July/August 2024 Columbus and the Valley

From the Editor’s Desk

Summer is upon us here in the South. By the time this issue hits the stands the heat will have turned up another notch, or two and will be set at sizzle.

We are starting a new tradition for our Columbus and the Valley summer issue. Inside you will find the June-July issue of Valley Parent magazine as an additional read for you, your friends and family. We publish Valley Parent six times a year, and it is a free resource to families and can be found at various locations in our community. Enjoy!

Kenny Gray has spent his life capturing life through the lens of his camera. He had the foresight to recognize a time, the people and a place that evolved into My Southside. His exhibition at The Do Good Fund Gallery is amongst the extensive collection of photography and art that tells the story of our American south. This gem of a gallery is located amongst the bustle of the restaurants, businesses and boutiques along the 100 block of 12th Street in Uptown Columbus.

Looking ahead to the fall, the residents of South Columbus will have a brand spanking new library to call their own. A multifaceted facility that enables staff to accommodate visitors for reading, researching, job-searching and after school options. A bright spot in an area that is craving revitalization.

Don’t forget to look up! What are the chances that a meteor shower in the northern hemisphere would yield a meteorite landing and disrupt your afternoon nap and ultimately the rest of your life? I’m sure it was not on the radar for Ann Hodges on the day she settled down and was rudely woken to her world forever changed.

Finally, welcome back to the Miracle Riders. We retrace the journey and share their stories from across the United States of America.

Somewhere amongst the summer frivolity and fireworks, take time out of your day to read this edition in print or online.

Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher

— Established 1991 —

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Jodi Saunders

jodi@columbusandthevalley.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Margie Richardson

margie@columbusandthevalley.com

Julie Jernigan, Sales Assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sixty Two Graphic Studio

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Brad Barnes

Brett Buckner

Marion Carcache

Pat Daniel

Natalie Downey

Julie Jernigan

Jim Lynn

Marquette McKnight

Scott Phillips

PHOTOGRAPHY

Morgan Duke Photography

Kenny Gray Photography

Margie Richardson

Two Seventeen Photography

Ritchie White Photography

P.O. Box 229

214A 10th Street

Columbus, GA 31902

706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216

COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE is owned by Jodi and Gerald Saunders and is published monthly by Valley Life Ventures, LLC, dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs, or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright © 2024 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.

Ritchie White Photography

What's Happening?

ONGOING

Now-October

Wild things live amidst the plants at the Columbus Botanical Garden. Twelve larger than life animal topiaries will be roaring and soaring among us from now to October. Beautiful arrays of moss, flowers and foliage all combine to create these magnificent creatures. Explore the various gardens to visit all the animals across the garden.

Now-August

The Columbus Public Library will host a Midday Movie Break each Friday at 3 p.m. The classic adventure films will be screened in the Betty Van Cleave Meeting Room. Call the Adult Services Dept at 706-243-2691 for movie titles.

Now-August

The Midland Community Farmer’s Market located on 9110 Warm Springs Road happens each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. They offer fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and potted plants with original arts and crafts.

Now-August

Each Saturday, three blocks along Broadway host over 100 local and regional vendors. Visitors can expect to find fresh and organic produce, home goods, jewelry, unique crafts and delicious baked goods. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals to get in on the fun.

JULY

July 1-August 3

The Do Good Fund brings two summerthemed exhibitions to the Do Good Fund Gallery. Summertime, features work from the Do Good Fund’s permanent collection by 18 artists being exhibited together for the first time. The photographs selected portray the iconic experience of summer in the American South from seeking respite at the beach to hot car seats, from front porches to the limitless supply of watermelon.

July 9

Join Highside Market for an hour of complimentary yoga in Daisy Park from 9 to 10 a.m. Start off your morning with yoga and relax your body with a good stretch, relieve stress, improve balance and posture and start your day with movement. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own mat and towels.

July

11

The Columbus Museum will be having a Volunteer Workday in the beautiful and historic Bradley Olmsted Garden from 8 a.m. to Noon. Join in anytime during the morning. All necessary tools will be provided by the Museum with water and snacks available.

July

17

Win big at Highside Market’s Sip, Shop, Spin and Win event from 5-7 p.m. Everyone is invited to spin the coveted Highside Market Prize Wheel with the best specials and discounts for shopping, eating and dining around Highside Market. Enjoy food, drinks and live entertainment while you’re in line to sip, shop, spin and win.

July 20

Join the Civic Center for the 1st Annual Tri-City Mega Show 2024. This exciting event will feature a spectacular showcase of cars, trucks and audio systems, along with competitions for Top 5 World Champion Belts and 100 Trophies.

July 21

Ride on Bikes is hosting a Buck Moon Bike Ride. Enjoy an easy, leisure ride with all your new friends in Columbus. There will be some great music and they’ll stop somewhere local to grab a beverage. Rentals are free, call ahead to reserve. Also, don’t forget to fill out the waiver and show up about 20 minutes early for your reservations if you’re renting a bike.

July 24

Groove and dance along for another night of Jazz in the Park with Charlie Ray “Big Saxy” and his band. Unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening of contemporary jazz from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

July 26-August 1

Columbus Restaurant Week presented by US FOODS, ignited by Liberty Utilities, is back. Locally owned and operated restaurants will offer guests three-course prix fixe menus at amazing prices. This year will benefit The Giving Kitchen.

AUGUST

August 6

The Goetchius House and Abella Total Health will host The Power of Herbs Discover the ancient wisdom and modern science behind the benefits of various

herbs, from boosting immunity to aiding digestion and promoting relaxation. Through interactive discussions and handson activities, you’ll learn how to harness the power of nature’s pharmacy to support your well-being.

August 14

Come and enjoy the best combination of them all at Highside Market: Pilates followed by Pinot and other libations. Highside Market’s very own, Club Pilates will be teaching us classic Pilates moves in Daisy Park for all levels from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m..

August 15

Pine Mountain Trail Association will host a 50th Anniversary Dinner at the Bibb Mill Event center starting at 6:30 p.m.

August 16

RiverCenter presents Avatar: The Last Airbender Live in Concert. The concert offers a captivating experience, blending a live orchestral performance of the iconic series soundtrack with an immersive two-hour recap of the animated show’s three seasons on a full-size cinema screen. The projection preserves the original dialogue and sound effects, allowing the orchestra to seamlessly synchronize with the screen.

August 24

Join the Civic Center for an exquisite journey through the world of wines at the inaugural Sip & Savor Wine Fest, a celebration dedicated not just to the artistry of winemaking but to the spirit of diversity and inclusivity in the wine industry.

August 23-25

The Friends of Libraries Big Book Sale is back at the Columbus Public Library. Thousands of gently used books will be on sale, all priced at $2 or less. Shop from a wide selection of books including bestsellers, paperbacks and children’s books.

August 31

RiverCenter presents Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in Concert. The upcoming spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live. This extraordinary lineup includes a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.

Kenny Gray preparing for his upcoming exhibit at The Do Good Fund Gallery on 12th Street in Columbus.

A SPACE IN TIME

Photographer Kenny Gray Exhibits My Southside

Many have likened the passing of time to a stream, endlessly flowing from behind and before us, ever-moving and impossible to stop. Try as we may, we cannot pause time or control the rate at which it passes. But every now and then we find an eddy in the river of time, a chance to swim aside and tread water for a while, peering into a moment, as time moves all around us.

Photography deconstructs time, captures and sets aside a moment to be pondered or remembered, or explored long after it has passed. A vehicle of sorts which transports us visually to a space in time we may have never

Mister Dan, Nightwatchman, South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Ga., circa 1979

personally experienced, a photograph is the staccato of a moment in time. And the photography of Columbus native Kenny Gray has memorialized a place and a time vastly changed by the stream of life throughout the years. His work shows us a Columbus many of us never experienced, a poignant reminder of our small role in the story of our city, and a celebration of the often overlooked faces that dot the collage of our city’s story.

At the age of 10, Kenny Gray’s parents gave him a camera and his interest in photography began. An interlude of life halted Kenny’s photography endeavors, but in 1968 he decided to pick the camera back up. At first, photography was a means of an income for Kenny as he worked as a traveling photographer, but over time, shooting photos evolved from less of a vocation into a means of self-expression.

“In the early 70’s, there were so many great photographers to be inspired by,” Kenny recalls. For him, the biggest inspirations were photographers taking shots of family and friends in everyday life. “The art and drama of family dynamics is where so much great art comes from,” Kenny explains. For him, the beauty of the moment was found in his personal connections with the people he was pointing his camera at.

“Those people weren’t strangers to me,” Kenny says. “I worked with them, partied with them, and put myself in environments that were stimulating and interesting.” Kenny began to be drawn to photographing anything that felt distinctly personal.

In 1977, at the age of 28, Kenny began, unknowingly, what would become a 15 year project titled My Southside. Inspired by the mythmaking and complex characters created in Bruce Springsteen’s music,

Kenny Gray with his camera circa 1984. Photo by Kitti Homme

Kenny took a look around his surroundings in South Columbus and realized “I’m living in a Bruce Springsteen song.” As the concept for a project documenting life on the southside took shape in Kenny’s mind, he realized his opportunity and recalled thinking, “If I don’t do this, I’m going to regret it.”

Though Kenny experienced a comfortable, All-American childhood growing up in South Columbus, the area has held a reputation of

“Those people weren’t strangers to me. I worked with them, partied with them and put myself in environments that were stimulating and interesting.”

its own, with controversial establishments and provocative aspects. “These were working class people who lived on the margins of society,” he explains. Victory Drive was a place known for its strip clubs, night clubs, car lots, perceived poverty and a sort of underlying tawdriness. As Kenny got older, he became aware of the stigma greater Columbus had towards the southside, and, especially Victory Drive—and he embraced it. Some saw Victory Drive as a part of town with a questionable reputation. For Kenny, it was home.

Mother and Baby, Baker Village, Columbus, Ga. circa 1989

Traveler, Trailways Bus Station, Columbus, Ga., circa 1986

Using only a wide-angle lens meant Kenny’s shots were taken from a close proximity to his subjects. Kenny found that people generally responded well to being approached with a camera. “People seem to crave that validation,” Kenny says. He sought a reaction, a gesture or expression, a personal connection. And he captured the images of people and places some might overlook or speed past, allowing his viewers to look a little closer and consider the humanity and commonality we all share.

“I photographed them because I felt they were worthy of my time,” Kenny says of his subjects some would consider outliers of society: strippers, tattoo artists, activists and the night club crowd in My Southside. “The people I photograph are looking right back at the viewer. These people happened to live and work in South Columbus, but these people are just people. If you look at them, maybe you’ll find some empathy, some understanding.”

Kenny hopes his work’s viewers will bring an open mind and open heart and connect with his images on a personal level.

Kenny sees photography as more of a work of fiction than the telling of a story. He acknowledges that it’s impossible to know what was happening before the photo, or what will happen after. In a sense his photographs are images pulled from the ever-flowing stream of time, allowing viewers to look closely at a moment without context or

Rushabell, Gray’s Bar, South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Ga., circa 1982

Washing a Firebird, David Moore Used Cars, Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga., circa 1986

judgment. “A photograph is a radical way to see the world,” Kenny explains. “Our world is 3D, full color, always moving. I’m claiming just a fraction of a second and stripping away the color.” Kenny’s photographs hint at a story, but he ultimately aims to take photos that ask questions. “The viewer starts imagining the narrative and brings the meaning.”

A time-capsule of sorts. My Southside, spanning work from 1977-1992 features black and white images of people and places long past but, thanks to Kenny’s work, not forgotten. Kenny recognizes that many of the people from My Southside are deceased or elderly today, and many of the strip clubs and familyowned businesses that once sprawled across Victory Drive are now gone. “It’s sort of an

“My process is not unique, but the people I photographed were unique to me.”

Fast Freddie, Tattoo Artist, Victory Drive, Columbus, Ga., circa 1982

MySouthside

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KENNY GRAY

The Do Good Fund Gallery 111 12th Street, Columbus

PUBLIC OPENING RECEPTION

September 12, 2024

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

ON VIEW

August 10 - September 28, 2024

Wednesday - Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

unintentional time-capsule,” Kenny says. “Some of the power of those photographs is knowing those people and places are no longer there.”

Kenny shoots in black and white and develops his own prints, his images offering a stark, but simple and straightforward reality.

