SWGA Beat April 2015 by Albany Herald

BEAT

2 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Social

HAPPENINGS AMONG LOCAL GROUPS, CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

If you would like to add your club or organization: jennifer.king@albanyherald.com

Albany Downtown Sertoma Club Meets first and third Thursday at noon at Our Daily Bread. Rotary Club of Thomasville Meets every Thursday at 12:15 pm at Plaza Restaurant. Thomasville Kiwanis Club Meets Friday 1 pm - 2 pm at Plaza Restaurant.

Albany Golden K Kiwanis Club Meets 10 am - 11 am Wednesday at 2509 Homewood Drive. Albany Rotary Club Meets noon Thursday at Doublegate Country Club. Dougherty County Rotary Club Meets noon Tuesday at Doublegate Country Club. Kiwanis Club of Albany Meets at noon Wednesday at Darton College, Student Union room 252 Contact Roger Marietta (229) 894-2425 Kiwanis Club of Dougherty County Meets 12:30 pm Monday at Hilton Garden Inn 101 Front Street, Albany Contact David Shivers (229) 698-4253 Kiwanis Club of Lee County Meets at noon Thursday at Grand Isle Club 270 Grand Isle Drive Contact Gene Goldsmith at (229) 888-7802

American Cherokee Confederacy Accepting members with 1/16 or more of Indian heritage Contact (229) 787-5722 or Contact the tribal office 619 Pine Cone Road Camellia and Garden Club of Albany formerly the Men’s Garden Club, invites men and women to join. Meetings are 7 pm on the first Thursday of the month (except July, no meeting) at the Albany Federated Garden Club Building, 808 Fifth Ave. Meetings include program and potluck dinner. (Club provides fried chicken and members are encouraged to bring a covered dish.) Visitors and potential members welcome. Contact Jim Warner, club president, at (229) 446-0004 The Daffodil Garden Club Third Thursdays at 11 am Federated Garden Center 808 Fifth Ave, Albany For information or to nominate an Albany residence for the club's Yard of the Month recognition, contact (229) 436-6888. The Albany Audubon Society Meeting March 12, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Every 2nd Thursday Flint RiverQuarium 117 Pine Ave, Albany Albany Lion’s Club Meets first and third Tuesday at noon at Golden Corral. The Exchange Club of Albany Meets Fridays at noon at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds.

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 3

BEAT

4 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Art

Americus

Moultrie

Tifton

Creative Quilters Guild The Quilt Guild meets at the Colquitt County Arts Center on every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30-8:00. If you are interested in joining please contact Gwen Colson at 229-985-1103. The yearly dues are $15.

Tour the Historic Tift Theatre Every 3rd Saturday 10 am -12 pm admission: In Kind Donation. www.tifttheatre.org

Don Andrews Watercolor Workshop May 7 – 10, 9am – 4 pm for 4 days $400 Don Andrews is a nationally known watercolor artist and workshop instructor. A graduate of the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, FL, and a resident of Fairhope. He is an active member and past board director of the American Watercolor Society. His paintings have received numerous awards in national watercolor competitions, including three awards from the American Watercolor Society, and two Best of Show awards from the New England Watercolor Society. He has conducted painting workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Africa for over 25 years.

Albany/Lee Overlapping Sensabilities Albany Museum of Art Through April 18 Albany Museum of Art 311 Meadowlark Drive “My technique is mixed medium based. I use natural untreated fabrics such as cotton, linen or papers. On these surfaces I apply, by brush and hand, multiple applications of colorfast solarized dyes, soft pastels, acrylic paints and color pencils. There are often as many as 80 individual applications of these mediums to the untreated natural surface of one work. Over 800 of my unique paintings and designs are included in over 250 corporate, private and public collections throughout the world.” – Ray Pierotti Free (229) 439-8400 Brunch & Brushes

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE IN LOCAL ARTS AND THEATER Join us for one Saturday each month from 10am - 12pm as participants have the opportunity to express their creativity through painting. During each class individuals will complete a themed painting with guidance from a trained instructor. A light brunch will be provided. Bring your own liquid inspiration in the form of mimosas, bloody marys or the adult beverage of your choice! Classes are for those 21 years and older. Register early, as seating is limited. Call the museum at 229-439-8400 or email yjones@albanymuseum.com to reserve your canvas. Cost: $45/members & $55/nonmembers includes all painting materials and brunch. Cocktails & Acrylics at the AMA Grab a friend and a bottle of wine and join AMA every second Thursday from 6:30 - 9 pm for Cocktails and Acrylics, as our trained teachers help even the artistically challenged create a visually appealing painting. With step by step instructions, students are able to relax and enjoy an evening at the museum while sipping a beverage of choice with one hand while painting a beautiful canvas with the other. Classes are for those 21 years and older. Register early, as seating is limited. Call the museum at 229.439.8400 or email yjones@albanymuseum.com to reserve your canvas. Cost: $35/members and $45/nonmembers includes all painting materials

inspired by our collection of art or a short story read in class. For children 5 years and younger. Reservations required by 5pm the Monday before. Call (229) 439-8400 or email yjones@albanymuseum.com to reserve a seat for you and your toddler. Free Admission. Toddlersaurus Time 10:30 am – 11:30 am Monthly on 3rd Thursday until December 18, 2015 Thronateeska Heritage Center 100 West Roosevelt Avenue Free with Science Museum Admission Appropriate for ages 2-5; Write, Color, Draw and Explore in a new section of the science museum each month. Alex La Pierre (229) 432.6955

Thomasville Forever Young Adult Book Club Join the Forever Young Adult book club every forth Monday of the month from 6-7 pm at The Bookshelf (all ages are

AMA's Visiting Artist Series: Ray Pierotti From Shellman, GA and featured in the AMA's East Gallery through April 18 Toddler Tuesdays Join us on the first Tuesday of every month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. for arts, crafts, movement and stories. Toddler Tuesday is a great opportunity for toddlers and parents to explore and create! Children will create works

See ART, page 18

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 5

APRIL MOVIE RELEASES Friday, April 3 Furious 7 - Action - PG-13 Last Knights - Action - R Superfast - Comedy The Salt of the Earth - Doc - PG-13 Effie Gray - Drama Cut Bank - Thriller Friday, April 10 The Longest Ride - Drama - PG-13 True Story - Drama - R Kill Me Three Times - Thriller - R Ex Machina - Thriller Man from Reno - Thriller Desert Dancer - Drama - PG-13 Friday, April 17 Unfriended - Thriller Child 44 - Drama Monkey Kingdom - Doc - G Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 - Comedy - PG The Dead Lands - Action - R Friday, April 24 The Age of Adaline - Drama - PG-13 Little Boy - War - PG-13 The Water Diviner - Drama Wednesday, April 29 Iris - Doc - PG-13

