Columbus and the Valley May/June 2023

From the Editor’s Desk

Many, many moons ago on a small island an ocean away my (much) younger self was scouring a map of the U.S.A looking for a city that would, ultimately, become my destiny. There it is, I proclaimed, as my finger landed on Columbus, Georgia. At that point in my life, I was at the head office of the airline company where I worked. On a recent free flight, a bonus of the job pre-911, to the states to visit a friend, I had clasped my eyes on a southern gentleman who called this town home and the rest, as they say, is history.

I am 26 years vested now, and that puts me living an equal amount of time here and in Warrington in the U.K. There’s something about Columbus that has always felt familiar to me. There are so many correlations between my hometowns—their beginnings rooted in industry; a river runs through the town; both are nestled in a valley. Then there are the people who exude a warmth—be it those from the South with their innate hospitality or the northern people of England with their banter.

Initially, culture shock was a force to be reckoned with, and those times are better remembered upon reflection. I still have British nuances, but I’ve fully embraced all that the South and this city has to offer—a nice cup of tea pairs well with a chocolate, glazed Golden Donut.

Here, in the early years, I remember standing on 10th Street in front of the rendering of the RiverCenter feeling the need to tell everybody: “Did you know that we are getting a new theater?” Then there was the talk of the dams being removed. It seemed like hearsay as the process took so long, but finally the day arrived, with the boom of the detonation being heard all the way up past Bradley Park Drive.

Now I’m back on 10th Street having landed back at one of my first jobs in Columbus—Columbus and the Valley magazine. Back, albeit briefly, with two of the area’s strongest advocates, Mike Venable and Jill Tigner, before they head off into the sunset of a well-earned retirement. I’m here to pick up their baton and shout out loud about this city and its people, the places and folk out in the valley and of our sister city across the river. I’m riding the tails, or is that the tales, of 32 years of a publishing legacy in a region in the throes of a resurgence.

Thank YOU for reading this issue of our magazine be it in your hands or online. Thank you to our publication partners, advertisers and ambassadors. We’re on this journey together to tell the stories and applaud the people. Exciting times are ahead for our publication and those that we serve. COME ON, LET’S GO!

EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS

Jodi and Gerald Saunders jodi@columbusandthevalley.com

ADVERTISING SALES

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Margie Richardson

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Julie Jernigan, Sales Assistant salesassistant@columbusandthevalley.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Columbus, GA 31902 706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216

COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE is published bimonthly for $18 per year 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 © 2023 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.

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Brett Buckner Janet Burden Pat Daniel Doug Gillett

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Jodi Saunders Editor & Publisher

‘BROTHERHOOD of the

Along for the ride—five of the 30 riders: (L-R) Robbie Green, Andrew Burnette, Scott Ressmeyer, Brice Patterson and Ronnie Wilson

RIDE’

Miracle Riders annual fundraising journey to benefit CSU pediatric nursing program

BY BRETT BUCKNER

PHOTOS BY RITCHIE WHITE

MMiracles don’t come easy.

They are earned, one mile at a time, by riders powering through wind and rain, blistering sun and numbing cold. To the uninitiated, riding cross country on a motorcycle sounds like something out of a Bob Seger song about the freedom of the open road and racing towards the horizon.

But these are the Miracle Riders.

Such romantic notions don’t drive their journey. Instead, they ride to raise money and awareness for Columbus State University’s Pediatric Nursing Program.

On Monday May 22, the 30 men who make up the Miracle Riders will head out for their annual cross-country pilgrimage, covering their own expenses as always. This year they’ll travel the four geographical corners of the United States—from the tip of Maine to Washington state, down to the border of Mexico in California and on to the southernmost point in Key West—before returning home on Friday, June 16.

‘NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS’

It all began on a lark in 2009. Scott Ressmeyer, co-owner of Country’s BBQ in Columbus, was about to turn 50 and wanted to do something special.