“My process is not unique, but the people I photographed were unique to me,” Kenny explains.

His collection My Southside will be showcased in the Do

Good Fund Gallery from August 10 through September 28. The exhibition is sponsored by Columbus State University’s archives, and Kenny’s prints will go to the archives after the showing, an invaluable collection of pieces of Columbus’ story.

Kenny spent 11 years working as Director of CSU’s Rankin Photography Center, and his photography has received both national and international recognition. Read more about The Do Good Fund on page 16. C

Activist, MLK Day Parade, Cusseta Road, Columbus, Ga., circa 1979

Cultivating & Preserving

THE DO GOOD FUND

BY NATALIE DOWNEY

Photographs provide visual documentation of a time and place, wordless depictions invaluable for their unique vantage point of a split second that can’t be reproduced.

The Do Good Fund is a local nonprofit organization that recognizes the value of photography and community. As a public charity, their mission is to cultivate and preserve collections of photographs that document the

culture of the American South from World War II to today. Founder Alan Rothschild took a personal interest in photography during his college days, recognizing the truth behind the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The mission of the Do Good Fund includes supporting both well-known and emerging artists by presenting collections of their work and loaning out works to other museums and organizations. Their support for Southern photography is expansive and inclusive, with a recognition of the value of the art as well as the value of the diverse artists who create timeless works. “We believe that sharing the work helps contribute to an understanding of the South,” Collection Manager Hallie Fivecoat explains.

A collection of photographs spanning years’ worth of history says a lot about a region. The thousands of words one image replaces speak of family, friendships, poverty, laughter, tension, relentless Southern summers and celebration. Often, the faces and places deemed “important” by the world are broadcast on television, billboards and the internet on repeat. But the hidden treasures found in the Gallery’s collection are of a quieter nature: relatable, familiar and unmistakably important. Nameless faces captured in time feel like family when we realize we’ve walked the same streets, explored the same creeks and lived under the same hot Southern sun. “We’ve got hidden gems in our own backyard,” Hallie explains, referring to the photographers who call this region home, and the work they produce.

The Do Good Fund Gallery is open to

Crowds gather for a recent artist talk at the Do Good fund Gallery on 12th Street

the public, offering people the opportunity to experience their collections. The experience highlights the value of the work of both the Do Good Fund and the photographers capturing the images. Stopping to peer into the faces and scenes tucked inside a frame generates feelings of belonging—to a place, to the human race. There’s value in looking and seeing. We are all part of this region’s story, and we can’t help but appreciate viewing glimpses of others who live here as we hope to also be seen one day.

Cultivating a community space, the Do Good Fund nurtures artists and hosts events in and around Columbus that help the work of the artists be experienced and make an even bigger impact. Their events such as artist receptions bring the community in to celebrate an artist, their work and the history of this region we call home.

In 2022, the Gallery celebrated their 10th anniversary with a specially curated collection from the Do Good Fund put together with the Georgia Museum of Art called Reckonings and Reconstructions that includes a partner book by the same title written by GA Museum of Art Curator Jeffrey Richmond-Moll. In the book, essays and visual reproductions of the photographs in the collection explore themes of life and culture in the South. The show features 125 photographs by 73 diverse artists and has been on tour in places such as the Chrysler Museum of Art in Virginia, the Lowe Art

Museum in Miami and the Figge Art Museum in Iowa, and will return to Columbus in October for a six-week stop at the newly renovated Columbus Museum. “It feels like a homecoming,” Hallie says proudly.

A full weekend of events to celebrate the show’s return will include a weekend photography symposium, and exhibition at the Do Good Fund Gallery which will feature and support emerging artists. The festivities will take place the weekend of October 19.

“We believe that sharing the work helps contribute to an understanding of the South.”

-HALLIE FIVECOAT

The Do Good Fund Gallery’s current exhibit, Summertime takes a look at summer in the South, one of our most notable and intensely nostalgic seasons. The collection, which includes some works by American photographer Gordon Parks, features images that “depict the unique aura of summer in the South,” Hallie explains. One scene captures a grandpa with a boy proudly holding a watermelon. “You know where you are when you look at that image,” Hallie says, gesturing to it.

This summer, the Do Good Fund Gallery invites children in the community to explore the world of art in their summer gallery for kids. Parents can bring children to participate in an interactive gallery experience, create their own unique artwork and spend time browsing the works that line the walls. The kids’ gallery will take place on Saturday afternoons starting June 15.

More information about the Do Good Fund can be found on their website at thedogoodfund.org.

The Do Good Fund Gallery is located at 111 12th Street in Columbus, Georgia. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday - Friday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. C

Do Good Fund Collection Manager, Hallie Fivecoat, talks with photographer Kenny Gray about his upcoming exhibition.

Do Good Fund Founder Alan Rothschild Photo by Eliza Daffin

Dr. Devon Paris Owner Dentist

Dr. Laura Watterson Associate Dentist

Dr. Awaz Yaseen

Associate Dentist

BY JIM LYNN

A NEW CHAPTER Begins

SOUTH COLUMBUS PUBLIC LIBRARY ’S NEW EXPANSION PROVIDES GROWING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY

Among the abandoned shopping centers and underused commercial buildings along South Lumpkin Road, the new South Columbus Public Library stands out as a bright spot, bringing the promise of knowledge and a sense of community to life. This long-neglected corner of the city will now provide a more comfortable refuge for both children and grownups looking for a place to read, use computers, play games or just hang out.

“LIBRARY” is proclaimed dramatically in 42-inch, all-capital letters in bright white set against a brick facade. The visual statement is sure to eliminate the problem of people driving by the old structure not realizing what it was. Set between Eddy Middle School and South Columbus Elementary, the newly rebuilt South Columbus branch is scheduled to open this fall.

ARCHITECTURE WITH IMPACT

The $9.8 million, two-year project more than doubles the library’s size, from 9,300 square feet to 21,000. The additional space turns the interior into a wide-open rectangle with end-toend sightlines. Large, circular LED lights, six feet in diameter, are hung beneath the warm, brown tones of a Douglas fir

ceiling. Finishings are multi-colored but in modern, muted tones.

From a tight space that Chattahoochee Valley Regional Libraries’ Director Alan Harkness said looked more like a nondescript doctor’s office, the expanded and redesigned library features a roofline that slants sharply upward at 15 degrees. The result is a ceiling that follows suit, angling from 10 feet at one end of the building to a whopping 25 feet at the other. The high end is anchored dramatically by a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass facing the grounds of South Columbus Elementary

“We realized we were reinvesting in South Columbus, and we didn’t want it to look boring.”

-Alan Harkness

School. The slant of the roof and the glass wall create a faux cantilevered look that’s even more striking from the interior than it is from the outside.

“We wanted something bold, something different,” Harkness said. “We realized we were reinvesting in South Columbus, and we didn’t want it to look boring.”

Architect Scott Holmes said he wanted to make a bold statement for the library itself but also a hoped-for resurgence of South Lumpkin. “That part of town needs an iconic

structure, and there’s not another building like it,” he said.

Holmes also said there’s a point to the familiarity of the design. A reflection of downtown’s Mildred L. Terry branch was intentional, in what Harkness calls “rhyming” architecture. The two libraries share similar themes in the brick work, for example. “They’re both libraries in the same part of town, part of the same family,” Holmes said. Not replicas, but a thematically similar look that shows demonstrably that these are similar spaces for similar purposes.

PLANNING SPACE WITH PURPOSE

The modern structure makes a statement. But the statement is more than skin deep, Harkness and Branch Director Pepper Grimmett say. The structure affords the space for separate adult, teen and children’s areas. That’s important for multiple reasons, the greatest being not driving adults out of the building at the end of a school day when Eddy Middle School students crowd the space.

Can be found at:

Barnes & Noble

Columbus Museum

Dinglewood Pharmacy

Durham’s Pharmacy

Galleria Riverside

Judy Bug Books

Marriott

Midtown Medical Center Gift Shop

Pierce Crossing

Convenience Store

Piggly Wiggly

Whitewater Express

“At ‘old South,’ there wasn’t room for everybody,” Harkness said, using library shorthand for the pre-renovated branch. “So one of the things that was really important with this design, especially as you think of the digital divide, is that there’s a space for children to use computers, a space for adults to use computers and a space for teens. They each have that opportunity, and adults are less likely to leave because the teens are coming in and creating more noise.”

NARROWING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

The digital divide is one of multiple socioeconomic dynamics that makes the South Columbus branch’s mission distinct. The library serves one of Columbus’ poorest neighborhoods— areas saddled with a near-40 percent poverty rate and where dollar stores dominate retail options.

At most libraries, the staff is there to answer questions and to facilitate transactions. At the South Columbus branch, the role is part librarian, part social worker.

“It’s all about relationships,” Grimmett said. “We try to get to know (patrons) by name and we

“The challenge at ‘South’ is figuring out how we integrate ourselves into this community and make a difference .” -Alan Harkness

try to be open with them. We ask what we can do, how we can help. If they’re struggling with finding a job, we show them how we can help. We take the time to listen. Sometimes they tell us about their whole lives. But they see our genuine care, and we go out of our way to help them as people.”

Eddie Harris is one of those people. He’s a regular, taking his spot nearly every day at a computer that dominates the adult space at the library’s temporary location on Torch Hill Road. An Army veteran who’s worked odd jobs and is now in his mid-60s, Harris says he uses the internet to learn about other countries, to make doctor’s appointments “and to find car parts cheap.” But he’s really there because of the people.

“I feel comfortable here,” he says. “There are a lot of other people to talk to.” Grimmett knows Harris, as she knows the other regulars. He often attends the library’s “coffee and conversation” sessions where adults gather to talk with each other and library staff. The talk is not so much about books. Mostly it’s small talk such as neighborhood gossip and a few laughs.

SQUARE FOOTAGE

21,000- about 2.25 times larger than the old space

ARCHITECT

Scott Holmes, Hecht Burdeshaw

CONTRACTOR

Gordy Construction

OPENING DATE

Tentatively mid-October

FUNDING SOURCES

• $2 Million- Georgia Public Library Service

• $3 Million- private donors

• $600,000- ESPLOST

COMPUTERS ON SITE 50

“They do talk to me some about getting interested in reading, you know, books,” Harris remarked, his hands in motion as if turning a page. “But I prefer reading on the computers.”

At South Columbus, there is more internet use than other branches (except the much larger main library on Macon Road), and fewer books being checked out. In moderate to high-income neighborhoods, the reverse is true. Computer usage has declined at other branches over the years simply because personal computer ownership and home internet access are commonplace. Not so much in the 31903 zip code. Adults visiting the library don’t own computers, by-and-large. Children have Chromebooks provided by public schools, but many don’t own full computers, and many have weak or no internet access at home.

To address the growing tech needs, the branch will have 50 computers in the new building, doubling the number available before the renovation. Additional laptops will be available for checkout. Staff will be available to help patrons look up information about other countries—in Harris’ case—or to navigate an Excel file, find free resources in their area or whatever information they may need. Wifi will be extended to the well-lit parking lot for after-hours needs. Columbus is not alone with its focus on technology in underserved areas. Sixty-seven percent of the nation’s public libraries face the same challenges, according to the American Library Association.

LOCATION

2034 S. Lumpkin Rd. COST

$9.8 Million- up about 50% from 2022 estimates

FEATURES INCLUDED

• Rooms for students to study, work on group projects. Room also available for community meetings.

• Outdoor, supervised recreation area

• Enhanced children’s area that includes space for storytime events and a large, Everbright board

• Teen area with gaming stations and computers

• Toddler area with computers for parents

“At South, they don’t always have tech at home,” Harkness said. “But more than that, the kids often don’t have traditional families, they don’t always have food to eat—and we’ve been exploring what we can do to help there. But the smart library adapts itself to the needs of the community it’s serving.”

“The challenge at ‘South’ is figuring out how we integrate ourselves into this community and make a difference,” he said. “We treat them as important and know their names and what’s going on in their lives. It takes more time. It’s not as transactional, but relationships are super vital…. Each one of our branches has a different relevancy in the constituencies we serve.”

A COMMUNITY HAVEN

Daily library life at South Columbus Public Library, like in most libraries serving low-income areas anywhere, is more akin to running a community center. Adults come for computers and fellowship; students come for afterschool space, computers and homework help. And sometimes to share their struggles. Young mothers bring their toddlers and look for jobs while the kids crawl around them. Grandmothers like Leatha Duncan, a teacher’s aide, bring young grandchildren and let them pull books because, “well, you know, reading is fundamental!” she said with a laugh.

