASE CONSIDER bringing a $5 Donation to Benefit the Screven County Crisis Center!

Chamber member Sylvania First Methodist Church is spreading a little holiday cheer with a Gift Basket Raffle! 🧺✨

They’re raffling off two festive gift baskets, and all proceeds will go to support the Sylvania Methodist Women’s Missions.

🎟️ Tickets:

• 1 for $3

• 2 for $5

📅 Raffle Drawing: December 3rd

This is a wonderful way to support local ministry efforts while getting a chance to take home a special holiday treat. ❤️

Thank you to Sylvania First Methodist Church for giving back and continuing to serve our community this season!

Join us for Christmas After Hours!

Come fellowship, sip, shop, and soak in all things Christmas on December 1 from 5-7.

Vendors:

Millie’s Boutique

Shortcut Sweets

radiancerevealedbeauty

JR Creations

Daily Bread Bakery

(More vendors to come)

Spend $20 or more with Sylvania Florist and receive a little holiday gift from us (while supplies last)!

Let’s kick off the season together!

We’re so excited for all of our Chamber members and local small businesses as the holiday shopping season begins! 🎄💙

The Screven County Chamber of Commerce wants to help support YOU this holiday season. If your business has any special sales, steals, or deals planned for Small Business Saturday or the holidays, we’d love to help spread the word!

📩 Send us your promotions to be included in our upcoming newsletters and social media posts:

📱 Text: 912-425-9836 (Candace)

📧 Email: screvencountychamber@gmail.com

Let’s make this holiday shopping season a great one for our small businesses — because when we shop local, we strengthen our entire community! ❤️🎁

You're Invited! Join us in the heart of Downtown Sylvania for our beloved Annual Christmas Tree Lighting!

Date: Friday, November 28, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Downtown Sylvania

Let’s kick off the holiday season together with twinkling lights, joyful music, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and help us light up the night in celebration of community and tradition.

Enjoy festive tunes

Sip on hot cocoa

Watch the tree come to life!

Looking to switch things up this year? Leaning Pines Campground and RV Park invites you to relax and unwind for the holiday season!

They still have a few RV sites available and a couple of cozy cabins ready for your Thanksgiving getaway. Whether it’s gathering with family, escaping the holiday rush, or enjoying a peaceful weekend, Leaning Pines has the perfect spot.

🦃 Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner: November 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM – join fellow guests for a festive meal under the pines!

📲 Book online: www.campLPC.com

📞 Call: 912-829-3124

Everyone is welcome under their pines! 🦃🍂

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22, 2025, and join the community for a day full of flavor, fun, and festive holiday spirit. The team at Possum Eddy Ace Hardware will be firing up the grills and serving free samples, cooked fresh on-site — the perfect way to get inspired for your Thanksgiving meal.

Guests can taste what’s possible on their own grills and pick up expert tips to make this year’s holiday feast unforgettable.

Free food, great ideas, and local friends — that’s what Thanksgrilling is all about!

Come out, mingle with your neighbors, and let Possum Eddy Ace Hardware help make your Thanksgiving meal a grilling success!

Join Red Bluff Baptist Church for a Night of Thanksgiving on November 21, 2025, and their Revival from November 19–22, 2025!

Come together for worship, inspiring words, and heartfelt praise and thanks. Everyone is welcome!

Pink Friday is almost here!

Mark your calendars for November 21 and join us in celebrating and supporting our amazing local small businesses!

Pink Friday is all about shopping small before the big-box rush of Black Friday. When you choose to shop local, you’re investing directly into the heart of our community — the owners, families, and entrepreneurs who make Screven County special.

Shop early.

Shop small.

Shop local this Pink Friday!

Pink Friday Punch Card Giveaway!

We’re excited to share that we will have a Pink Friday punch card for those shopping with our participating local boutiques BDB & Company, Millie’s Boutique , Riverside Rayne Boutique, and Ross Drug Boutique!

Here’s how it works:

• Visit all four local boutiques on November 21

• Get your punch at each shop

• Turn your completed card in to the Screven County Chamber of Commerce

All completed cards will be entered to win a $100 shopping spree — that’s four $25 gift cards, one to each participating boutique!

Let’s show our local businesses some love and kick off the holiday shopping season the hometown way!

Lara Smith, a singer-songwriter from Elberton, Georgia, graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a degree in Commercial Music, focusing on Vocal Performance. With a powerful, bluesy, rock-infused voice, she has performed at iconic Nashville venues like the Bluebird Cafe and was a soloist in the PBS special “Christmas at Belmont.” Lara has co-written many songs and worked as a studio vocalist with various recording studios. A multi-instrumentalist, she plays guitar and keyboards. Raised in a musical family, her father influenced her style. Lara’s performances span classic rock, country, blues, jazz, and gospel, with her musical journey starting at age 4, singing in church.

🎃✨ A Day Full of No Tricks—Just Treats! ✨🎃
Shop, play, and enjoy all that our local Chamber businesses have to offer. 🍭
Enjoy special deals, candy, activities, games, and so much more—all while having fun with our Chamber members!

Sylvania Ford is excited to host their annual Trunk-or-Treat on Monday, October 28, from 6:00Pm-until. This fun community event brings families and local businesses together for an evening of costumes, candy, and connection.

👻 Want to join the fun? Dress up, decorate a trunk, and hand out treats!

🚗 Interested in sponsoring one—or even a few—cars? Contact Ken Thomas at Sylvania Ford today.

Come be part of a tradition that makes Halloween extra special in our community!

Fall is right around the corner and it’s our favorite time of the year. Come out and join us for our annual fall festival, an evening of fun for all ages. We will have lots of local food trucks, craft vendors, live music, pumpkin patch and of course bouncy houses for the kids. Be sure to react to our event page so you can watch for all of our updates.

This October, Chamber Member L.A. Nails is celebrating 25 years of serving the community! 💝

To thank their loyal customers, anyone receiving a Full Set, Fill-In, Dip SNS, or Pedicure during October will receive a special gift.

🎁 Customers will also have the chance to enter a Lucky Draw to win one of 10 gift cards valued at $25 each.

The winners will be announced on October 25, 2025, just in time for Halloween festivities!

Celebrate this milestone with L.A. Nails and enjoy a little extra pampering while supporting a long-standing Chamber Member.

The Sylvania, GA Downtown Development Authority is hosting the Downtown Fall Festival on Thursday, October 24, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 PM.

Celebrate the beauty of the fall season with:

🍔 Delicious Food Vendors

🎲 Fun Games for All Ages

🎶 Live Music

Join the community in downtown Sylvania, GA for an evening full of fall festivities, food, fun, and music! Don’t miss this family-friendly celebration of the season. 🍁

One stage. Our hometown’s best talent. All for a great cause!

📅 October 23, 2025

📍 Screven County High School Auditorium

⏰ 6:30 PM

🎟 Tickets: TBA

Proceeds will benefit proud Chamber Members making a difference in our community the Screven County Community Collaborative and the dedicated Senior Citizens Center.

👏 Come cheer, laugh, sing along—and show your support for local talent and local causes!

📌 Want to audition? Sign Up Here