LONG ISLAND MEDIUM

Purchase Tickets at www.theresacaputo.com or via Ticketmaster By Jennifer King | jennifer.king@albanyherald.com

Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions, Theresa! Love your reality show! It has become so hugely popular! To what do you attribute the popularity and success of your show? Thank you! I think the show is successful because it's real life, real people and real situations, so everyone can relate to it! I also love that you get such a healing, peaceful message from each episode! At what point in your life did you discover that you had your gift? Was it scary for you or did you immediately understand and accept what was happening? I discovered my gift at a very young age, but I thought it was totally normal and that everyone was feeling and sensing what I was. It was unique but relieving. In your day-to-day life, how often do spirits come to you? And, do you always find the person that the message is meant for? I always sense and feel spirit it just depends if they nudge me enough to deliver a message! I recently watched an interview in which you said that you don’t see the shows until they air, and you are crying right along with us. How are you able to maintain such composure while delivering messages from beyond to people? I am able to hold it together for the most part when delivering a reading because when I channel it's not my own personal thoughts, feelings or emotions. I feel the

emotions of spirit or the person I'm reading. When I'm home watching as a viewer I cry my eyes out! Why do you think people who seek out mediums do so? And, when people come to you are you always able to make a connection for them? I think people seek out mediums as a source of healing and closure, and they are always able to take away a positive message from it. What has been one of the most rewarding interactions you’ve had with a client or anyone that you’ve delivered a message to? Every reading is special, unique and rewarding. They all effect me in some positive way! Tell me a little about the books you currently have out. I'm very proud of both of my books. They have been able to help my fans and clients continue to heal and move forward from their losses. You’re coming to Macon, GA in April for a show. Tell us what your show consists of. What is the format like? What happens during these shows? Well, you know I'll show up with my hair and my nails done and a fabulous pair of shoes. I give a little quick speech on how I connect with spirit and what everyone can expect for the next two hours, I share some stories and examples of how spirit will connect in a venue setting and then I let spirit do the rest!

Friday, April 10 7:30 pm Macon Coliseum Arena

BEAT

6 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Event

Albany/Lee

UPCOMING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA

Dance VRW-Post 2875 315 Philema Road Cover at door - 7:00 pm (229) 883.9950 Every Friday-Sunday Imagination Theater Showtimes Flint RiverQuarium, 100 Pine Ave $4.50-$6 Friday: Kings of Baja 1:15 & 4:15; Micro Planet 2:15; Alligator Kingdom 3:15 Saturday: Kings of Baja 1:15 & 4:15; Micro Planet 2:15; Alligator Kingdom 3:15 Sunday: Kings of Baja 1:15 & 4:15; Micro Planet 2:15; Alligator Kingdom 3:15 (229) 639.2650

Heritage Full Gospel Church Presents: Easter Weekend Eggstravaganza April 4, 1 pm - 5 pm Food, family, fun, fellowship! Bring your kids for a day of games, inflatables, face painting, entertainment, free food, and an Easter egg hunt. 101 Hickory Grove Rd, Leesburg (229) 432-1005 Praise in the Park & The 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 4, 1 pm - 5 pm The Albany Civic Center The public is invited to come out and enjoy some of the best gospel singers around.

KADB’s Annual Stash-the-Trash/Great American Cleanup Litter pick-up event April 17, 1pm - 6 pm April 18, 8 am - 11 am Teams must register with Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful in order to participate. (229) 430-5257 jbowles@dougherty.ga.us

The Parks at Chehaw: April 10 - Cheetah’s 10th Birthday Party April 10 - Native Voices April 10 - 12 - Native American Festival April 25 - Party for the Planet (229) 430-5275

Tift Park Community Market Saturdays, 9 AM - 2 PM through November. Every Friday & Saturday

Every Friday-Saturday Wetherbee Planetarium Thronateeska Heritage Center 100 Roosevelt Ave $3.50 The Wetherbee Planetarium is proud to be considered a valuable educational resource in South Georgia, sharing not just fulldome educational films, but also producing live presentations on a wide variety of astronomy topics.

Moultrie Downtown Moultrie - Spring Fling Healthy Kids Day April 18 www.moultrieymca.org Come see all the Y has to offer the Spring Fling! From games to education on living a healthy and active lifestyle this summer, the Y has something for everyone! All areas of the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day are free!

Tifton Wiregrass Farmers Market Open Saturdays, 9 am -12 pm April-October. Market will open for season on April 5th during the Folklife Festival at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture. Savor quality homegrown produce and handmade goods, celebrate local folk traditions, and learn more about food & healthy living! Behind the Country Store at the Georgia Museum of Agriculture 1392 Whiddon Mill Road, Tifton http://wiregrassmarket.org/

Plan a Day Trip 2015 Vidalia Onion Festival - 38th Annual April 23 - 26 Admission to Friday's Street Dance downtown is $5 per person (children 2 and under admitted free). Admission to Saturday's concert downtown is $5 per person (children 2 and under admitted free). Airshow tickets Saturday and Sunday are $10 for adults, children 3-12 $5, children 2 and under admitted free. Second Saturdays: Super Saturdays at the Tift Theatre - Family Friendly Movies, 1 pm Third Mondays: Movie Musical Mondays at the Tift Theatre - 7 pm Fourth Sundays: Golden Star Sundays - Old Hollywood Movies, 3 pm

Thomasville Spring Lecture Series at Thomas County Museum of History www.thomascountyhistory.org (229) 226-7664 Butterfly Garden Work Day 9:30 am to 12:00 pm Our Butterfly Garden volunteers usually meet on the first Thursday of the month to tend our beautiful Butterfly Garden. Please call Donna Legare at (850) 386-1148 or the Birdsong office at (229) 377-4408 for more information. Birdsong Nature Center 2106 Meridian Road 322 birdsong@birdsongnaturecenter.org Rose Show & Festival April 23 - 25 Held in beautiful, historic downtown Thomasville, the Rose Festival has been a Southwest Georgia tradition since the 1920’s. Enjoy roses, roses, and more roses, plus two parades, live music and street dance (this year featuring the Atlanta Rhythm Section), arts & crafts, fantastic food and so much more. www.thomasvillega.com

Camilla See EVENT, page 18

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 7

Wild Adventures kicks off its 2015 season Valdosta theme park one of the South’s favorite destinations By Carlton Fletcher carlton.fletcher@albanyherald.com