Grimmett says the library’s mission is to be vital to the community, to meet the needs of those who walk through the doors. “It’s not just about a building. It’s not just about books. It’s about our people.” C

Jim Lynn is a freelance writer and former newspaper writer/editor whose work has appeared in The Washington Post and other publications.

What we loved most about Gerald is that in our first meeting, he took the time to get to know us before discussing our housing needs and wants. We felt like we walked away from that meeting with a new friend, as well as our realtor. He truly listened to our needs and wants when helping us find our home.

ATHE

s this issue hits your mailbox and newsstands, summer vacation is upon us. The heat is back, so it’s time to cool off indoors in front of a good movie. There’s something about the mid-point of the year that makes me take stock of the films that came to theaters so far in 2024. Here are some films that may have flown under your radar that are now available on home video (as well as one in theaters now):

Civil War: For a film that made over $100 million, very few people I know have seen this chilling story about an America fragmenting into armed factions. British writer/director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation) avoids providing a dense backstory or mythology in favor of present-day world-building as we follow a team of war photographers making their way to Washington, D.C. to interview the president who is

under siege and likely to be overthrown. Civil War isn’t concerned with why or how America fell into chaos. It simply documents the realistic, terrifying aftermath. (Civil War is available on digital rental platforms.)

The Fall Guy: Action, romance, comedy, mystery. This film has it all, and for some inexplicable reason, it was a box office disappointment. As the romantic leads, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have chemistry to burn. Set in the world of filmmaking and stunt performers, the action set pieces emphasize practical effects and stunt work over CGI, making for a rollicking good time. If you find yourself saying they don’t make movies like they used to, this is the film for you. (The Fall Guy is available on digital rental platforms.)

The First Omen: One of the best horror films of 2024 with one of the worst titles. The “first Omen” was released in 1976 and starred Gregory Peck and Lee Remick. I guess The Newest Omen wasn’t catchy enough. Now we’ll have to call the first omen “Omen ‘76” so The First Omen can be … The First Omen. Oh, well, where was I? This is the Damien origin story you never knew you needed starring a perfectly cast Nell Tiger Free (from the Apple TV+ show Servant) as a nun who uncovers an unholy conspiracy. The First Omen is currently playing on Hulu.

The Last Stop in Yuma County: A group of travelers wait in a hole-in-the-road diner for the gas truck to arrive at the filling station next door so they can continue their drives across the desert. Two of the travelers have just robbed a bank, and some of the other stranded drivers have secrets of their own. This clever crime film lights a fuse in its opening scenes that burns right through to its explosive ending. Last Stop channels its Tarantino energy into something that feels fresh and new. If you love a good crime film, The Last Stop in Yuma County feels like Christmas came early. The film is currently available on digital rental platforms.

Thelma: The feel-good comedy hit of Sundance 2024 hits theaters across the U.S. on June 21st. June Squibb (at the realworld age of 94) plays Thelma, a kind-hearted grandmother who gets scammed out of thousands by a conman who preys on the elderly. Thelma plays out like a riff on the Ocean’s 11 and Mission: Impossible films as our title character assembles a collection of 80- and 90-somethings to help her track down the man who stole her money. One of her “team” is none other than Richard Roundtree (1970’s Shaft, himself) in his final screen role. Thelma has plenty of laughs, but it also has a lot to say about aging and the marginalization of the elderly in our country. C

Scott Phillips is a Columbus resident and serves as the President of the Southeastern Film Critics Association. His reviews and other work can be found at Forbes.com.

Parent 2 PAR E NT Parent Valley

Recently I’ve found myself sinking into the world of bird cams. I’m watching life play out for a pair of bald eagles, namely Jackie and Shadow who are raising their young in Big Bear Valley. My level of distraction seems to be in direct correlation to the increased level of events that are leading up to my senior graduating high school.

I emerge from the cyber world with feelings of empathy and admiration for these fierce parents who are raising their young on the precipice of a tree limb on which they’ve built a firm foundation of a nest. They tag team a lot of their parental duties but often have a squabble—or more like a squawk— over who gets to sit on their eggs—who would want to leave a down filled nest when there’s a storm moving in?

From conception, nest-building, incubating and rearing to watching with equal amounts of self-pride and anxiety as their fledglings take that initial leap out of the nest, it’s like watching a fast track of my 18 years of child-rearing. As parents, my husband and I are balancing on the edge of what will soon be an empty nest. We’ve had our fair amount of squawking along the way and weathered a few storms. Now we’re getting a glimpse of what the future looks like, fledgling free. There’s a new chapter we’re getting ready to write that will begin as we drive off into the sunset leaving our youngest to find her wings at college.

This supersized issue of Valley Parent is chock full of pointers for parents and summer fun. A great place to start is Parental Philosophy from Dr. Britney Farmer. Set the groundwork with your partner if you’re at the incubating stage—although, it’s never too late to make sure that, as parents, you are on the same page. With a new baby in the home, your dog has some adjusting to do, and we’re here to help with recommendations for those first introductions. Choose to shop local retailers with our gift guide to welcome home baby.

Summer months bring plenty of celebrations. Get creative for Father’s Day with ideas to give Dad a noteworthy day that will leave him feeling loved and valued. We proudly fly our nation’s flag on Flag Day and Independence Day. Here’s your opportunity to learn all about Old Glory. Summer is for exploring and a wild and wonderful family adventure can be found at our very own Botanical Garden. Finally, kicking back with a good book is a favorite pastime for Columbus Bound Bookshop owner, Khristina Gallagher, who gives us her recommendations for a great read in our book nook.

Happy Summer to you!

Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher

Editor/Publisher

JODI SAUNDERS

jodi@columbusandthevalley.com

Advertising Sales

MARGIE RICHARDSON margie@columbusandthevalley.com

JULIE JERNIGAN, sales assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com

Graphic Design

SIXTY TWO GRAPHIC STUDIO

Contributing Writers

DR. BRITNEY FARMER

KHRISTINA GALLAGHER

KATY M. CLARK

PAM MOORE

REBECCA HASTINGS

Photography RITCHIE WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

P. O. Box 229 Columbus, GA 31902

706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 www.valleyparent.com

VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE is owned by Jodi and Gerald Saunders and is published monthly by Valley Life Ventures, LLC, dba COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE, P. O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. The cover and contents are fully protected and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. We are not responsible for loss of unsolicited inquiries, manuscripts, photographs or other materials. They will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. Editorial contributions and letters should be addressed to VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE, Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Copyright ©2024 by Valley Life Ventures, LLC trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Subscriptions for VALLEY PARENT MAGAZINE are available by mail for $25 per year. Call 706-324-6214 to subscribe. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.

Columbus and the Valley Magazine

Parental Philosophy

Have you ever been in a parenting situation where you just didn’t know what was “right?” How do you and your partner arrive at a conclusion to decide about your child’s future? Do you and your spouse argue about decisions concerning your children and are unable to arrive at a solution? Are you a carbon copy of your parents’ parenting style and want to break out of that pattern? If so, this article is for you!

What is a parenting philosophy?

A parenting philosophy is like a company mission statement for parenting. This philosophy should capture what is important to you as a parent and what is important to you as a family. The philosophy should be about one to two sentences in length and be universally applicable to choices that will befall you as parents. It is important to not make your philosophy overly complex or too narrow in scope. Avoiding these two limitations will allow for a broader application of your philosophy. A few examples of parenting philosophies from healthyplace.com are:

• Kids aren’t miniature adults and are still learning. My expectations of them will be age-appropriate.

• My kids’ health, mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of my words and actions.

• It’s important that my kids become motivated, resilient and compassionate adults. My decisions will support this.

Why is it important?

A parental philosophy is important because it guides decisions that you make for your children or consequences that you may have to enforce. We all were parented; therefore, our default is to fall back on the memories and skills used on us. With your newly established family, it may be important to you to break away or grow from some of those experiences from your childhood. There will be plenty of crossroads, twists and turns in the journey of parenthood. However, parenting

necessitates consistency. Alignment with your parental philosophy with every decision will allow for this mandatory consistency. For example, when to get your child a cell phone or if your child lies to you, your response to these scenarios should fall in line with your created philosophy. Additionally, creating a parental philosophy will decrease arguments between you as parents. If you and your spouse have agreed on a parental philosophy, it’s no longer differing opinions when the scenario presents itself. In this example, your spousal discussion can center on whether or not your given response aligns with your mutually created parental philosophy.

How do I get started?

If there are two parents in the home, the first step is to sit down and write down virtues that both of you want to instill in your children. This is vitally important so that both parents are united and knowledgeable about the values they want for their children. If you are a single parent or co-parenting, you would make the same list. Next, think about how you want to react to your children when parenting them through the positive and negative events. This can be described with a few buzz words to start. This doesn’t have to be an all-inclusive list. Just go with the first thing that comes to your mind. Once you have the virtues then you would expand to the action verbs of how you plan to implement these virtues. Lastly, add your adjectives and adverbs that make your philosophy a polished, finished product. Proofread your philosophy and ensure all adult parties are satisfied and voilá!

When do I use it?

The answer to this question is DAILY. Parents find that the philosophy may not work in every scenario, but it can get you closer to a decisive position that aligns with your family’s values. Every day your child is changing and growing and therefore the way that you interact may change also. However, when you refer

by Dr. Britney Farmer

back to your Parental Philosophy, your times of discipline and times of support will be grounded in the tenants that you have already agreed upon. If you desire additional resources, the Healthy Place website has a great article called Develop Your Parenting Philosophy: Strategies That Make you Great. vp

Dr. Britney Farmer is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist originally from California currently living in Columbus, Georgia. Practicing for St. Francis Hospital Partners at the Bradley Center Campus. Dr. Farmer has a passion for children with mental health disorders, learning disabilities and autism.

JEFFREY M. SERFF, DMD

19 NO. 3

FEATURES

The American Flag

50 Stars • 13 Stripes • 20 Fun Facts

Baby Shower Gift Guide

Shop local!

Baby Meets Dog

Preparing for the new arrival in the house

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Explore giant topiaries at Columbus Botanical Garden

School Board

Recognition in local education

Book Nook

Great children’s books to read for all ages

The mural “Girl with Books” by Jeremy McCrary is part of an initiative between MidTown, Inc., CSU’s Art Department and the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley’s Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund to enhance an under-utilized stretch of 13th Street. photo by Ritchie White Photography

DEPARTMENTS

Dr. Britney Farmer Party Guide

VP Fun Page

Family Fun Calendar

VP Pickup Locations

Valley Smiles

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Read Valley Parent everywhere on your mobile devices.

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Olivia Vander, 10 Tim & Wendy Vander Fortson

Fascinating Facts About THE AMERICAN FLAG

The American flag is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. It is proudly displayed throughout our towns and neighborhoods, especially during the summer months. Everyone knows (or should know) that there are 50 stars and 13 stripes on the flag. The stars represent the 50 states, and the stripes represent the 13 original colonies. But did your family know these other interesting facts about this iconic emblem of our country?

Check out these 20 fun and fascinating facts about the American flag.

1

The colors of the flag mean something. Red represents valor, white means liberty and purity and blue stands for justice and loyalty.

2

The U.S. Flag Code is a federal law with guidelines about how the American flag should be used, displayed, folded and retired or disposed of in a dignified manner.

3

Never let the flag touch the ground, floor or anything that may be beneath it like tables, chairs or bushes.

4

Flags are only meant to be displayed from sunrise to sunset.

5

The American flag can be flown at night only if it is properly illuminated.

6

It’s a myth that if a flag does touch the ground that it needs to be destroyed. As long as it’s in suitable condition, the flag can still be displayed.

7

It’s against the Flag Code to hang a tattered flag. Owners can sew, mend or wash their flags to repair them.

8

Flags that can’t be mended or repaired should be retired. You can drop them off at a local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) office for disposal with dignity.

9

If you hang the flag vertically, the blue square must be in the top left as seen by the viewer.

10

Speaking of the blue square, it is called either the canton or the Union.

11

The current version of the flag was designed for a class history project by a high school student in Ohio.

12

Flag Day, which honors the American flag and its traditions, was officially set as June 14 by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.

