DeGarmos Are Named Co-Citizens of the Year

Drs. John and Kelly DeGarmo were named co-Citizens of the Year by the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce last Thursday at the COC’s annual meeting at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

The announcement was made by 2014 Citizen of the Year Amy Scroggs. Mrs. Scroggs read the following summation of the nominations received for the DeGarmos to receive the honor:

“We are doing a new thing this evening—we are awarding Co-Citizens of the Year. There was no way to give one of them the award without giving it to the other. But in fact, we are following a precedence set this past summer when an international award was given this duo by a vote of 22,000 of their peers around the world—the Every Day Hero Award given for their outstanding service and efforts to make a positive impact on the world.

“One is a native of Michigan and the other of Australia. They met while performing with the group Up With People and after marrying, somehow found their way to Jasper County. This was almost 20 years ago, and we are an infinitely better place because they and their family live here.

“Here are some of the facts of their lives:

“Both have earned doctorate degrees while raising a family and working full time.

“In addition to their three biological children, they have adopted three additional children that were formerly in their foster care.

“They have fostered at least 45 children in the last 13 years. They open their home and treat those in need who have no control over their young lives with kindness, peace, love, and understanding.

“Both are extremely active in the Monticello Presbyterian Church by serving as Elders, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, committee chairs and members, and founders of the community Father/Daughter Dance at Valentines. Right now they get nine children to Sunday School and church every Sunday morning!

“One loves gardening and the other loves Starbucks coffee.

“One travels across the country to speak at foster parent conferences and social worker trainings, while the other stays home to keep their family going and as well as hundreds of people who could not enjoy their lives without the expertise of this great massage therapist.

“They are huge supporters of this community and every Saturday that it is open finds them at the Market on the Square.

“As the media specialist at Jasper County High School, one started the Gentlemen’s Club and keeps an eye out for students who are in need, especially those who are homeless. The other walks across the street to the Retreat every day and offers words of encouragement and soothing hugs and massages as needed.

“There is a special shelf at a drug store on the Square with all natural remedies for certain aches and pains recommended by this well-educated massage therapist and an article in The Monticello News about fostering each week written by the other.

“Finally, there are books available around town and on-line written by these two together and by one of them alone on fostering children and how to help foster children understand their ‘Different Home.’ The traveler and main author also hosts a popular weekly internet radio show about the state of the foster care system and other topics of interest to those fostering, thinking of fostering, or just wanting to listen to someone entertaining.

“Let’s conclude by looking at their hopes and dreams for the future and what makes people say they have ‘hearts of gold and energy that is never-ending.’ They have seen a need for a group home for boys in foster care and with the help of some local community leaders, have formed a non-profit corporation Never Too Late Inc. and received a 501C3 Tax Exempt status. The facility formerly known as Edgewood on Post Road is in the process of being acquired by Never Too Late Inc. The home would serve up to 16 boys, ages 9-18. They are presently raising funds to make this dream a reality. It takes very special people to have a dream this large and turn it into a reality in mostly rural Monticello, GA.

“Matthew 25:35 hits to the heart of these amazing people. It defines them and speaks of their faith and the commitment that strengthens them both.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; ——— I was a stranger, and you took me in.”

“As one of the people who made a nomination said, ‘I cannot think of anymore deserving people in this community to receive the Citizen of the Year award than Kelly and John DeGarmo.’”

The theme for the annual meeting was Leave A Legacy—A Grand Gala Event, and was attended by nearly 150 people. In addition to naming the Citizens of the Year and the Business of the Year, those present were able to view a slide show presented by Benny Hawthorne detailing much history of the county. Named honorary Citizen of the Year several years ago, Mr. Hawthorne continues to be a jewel by helping the COC with events such as this and being part of several organizations in the county, although he actually lives in Macon. Music was provided by a jazz ensemble from the Monticello Community Band.

The COC also asked businesses for centerpieces which were later auctioned off at a silent auction which closed at the end of the evening. The annual membership meeting for the COC, Skip Davis took over as Chairman of the Board. He is assisted by Tony Lewis, vice-chair, Leah Dumas, secretary, and Tracey Nelson, treasurer. Board members were also elected at the meeting. Pam Mayer serves as president of the COC, and Rebecca Jacobson is manager. For more information on the COC, call 706-468-8994.