VALDOSTA — With 700 employees and an annual payroll of $6 million, the Wild Adventures Theme Park that exists here today only vaguely resembles the petting zoo Kent Buescher opened in rural Lowndes County in 1996. With dozens of thrill rides — for adults and kids — exciting games, more than 300 domestic and exotic animals, a concert series featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment, a full-on water park, regular special shows, and treats made especially to beat the Georgia summer heat, Wild Adventures has become one of the premier tourist destinations in the South, attracting more than 600,000 visitors last year. Call it the little petting zoo that could. Wild Adventures officially kicked off its 2015 season March 14, allowing guests to experience its new Jungle Rumble thrill ride, to get up-close-andpersonal with the stars of its interactive squirrel monkey exhibit, and to bang on the Rumble Drums nestled into the new jungle-themed play area. These and other improvements are part of a $1 million-plus redevelopment that will thrill regular season pass-holders and newcomers alike as they visit during what promises to be an exciting 2015 season at the theme park. “We understand that change is very important, and we always challenge ourselves to make things at Wild Adventures better, more fun,” park General Manager Molly Deese said during the grand re-opening celebration. “We always want to make our product fresh in five areas: new rides, new shows, new animals, new concerts, new food. We’re five-for-five this year.” A group from the Rulers Youth Ministry team out of Jacksonville, Fla., broke into an impromptu dance/calland-response performance while waiting to climb aboard the Jungle Rumble during the March 14

celebration. “We’re having so much fun,” Rulers team member James Terrell, 17, said. “This is the kind of trip that brings us all closer together.” Park Public Relations Manager Laurie Windham, a transplanted Florida Gator who has been at Wild Adventures for a little more than a year, was everywhere during the opening, making sure that dignitaries such as Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Lowndes County Commission Chairman Bill Slaughter enjoyed their visit, pounding on the Rumble Drums with visitors like 11-year-old Dylan Dominey of Ashburn, showing off some of the park’s improvements to a visitor. “This place has always been magical for my daughter, Savanna, and me,” Windham said. “I literally can’t wait to get up and go to work every morning. Savanna’s in college now, but while she was growing up we had season passes every year. Like all of our season pass holders, you become a part of the family at Wild Adventures.” While the Jungle Rumble ride was the talk of Wild Adventures on opening day, Windham pointed out a number of improvements that will add fun to parkgoers’ experience this year. New signage, fresh paint and more benches in shaded areas will give patrons additional opportunities to take breaks out of the summer heat. A troop of 10 West African green monkeys and four yellow iguanas, each between 3 and 4 feet long, join the squirrel monkeys as the latest additions to the more than 300 animals who call Wild Adventures home. New shows, including the reptile stars of Swamp Tales, a little bit of science mixed with a whole lot of fun in Y’all Tube, and Aaron Radatz’s magic/comedy mash-up, join such park favorites as Bluegrass & Barbecue, the Take the Stage talent contest and the April 4 Ostrich Egg Hunt during the season. Deese, who “grew up in the theme park business,” coming to Wild Adventures after a seven-year tenure at

Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, N.C., said Wild Adventures has an advantage over most such destinations. “We use the hashtag ‘#funatheart,’ and that’s something the people here truly embody,” the park GM said. “More than any place I’ve ever seen, this is a community park; everyone involved works as one team to make it better. You feel it at the park, and you feel it when you go into the community. Everyone’s invested. There’s a true partnership at Wild Adventures. “The park is important to our community because it provides jobs and plays a huge part in our region’s economic development. The community gives to us, and we give back to our community.” In addition to the improvements — visual and behind the scenes — at Wild Adventures, staff worked hard to put together a diverse concert series that includes plenty for fans of all kinds of music. Scheduled to perform are World Class Rockers (former members of Journey, Boston, Santana, Steppenwolf

and Lynyrd Skynyrd, on March 28), Gavin DeGraw (April 11), Thousand Foot Krutch and Flyleaf (April 18), Jerrod Niemann (May 2), Foreigner (May 9), Shawn Mendes and Kingsland Road (May 23), Justin Moore (May 30), Casting Crowns (June 6), Lecrae, Trip Lee and DJ Promote (June 20), Eli Young Band (June 27), Tamela Mann (July 11), Jennifer Nettles (July 18) and Skillet (Aug. 8). The park will be open today; March 26-31; April 1-4, 9-12, 17-19, 24-26; and May 1-3, 7-10 and 14-17 before opening seven days a week starting May 21. Wild Adventures is open every day in June and July, then on Aug. 1-3, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30; Sept. 5-7, 1213, 19-20, 24-27; Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30-31, and Nov. 27-29. Every Friday evening in June and July, the park will host Splash Island Nights with a DJ and special treats for young patrons. Wild Adventures 2015 season passes are currently on sale for $15 off regular price and are available online at WildAdventures.com, at the park or by calling (229) 219-7080.

BEAT

8 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Music

Musical Happenings in Southwest Georgia

Downtown Pelham, across from the train depot. Contact (229) 377-8952 or pelhamcountryjamboree@yahoo.com.

Thomasville

Open Mic Night Every Tuesday 8:30 pm Join us on Tuesdays for Open Mic Night. A place for our future poets, musicians, and spoken word artists. Pre-register online or arrive by 8pm on Tuesday. No a capella performances will be permitted. Performers age 16-20 must be accompanied by an adult. Bacchus Wine Bar, 229 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA (229) 236-9463 visit@thomasville.org Moultrie

Pelham Country Jamboree Every Saturday night beginning at 5 pm is a growing musical phenomenon in downtown Pelham. Musicians play a variety of music, with country, bluegrass, and gospel the predominant favorites. Bring your instrument, admission is free, and concessions are available.

Anthony Hamilton May 3, 7:30 pm Albany Civic Center www.ticketmaster.com

Or The Blazer Athletics Department Or via phone (229) 333-7328 Reserved Seats $35 General Admission $25 General Admission Floor $30 (standing)

Albany

Our Daily Bread Live Music Every Friday at 7pm 230 W Broad Avenue (229) 436-3725 Albany Symphony Orchestra Joesph FireCrow, native American flute April 11, 4:00 pm Albany Municipal Auditorium Pre-Concert Notes at 6:30 pm.* A multi-media performance of Jim Cockey’s "The Gift of the Elk" plus Grofe’s colorful "Grand Canyon Suite," and Abel’s “Global Warming (229) 430-8933 Rickey Smiley May 2, 7:30 pm Albany Civic Center www.ticketmaster.com

Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club Cypress Grill at the Marina 2459 -H US Highway 280 West Building E, Cordele April 3 -Ivey West Band April 4 – Hatton Still Band April 10 – Meow KaPow April 11 – Evergreen Family Band April 17 – CHain Smokin’ Hillbillies April 24 – Mid-Life Chryslers April 25 – Double Run Band

(229) 276-1004 Valdosta Blazer Athletics presents Kip Moore “Coming Home” Saturday, April 11 The Complex at VSU Doors open at 6 pm Concert begins at 7:30 pm Tickets: www.vstateblazers.com