13 Pennsylvania is the only state that celebrates Flag Day as a state holiday.

14

Someone who studies flags is called a vexillologist? Say that five times fast!

15

In the beginning, the U.S. added both a star and stripe when new states joined the Union. However, lawmakers quickly realized the flag would become too crowded. In 1818, they decided to leave the stripes at 13 and honor each new state with a star.

16

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner in 1814 after seeing the American flag flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. It officially became our national anthem in 1931.

17

There are six American flags on the moon, placed there by Apollo astronauts.

18

The first person to sew the flag was Betsy Ross in Philadelphia in 1776. She was George Washington’s seamstress.

19

There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. The current version, which added the last star for the state of Hawaii, was adopted in 1960. It is the only version to last more than 50 years.

20

There are a variety of nicknames for the flag. These include Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Star Spangled Banner and the Red, White and Blue.

So the next time you see an American flag, think about all it represents and these 20 fun and fascinating facts. May these facts encourage your appreciation of the Red, White and Blue even more. vp

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NOTHING SWEETER THAN A BABY SHOWER AT GOLDEN DONUT

Whether it’s glazed, chocolate-covered, cream-filled or with sprinkles on top, life is better with doughnuts. That’s especially true in Columbus, which is home to the locally owned and family operated Golden Donut.

While Golden Donut might be the first thing that comes to mind when locals crave a sugar rush, it also offers something that’s not necessarily on everybody’s menu.

Golden Donut and baby showers goes together like coffee and crullers.

“Our location on Wynnton Road has a couple of spacious rooms available,” said operating partner Colt Miley.

The seating capacity for the location ranges from 10 to 25 people.

“We do charge a small reservation fee of

$75,” Miley explained. “This gets you the room, a staff party coordinator, two dozen glazed, four colors of sprinkles and four colors of icings. You can also get additional sprinkle and icing colors for an additional fee.”

Beyond the sweet treats, it’s the Golden Donut staff that promises to make the baby shower, or any celebration, special.

Operated by partners Colt and Erin Miley, Golden Donut is a long-standing tradition in Columbus, now with two locations.

“Baby showers are new to Golden Donut,” Miley said. “Although our stores have been used for birthday parties for quite some time.”

The goal is to offer a fun location for those working on a budget. There is just a small rental fee that includes all you’ll need for a memorable baby shower.

“We do ask that no outside drinks be brought in,” Miley said. “We do allow simple food options to be brought in like pizza, chips, etc.”

“Our team members are amazing all around,” Miley said. “We pride ourselves in providing quality products and fantastic customer service. From normal transactions to celebrating birthday parties, our team members work hard to provide a great experience to everyone that we have the opportunity to serve.”

And if you’re looking for something unique before the baby shower, consider Golden Donuts for the gender reveal.

“We have only hosted one gender reveal party,” Miley said, “but we do get special requests for doughnuts that have pink or blue icings inside or on top.” ADV

How to Prepare Your Dog for Bringing H ome Your Baby

by Pam Moore

Sleep when the baby sleeps. Take a shower every day, no matter what. Have date night at least twice a month. Expectant parents receive lots of advice on how to prepare themselves for life with a baby. But what about preparing the family dog? Just like new parents, dogs need lots of support when welcoming a baby to the household.

Before Baby Arrives

Experts agree, making sure your dog is well-behaved before your baby arrives is key. According to Daryl Young, a

world-renowned dog trainer with over 40 years of experience, “Training your dog establishes a way to communicate what you like and do not like to your dog. A dog that understands certain behaviors such as jumping, nipping and pulling on a leash are not permitted will be much easier to control when making the introduction to baby.”

Heather Corum, lead obedience instructor for Canine Company, advises parents to begin obedience training or take a refresher course as soon as they find out they’re pregnant.

Caleb Backe, pet health and wellness expert, says one of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring the bad behavior their dog is already displaying and expecting it to subside once the baby arrives. In reality, your dog is likely to have difficulty adjusting to the new family dynamic, which will only exacerbate the issues. And once the baby arrives, you won’t have time to train your dog.

Even the most well-behaved dog will need help acclimating to a new routine (or lack thereof) when your baby comes home. According to experts, there are plenty of ways to prep in advance. Young recommends taking your dog on walks or feeding him at different times than usual. New York City veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman recommends giving your dog less attention as your due date draws near. “Getting used to not constantly being the center of attention will enable your dog to cope better once the baby arrives and takes up much of your time and energy.” It’s especially important to establish new routines well in advance, in order to minimize the likelihood of your dog associating his schedule disruption with the baby.

“Even the most well-behaved dog can become alarmed by a newborn’s strange noises and flailing arms and legs and react suddenly, putting baby in danger.”

-HEATHER CORUM

Experts also recommend getting your dog used to baby dolls

MANNERS

MATTER

and baby items in advance. Exposing him to dolls, strollers, onesies, blankets and even baby sounds (with the help of an app) will not only help your dog get accustomed to the baby, but it will also create an opportunity to troubleshoot any issues (i.e. your dog nipping at the doll). Once the baby is born, Dr. Lippman encourages parents to bring home something the baby has worn before bringing the baby home. “Let the dog sniff it from a distance, and then allow them to get closer and closer.”

Parents should also practice creating rules and boundaries in the nursery while it’s still unoccupied. Young advises parents to make certain things clear using a doll. “No jumping on crib. No pulling blankets or sheets that may hang down from the crib. Do not enter baby’s room unless invited by parents. Once the baby is home go through the same routines you practiced with the doll.”

Once You Bring Baby Home

It’s never a good idea to leave your baby and your dog alone without parental supervision. No matter how well you know your dog, you can never assume he’ll react as you expect in any given situation. Says Young, “babies look feel and may smell like a

dog toy. Dogs can easily and unintentionally injure or even kill a baby.” Corum cautions that “even the most well-behaved dog can become alarmed by a newborn’s strange noises and flailing arms and legs and react suddenly, putting baby in danger.” She advises parents to always stay between the dog and the baby and to keep the baby elevated in case of sudden moves.

Even the most loving dog will feel miffed by the new baby’s arrival. To minimize jealousy, professionals encourage parents to give dogs as much focused attention as possible. Corum advises new parents to continue to praise their dog and maintain their functional obedience. Dr. Lippman says parents should make an effort to engage with their pup while the baby is in the room. “You don’t want your dog to think that good things happen for them only when the baby is out of sight or asleep.”

While you can give your dog snuggles, treats and positive reinforcement without taking too much time out of your hectic day, Backe says not to skimp on giving your dog adequate exercise. He suggests hiring a dog walker a few times a week if getting out with your dog isn’t realistic.

As eager as you may be for your newborn to snuggle up with

your four-legged baby, you should never force a relationship. Backe reminds parents that it’s natural for dogs to be wary of a new baby initially. He says to be patient and remember they’ll have plenty of years to become buddies. Dr. Lippman advises parents to take it slow when introducing your dog and your baby. “Allow your dog to sniff the baby from a distance, then gradually work up to closer contact.”

To teach your dog how to be safe with the baby and to encourage bonding, Corum has specific guidelines: “Praise him when he sniffs or gently nuzzles the baby. Say “no” firmly if he gets too excited, then immediately give praise when he calms down to help him understand what type of behavior is appropriate around this tiny new friend.”

Dogs know when you’re pregnant (or scared, sad or about to take them to the vet). But your dog’s unique ability to tune into human emotions doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll become a baby whisperer once Junior arrives. Your dog will need plenty of help managing the transition. But with pro tips up your sleeve, love in your heart and treats in your pocket, you’re just the one to help him. vp

The Perfect P A R T Y G U I D

E

TAKE A WALK ON THE

WILD SIDE

Tby Jodi Saunders

his summer be prepared for a big adventure of the wild, wonderful and giant kind at Columbus Botanical Garden. Created from moss, flowers and foliage 12 larger than life animal topiaries can be found amongst the various gardens. The exhibit runs from June through October with the opening reception being held on June 13th from 5-7 pm.

Families can get their wild side on and head over the gardens for a great day out. Creation stations will be set up at various parts of the Garden, where guests of all ages can come and create their own art out of our nature. Check out columbusbotanicalgarden.org/artofnature for more information. vp

SCHOOL BOARD

HCHS has 20 students who will be signing a letter of commitment to pursue a degree in education and, in turn, committing to improve the quality of education for students in Georgia. This endeavor is supported by the Georgia State School Superintendent’s Office, the Georgia Department of Education’s Division of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), Georgia Early Childhood Education Foundation (GECEF), and Georgia’s colleges and universities. Front row: Sarah Nelson, Sophia Bledsoe, Katelyn Goodroe, Ny’Asia Gates, Ashley Fields; Middle row: Laura Bowens, Delaney Ferrone, Carley Carroll, Avery Haberkorn, Anna Barfield; Back row: Gretchen Stephenson, Symone Davis, Aaron Colley, Gabrielle Guillaume

Harris County School District (HCSD) proudly announces a significant milestone as Mulberry Creek Elementary in Cataula has been officially certified as a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) school by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). After years of dedicated planning, strategizing and hard work, this achievement solidifies Mulberry Creek Elementary’s commitment to providing an integrated curriculum driven by exploratory project-based learning and student-centered development of ideas and solutions.

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation named Christie Akers the 2024 Muscogee County School District Teacher of the Year at it’s annual gala. Christie teaches English, AP Seminar and Mythology at Northside High. The announcement was made in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 1,100 teachers and community leaders on May 9th at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

Jim Buntin Award winner, Warren Steele

Tasha Norman, 2023TOTY

Parent Valley FUN PAGE

Why didn’t the poodle want to go to the beach?

He didn’t want to be a hot dog

What do you call a beach that keeps losing sand? A shore loser

Who cleans the oceans? The mermaids

Patriotic

Valley Parent BOOK NOOK

by Khristina Gallagher

Books are an invaluable way to connect with our children and help them understand the world around them. Whether reading your favorite ABC’s book to your little one or hearing your growing tween tell you about the latest chapter book they are enjoying, books consistently play a valuable role in the parenting experience. As a parent of a soon to be 12 year old, here are some of my favorite books throughout time:

BABIES & TODDLERS

The

Going to Bed Book

BY SANDRA BOYNTON

This book follows animals as they get ready for bed, so it might inspire your little one to get some shut-eye, too. My son quickly memorized the words to this modern classic and took joy in reading along.

TODDLERS

The Story of Ferdinand

BY MUNRO LEAF

A lovely tale of a bull, Ferdinand, who prefers the simple pleasures in life, smelling the flowers and enjoying the shade, rather than participate in what is expected of a bull, butting of heads and stomping of feet. This was my mild mannered husband’s favorite to read to our aging toddler, debunking typical masculine tropes.

PRESCHOOLERS

Strega Nona

BY TOMIE DE PAOLA

Big Anthony is left alone with Strega Nona’s magic pasta pot. His desire to show off lands him in hot water with the townspeople. Strega Nona to the rescue. This funny story always made us laugh out loud as a family.

EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Magician’s Hat

BY MALCOLM MITCHELL

This is not your typical afternoon at the library—a magician invites kids to reach into his hat to pull out whatever they find when they dig down deep. As big library and UGA fans, my family loved this story by former football star Malcolm Mitchell.

OLDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The One and Only Ivan BY KATHERINE APPLEGATE

Ivan, a gorilla, has grown up mostly in captivity and discovers how to express himself through art. When Ruby, a baby elephant, comes to live with them she brings her memories and her point of view and has Ivan seeing his art and his home through new eyes. A sweet tale of self discovery as a child learns to read chapter books.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The

Crossover BY KWAME ALEXANDER

Josh and his twin brother Jordan need to work through growing up on and off the basketball court and understand that breaking the rules can come at a cost. This one’s on our TBR (to be read) list as it’s told entirely through verse. vp

Khristina Gallagher is the owner of Columbus Bound Bookshop—an independent bookshop opening in Fall 2024 in the Columbus area carrying new books for all ages. You can support the store early on by ordering these books and more online at Bookshop.org/shop/columbusboundbookshop.