“My birthday was coming up, and I thought that there was no better way to celebrate than getting on my bike and riding through all 48 states,” he said. “But I never in my wildest dreams thought that it would carry on beyond that and still be going strong all these years later.”

For the first seven years, the Miracle Riders traveled all of the lower 48 states in 21 days. For the eighth year, they traveled from Columbus to the Arctic Circle, to Coldfoot, Alaska and back. The ninth year was a “Magoo Ride,” where riders simply headed out in one direction with no plan of where they might sleep that night.

COVID canceled the ride in 2020, but in 2021, they traveled through all 50 states with the riders flying to Alaska and Hawaii.

“On my end, I come up with a crazy idea … but there are so many of these guys, each bringing something important to the table, who actually make it happen,” Ressmeyer said.

“Really, it’s the guys who do 99 percent of the work. I just try and get in there and not mess it up.”

For example, Gary McDowell plans the route while Brad Hanson books hotel rooms for the riders along the way.

But it’s not all about the open highway. Instead, Ressmeyer prefers what could politely be referred to as the scenic route.

“We’ll be out on some back road, and he’ll see an out-of-the-way barbecue restaurant, that’s where he’s going,” said Brice Patterson, who’s been riding with Ressmeyer since the beginning. “And we got lost plenty of times. We’re supposed to be in by 6 and don’t get to the hotel until 11 because the GPS said one thing or Scott took a wild turn.

“But that’s the fun of it … it’s an adventure.” Not that there’s a lot of time for sightseeing.

“I’ve seen a thousand interesting places that I want to come back and visit because when you’re doing 60-miles-an-hour on a motorcycle, the scenery goes by fast,” said Ronnie Wilson, who’s also been riding with Ressmeyer since 2009. “You don’t have time to stop and enjoy it because you’re just worried about getting to the next town or motel.”

Patterson’s been accused of being

something of a “lookie-loo,” but with no time to stop. So, with each trip, Patterson, who’s a battalion chief with the Columbus Fire Department and owner of Columbus Tape and Video, makes a list of the places to visit when he retires.

The rules don’t just apply to the scenery. The Miracle Riders don’t use a chase vehicle filled with parts. If a bike breaks down, the other riders will come around and try to fix it. If they can’t, a couple will stay, but the rest will roll ahead.

“We’re not going to wait,” Patterson said. “We can’t. We’ve got a deadline to make. We’re not going to say, we’re going to make 48 states, and not make 48 states. If we say we’re gonna do something, we’re gonna do it.”

In 2015, The Miracle Riders opened The Miracle Ride Fund in the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, having raised more than $1.9 million for children in our community while collectively spending more than $750,000 of their own money.

But it’s not just about raising money from local businesses and corporate sponsorships, explained Wilson who owns Ron’s Barber Shop and dabbles in real estate.

“How do you put into words what this trip is? Sure, it’s a bunch of guys out doing what they love, but it goes much deeper than that … For me, it has always and will always be about making a difference in that one life.”

- Scott Ressmeyer

“We’ve literally talked to people in all 50 states and through Canada, telling our story and the story of the kids fighting for their lives,” said Wilson, 50. “We meet people who’ve had kids or grandkids that have spent time in the NICU.

“All this … it’s bigger than us, and it’s bigger than Columbus.”

Last year more than $10,000 was donated by strangers they met along the way.

“It’s just amazing how many great and caring people there are out there,” Ressmeyer said. “Unfortunately, all we hear is how bad it is out there, but that’s not what I’ve seen. People want to help; to see the expression on their faces when they hear our stories … they know they’re a part of changing lives.”

And there’s no way to get people’s attention than to have a bunch of bikers— this year there are 21 making the trip—pull into a mom-and-pop-style restaurant.

“We want the local flair,” Ressmeyer said. “To see 21 motorcycles roll in you can see the reactions are like, ‘Are we gonna be Ok?’ They get nervous because motorcycles have a bit of a stigma. People think we’re a gang or something, but eventually someone will come and talk to us, then pretty soon it’s the whole restaurant learning about Columbus, Georgia, the Miracle Riders and the children we’re trying to help.”