Gavin DeGraw in Concert at Wild Adventures! Saturday, April 11, 2015 Wild Adventures Theme Park Thousand Foot Krutch & Flyleaf in Concert at Wild Adventures! Saturday April 18, 2015 6:30 PM Wild Adventures Theme Park Wild Adventures Classic Competition Saturday April 25 - Sunday April 26 Enjoy vocal and instrumental performances featuring artists from elementary, middle and high schools during a classic music competition! Jerrod Niemann in Concert at Wild Adventures Saturday, May 2, 8 pm Wild Adventures Theme Park

COUPON

NEW

on n t f Ti atio FROSTED LEMONADE c Lo a new spin on an old classic

MENT ION this A D & Receiv ea DISCOU NT on Party Suppli es

COUPON

ROCKIN ROLAND ROCK CLIMB LLC Jumpin J’s Inflatables http://www.jumpinjsinflatables.com 229.387.0011 | 1197 US Highway 82W •

, GA 31793 | Mon-Sat 6am-10pm ~ Closed Sunday

1239 E HIGHWAY 82B • TIFTON, GEORGIA

rockingroland@gmail.com

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 9

'Chief,' Outsiders give Eric Church musical freedom Country superstar brings his latest tour to Tallahassee's Donald L. Tucker Civic Center By Carlton Fletcher carlton.fletcher@albanyherald.com

In the caste system of modern country music, Eric Church has climbed from the lower reaches of the genre — the singer/songwriter eking out a living but unable to woo fickle country radio and, thus, unable to make much headway — to the very top of the pecking order. Live, few of Nashville’s elite have ever been able to match Church’s unbridled passion and energy onstage. It was just a matter of having the right record at the right time. That came in 2012 when Church released “Chief.” The phenomenal LP, which included No. 1 singles “Springsteen,” “Drink in My Hand” and “Homeboy,” catapulted Church over the lower and mid reaches of the genre to the very top, to Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney territory. “What ‘Chief’ did was buy us freedom,” Church said in an interview with The Albany Herald. “Without the success of ‘Chief,’ I never would have been able to make ‘The Outsiders’ (his smash 2014 album). It was our Beatles ‘White Album.’ “I think we were able to make that breakthrough because our stuff is on the edge of a lot of genres. Music fans don’t listen to one kind of music now. They’re customizing their play lists to include everything from country to rock to hip-hop.” Church has certainly been a leader in musical diversity. He was the only country artist invited to perform at Metallica’s Orion Music+More Festival in Atlantic City, N.J., last year. The invitation came from the band. “I love Metallica, but I’ve seen their crowds turn their backs on opening acts,” Church said. “James (Hetfield, Metallica’s lead singer) saved us, though, by introducing us. He told the crowd, ‘I picked this band.’ It turned out to be one of my favorite shows ever.” Church and his rowdy band will bring their Outsiders tour to Tallahassee’s Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Thursday. He talked with The Herald

about that tour and his meteoric rise among country’s top acts. ALBANY HERALD: The last time we talked, “Chief” was just starting to take off. You told me then you decided to do that album the way you wanted. Best career decision you ever made? ERIC CHURCH: It looks like it. What “Chief” did was buy us freedom. Because of “Chief,” we were able to do “The Outsiders,” which is noncommercial, really out there. The whole concept behind the album was to be wacky and odd; it was our Beatles “White Album.” What this whole experience has done is free us, let us know there’s nowhere we can’t go musically. AH: I know you’ve been at this a long time, but in a relatively short period you’ve gone from struggling to make a living to being one of those guys whose name sells out arenas. Does it amaze you how quickly things turned around for you? EC: Yeah, we turned into one of those 10-year overnight successes. It was actually a little hard for me to make that jump at first. I’d been used to playing clubs, small venues, smoky bars, and then with the Blood, Sweat and Beers tour we’re playing arenas. I didn’t know how to play that room. I was a little insecure. I’d rush through my songs trying to get to the next one that the audience knew. It took me a while to realize that the songs in between are the show. I’m much more confident now, I know it’s about the entire body of work. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m ballsy enough to do a show without playing “Springsteen,” but I’m getting there. AH: I think fans now look for genuine music, no matter the genre. Your stuff has crossed over in a big way. Does that surprise you? EC: I think it’s a product of the changing times. People no longer listen to a specific genre. They make play lists of their favorite songs. They’re customizing their play lists to include everything from country to rock to hip-

hop. We’ve benefited because we’re on the edge of a lot of genres. We can have the No. 1 country song or album and still headline the biggest rock festival. AH: Speaking of which, you were selected by the members of Metallica to play at their Orion Music+More Festival. How cool was that? EC: That was killer. James (Hetfield) saved us on that show. He introduced us, told the crowd, “I picked this band.” We were by far the outliers on that wildass bill, but through the power of the music they were able to figure us out. It turned out to be one of my favorite shows ever. AH: Are you pleased with the direction country music’s moving in today? EC: There’s always gonna be good and bad. The key is that the heartbeat of country music is always gonna be Americana. Now there’s urban influence, pop influence and traditional country influence. As long as the Americana influence remains strong, I’m OK with the evolution. We just can’t lose what makes country special. I’m a little concerned that we’re maybe starting to lose some of that substance. AH: Your show in Tallahassee a couple of years ago was so highenergy it was insane. How do you maintain that level night after night? EC: We’re a little more laid-back on the new tour. We’ll go off the script a little. We’ve yet to play the same set any night. Sometimes someone will yell, “Play such and such song,” and we’ll do it. The energy that we put out, a lot of that is on the crowd. There are nights when you pull and pull, but you can’t make it happen. When it does happen, it’s spiritual, almost. But it ultimately comes down to the fans. You can only sing, play and beat your chest so much. But then, sometimes it just clicks. It might be going off script or screwing up. It turns into something real when you’re willing to screw up. AH: With especially “Chief” and “The Outsiders,” people are starting to look at your music as a body of work, not just a collection of songs.

Is that something you tried to make happen? EC: It’s a complete body of work, but it’s also part of a process. The question today seems to be, when’s the next album coming out? We don’t have to play that game now. We can look at our work and see how it will stand in our catalog. Now, we want stuff that’s wellthought-out, well-conceived and we do it when the timing’s right. AH: You’re at the top of your game, with guys like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney. It’s like you’re the modern brand of “Outlaws,” a la Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson back in the day. Is that a fair comparison? EC: I hate those kinds of comparisons. It’s just not an apples-toapples comparison to try and match our era with those guys’ era. It’s a different time. Every name you mentioned has found their own different niche within the market. What we’re doing now we’re doing at a time when country music is as successful as it’s ever been. There’s never been more arena headliners. AH: What do you think about country stars like Blake Shelton and Keith Urban being on shows like “The Voice” and “American Idol?” EC: I’m not the guy to ask that. I don’t watch those shows. I’m a fan of the longer journey, of loading your own gear and taking it into a sweaty bar to play for a handful of people. I worry that with these instant-celebrity TV shows, we’re losing that. I believe you have to be willing to pay dues, where this type of show means you pay dues by getting in front of a TV camera or going through social media. AH: You’ve changed the face of country music. Do you keep doing what you’re doing or move on to something new? EC: I’m always looking for inspiration. I don’t know if I can keep doing what I’m doing and stay inspired. We completed “The Outsiders,” threw up our hands and said, “Where do we go from here?” We have to find what it is that will inspire us.