Calendar

JUNE

3-Aug. 2

Columbus Museum Day Camps

Info: ColumbusMuseum.com

6

DIY Bird Feeders at the Columbus Public Library

Info: Cvl.libnet.info/event/10524974

4-25

Alabama Cooperative Extension System “My Plate for My Family” Cooking Class

Call: 334-298-6845

15-19

Just Breathe for Kids Summer Camp

Info: JustBreatheForKids.com

17-28

Kids Week at Cascade Hills Info: CascadeHills.com/Kids-Week

Academy Dance Center

Acute Care Express

All About Kids Learning Center

Devica Alappan, MD

Angel Academy

Aranas & Stitt, OBGYN

Bareware Pottery

Basilio Pediatrics

Behavioral Health Partners

Bluebelle Artist Market

The Blushing Brunette Boutique

Carver Heights Presbyterian

Child Development Ctr.

Central Pharmacy

Central Christian Church

Central OBGYN

Chambers OBGYN

Ritu Chandra, MD

6

Rock Painting at the Columbus Public Library

Info: Cvl.libnet.info/event/10524974

24-28

Animal Antics

Oxbow Meadows Summer Camp

Info: Oxbow.ColumbusState.edu

JULY

4

Fourth of July Party at the Phenix City Amphitheater

Info: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

4-6

Callaway Gardens Star Spangled Beach Party

Info: CallawayGardens.com

OutSchool’s for Summer!

19-28

Springer Opera House presents Finding Nemo Jr. Info: SpringerOperaHouse.org

19

Tangled (PG) at the Columbus Public Library

Info: cvl.libnet.info/event/10525036

24

Musical Adventures at North Columbus Public Library

Info: cvl.libnet.info/event/10525036

29-Aug.

International Friendship Ministries Soccer Camp

Info: ifmga.org

Childcare Network (Hamilton Rd)

Clement Arts

Columbus Children’s Dentistry

Columbus Clinic

Columbus Museum

Columbus Pediatrics

Columbus Public Library

Columbus Regional Midtown

Columbus Roberts Center

CSU Elizabeth Bradley Turner Ctr.

Dinglewood Pharmacy

Divine Childcare Learning Ctr.

Columbus Specialty Hospital

James Dorchak, MD

Easter Seals

Miranda Y. Edwards, MD

Fairview Baptist Preschool

The Family Center

Family Physicians of Columbus

First Baptist Church Child Dev./PC

Foot & Ankle of West Ga.

Fort Moore Housing Services

Fountain City Coffee

Generations Knowledge & Care Ctr.

Great Beginnings Child Care

Greystone Falls

Greystone of Columbus Park

Greystone Inverness

Growing Room

Growing Room Too

Hollywood Connection

Imagination Station

Imagination Station Too

International Friendship Ministries

Joyful Journeys Childcare

Just for Kids

Kool Smiles

Mark Lawrence, DDS

Little Angels Child Development Ctr.

Little Paws Preschool

Thomas Malone, MD

Mathnasium

Mickayla’s Place

Midtown OBGYN

Mildred L. Terry Library

My Gym

Necco Foster Care

North Columbus Library

Northside Recreation Center

OBGYN Associates

Lirio E. Palmos, MD

Panvelkar & Panvelkar, MD

Pastoral Institute

Pediatrics at Brookstone Ctr.

Phenix City-Russell County Library

Pierce Chapel Methodist Preschool

Polka-Dots Early Childhood Development. Ctr. Preppy Pets

Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Ctr.

Rivertown Pediatrics

Russell County DHR

Second Avenue Animal Hospital

Jeffrey Serff, DMD

Smile Doctors

Smith Station Baptist Church

Smith Station Pharmacy

St. John AME Church

St. Luke Early Learning Ctr.

St. Mark UMC Child Dev. Ctr.

Lisa Alexander Strickland, DMD

Summerville Baptist Church

Sylvan Learning Center

Nora Tan-Ngo, MD

Toni’s Dancing Studio

TSYS Childcare Center

Uptown Pediatrics

Richard A. Valentine, MD

Wynnton Methodist Preschool

ZÖe Pediatrics

Valley Smiles

Send your photos and captions to ContactUs@ValleyParent.com.

Ace Myers and his mom, Cassie, enjoyed the festivities at the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries Children’s Book Festival.

Margaret Norman and Olivia Massey are all set to play on their soccer team, The Pink Panthers.

Anna Krieg and Olivia Massey both age 6 had fun celebrating at a birthday party.

Christopher Riddle and his daughter Clara enjoy reading together

Sow It Grows

I’m a very good rough carpenter, and I’m decent with sanding, caulking, painting and the other stalwart components of fine finishing, but when it comes to metal machinery— small engines with even smaller carburetors harboring tiny springs and float valves— I’m lousy. My fine motor skills are so not-fine as to be characterized as “blundering.”

There are people who pride themselves on keeping gas-powered tools running. They are fine people who garner my awe and respect, and I will never stand among them.

I’m the guy who pulls the lawnmower cord so many times that he’s already gotten in his cardio by the time the consarned thing fires up, assuming it does. I’m the guy who puts off weed-wacking the perimeters of the yard because the string trimmer is dead, its corpse still in the shed. And don’t get me started on gas generators.

So I would buy power tools based on reviews that talked about their unfailing ability to run or their easy-start engines. But they have all let me down and led me down YouTube rabbit-holes of “Five-Minute Carb Repair” videos. In my case those turn out to be not how long the repair takes, but how long it lasts.

The lone exception was my trusty Husky chainsaw, which never failed to fire up with less than three pulls and never complained about the buildup of oily wood chips that would get crammed in its casing. Husqvarna did not pay me for this endorsement, as will become clear momentarily. It was still running strong last year, when I abandoned even it for a new, kind and benevolent ruler: the electric power tool.

All Hail Our Electric Overlords!

For us it started with an electric mower, bought for a song on Amazon Prime Day. The new mower was particularly empowering for my wife, Jenn, who could lift this one and merrily push it between rows at the farm.

Indeed, this new baby could fold up into something you could carry with one hand. But what got me is, its battery had enough capacity to mow the fruit meadow at our farm on a single charge. And it popped out so I could charge it in the house while the rest of the mower was stowed in the shed, staring down that specter of the string trimmer.

Speaking of string trimmers, that’s what we added next, choosing the same brand and voltage so that we’d get an extra battery that could be used in either tool. The trimmer has a universal head, so I can pop on my existing hedge clipper and pole saw attachments. Then we added a leaf vacuum and blower. Then a small pressure washer. And, finally, a chainsaw. That’s the thing I most suspected an electric version would struggle to replace, but the new saw is a hoss, with one battery easily cutting up as much wood as I care to buck up in a single go.

The advantages to these electric tools? There’s no gas engine to maintain. So there’s no keeping fuel treated with a stabilizer and no gas can to worry about

filling up, stinking up a shed, or toppling over in a trunk. The tools are relatively inexpensive, so unlike with an electric car, you’re not paying a premium. And they’re quiet. A battery chainsaw is half as loud as its gas counterpart. I can mow, edge, or cut wood without earplugs now, which keeps peace with our farm neighbors.

Battery Basics

Honestly, there aren’t a ton of disadvantages. Extra batteries can be spendy, but if you buy new tools with compatible batteries, you’ll build a supply. The other obvious problem is that you’ve undoubtedly already got a bunch of gas-powered equipment you’d have to sell, donate or toss. My advice is to make the move piece by piece as those things need replacement. As you do so, have a plan and keep these three things in mind:

• Stick with one brand.

Until there’s a universal battery for tools, you can’t swap batteries between any readily available brands. It makes sense to make a list of the battery tools you’ll want, longterm, then make sure the manufacturer you like has them all (and that they’re all decent products. Spend some rainy-day time looking at reviews).

• Pick the right voltage.

Electric tools have a voltage rating, which tells you how

much power they can draw at one time. The higher the rating, the more powerful the tool (and more expensive). Garden stuff is typically 40, 60 or 80 volts, but different voltage batteries aren’t cross-compatible even among the same brand of tool. (So a 60-volt mower can’t run on a 40- or 80-volt battery, etc.) All of our tools are 40-volt, which seems to be enough for us. But if I were starting over, I might have gone with 60-volt to let us add a more powerful device, like a tiller. Consult your list of tools for the one likely to need the most oomph and choose your voltage accordingly.

• Pick the right amperage.

Finally, you’ll notice that batteries are rated for their capacity, or “amp hours,” with ratings like 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah. Unlike voltage, that number is not relevant to whether it will work in your tool. Rather, it’s how much juice it can store, which is, how long it will run before needing to charge. Generally, bigger is better, but more capacity means a higher price and a heavier battery.

There are lots of environmental reasons to go electric, too, including less noise pollution and no carbon dioxide emissions from the devices. But for most, the big sell is ease. Press a button and you’re up and running, letting you spend your energy doing the yard work instead of starting the mower. C

writer Brad Barnes was a journalist for 17 years and a marketing expert for 9 years before he and his wife, Jenn, started Dew Point Farm in MidTown Columbus in 2019. You can email him at info@dewpoint.farm, and he’ll get back to you after he’s washed his hands.

Freelance

BY PAT DANIEL

Stemware: Does It Matter? CRUSH

Does the glass you are drinking out of actually matter? The short answer is “yes” the glassware you use can impact the flavor, aroma, texture, serving size, temperature and overall drinking experience. Today we explore why it matters, and what kind of stemware you need for your wine.

“What’s the big deal if I want to drink my wine out of a coffee mug?”…nothing at all you are looking for are the “therapeutic” attributes that wine has. However, if you want to unlock everything that your wine has to offer, then it matters very much what glass you are using. The main use for the glass is to release the aromas that are in the wine. Enjoying wine starts with aromas. Think about the smell of fresh baked bread or bacon frying in a pan and how inviting those aromas are to the senses. The aromas in wine are the same; they invite you into the experience you are about to have.

You may still find yourself asking but why does the glass matter? It matters because of aroma collectors. The aroma collector (which is determined by the size of the glass) is the space between the surface of the wine to the lip of the glass. Depending on the style of wine you are drinking you may want a smaller or larger glass. Typically, white wine glasses have a smaller bowl to maintain the temperature, whereas red wine glasses have larger bowls to really allow the wine to open up and showcase the aromas. Now that we know the basic function of the glass, let’s talk about the specific differences in shapes of wine glasses and how they should be used.

Red Wine

Red wine glasses have wider, rounder bowls. The bowl of a red wine glass is large to increase the rate of oxidation of the wine. Oxidation allows all of the flavors and aromas to be developed, and provide an overall better drinking experience. There are three types of red wine glasses you will most often encounter: bordeaux, standard and burgundy. The bordeaux glass is a tall broad bowled glass designed for bold, full-bodied red wines like red blends, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. The “standard” red wine glass is a little narrower than the bordeaux glass. This glass is best suited for medium to full-bodied red wines, especially those with some spice. This glass is best suited for zinfandel, malbec and petite sirah. The last red wine glass you will most likely encounter is the burgundy. These glasses have a broader bowl than the bordeaux glass; this shape makes them perfect for lighter, more delicate red wine like pinot noir. The wider bowl allows for the more delicate aromas and flavors of the wine to come to the forefront.

Other tools you can utilize to enhance your experience are an aerator and/or a decanter. These two tools allow you to open up the wine a bit faster than just opening the bottle to let the wine breathe. The aerator is the faster of the two because it agitates the wine and allows faster oxidation in the wine. The aerator is a wonderful way to get more from the bottle, but if you want everything a red wine has to offer then consider using a decanter. A decanter is an

aerator, but all grown up. It does everything an aerator does but allows for more oxidation and aeration due to the wide surface area of the container. Most red wines benefit from aeration. Very young wines, younger than 10 years, need this to release carbon dioxide and allow the full flavor to develop faster. Very old wines need to be decanted to separate the wine from the sediment that develops over time in the bottle. Young, very light red wines like cabernet franc, do not need to be decanted because they will lose flavor. Now, these tools work wonderfully for red wines, but in general they should not be used for white wines

White Wine

White wine, just like red wine, benefits from the glass you pour it into.These glasses are typically smaller or more compact than red wine glasses so the wine stays chilled while drinking. For example a white burgundy or chardonnay glass which is a wider shallower

glass than its red wine counterpart, allows a Chardonnay to be served slightly oxidized, and this glass allows for this oxidation while also keeping the wine at its optimal drinking temperature. Lighter, crisper wines such as riesling, sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio (gris) benefit from less oxidation so a glass with a smaller bowl and mouth are optimal for these wines.

