[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H4415-H4416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING CLARA MARTIN

  (Mr. Carter of Georgia was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. 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.


             Recognizing Fred Gretsch on his 80th Birthday

  Mr. CARTER of 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.


          Celebrating Market on the Square's 25th Anniversary

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. 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.

[[Page H4416]]

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.


                     Honoring Sheriff John Wilcher

  Mr. CARTER of 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.

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