10 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Join us for a culinary and cultural tour of Historical Thomasville. As you walk along the brick streets, you will sample some of the great tastings from family owned restaurants and shops while learning the history, culture, and architecture that makes Thomasville unique.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit our website: www.TasteOfThomasvilleFoodTour.com or call at Enter Promo Code SWGA for 10%Off

BEAT

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 11

Fitness APRIL

becoming a registered nurse at ABAC.

Saturday/11 Jogging for Jesus Flat Creek Church, Blakely Registration at 8:00 AM 1 Mile Fun Run at 9:00 AM 5K Run at 9:30 AM

Saturday/11 4th Annual Run for the Nurses Event ABAC, Tifton Enjoy the rolling hills of South Georgia as you run on beautiful country roads. Races begin at the Health Sciences Building on the front of ABAC's campus at 7:30 am. The race benefits the Lisa Purvis Allison endowed scholarship fund which assists aspiring students to fulfill their dream of

AMMO GUN SMITHING RELO DING & SUPPLIES FREE PERSON TO PERSON TR NS ERS

Saturday/11 Barney’s Run for Warriors Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Barney's Run for Warriors 5K, 10K and 1-mile run are located at the Albany Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia. The course is flat and fast. Pre-race packet pickup will be available at Wild Side Running on Friday, April 10th from 1:00 - 6:00. The 5K and 10K races will begin at 8:30 am and the 1-mile run will start at 8:15 am. Race day registration is from 7:00 7:30am. Saturday/11 5th Annual Walk for Life – LifeLink of Georgia

R NS ERS 25.00 CONSIGNMENT BLUING CER KOTE INISHES (Anything wood, metal or plastic) Guns, ATVs, Go Karts, Helmets etc.

100A Walnut Ave South • Downtown Leesburg • 229.759.6500

MARATHONS, 5K’s, TRIATHLONS AND BIKING EVENTS IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA

Darton State College 8 am registration, 9 am walk Free Event Saturday/18 Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Deerfield Windsor Upper Campus Track, Albany A Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® Event is a playful opportunity for men to raise awareness in their community about the serious causes, effects and remediations to men's sexualized violence against women. Registration - 10 am Walk - 11 am Saturday/18 2nd Annual Trojan Warrior Challenge Lee County High School Leesburg Trojan Warrior Challenge is a benefit for the Lee County Special Olympics. It is a time-trial obstacle course/fitnesschallenge that has something for all levels. It is designed to test your resilience, strength, stamina, and ability to laugh in the face of adversity. Event challenges will range from, tire flips, to sled pulls, to an obstacle run and several fitness challenges. Saturday/18 Rock & Run Off-Road Challenge Sumter County Regional Park Newly designed running and walking courses at the Sumter County Parks and Recreation's Regional Park, play host to this Springs, Rock & Run Off-Road Challenge. 10K Registration 6:307:15am-Race begins at 7:30

5K Registration 6:30-8:15a-Race begins at 8:30 Fun Run/Walk 6:30-9:15am-Race begins at 9:30 Saturday/18 Superhero Glow Run Chehaw Park, Albany Come and get your GLOW on! This 5K and 1 mile event is April 18th at 7:45 pm at Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia. Wear your favorite superhero outfit and be sure to bring your GLOW swag. Awards will be given for best dressed. All proceeds go to the Lee County School System Trojans of Steel Relay for Life Team. Saturday/25 Cheetah Chase benefiting Victoria Ondo Chehaw Park, Albany Come out and support Victoria Ondo and those who are battling kidney cancer. The 5K and 1 mile fun run will take place April 25th at Chehaw Park. Schedule: 5K will begin 9:15 am and 1 Mile Run/Walk will start at 10:00am

PEOPLE

12 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

SWGA

Ant Hill Photography

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 13

STAGGERWING COUNTRY JAMBOREE

Albany Battle of the Bands: Apr 10 - Voting Polls Close Apr 25 & 26 - Battle of the Bands Event at Chehaw Park Vote for your favorite band: www.albanybotb.com

Staggerwing country jamboree is great place to bring the whole family for some great country and southern rock n roll music. Staggerwing Country Jamboree is also a place for all local talent to attend and show off their talents. There’s a large dance floor for the slow dancers and line dancers. 2099 Georgia Highway 133 South, (quitman highway), Moultrie, GA next door to the Sunbelt Expo. Come out and listen to Gary Page and The Country Rockers featuring Billy Wilson,Wayne Watson, Lalla Lehmann,Emmitt Page, and Gary Page. Great prize giveaways, Homemade Crunch Pound Cakes, super nice tee-shirts and more. For you karaoke singers, we have a 1/2 hour set aside for you during break! Every friday night starting at 7:00 pm until 11:00pm. Best jamboree this side of Tennessee. Great place for all Senior Citizens as well! For more information : Contact Sandy Page (229) 888-3664 / (229) 733-1526

Karaoke

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7152 Moses Lane Tallahassee, FL (850) 906-0766 All club shows are nonsmoking. Events are subject to change without notice. Unless otherwise stated: Friday shows start at 9:00 PM and Saturdays shows start at 10:00 PM. Doors open at 8:30. Weeknight shows start at 8:00 and doors open at 7:00. Reservations are guaranteed with advance ticket purchases. Reservations for most shows are also available by calling the Club at (850) 906-0766 or emailing: bradfordvilleblues@comcast.ne t , but advance ticket purchasers get reservation priority. Reserved seats held until show time.

