“I want to honor Clara Martin, who recently died at 94. She was a longtime Georgia educator and broadcaster who helped start college journalism programs, ran local radio stations, and trained many journalists.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Clara Martin, a beloved educator, broadcaster, and community leader who passed away June 21 at the age of 94. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Ms. Martin spent 14 years on the faculty at Brenau University, where she launched the school’s journalism program and its first radio station. She went on to own and operate two radio stations in Clarkesville, lead adult education programs at Piedmont College, and later returned to Brenau to direct its journalism and broadcasting programs until her retirement in 2006. Clara also served as the U.S. Census Bureau administrator and correspondent for several Georgia newspapers. Her decades of work shaped generations of Georgia journalists and broadcasters. She is survived by three daughters, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Mr. Speaker, Georgia is grateful for Clara’s remarkable legacy of service and education.”

“I want to wish Fred Gretsch a happy 80th birthday. His family has made famous musical instruments for generations, and he has generously supported music education in Georgia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fred Gretsch, a resident of Pooler, Georgia, and to wish him a happy 80th birthday. Fred is the fourth generation of his family to lead Gretsch, the storied musical instrument manufacturer founded in Brooklyn in 1883 by his great-grandfather, Friedrich Gretsch, a German immigrant. In 1984, Fred and his wife, Dinah, bought the company back into family hands and built it into the world-renowned name it is today, known for that great Gretsch sound. Gretsch instruments have shaped American music played by George Harrison, Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and Charlie Watts, among many others. Since bringing the company home to Georgia’s First District, Fred and Dinah have generously supported music education, including establishing the Fred and Dinah Gretsch School of Music at Georgia Southern University. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Georgia’s First District, I congratulate Fred Gretsch on 80 remarkable years and thank him for his contributions to American music, craftsmanship, and philanthropy.”

“I want to recognize Market on the Square in St. Marys, Georgia. It is a family-owned store celebrating 25 years in business.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true hometown treasure in Georgia’s First Congressional District, Market on the Square in historic downtown St. Marys, as it celebrates 25 years of serving our community. Since opening its doors in 2002, after the restoration of the historic Hernandez grocery store building, this family-owned business has become much more than a general store. Whether you are picking up a souvenir before visiting Cumberland Island, enjoying an ice cream cone on a warm summer day, or finding a perfect gift for someone, Market on the Square has created lasting memories for many families. For 25 years, they have watched downtown St. Marys grow, persevered through challenges and storms, and remained a cornerstone of one of Georgia’s most charming waterfront communities. Businesses like Market on the Square are the heart of Main Street America, strengthening our local economy, while preserving the character and hospitality that make St. Marys so very special.”

“I want to wish a happy 82nd birthday to retired Sheriff John Wilcher. He spent 49 years serving the people of Chatham County, Georgia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my good friend a very happy 82nd birthday, Sheriff John Wilcher, retired sheriff of Chatham County, Georgia. A lifelong Savannah County resident, George dedicated 49 years of his life to serving the people of Chatham County, earning a reputation as a straight-talking tough guy. He served in both the United States Navy and the Army Reserve before joining the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to the rank of colonel over 40 years of service. In 2016, Wilcher became the oldest person elected to the sheriff’s office in Chatham County history and served with distinction until his retirement in 2024. Throughout his career, John earned the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Excellence Award and was recognized for his work improving mental health services in jails and raising over $300,000 for the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes. Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to Sheriff Wilcher. The First District of Georgia is grateful for his lifetime of service. Happy birthday to my friend.”