WHO THEY RIDE FOR

This will be Robbie Green’s first official ride. While the 61-year-old financial advisor for Wells Fargo has joined the Riders for the home stretch—twice in Macon and once in Columbus—taking on the full 48 states was something of a dream.

“I always thought I’d ride with them one day,” he said.

As such things do in a small community, word got to Ressmeyer about a potential new member for the cause.

Miracle Riders stop for a meal in this 2012 photo.

“And I couldn’t say no,” Green said of being asked to join. “But I’m a little nervous just because this is something really different for me. The longest I’ve ever done is … maybe 400 miles a day, and we’re going to do 500 for 26 days.

“That’s a lot.”

To those who’ve never actually done it, the Miracle Ride might sound like a vacation. It’s not.

“The first day … it’s all adrenaline,” Ressmeyer said. “You’re not tired, just ready to go. By the second day, you’re starting to get a little sore. Then by day three and four you start wondering, ‘What did I get myself into?’ only to realize you’ve got 24 more days to go.

“That goes through my mind even now.”

Preparation is key.

“We basically ride with what’s on our bikes,” Patterson said. “You’ve got to pack smart and be prepared for anything.”

Patterson remembers riding through Arizona wearing every stitch of clothing he had to battle the freezing weather.

“Then we got to Utah, and I’m in a T-shirt,” he said, laughing. “We’ve been through rainstorms I thought would never end. You just never know what the weather’s gonna bring.”

The riders are there for each other.

“We support each other because we all know who we’re riding for,” Ressmeyer said. “That helps to push us through those hard times.”

As the road takes its toll, their bodies ache and their hearts yearn for home, the Riders become even more determined to see the journey through to the end.

Though this will be his first Miracle Ride, Andrew Burnette

‘

THEY CALL HER

Mama Cat’

Who keeps the riders moving forward? Meet Karen Cook a.k.a Mama Cat. As part of her past position with the Columbus Regional Medical Foundation, Karen helped with Scott Ressmeyer’s inaugural ride across the U.S.A.

After leaving that position, Karen kept working with the Miracle Riders on a volunteer basis. Her role has developed along with the annual ride, and she’s reinvented the wheel to adapt to the changes from a corporate-sponsored fundraising event to a self-distributing philanthropic mission.

Karen considers her position to be “unique.” As she explained, “I’m not involved as a wife, but I love them all. I consider my role to help keep the big picture, the vision. The riders are a joy to work with.”

On occasion Karen has had the opportunity to join the riders on a leg of their journey. She rode with Scott in May of 2022 across Alligator Alley into Key West.

bit on this ride, but for some of these kids, that’s nothing compared to what they go through.”

As a reminder, Wilson keeps a blood pressure cuff used in the NICU on his handlebars.

“That really grounds me during those hard times,” he said. “When it’s raining. When it’s cold. When I’ve fallen behind or when we get lost, I just look down, and it reminds me that it’s not that tough. There are kids, struggling for their lives.

“If I can get out and help that baby who’s wearing that same cuff; those kids who have cancer, then I’m gonna do it.”

For Green, the motivation comes from a little closer to home.

Born one of six kids, his youngest sister, Emily, was born with some “big problems,” he said. This was back in the 1960s when there wasn’t much doctors could do.

“Doctors said that my sister would never be able to walk or talk,” he said. “But my mother didn’t really like that answer, so she got in the yellow pages and started making phone calls.”

Green’s mother found specialists some two hours away, and they helped her with his sister. Though Emily only had about a second-grader’s mentality, she “ended up with a really great life” with about 16 nieces and nephews, who called her Auntie Em’.

Welcome the Miracle Riders home when they arrive in Uptown on June 16 at 7 p.m. in time for the Friday night concert featuring A1A: The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show.

COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE

This year you can join the riders on their journey through their Facebook live feed. They will have 360° cameras similar to a GoPro at the front and back of the group as they travel across the U.S.A. Stay up to date with all of the action through Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and their website with additional blog posts and edited highlights of the day’s journey.

Emily lived in Bristol, Tennessee where “she was pretty much a celebrity,” Green said. “Everybody knew her.”

Emily died in 2000 after a stroke, and it’s with her memory in his heart that Green joined the Miracle Riders.

“If one nurse, one doctor can help a mother feel better about their child’s chances than those first doctors made my mother feel about Emily …” he said. “That’s something no parent should have to go through. That’s what it’s all about.”

But it’s not just the children whose lives are changed.

In December 2009, Wilson was shopping for a camera at Wolf Camera and Video when Ressmeyer walked in.

“I may not remember your name,” Wilson said, “but if I’ve ever met you, I’ll remember your face, and I’m not shy about walking up to someone and talking their ear off. I’m kind of a social butterfly.”

And he did just that to Ressmeyer. They started talking about riding motorcycles and the ride that Scott had just completed.

“And I made a comment like, ‘As cool as it was, I bet you’ll never do that again,’” Wilson said. “He looked at me and said, ‘Actually, we’re already planning another ride with some other people. I’ve got one spot left. If you want it, you can have it.’

“Here I am, a complete stranger, not knowing if I even can ride.”

Wilson took Ressmeyer’s business card and mulled it over. He called him the next morning.

“I want it,” Wilson told Ressmeyer. “And I’ve been saying that every year for the past 13 years. Now Scott is one of my best and closest friends even though I’ve probably known him less than I’ve known anyone I consider a friend, and it’s all because of his heart.

“Meeting Scott has changed my life.”

Ressmeyer knows that there will be a day when he simply can’t make the marathon ride.

“I’m going to ride for as long as I can ride while being safe,” he said. “What matters most is that it carries on after I can’t, and that we’re still giving 100 percent to help the kids. I hope that when I’m 95 years old and sitting in a nursing home, they ride by, see me, then keep going.

“I hope it never ends.”

To learn more about the Miracle Riders and to donate to the CSU Pediatric Nursing Program, visit www.rideformiracles.com. C

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How sitting around a table can boost brain power and relationships

BY JANET BURDEN • PHOTOS BY MARGIE RICHARDSON

Okay, physicians, fitness gurus and random social media posters, we get it: When it comes to our muscles, we need to use them or lose them. We walk, run, crunch and lift to stay in maximum, or for those of us with lower standards, minimal shape.

But what about our brains? Arguably the most important organ in the human body, it controls and coordinates our internal functions, actions and reactions. The brain allows us to think, feel and remember.

So, we may wonder: Just as physical exercise helps maintain muscle tone, are there mental workouts that can help us remain mentally agile?

The short answer is yes. Regularly flexing one’s brain improves memory, logical-thinking skills and concentration. And best of

all, keeping it in tip-top working order can be much less strenuous than a trip to a gym. It requires lifting nothing heavier than a deck of playing cards, a handful of dice or embossed acrylic tiles—and interaction with friends.

The Mayo Clinic reports friendship is good for you and plays a significant role in promoting overall health and reducing the risk of many significant health problems such as depression and high blood pressure. Studies show adults who nurture meaningful relationships and support systems are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.

Members of longtime Chattahoochee Valley competitive bridge, bunco and mahjong groups could be a case study of some very real and lasting benefits of competitive play and relationships.

(L-R) String Passailaigue, Ann Key, Janice Biggers and Cordy Arnold playing bridge

Bridging generations can be as easy as ace, deuce, tres

Cards have been around since the Chinese Tang Dynasty and were introduced to Europe by the Crusaders. Jump forward to the 17th century and you’ll find a precursor to today’s bridge, called whist, in vogue among English nobility of the time.