April 3: Major Bacon April 4: The Terry Hanck Band April 9 @ 8: Jason Ricci The Clyde Ramsey Band opening April 10: JB's ZydecoZoo April 11: Victor Wainwright April 17: Eddie Shaw & The Wolfgang April 18: Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band April 24: Zac Harmon April 25: Biscuit Miller & The Mix

corner

Rum Runner Sports Bar 3988 N Valdosta Rd Valdosta Karaoke Wed-Sat 9pm (229) 241-9647

Oglethorpe Lounge 825 W Oglethorpe Blvd Albany Tuesday - 8:30 pm (229) 438-5819

Icons Bar & Grill 104 N Washington St Albany Friday - 10 pm (229) 405-2298

Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club - Cypress Grill at the Marina Thursdays 2459 US Highway 280 West Building E, Cordele (229) 276-1004

Bogey's Bar & Grill 2238 Palmyra Rd Albany Thurs - 9 pm (229) 438-0181 Coach’s Sports Bar & Grill 2610 Dawson Rd Albany Tues & Wed - 9 pm (229) 496-1431

14 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Ask LadyByrd the

Eventista

Dear LadyByrd, I joined my family’s planning committee for the family reunion and somehow everyone has disappeared and I am feeling stuck with all of the planning! I never imagined how difficult it can be to plan a reunion! I can’t get people to sign up or pay their reunion fees and I am afraid that I will lose the hotel that I booked for the event if I do not get the money needed to pay the deposit. Can you give me a little advice? Confused Committee Member

Dear Confused, Shame on your family for leaving you all alone to plan the reunion! Trust me, it has happened to me before, not just for reunions, but for many other events. Realistically, while many people volunteer to be on planning committees, only few ever really stay until the end. Kudos to you for stepping up to make sure the family still gets together, but you need to put your foot down and whip those committee members back into planning! OK, I know that is certainly easier said than done. A friend of mine told me that planning a family reunion is like herding 500 cats into a plastic garbage bag. And boy was he right! Updating contact info, finding the best methods to get communication out to the family, encouraging them to pay and register on time is just the beginning! We haven’t even mentioned the actual planning of the event! Here are a few pointers to get you started: Re-engage your committee members: Sometimes, it is best to assign or “volun-tell” people what to do rather than wait for them to step up and elect to do it. People get busy with their lives and forget the commitments they made sometimes, even though they had the best of intentions. So select tasks and assign them out with a smile, please and thank you! Communicate, communicate, communicate: The key to getting reunion members to participate is to

find many different ways to communicate the details of the reunion to them. Start by sending a save-the-date message as soon as possible so that family can mark their calendars and begin saving their money if needed. Send the registration form with payment deadlines soon after so that you can begin collecting payments. Use several different modes of communication, including letters for older family members and email and social media for the younger more tech savvy family members. Another great way to engage absent committee members is to assign them family members to contact via phone to encourage them to register and pay for the reunion early. Using many methods of communications decreases your chances of hearing someone say “Well, I never heard about the reunion at all!” And communicate some more: Keep the communication going by sending updates about the reunion up until the actual reunion. This keeps the event on the forefront of family members’ minds and reminds them to pay if they haven’t already. Send updates like deadlines to book hotel room blocks or on activities you’ve added to the reunion schedule. If you are creating a reunion t-shirt, send the mock up picture to the family to get them excited enough to purchase theirs. Or send updates on who has registered so that the anticipation will build to see those family members at the reunion. All of these updates can easily and costeffectively be done using email or social media for those who have access. All others would benefit from a phone call. And when was the last time you called your uncle anyway? Here’s hoping you are able to herd all of those cats family members to what hopefully will be a fun and memorable family reunion! Cheers! LadyByrd the Eventista

with Erica Savage Wilson Greetings! I am your food blogger Erica and I invite you to the Southwest Georgia Beat’s food column, the five spoon experience! I hope you enjoyed the March debut of two of our regions delightful eateries making great impact, Albany Fish Company and The 1800. We’ve only just begun, and I’m esteemed that we’ll journey together to explore not only the main course, but desserts as well friends! idreamcaviar is the heart of my universal elation of all that food produceslife, joy, relationships, unforgettable moments, memories and snapshots. The world is yours to travel on a plate using cutlery or your fingers...simple or luxe, idreamcaviar is your illustrious blog for delish dishes that I’m enlivened to present to you. There’s so much to discover, taste and enjoy friend and the SWGA Beat provides excellent informative content to include the five spoon experience writings and ratings--stay connected to the Beat and bon appétit! Joe’s To-Go, Albany GA 2401 A3 Dawson Rd 31707 SWGA has a food truck serving delightful, fresh Mexican dishes throughout the week and until 4 am on weekends! Joe’s To-Go’s great locale in the parking lot of Village Green Plaza on Dawson Road is an excellent choice for those en route to the mall or to feed your hurried appetite in the city. Their hours are also complimentary to late hour dates, gatherings with friends or late hour workers. Festive lights skirt the seating areas and attract relaxation in the evening and night hour. The flair and charm of unconventional outdoor eating in the table areas or your vehicle and savory scents is slightly dimmed at times by the bright headlights of patrons waiting in their cars for pick up orders; kind reminder signage for patrons to adjust vehicle lighting for seated guests would solve nicely. The menu is an island of anticipation and true to their statement, ‘Mexican in

Minutes’ as my wait for a grilled chicken nacho supreme topped with cheese, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream (guacamole is an additional charge) was met with eye pleasing glee. Joe’s To Go delivers on portion, price and location; a second visit yielded consistent, solid flavor and earned my return to Joe’s for another opportunity to allow my flavor endings to dance. Joe’s To-Go rating Our Daily Bread, Albany GA 206 West Broad Avenue 31701 Fresh ingredients, ample seating and local art drive foot traffic to downtown Albany’s Our Daily Bread. A beautiful building housed in the heart of the city, exposed brick juxtaposed with lovely chandeliers upstairs, bestows the quality of food offered at Our Daily Bread. A familial atmosphere and personable service team present lunch favorites that refresh the palate and relax the purse and wallet. For a balance of the healthy and flavorful menu, try the turkey and bacon spinach or tomato basil wrap bedded in romaine lettuce, sliced garden tomatoes dressed with a hint of mayonnaise and pair with their signature roasted potatoes and red peppers! The featured Friday night live music sets are ideal for a date or gathering with family and friends. It’s setting is also an option for a Saturday lunch with children or friends to include excellent recreational activities and highlights of downtown Albany within walking distance. For a taste of Albany, indulge in an experience at Our Daily Bread with chef and owners Jason and Mindy, who incorporate their love of people on every plate and conversation. Our Daily Bread rating You can follow Erica’s food photos and writings: www.idreamcaviar.com idreamcaviar.com on Facebook @idreamcaviar on Instagram

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 15

TIFTON Verona’s Italian Restaurant 212 Main St S (229) 445-3301 Hog-N-Bones 2008 US HWY 82 W (229) 238-2491 Wings Master 309 Tift Ave S (229) 382-2066