Sparkling Wines

The first thing most people think about when they think of a sparkling wine glass is the Champagne flute. This is a tall, longstemmed glass with a very narrow bowl. This glass design allows for the retention of all of those delicious bubbles, while also preserving the floral aromas and more acidic nature of these wines. If you wish to mellow out some of the acidity and carbonation that are found in these wines, you might consider a Champagne Coupe. This glass is shorter than a flute and has a wider mouth that allows the wine’s aromas to open instead of being muted in the traditional Champagne flute.

Dessert Wines

Dessert wine glasses tend to be smaller because dessert wines usually have higher alcohol content and are very sweet. The narrow mouth reduces evaporation and concentrates aromas. The smaller, narrower bowl is designed to channel the contents slowly down towards the back of the mouth to taste the right amount of flavor. Both port and sherry glasses fall into this category. While a port glass looks more like a miniature bordeaux glass, the sherry glass often has a tulip-shaped profile. Both of these glasses are also perfect for Madeira.

The “Universal” Wine Glass

This glass may be the one of the handiest inventions to benefit the wine world. This glass is suited for drinking wine of any kind. Will this glass give you the top of the line experience, no, but it will provide everything you need to have a nice glass of wine. If you are a casual wine fan, this is the perfect glass for you.

Whether you are drinking wine for “therapeutic” reasons or you are looking to get everything you can out of the flavors in the bottle, you now have all the information you need. Now, go buy a bottle and drink smartly. C

Legacy Reserve at Old Town

“Come home to luxury living.”

As Columbus’ newest retirement community, Legacy Reserve at Old Town promises its residents an experience unlike any other.

“We offer all-inclusive rates for our residents that need care services,” said Raven Allred, Sales and Marketing Director for Legacy Reserve. “We have an indoor heated therapeutic pool and a large theater, three restaurant options with a fully stocked bar. Welcome home to luxury living.”

Legacy Reserve is a luxury senior living community that offers three types of lifestyle options for its residents:

Independent living – This option is designed for active seniors with programs for residents engaged with their community. Residents will enjoy recreational programming, picturesque walking trails, fun get-togethers and more. In addition, Legacy offers a range of floor plans with the studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom options, all with unique amenities.

Assisted living – This option aims to take care of the resident and their wellbeing with all the assisted living services that may be required. Within its upscale and inviting community, residents can choose from plentiful activities. The Legacy staff looks past the physical limitations and encourages residents to pursue what matters in life. Services include bathing, dressing and grooming, 24/7 medical assistance, medication administration, an emergency response pendant, transfer assistance and around-the-clock staff assistance.

Memory Care – This option offers superb care emphasizing comfort, respect and dignity all enhanced by Legacy’s Spirit programming. Families will have the confidence and reassurance that their loved ones are receiving tailored attention. Plentiful activities and events for family involvement. Residents will have three chef-inspired meals daily as well as brain fitness and memory enhancement programs.

Legacy Reserve is the perfect destination for someone that wants to be fully independent and enjoy an active and engaged lifestyle without having to care for a home.

“Let us cook for you, clean for you, keep the lawn, take out the trash,” Allred said. “For someone that is looking for a memory care community that is going to offer excellent care and service in a beautiful setting with truly compassionate and hard-working caregivers, we are a perfect fit. Then we can also help everyone in between.”

Legacy also offers a walking club in Old Town that is fully walkable, as well as water aerobics classes, top-notch get togethers, parties, cookouts, etc. “We have water aerobics / aquatic classes three times a week,” Allred said. “Those are always a blast.”

Legacy also offers in-house physical therapy, allows in-house sitters and home health aides as well as 24/7 concierge services available at the front desk.

Legacy Reserve at Old Town believes in harnessing the power of technology to enhance the lives of our residents. With this goal, they have Introduced “Smart Apartments,” which seamlessly integrated with Alexa, to bring a new level of convenience, safety and joy to their senior living environment.

Residents can utilize Alexa to effortlessly access information and communicate, fostering greater independence and social engagement. This type of hands-free technology will enhance resident’s golden years with technology that streamlines their daily life, from calling family members to receiving reminders, listening to your favorite music, announcements, communicating with our associates and more.

8601

atlasseniorliving.com/ legacy-reserve-old-town/

Voice-Activated Assistance provides:

A friendly voice to provide information, set reminders and answer questions.

Smart Apartment Controls that easily manage lights and prevent falls.

Medication reminders where Alexa ensures medication adherence with timely reminders.

Legacy offers what’s known as “Freedom Dining.” The Freedom Dining program means that all residents can choose what they want, when they want to eat and where they want to eat. The culinary programming is developed based on the interests of residents. The kitchen staff and chefs take great care to select fresh, seasonal ingredients and prepare healthy, delicious and fulfilling meals.

On-site dining options include:

McCullers Restaurant where residents may experience fine dining with a four-course meal and table service nightly. Whitewater Bistro serves a continental breakfast daily.

Residents can choose to order hot breakfast items from the Bistro menu at any time. Lunch is also served daily.

Bernard’s Sports Bar is available for those residents who are interested in an appetizer and cocktails before dinner or are more in the mood for a burger and wings.

No matter what residents need, Legacy has it. “We will hold their hand,” Allred said, “and guide them every step of the way in making the transition into our community.” ADV.

6896 River Rd, 706-383-0590

thrivesl.com/greenisland

Thrive at Green Island

“Celebrating a new chapter.”

Thrive at Green Island provides what Kerry Jo Wigley, Senior Advocate and Senior Living Advisor, describes as a radical approach to senior living. “We watch caterpillars become butterflies here at Thrive at Green Island with opportunities and adventures they otherwise would not have,” she continued. “We believe that if we have breath in our lungs, we have purpose.”

The overarching mission at Thrive is helping older adults find or recreate purpose. Wigley considers it a blessing to empower senior adults and families along their aging journey, always appreciating that the transition can be hard for families.

“We have built a community where older adults can come build worthwhile, meaningful relationships with our team and new friends,” she said. “We provide Dream Weaver opportunities, where older adults can have their wishes come true from hot air

balloon rides to boxing adventures and photoshoots, you name it.”

Understanding that the transition for residents coming into a new community can be scary, team members aim to build “longlasting” and “intentional” relationships with those in their care. “It is critical that our entire team here at Thrive know all about a resident prior to their arrival so that we can ensure a seamless, warm, happy and welcoming arrival. We believe in celebrating this new chapter with them.”

A new resident’s arrival includes entering the community to a Red Carpet Celebration.

“We literally roll the red carpet out, surround the room with team members cheering them on, bubbles and a ton of love,” Wigley said. “We believe that our older adults are heroes, and they feel extremely special.”

“We work as a team to walk beside both the resident and their family through the entire journey.”

You won’t hear Wigley use the term “staff.” Rather, those who work to better the lives of Thrive residents are team members.

“We believe words paint pictures and words are a powerful force,” she said. “The heartbeat of Thrive at Green Island are the people inside that serve and the older adults who live and play here with us. We are a family. We never underestimate the gift that we have all been given to work and serve in this industry.”

“I truly believe it is a calling and so much more than a career for each of us.” ADV.

COLUMBUS COLUMBUS

Miracle Riders 2024 Journey

Abig crowd gathered on Broadway in Uptown on May 24 to greet the Miracle Riders as they returned home from this year’s adventurous ride through sixteen states. A mix of family, friends and community supporters were waiting with palliative excitement to hear the familiar roar of the engines that signal that the boys are back in town. Parking their bikes to the sound of cheers and whoops, there’s tears, hugs and slaps on the back and handshakes. Another memorable journey is in the books, donations have been tallied. Gathering on stage they regaled stories from their journey through sixteen Columbus towns and cities. Finally landing back at the Columbus they call their own.

16 States & $191,900

Columbus, GA

Columbus, MS

Columbus, KY

Columbus, AR

Columbus, TX

Columbus, NE

Columbus, MT

Columbus, ND

Columbus, NB

Columbus, KS

Columbus, WI

Columbus, IA

Columbus, PA

Columbus, NC

Columbus, NJ

Columbus, IL

THEIR JOURNEY

Columbus North Dakota

Fun fact: Named after an early postmaster, not Christopher Columbus

Land Area: .27 sq mi

Population: 139 (2020 Census)

Median Age: 54

Average Income: $56,875

State Flower: Prairie Rose

State Bird: Western Meadowlark

State’s Top Crop: Soybeans

Columbus New Mexico

Historical scene of the 1916 attack of General “Pancho” Villa

Land Area: 4.67 sq mi

Population: 1442 (2020 US Census)

Median Age: 31

Average Income: $14,847

State Flower: Yucca Flower

State Bird: Greater Roadrunner

State’s Top Crop: Corn, Wheat, Pecans

THEIR STORIES

Scott Ressmeyer

We had just left from Dripping Springs, Texas after a great lunch with my friend, Kimberly. The hill country of Texas is as beautiful as you can imagine, and Kimberly suggested we take the back roads back to the main highway. She assured us that the roads were in great shape with a few small stream crossings which would most likely not have any water running over them. The first two were as dry as the Texas desert but when we round the corner and descend the hill that all changed. With apprehension, I stopped and watched the car in front of me navigate through it. From my view point, it didn’t really look so bad. That’s the thing about being the first bike—you always get to go first no matter what might be in front of you, look back over your shoulder and smile at the guys behind you and say, “let’s go!”

Thirty seconds later, me and the bike are laying in a foot of water with a four foot drop off on one side and a roaring river washing over me from the other side (okay, a bit of exaggeration on the roaring river), but from my perspective lying in the water that’s how it looked. Note to self: next time crossing a stream, don’t ride in the middle. Stay in the tire tracks from all the cars. In the middle is where the green moss lives and is not conducive for motorcycle riding. Yes, I had to buy the beer that night, and yes, they all told me that I looked like a salmon trying to swim upstream.

Robbie Green

While in Columbus, Texas, we were parked in the town square admiring a very nice mural. While there, one of the riders went across the street to see if he could look inside the local courthouse. Once he entered, a very nice lady introduced herself and asked where he was from and what we were doing there. She then suggested that he invite the rest of us to come in and tour the courthouse. It was beautiful! The main courtroom had a gorgeous stained-glass dome. All of the woodwork appeared to be handmade. Most of the walls were made of hand carved wood. We met all of the employees that were working that day. They showed us wonderful southern hospitality!

Another great experience was in Columbus, Indiana. The president of Columbus State met us there. She was interested in a military memorial monument that they have. The mayor had a police escort waiting for us at the edge of town! The mayor also had a buffet lunch provided for us. They also had a tour guide there to show us the monument, how it was designed and what every detail meant. The monument has the final letter from deceased soldiers that they sent to loved ones just before losing their lives fighting for our country. It was a very solemn and emotional experience. After touring the monument, we walked across the street to their local convention center. There were several community leaders there to meet us and join us for lunch. We were given the red-carpet treatment! The mayor gave a wonderful speech praising our efforts to help improve children’s lives.

Ross White

Gary McDowall

On day two, we were so far in the backwoods of Kentucky riding on a dirt road and passed by a dead raccoon. We guessed it died of old age because there probably had not been another vehicle along the road since last year! Also, on the night of day two in Hot Springs, about 1:00 in the morning, we were awakened by the weather alarms telling us to take shelter because there was a tornado in the area. Scott and I were roommates, and we woke up and looked at each other and said, well we are not on the bikes, so this is shelter, and go back to sleep. The next morning, we went less than a mile and we were in debris from the tornado that passed by while we were sleeping.

I had an unbelievably amazing adventure. I would like to say it’s a once in a lifetime experience, however, I am hoping to be able to ride again in the future. I have ridden long rides before, but nothing compares to this Getting up every day and riding 10-12 hours seems like fun, until you are about 5-7 days in, and suddenly, you’re like...what did I get myself into? It is also about this time that it hits home why you’re doing what you do. The passion that the other riders have and display is nothing short of amazing! The random people you meet along the way and the stories that you get told about how someone in their life has been affected with either a NICU or the staff at the NICU’s really gives you that extra push to continue. Two situations that stand out the most to me is we were eating lunch in West Yellowstone when a lady walks over and says, “Are you the guys riding for the NICU nursing students?” And then proceeded to make a donation. Everyone at the table was asking who had talked to her, the answer was no one. Her daughter had seen the bikes and looked up the site. She didn’t have any idea who we were, but she felt compelled to help. And we loved her for that. Second situation was, we were at a hotel somewhere (I honestly have no idea, it was hard to keep track), and a gentlemen asked what we were riding for. Of course everyone stepped in and told him the story. It was at that time that he told us about his triplets, they each spent over 100 days in the NICU. They are all over 25 now and are living their best lives. It’s just amazing that a bunch of road weary, probably smelly guys, can unite people from all over the country to help out children in one way or another.

