Monroe County District 1 Commissioner Lamarcus Davis presented on Tuesday, Jan. 6 a Citizen Service Award to Restoring Life Global Ministries.
Restoring Life Global Ministries, located at 164 MLK Jr. Dr., is a Christian organization led by Pastor Kim Pope. Services are held every Sunday (except 5th Sundays) at 9 a.m., according to the organization’s website.
Restoring Life members who were in attendance on Tuesday included: Kimberly Pope, Justine Asbury, Catanga Jones, Connie Pope, Sarita Walker, Tanisha Hardy, Sabrina Mays, and Justin Pope.
Commissioner Davis said Restoring Life has done a lot to give back to the local community.
Monroe County District 2 Commissioner Eddie Rowland presented on Tuesday, Jan. 6 a Citizen Service Award to Nathan Jackson.
Jackson serves as the Senior Adult Pastor at New Providence Baptist Church and has been an ordained minister for nearly 15 years. Jackson has also served the Monroe County community by serving on the Monroe County Pregnancy Center Board, as chairman and vice-chairman of the Monroe County Republican Party, and currently as a member of the Monroe County Library Board.
Commissioner Rowland said of Jackson: “On a personal note, Nathan is a good friend, a good neighbor, and one of the spiritual compasses I depend on, along with his pastor Brian Moore. He follows his grandpa’s (Glover Stuart) path, who followed Jesus’ path. Look beyond a person’s age, race, education, political or religious affiliation, socioeconomic status, where they live, or how much money they make. Look past all that and stare into the heart of a person, not judging, not assuming, not casting away, but taking the time and effort to get to know them, understand them, minister to them, and welcome them as a new friend. That’s what Jesus did, that’s the pattern Grandpa Glover followed, and that’s the person Nathan Jackson is today. We can only hope God puts more Nathan Jacksons in our path and more of us would be more Christ-like.”
Monroe County District 3 Commissioner John Ambrose presented on Tuesday, Jan. 6 a Citizen Service Award to Johnny Watson.
Watson is the owner of Bolingbroke’s newest restaurant, The Iron Rail, which opened in April 2025 in an historic train depot along Hwy. 41 South, and is perhaps best known for hosting arguably Middle Georgia’s most elaborate Christmas decoration display at his Pate Road home. Commissioner Ambrose said in addition to rehabbing the old train depot, Watson has gotten some improved lighting erected in downtown Bolingbroke, and Watson’s daughter Haleigh owns and operates one of Bolingbroke’s most successful retail stores, Watson’s Mercantile.
Commissioner Ambrose said of the Watson family: “They’ve really brought the tourism back into Monroe County. It used to be just Juliette. Now we’ve got Bolingbroke too. I’m proud of that little town.”
Commissioner Ambrose joked that longtime Bolingbroke Community Club president Vicki Smith may have to hand her longtime unofficial title of “Mayor of Bolingbroke” over to Watson.
Monroe County District 4 Commissioner Al Turner presented on Tuesday, Jan. 6 a Citizen Service Award to Betty Eskew.
Eskew is the president of the Brushy Creek Estates Homeowners Association and has been fighting for several years to prevent proposed commercial and industrial developments in Monroe County, Butts County, and Lamar County from harming local waterways, including High Falls Lake.
Turner said Eskew and her Brushy Creek neighbor, Sharon Cloud, have led the High Falls Towaliga Watershed Alliance’s efforts to protect the High Falls watershed.
Monroe County Commission Chairman Alan Gibbs presented on Tuesday, Jan. 6 a Citizen Service Award to Tiffany Bertram.
Bertram is the Director of Monroe County’s Pregnancy and Family Life Center on North Lee Street. Chairman Gibbs said the Monroe County Pregnancy Center would not be what it is today without Bertram’s leadership over the past two years. The Pregnancy and Family Life Center provides such services as pregnancy health classes, parenting support, post-partum care, and offers essential items for newborns and children through its “Baby Boutique.”
Chairman Gibbs said of Bertram: “Tiffany has been a vital force in this organization, which has provided compassion, care, and education support to individuals and families facing unplanned pregnancies.”
Chairman Gibbs continued: “She is not just a leader. She’s a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering advocate for those in need.”
Chairman Gibbs said Bertram has also been instrumental in Monroe County Schools’ “Choosing the Best” abstinence education program.
Chairman Gibbs added, “Tiffany, your compassion and leadership and commitment to the sanctity of life have made an undeniable difference. You are a true reflection of the values that this award stands for, and we are so fortunate to have you here in Monroe County.”