Sonny’s Bar-B-Q 1900 N Slappey Blvd (229) 883-7427

KFC 13777 US HWY S (229) 228-0539

Henry Campbell Steakhouse 629 N Westover Blvd (229) 594-9288

Sports Live Bar & Grill 15138 US HWY 19 S (229) 233-8330

Cafe 230 230 W Broad Ave (229) 435-7632

Savannah Moon Bakery & Cafe 109 N Broad St (229) 227-0081

LEESBURG

JoJo’s Family Restaurant 106 Magnolia Dr S (229) 382-9377

Riverfront Bar-B-Q 1533 US HWY 19 S (229) 888-4647

Boston Barbeque 110 S Main St Boston, GA (229) 498-7266

Longhorn Steakhouse 1314 US HWY 82 W (229) 256-4052

Rice Bowl Buffet 1561 US HWY 19 S (229) 446-0407

Audrey’s Kuntry Kitchen 1530 GA HWY 93 S Cairo, GA

The Wharf Express 1561 US HWY 19 S (229) 405-2864

Jonah’s Fish & Grits 109 E Jackson St (229) 226-0508

ALBANY Casa Tapatia Mexican Restaurant 108 N Slappey Blvd Open Mon - Sat (229) 903-8802 Mellow Mushroom 2825 Nottingham Way (229) 888-4646 Blackbeard’s B & B Bar-B-Que 2209 N Slappey Blvd (229) 878-6369 The Catch 2332 Whispering Pines Rd (229) 446-2235

TH OMASVILLE Mom & Dad’s Italian Restaurant 1800 Smith Ave (229) 226-6265 Billiard Academy World Famous Chili Dogs 121 S Broad St (229) 226-9981 Scoop Deli and Ice Cream 115 W Jefferson St (229) 551-0012

Rock Bottom Seafood & Grill 2115 Smith Ave (229) 236-5656

CORDELE Cracker Barrel 1905 Central Ave (229) 271-0331 Carter’s Hamburger 1213 S 7th St (229) 273-5822 L-Bo’s Barbeque & Grill 1030 US HWY 280 W

(229) 273-4311 Golden Corral 2110 E 16th Ave (229) 271-8681 King’s Grill BBQ 606 S 10th St (229) 513-0181 Ken’s Barbeque 204 W 24th Ave (229) 273-8251

VALDOSTA LongHorn Steakhouse 1110 N Saint Augustine Rd (229) 588-8225 Red Lobster 1179 N Saint Augustine Rd (229) 244-7587 Autry Bar-B-Que 1809 S Patterson St (229) 241-9449 Bubba Jax Crab Shack 1700 W Hill Ave (229) 469-4368 Smok’n Pig 4228 N Valdosta Rd (229) 245-8227 Buffalo Wild Wings 1553 Baytree Rd (229) 241-7246 Weezie Real Pit BBQ 736 E Hill Ave (229) 247-4110

BEAT Advice

16 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Why Should You Dress Well?

with Ed Everett

Courtesy of Rosenberg Clothier

If you are reading this, it means you may be interested in dressing for success. There are certain requirements you have to adhere to in order to establish yourself as a well-dressed person. There are rules to dressing well. Whether you believe in rules or not, rules establish a starting point. Unlike buying programs that teach you how to dress, we at Rosenberg Clothier teach you how to choose for yourself the proper style and why it is specific to you. Unless you have a pocket, no, pockets full of money, it will take you some time to build that powerful wardrobe. A well-defined wardrobe is essential to dressing well. A coordinated wardrobe is an investment whether you are a farmer, fireman, plumber, athlete, teacher, salesperson, etc. On the average it will take you three to five years to build that powerful wardrobe. The journey is a rewarding experience. Rosenberg Clothier is what you used to get when you entered a Haberdashery. The men and women that worked in the haberdasheries were more concerned about how you looked than what their commission would be. Again, purchasing the appropriate attire to accomplish your objective is an investment, it isn’t a cost. There is a quote I would like you to ponder upon, hopefully with some meditation you will begin to adjust your being to where this journey will lead you. ”You never get a second chance to make a first impression” -Will Rodgers

A person that knows how to “dress for success,” will make $250,000 more in a lifetime than his/her contemporaries.

Don't Fall in Love with One Club When off the green do not fall in love with any one club like a sand wedge. Not all situations are the same. The lie of the ball can be on a hard pan, above or below your feet or level with the green or 5' below the surface of the putting surface. There are many more variables. Put yourself in any situation and try any club from a hybrid to a six to a sand wedge to a putter. Hit 6 balls with each club total up the distance from the cup to see which club is more dependable. Most likely you will discover that one club does not win from all the different lies. Usually the club that gets on the ground the quickest with room to run gives the best results. Have fun practicing.

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 17

18 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

EVENT

Continued from page 7

Gnat Days Season of Events 1st Saturday in May – Gnat Days is a yearly tribute to our favorite southern pest. Featuring crafts, food, festivities, Gnat Days is sure to provide a fabulous time for family and friends. Concerts, Bike Races, Street Dances, Pet Shows, Musicals, and much, much more!

Valdosta

First Friday Downtown Valdosta First Friday is an event singles can get together, business people can relax and couples can enjoy the charm of Downtown Valdosta. Be sure to visit all of the downtown businesses, boutiques, galleries and restaurants for lively events and unique shopping!

Splash Island Opens for 2015 Saturday, April 4 Wild Adventures Theme ParkOver a MILLION gallons of fun await you at Splash Island Water Park - opening for 2015 on Saturday, April 4!

Ostrich Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4 Wild Adventures Hop into Spring with us during our eggciting ostrich Easter egg hunt! THOUSANDS of eggs filled with goodies and PRIZES are hidden throughout the park.

Scout Adventure Friday April 24 - Sunday April 26 Spend the weekend at Wild Adventures Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2015 with Scouts of all ages! Scouts will have an adventurous weekend filled with fun, friends, and fellowship.

Bainbridge/Colquitt Easter Egg Hunt April 4, All Day Earle May Boat Basin 100 Boat Basin Circle

Mayhaw Festival Fri, Apr 17, 2 days Spring Creek Recreation Park, Colquitt Civil War re-enactments, parade, entertainment, crafts and antiques and a golf tournament.