“When STARS FELL on Alabama”

BY MARIAN CARACHE

Part I SHOOTING STARS

WWhen a former University of Alabama professor published a book titled Stars Fell on Alabama in 1934, he had no idea that lyricist Mitchell Parish would write a song inspired by the title. Parish’s words, along with composer Frank Perkin’s score, became one of America’s favorite songs, recorded by more than one hundred artists, including Guy Lombardo, the first to perform it, and Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, as well as Alabama’s own Jimmy Buffett.

The famous line refers to the dazzling Leonid meteor shower that graced Alabama in November 1833, a spectacular event that was often referred to as “the night the stars fell.” The Leonid meteor storms date back to 900 A.D., and put on a show approximately every 33 years.

The words to Parish’s song—the heavenly fairy land with its field of white—have little in common with what “stars falling on Alabama” was really like on two November nights 120 years apart.

On the evening of November 12, 1833, the

celestial fireworks created havoc across the Southeast. Stars appeared to be shooting out of the sky. In fact, more than 30,000 meteors an hour were blazing across the firmament. There were reports of loud noises, most likely sonic booms, and “fireballs.” Many Alabamians believed Judgment Day had arrived. Some began to pray, begging forgiveness for their sins, while others tried to outrun their fate as what appeared to be big stars trailing meteors behind them fell from the skies, burning up just before hitting the ground.

Fast forward to November 30, 1954.

When Ann Hodges had lay down to rest on her living room sofa, spreading a quilt over herself, her day had been ordinary. Then she experienced something completely unexpected that would change the rest of her life: a supramundane attack rudely shook her from her slumber.

An 8.5-pound meteorite came through the roof of her house, hit her console floor radio, and then landed in her side, leaving her with a wound and

a bad case of sleeplessness. A day later she was hospitalized.

Apparently, her husband who had been at work 40 miles away in Alexander City heard what he thought must have been dynamiting at some nearby mines. When he arrived back in Sylacauga after work that afternoon, someone stopped him and told him he better hurry home, that something had burst through his roof and hit his wife. He rushed home to find a swarm of people—policemen, press, curious onlookers. As it turned out, he had not heard explosions from the mines earlier; he had heard a meteor exploding, a piece of which would fall through his ceiling onto his wife, and irrevocably alter their lives.

As if space rocks falling from the sky were not enough, the Hodges soon found themselves caught up in more chaos. In addition to navigating a media circus and curious onlookers, they soon had the military flying in to claim the rock, explaining that even though it crashed through the Hodges’s roof, the Air Force had authority over anything that fell from the sky. In addition, their landlord entered the fray claiming ownership of the meteorite because it fell on her property.

Eventually, once they had examined the meteor, the Air Force returned it to the Hodges. After settling with the landlord for $500, the Hodges held onto to the rock for a couple of years, waiting for the best offer. Unfortunately, while they were waiting, interest waned, and the meteorite became a doorstop. Later, the couple donated it to the University of Alabama. The university gave the Hodges a check for $25.

Although Ann Hodges didn’t make her fortune off the rock that hit her, a neighbor

who found a second piece of the meteor made enough from selling his fragment to purchase a house and car. Hodges did, however, appear on the cover of Life magazine and on the television game show I’ve Got a Secret

Hodges admitted that she wished she had never been singled out for her short-lived fame. She went so far as to say that if her landlady, with whom she had gone to court over possession of the meteor, wanted the rock so badly, she wished it had fallen through her roof and hit her instead. Later, however, she acquiesced that God had intended for the shooting star to fall on her.

We tend to be awed by cosmic displays of any kind. They remind us of the vastness of the universe, the mysteries that science has not unveiled. Some cultures believe that meteor showers represent the end of one chapter of our journeys and the beginning of another. Often they are associated with good luck.

The years following the meteor strike were not kind to the Hodges family. According to her former husband, Ann never fully recovered from the havoc that surrounded the event. Directly or indirectly, it destroyed her mental health and their marriage. The couple divorced several years after the rock fell through their roof. Her husband blamed the prescription drugs she was put on in the hospital for her nerves after she had been hit by the space rock.

Ann Hodges died of kidney failure in a nursing home at age 52, ten years after her famous encounter with the meteorite.

Ann Hodges showing the big bruise the meteorite caused to her hip

The Hodges Meteorite is displayed at the University of Alabama’s Museum of Natural History.

Part II

HALLEY’S COMET

UUnlike meteors or “shooting stars,” which are made up of rock or iron, comets are composed of ice, cosmic dust and gases. They have long, streaming tails and are remnants of the formation of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago.

The year before the expected 1910 return of Halley’s comet, after its 75-year absence, newspaper stories predicted the impact it might have on earth. Described in the press as an “evil eye in the sky,” the anticipated comet stirred up emotions, even hysteria.

Meteorologists predicted that the comet would disrupt weather. Preachers suggested that it might be the herald for an apocalypse. Some farmers refused to plant their fields, not sure they’d be around to harvest crops. Formerly responsible consumers stopped paying bills because they saw no point if the world was coming to and end.

As hustlers do, money-grubbers turned others’ fear to their own advantage, offering such products as anti-comet umbrellas and leather gas masks. There were also pills that promised to protect against the poisonous cyanogen gas in the comet’s tail. Others confessed their sins to clear their consciences before doomsday.

As with the Sylacauga meteor shower, conjecture about the celestial event led to chaos.

Bringing the story closer to home, in what is now Beauregard, Alabama, enslaved people, apparently believing that Halley’s

comet was a sign that they would be freed, waded into a nearby creek with their arms raised to Heaven in praise. A fellow student at Auburn did her final art project years ago on celestial happenings in Alabama, including both Mrs. Hodges meteor and the excitement surrounding the appearance of Halley’s comet in Beauregard. Beautiful art is, in itself, transformative, and her images of those celestial events are etched permanently in my memory.

My paternal grandmother, born in 1909, the year the first major stories about Halley’s comet began to circulate, was named Hallie Louise. I never knew her because she died at age 19, six weeks after my father was born, but I always felt her absence—and, in an odd way, her presence.

Over the years, I’ve been asked if she was named after the famous comet. I’d like to say that she was for the purposes of this narrative, but there is an even better story concerning her name—also somewhat celestial in nature.

When my great-grandmother learned she was going to have another baby, she asked my great-aunt, a toddler at the time, to help her name the baby. My aunt had been to revival at the Methodist church shortly before and chose the name “Hallelujah” if the baby was a girl. She and my great-grandmother reached a compromise and settled on Hallie Louise.

The world is far more wondrous and strange than humans are sometimes able to embrace. Or as the Bard said more eloquently, “there are more things in Heaven and Earth than [we’ve] dreamt of in [our] philosophies.” C

NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM CELEBRATES 15

YEARS

AT 1775 Society Gala

Mark your calendars for August 17 as the National Infantry Museum (NIM) welcomes patrons back to its annual 1775 Society Gala. Don your black-tie and come on out to the museum for a night filled with fine dining and dancing along with a silent and live auction.

With a different theme each year, guests look forward to this popular event every year. This year, the NIM is celebrating its Crystal Anniversary (15 years) of being at 1775 Legacy Way. Past themes include Army Posts Around the World, Fort Moore at the Movies, Georgia on my Mind and the WWII 65th anniversary.

Since the museum’s opening in 2009, the gala continues to be the premier affair that honors its mission to salute soldiers while giving back to its dedicated 1775 Society members. Because the museum does not charge admission, members of the Society are critical for the museum.

The society is an annual dues group that honors soldiers and veterans by frequently

BY JULIE JERNIGAN

donating to the museum. Members must donate at least $1,000 every year to stay a part of the society. Retired soldiers from across the United States as well as local civilians continue to donate to the museum and enjoy attending the annual gala.

The social event of the season will kick off with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by the silent auction featuring an art print by Bo Bartlett and then a three-course dinner with a signature cocktail.

The silent auction will include artwork from local artists, experiences and gift certificates from local businesses, and the books range from rare collectibles to signed copies. There’s also an exclusive European locale up for auction this year.

This will be a unique opportunity to see the museum in a different light. Flowers, special lighting and decorations will adorn the grand hall, and guests can appreciate it all while admiring the historical artifacts from the “Last 100 yards.”

The event is open to the general public and tickets are $150 each. Members of the 1775 Society will receive two complimentary tickets courtesy of the museum to show their appreciation of their continued donations. Depending on the amount that they donate throughout the year, donors could receive a whole table.

For tickets, contact NIM Director of Development Kei Robbins at krobbins@ nationalinfantryfoundation.org C

BY MARQUETTE MCKNIGHT

Much Ado About Something...

“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore”

That phrase, slightly altered to, “… we’re in Columbus anymore,” had to be on the tip of many tongues upon entering the newly renovated Columbus Museum, or COMU as it’s now branded. But it is in Columbus; and it’s beyond fabulous.

The Grand Reopening gala in late April began a series of parties that welcomed supporters back to one of our greatest art treasures in the region.

It was delightful to see the exuberant smiles of Museum staff, led by Executive Director Marianne Richter—they all looked like proud new parents of sextuplets!

The folks attending the Gala were exquisitely dressed to the nines including Board Chair Chris Henson who looked gorgeous in pink, accompanied as always by husband Ken, Kathelen and Dan Amos with daughter Lauren Amos who caught everyone’s eye with a divine design of her own, Cally and Bob Dixon, Kerry and Donna Hand, Eddie and Carolyn Obleton, Nora and Gardiner Garrard, David and Karen Lewis, Gail Greenblatt, Steve and Kent Butler, Lark Champion, Chip and Audrey Tillman, Bobsie Swift,

Jeannie Puckett, Cal and Edie Evans, Sherry and Tom Wade, Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, Amy and Hunter Bryan, Mason and Mary Lu Lampton, Steven Sharp, Whitni and Mal Waldrup, Gwen Ruff, Helen and Comer Hobbs, Elizabeth and Mike Ogie, Fred and Alice Barlow, Fray and Margaret McCormick, and Tyler and Eleanore Townsend. And that’s just naming a few of the folks there, plus thousands more throughout the grand reopening week. Bravo to the staff, the trustees and the hundreds of donors who made it possible. To rephrase the opening paragraph, “Yes, Toto, we ARE in Columbus!”

#BeMoore

No one embraces the new name of our regional Army base more than Commanding General MG Curtis Buzzard. General Buzzard did it again in his remarks at the Chamber’s annual ‘State of Fort Moore’ event where he noted the Army’s longtime slogan

Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby enjoy the Andy Warhol Silver Clouds exhibit Mint and Robert Flowers Kristen Hudson, Julie Garner and Brooke King

of “Be All You Can Be” is perfect for people coming to Fort Moore to “Be Moore!” The appreciative crowd loved it. Especially when the general also noted that his last words about Fort Moore would be “Nobody does it better than this community.” Our region’s relationship with Fort Moore has always been such a great partnership and you could tell the audience felt that way too. The crowd was delighted to hear the general talk about the regional, bi-state effort of the CHIPS4CHIPS Coalition including State Representative Vance Smith, Mayor Skip Henderson, Ben Moser, Betsy Covington, Shaun Culligan, Jennifer Bickerstaff, Brenda Williams, Melody Trimble, Crystal Shahid, Laura Gower, David Lewis, Becca Zajac, Kimberly Wright, Robert Wadkins, Joel Ames and two of our favorite (retired) generals, MG Andy Hilmes and MG Pat Donahoe who proved General Buzzard’s words about this community because they chose to retire here with their families—a great boon to our community.