The Third Weekend in April Phone (229) 758-2400 April 11: Mayhaw Century Bike Ride @ 8:00 am April 16-18: Mayhaw Tennis Tournament April 17: Concert and Street Dance on the Square April 18: Mayhaw 5K and Fun Run @ 8:00 am April 18: Mayhaw Festival Parade at 10:00 am April 18: Mayhaw Festival at Spring Creek Park 10:00 am April 18: Mayhaw Softball Tournament April 24: Mayhaw Classic Golf Tournament

ART

Cordele

Whet Your Palette Occurs on the third Thursday of every month 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Whet Your Palette features Artist Collective Members teaching a new technique each month. Bring your friends, your favorite beverage, and prepare for a memorable night out! Reservations are a must, as seats are limited. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before class starts for set-up. $25/per class includes supplies. Studio 209, 209 Remington Avenue Contact: Thomasville Center for the Arts (229) 226-0588 visit@thomasville.org

Novel Nights Book Club Lake Blackshear Resort has a book club, Novel Nights, that will meet the third Tuesday of every month at Cordelia's Restaurant at 7pm. There is no cost to join. Food and beverages are on your own. Mommy & Me Mondays Looking for something to do with your little ones? Join us on Mondays for Mommy & Me activities. A different activity each Monday at 10am. Cost is $5.00 per parent (does not include the $5.00 parkpass fee). To ensure that activities are age appropriate for all, please reserve a spot by calling Amanda at (229) 2762372. Georgia Veterans State Park Easter Egg Hunt April 4, 10 am Visitors Center 2459 -H US Highway 280 West 800-459-1230 SAM Shortline Excursion Train April 3 & 4, 9:30 am – Watermelon Express April 10, 9:30 am – Americus Express April 11, 10 am – Thronateeska Limited April 17, 10 am – Peanut Express April 18, 9:30 am – Watermelon Express April 24, 9:30 am – Watermelon Express April 25, 9:30 am – Americus Explorer 105 9th Ave E, Cordele, GA 31015 (229) 276-0755

Arlington Spring Wine Festival April 11, 10 am – 5 pm Still Pond Vineyard & Winery 1575 Still Pond Road 800-475-1193 Arlington May Day May 2

Continued from page 4 welcome)! The Bookshelf, 126 South Broad Street Annie Jones (229) 228-7767 annie@bookshelfthomasville.c om

Taste of Thomasville Food Tour Occurs every Saturday 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Taste of Thomasville is a walking and tasting tour where you will enjoy a fun one of a kind, culinary experience while strolling through Thomasville. You will enjoy tasting award winning foods and learn what makes Thomasville’s history unique. Our tour is approximately 1.4 miles which will take 3 hours. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but more suitable for children 13 and up. The tour will be given rain or shine. By the tour’s end you will have a satisfied appetite and genuine understanding of why Thomasville is “worth the trip”. Tours are scheduled every

Friday & Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Tours are $40 pp (plus handling fee.) Visit www.TasteOfThomasvilleFood Tour.com for more information and to purchase tickets. Advance purchase required. Various restaurants in downtown Debra Smith: 800-979-3370 dsmith@tasteofthomasvillefood tour.com Taste of Thomasville: After Hours Occurs every Thursday at 5:30 pm Join us for a night tour of Downtown Thomasville! This tour will include 5 different stops to sample cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as snacks, from local restaurants. Tours are $50 for everything, or $40 if you choose not to drink. Contact: Debra Smith dsmith@tasteofthomasville.co m

Valdosta Into the Galleries: Spring into Art April 13 – June 10 Monday, April 13 from 6 - 9 pm Turner Center Gallery Opening Gala tickets are now available online or by calling (229) 247-2787. Culinary Classes sponsored by Center for the Arts Guild April 23 & May 14 – 6 pm, featuring Keira Moritz of Steel Magnolia’s – reservations/tickets available online or by calling (229) 2472787. Art Walk May 1, 5 pm - 8 pm Come downtown and experience art in the most specialized, eclectic shops Valdosta has to offer!

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 19

CLUES DOWN 1. Bazaars 2. Cuyahoga River city 3. Latin word for charity 4. Scourges 5. Alias 6. Origins 7. Subjugate using troops 8. Dutch name of Ypres 9. Siskel and __, critics 13. Teaspoon (abbr.) 14. Herb of grace 17. Brew 18. Kilo yard (abbr.) 20. Barn's wind indicator 22. Griffith or Rooney 27. Macaws 28. 2000 pounds 29. Official language of Laos 31. Cleveland's roundball team 32. Office of Public

CLUES ACROSS 1. Licenses TV stations 4. Worn-out horse 7. Expire 10. Winglike structure 11. Supplement with difficulty 12. Confederate soldier 13. Attempter 15. All persons of the earth 16. Vertical position 19. Live longer than 21. Showing keen interest 23. Old Spanish currency units 24. Ingested by sniffing 25. A narrow path or road 26. Old Tokyo 27. Bound map collections 30. Deliquium 35. Brownish coat mixed with white

36. 3 banded S. Am. armadillo 37. Coat a metal with an oxide 41. Slave-like 44. 1950's TV Wally 45. City founded by Xenophanes 46. Hermaphroditic 50. Kale plant with smooth leaves 54. Forelimb 55. Unassisted 56. Jeweled headdress 57. Auricle 59. Competing groups 60. Cardinal number 61. Light bulb inventor's initials 62. Heat unit 63. Doctor of Education 64. Make a mistake 65. Point midway between S and SE

Information 33. Chum 34. Before 38. Nation in the north Atlantic 39. Apportion into sections 40. Skilled in analysis 41. More assured 42. ___ Musk, businessman 43. In a way, tells 46. Immature newt 47. Hawaiian taro root dish 48. Extremely angry 49. Wrapped up in a cerecloth 51. Expression 52. Paradoxical sleep 53. Tooth caregiver 58. Swiss river

20 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

HOROSCOPES

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you may feel that a goal is beyond reach, but you can get there if you are willing to make some sacrifices. Make a decision quickly this week. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Many different people, including loved ones and colleagues, hold you in high regard, Taurus. That's because you are a forward

thinker willing to take chances. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, take a careful approach to any obstacles that come your way this week. A problem that arises will require some thoughtful analyis and a slow and steady approach. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, be honest about what you desire, even if it seems like getting it is impossible. You never know what you can achieve if you push yourself and have a little patience. LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, you have many good ideas and are ready for many of them to come to fruition. Muster up some energy and clear your schedule so you can conquer the tasks at

hand. VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you have more in common with a colleague at work than you originally imagined. Pool your resources and work as a team to get the job done. LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, you may have to be a little more assertive than usual to get your way this week. If you have good ideas, stick behind them and make your voice heard. SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Set goals that are difficult to reach, Scorpio. This is a great way to push yourself to be the best you can be. Expect some special news to arrive very soon. SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

Something that may have been important to you a few days ago has lost its luster this week, Sagittarius. Don't pursue it any longer because it's not worth your time. CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, make the most of a business opportunity that presents itself in the coming weeks. This opportunity could be the chance you have long been waiting for. AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Don't push yourself beyond your limits this week, Aquarius. There's no rush to get things done and no need to subject yourself to fatigue or burnout. PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, do not let your daydreams get you into trouble. Harness your imagination in the next few days so you can focus on the here and now.

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 21

22 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 23

24 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA BEAT • April 2015 • www.albanyherald.com

ALBANY

Doublegate Country Club 3800 Old Dawson Rd 229-436-6501 River Point 801 River Pointe Dr 229-883-4885