Swinging in Style

Frequent readers of this column know I’ve always mixed business with pleasure when it comes to writing about social events in our region. This will be another one of those times as I lovingly write about my husband Rick McKnight and Columbus State University’s Spring Swing, an annual fundraiser for CSU’s Dance Minor program. Rick was honored at the event with a Lifetime Achievement award and was delighted to share the evening’s festivities with a whole lot of the program’s supporters including Board chair Patty Taylor, CSU President Stuart Rayfield with husband David, Dean of the College of the Arts Dr. Wanda Ebright, Amy Mutarelli, Jack and JoRhee Pezold, Rick and Jan Ussery, Phil and Anita Tomlinson, Brantley Pittman, John Dell Hester, Carl and Lisa Watry, Teddie Ussery, Jennifer Joyner, Diane and Vince Naman, Gloria and Tommy McCullough and a fun group of family, friends including Mac McKnight, Travis Wade with daughters Ruthie and Martha, Mel and Randy Thomas with daughter Courtney Thomas and her good friend, Olivia Morgan, Pat and Bruce Kelley, Babs and Brian McKnight, Mallory McRae and daughter Kelsey MacMinn, Tom and Sherry Wade, Karen and David Lewis, Virginia and Toby McCullough Sandy and Marty McCann, Jodi and Gerald Saunders, Pegi and Mike Taylor, Fred and Donna Flandry, Alice and Fred Barlow, and Jerry and Martha Mullinax who still got it on the dance floor!

Another highlight of the night was the Cougar Dance Cup competition—always an entertaining event that included the ‘Backstreet Broads’ (Coach Kassi O’Donnell, Christi Gregory, Ashley Clayton, Bethell Culpepper and Sarah Stark) the ‘Calamity

Janes’ (Coach Curtis Cauthen, Stacy Cunningham, Kristi Hamilton and Maddie Tweed); ‘Sister Act’ (Coach Mary Jane Bowden, Jill Ussery Hester and sister Claire Ussery Dunlap, with Claire’s daughters Ava and Allie Dunlap); and ‘Spirit Squad’ (Coach Brantley Arrington, Cortney Wilson, Tesa Warren, Bill Weathers and Emilie Willis.) The Sister Act won the Cougar Dance Cup—a fitting award for a family of such talent!

Send Your Events

The next issue of Columbus and the Valley (September/October) is always a little challenging for this column because it covers the months of July/August when it’s not exactly ‘party central’ time. Please help me out by sending any of the fun stuff you’re doing this summer; travel, family reunions and other social events! C

Marquette McRae McKnight is the owner of Media, Marketing, and More!

She may be reached at 706-660-9702 or at marquette@mediamarketingandmore.com.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

Rick McKnight with family and friends

Patty Taylor and Rick McKnight

Valley Scenes

Golden Park Becomes Synovus Park

Columbus and the Valley will publish as many photos as quality and space permit. Black and white or color photos may be used. Please identify all subjects with a brief description of the event and the date. Mail them to: CVM, P.O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Email them to: ContactUs@ColumbusAndTheValley.com Columbus and the Valley assumes no responsibility for care and return of photographs submitted.

A big crowd was present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the newly named Synovus Park formerly known as Golden Park. Pete Laven, General Manager of Columbus Professional Baseball welcomed the community and Peter Freund, CEO of Diamond Baseball Holdings spoke of his plans for the future of AA baseball in Columbus. Alongside, Mayor Skip Henderson, City Manager, Isaiah Hugley, and Kevin Blair, CEO and President of Synovus. Chip Moore, Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor for the Atlanta Braves and Tim Hudson former Atlanta Braves player originally from Phenix City spoke of his memories of playing at the original baseball park. Games are scheduled to begin in April 2025.

Piedmont

Columbus Regional’s Annual Physician Recognition Reception

On April 25th at the Illges House, Piedmont Columbus Regional recognized a physician of the year in the categories of leadership, clinical care and teaching. The 2024 award winners are:

Howard S. Weldon, Jr. Excellence in Physician Leadership Award

Mariha Feliciano, M.D.

Excellence in Clinical Care (Midtown Campus)

Gurkeerat “GK” Singh, M.D.

Excellence in Clinical Care (Northside Campus) Clayton Bellam, D.O.

Excellence in Teaching Clark Gillett, M.D.

Additionally, the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation inducted 26 physicians in the 2024 Honored Society. These physicians had grateful patients make contributions to the Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation in their honor.

Pete Laven

Tim Hudson (L-R) Dr. Clayton Bellam, Dr. Mariha Feliciano, Dr. Clark Gillett and Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill representing Dr. Gurkeerat Singh

2024 Heritage Ball Takes Place

The Cotillion Club of Columbus presented twenty debutantes at the Heritage Ball held at The Wynn House on May 11th. Family and friends gathered on a beautiful evening to celebrate the young ladies.

(L-R) Diane Estes, Margie Norman, Mary Kate McConnell, Pat Jones, Peyton Farrar and Lark Champion

(L-R) Marquette McKnight, Hannah McGonagle, Martha Wade and Sherry Wade

(L-R) Mallory Harris, Jennifer Adams, Lucy Pound and Cameron Saunders

(L-R) Walter and Ruth Calhoun with Bright and Bryan Christopher

The 2024 Debutantes and their escorts on the steps at the Wynn House, were, (L-R, Front Row), Marshall McLean Serff, Mary Frances Sessions, George Hazen Voltz, Callaway Laurie Champion, Charles Byram Gilliam, Elizabeth Patricia Norman, Bridger Charles Jones, Isabel Diann Livingston, William Irwin Grubb III, Ruth McKnight Wade, Mary Virginia Sluder, Carson David Pilgrem, Spence Jennings Berard, Dale Alexander Perkins, Kathryn Louise Brown, Philip Earle Denson, Jr., Mackenzie Laine Harris, Dylan Michael Reddoch, Anna Kathryn Helton, Joseph Hamilton Hilsman V, Elliott Bradley Tommey and Benjamin Allen Blankenship. (Second Row), John Guyton Schondelmayer, Sarah Katherine McKinstry, Abigail Lee Tillery and Keaton Graham Ernest. (Third Row), Charles Matthews Stone, Anna Grayson Dykes, Ann Simmons Raines, Kenneth Eugene Evans III, Frances Wheat Cottrell and Christopher Lucas Snipes. (Fourth Row), David McNeill Kinnebew, Jr., Grace Elizabeth Farrar, William Park Ward, Lucy Elizabeth Jones, Keaton Graham Ernest, Michael Andrew Wood, Helen Franklin Prince, Ella Kay Lane and William Douglas Duncan III.

(L-R) Dr. Vik Chhokar, M.D. Internal Medicine Associate Program Director with graduates, Dr. Evgeni Mirkin, M.D., Dr. Pablo Tzorin-Ruiz, M.D., Dr. Shamima Akter, M.D., Dr. Muhammad-Abbas Conteh. M.D., Dr. Abdul Haq, D.O., and Dr. Anupa Rai, M.D., Internal Medicine Program Director

Hughston Clinic Celebrates 75 Years

The Hughston Clinic celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a gala held at Bibb Mill Event Center. Founded in 1949 by Dr. Jack Hughston the clinic is one of the leading orthopedic institutions for diagnosis, treatment, research and training.

Francis Emory Healthcare Inaugural Resident Graduation

The first class of residents to graduate from St. Francis Emory Healthcare’s new residency program were celebrated on June 13th at Green Island Country Club.

Scouts Renovate Cherished “Little House”

The only Girl Scout Little House in the state of Georgia had it’s grand opening after undergoing extensive renovations. Located in Lakebottom Park in Midtown. Joy Bertram was a part of the grand opening ribbon cutting, and she was also a part of the groundbreaking of the original Little House in 1948. Joy Bertram donated the Girl Scout uniform that she wore on that day which will be preserved at Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia Dot’s Little House.

(L-R) Meg and Dr. Matthew Stewart with Dr. Douglas Pahl

CASA Red Shoe Party

The 2024 Red Shoe Party is themed around Dorothy’s ruby red slippers in the Wizard of Oz because for our children in foster care, there truly is “No Place like Home,” The event included dinner, drinks, live music by the Chattahoochee Pine Beatles, 360 photo booth, and silent auction. The event raised over $40,000 for the CASA program.

Jet Stream Clean Receives Community Improvement Award

Jet Stream Clean was awarded the 2024 Community Improvement Award by the Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission for our Earth Day Cleaning for a Cause Tour. This initiative mobilized volunteers across the Chattahoochee Valley to participate in several community-wide cleanups, focusing on restoring the natural beauty of local parks, enhancing public spaces, and promoting sustainable practices.

Skylar and Keagan Clark

Kenya Patterson and Lorena Fernandez

(L-R) Karen Moore, Jessica Bankston, Megan Kelley, Barbara Strickland, Wendi Henderson-Wyatt

(L-R) Kaci Holland, Ebony Glover, Rachel Kirkman, Rosalind Alston, Kenya Patterson, Keagan Clark, Tifany Manning-Hunter, Abbey Buckingham

Leadership Columbus Class of 2024

Leadership Columbus graduated 30 community leaders including Megan Aarant Jackson, Don Chalkley, Keagan Clark, Melonese Close, Jim Cook,Becca Covington, LeighAnn DiCesaris, Pat Donahoe, Keocha Evans, Dominic Fredo, Amy Gill, Ashley Ginn, Tracey Herring, Jay Holt, Jamey Jackson, Rebecca Jungman, Melinda Klamer, Brian Koleszar, Jessica Leiva, Chris Lewis, Lanita Lucas, Tyler Martindill, Amelia Mills, Brad Newman, Marci Norris, Carl Robertson, Malinda Shamburger, Ken Solomons, Cedricia Thomas, Kimberly Wright

Piedmont Classic Raises Funds for Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation

The Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation held the 2024 Piedmont Classic- Driven by Mercedes-Benz of Columbus at the Country Club of Columbus. The 29th annual Piedmont Classic raised a combined total of $134,000. The Piedmont Classic was founded to benefit the John B. Amos Cancer Center and the patients it serves. As the only comprehensive cancer center in the region, it’s a place where patients receive compassionate care with access to the region’s finest clinicians, advanced treatments, and cutting-edge technology— right here at home close to family, friends, and loved ones. Avid pickleball, tennis and golf players in the Chattahoochee Valley had the opportunity to pair up with the championship Columbus State University tennis team as well as pickleball and golf professionals for top-notch instruction and friendly competition. Tennis and golf benefited the John B. Amos Cancer Center, and pickleball benefited the future Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital.

Dining Guide

Big Mama Vietnam Kitchen

Big Mama’s is proud to serve you fresh, homemade food made with local ingredients that you are sure to love. Our specialty involves healthy cuisine with plenty of fresh vegetables and a variety of flavorful spices.

Tu-F 11AM-3PM, 5PM-9PM, Sa-Su 11AM-9PM

5300 Sidney Simons Blvd., Unit 14 BigMamaVietnamKitchen.com

Country’s Barbecue

Real Barbecue Slow Cooked Over Hickory and Oak. Casual dress, takeout, catering, kids’ menu.

Su-Sa 11AM-10PM Mercury Dr., 706.563.7604 Broadway/14th St., 706.596.8910 Veterans Pkwy., 706.660.1415

Fountain City Coffee at Banks Food Hall

FCC's second location located in Bank's Food Hall. Serving up made from scratch baked goods and delicious sandwiches daily in the heart of Columbus.

M-Th 8AM-6PM, F-Su 8AM-8PM 1002 Bay Ave. • 762.524.7774

Mellow Mushroom

The combination of a great menu, hand-tossed dough, fresh ingredients and friendly service makes the Mellow Mushroom a must when you have a taste for pizza. Bring your group for a family-friendly dinner or join your friends in our comfortable neighborhood bar.

M-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM. 6100 Veterans Pkwy. • 706.322.4602

Ruth Ann’s Restaurant

is served all day.

W-Su 6:30AM-2PM • 940 Veterans Pkwy. • 706.221.2154. Place your next takeout order at ruthannsrestaurant.com.

Speakeasy

A local favorite serving great, homemade food and drinks in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Su-Th 11AM-8 PM, F-Sa 11AM-9 PM 3123 Mercury Drive • 706.561.0411

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine

Uptown Vietnam Cuisine offers authentic, traditional Vietnamese dishes that are both delicious and healthy, featuring fresh ingredients and a variety of flavorful spices. Dine-in, carry-out and party trays are available, as well as a 10 percent military discount.

M-F 10:30AM-3PM & 5-9PM, Sa 11AM-9PM • Closed Sunday. 1250 Broadway • 706.576.9922

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar

Traditional Japanese cuisine with hibachi grill tops and fresh sushi. Come and try our flavorful and fresh ingredients. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F-Sa 11AM-10PM 1808 Manchester Expy 706.642.0888

Dine in or order online at wasabijapanesecolumbus.kwickmenu.com