In the late 19th century, it evolved into one of the first forms of bridge. And then the magic happened. It’s said that in 1925 American Harold Vanderbilt invented contract bridge during a cruise. It quickly gained popularity throughout the United States and became synonymous with refinement in the ‘30s and ‘40s when it experienced its Golden Age, eventually vying against baseball as America's most popular pastime. In following decades, bridge fever waned in some regions, but interest in the trick-taking game remained strong in the Chattahoochee Valley where it established an intergenerational bridge between grandparents, parents, siblings and children.

Ask Columbus’ Janice Biggers what the most important aspect of her 75

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Shown in a 2017 photo of the bridge group at The Wynn House were, (L-R) String Passailaigue, Janice Biggers, Nancy Callaway and Ann Key.

plus years playing contract bridge is and she’ll quickly tell you it’s competition. Transplanted to Columbus from Alabama via New York City, Biggers said, “I was the least athletic person you’d ever meet. Bridge was a way for me to play a game and win.” Her in-it-to-win-it attitude gradually gave way to the realization that the sisterhood forged while sharing life’s ups and downs during bridge dates was just as important.

The responsibilities of raising two daughters with her husband, Jimmy, who passed away in 2017, made for busy schedules in the Biggers’ household. Add to the mix her management of the Historic Columbus Foundation as its first executive director from 1966-1989 and subsequent duties as its director emeritus while serving and volunteering at organizations such as the Junior League. Biggers faced a definite time crunch, especially for activities like cards.

That’s why she made it known to anyone asking that her Thursday afternoons were reserved for bridge.

Regularly meeting since July 1949, members have evolved, with new players onboarding as others move, experience scheduling constraints or, sadly, pass away. Now competing weekly at the Biggers’ home are Ann Key, Cordy Wiley Arnold and String Passailaigue.

“Cordy takes care of us,” Biggers said. “She ensures that we’re settled at the bridge table and that all our immediate needs are met. Then we get down to the business at hand. Bridge.”

Because bridge requires concentration, focus, analytical thinking and an ability to evaluate different options needed to calculate risk and probability, they catch up on family doings

between hands only, not during. For them, a separate playing area away from distractions is a must. “A card room was essential as my husband and I house hunted, even when it meant foregoing a breakfast room,” Biggers said.

She’s confident bridge will always be played in Columbus. “We typically have players eager to join us,” Biggers said. “Many of them are children or even grandchildren of our group’s founding members. They’ve grown up watching us play and have absorbed how invaluable family and community connections made across a card table are.”

For bunco players, it all comes down to a roll of the dice

Let’s get this out of the way: What we now know as a fairly innocuous tabletop dice game has its roots in a confidence game from the 1800s and in gambling activity spawning a need for police departments’ “Bunco squads” in the Roaring ‘20s.

Its tarnished reputation scrubbed by the passage of time, it has re-emerged as a tamer, family-friendly game that experienced a resurgence of popularity in the early 21st century. It’s typically played with 12 players, divided into three groups of four, who try to score points while taking turns rolling three dice in a series of six rounds. A player achieves a bunco when they roll three-of-akind and all three numbers match the round number.

Columbus native Margie Richardson was introduced to bunco during a business trip to Biloxi and enjoyed its fast pace. When a friend suggested they form a bunco group in 2003, she was on board.

“She invited some of her close friends, many of whom I had never met, and it was really a pleasant crowd,” Richardson said. “It was nice meeting new people, and we all had a good time.”

The original players disbanded after a year, but she and some friends, a few from the original 2003 group, decided to organize a second club a year later. With a few membership adjustments here and there, they’ve been playing together ever since. “Today’s members include four from the 2004 club. Others have also been playing or subbing with us for years,” Richardson said.

A journalism and broadcasting degree led Margie to a demanding career in publishing and communication. She recently retired from a local company to tackle a new endeavor: In 2021 she began selling advertising for Columbus and the Valley and Valley Parent magazines. The mother of a son and a daughter, she’s also an avid photographer and active in numerous organizations that keep her talents honed.

But there’s always time for bunco.

“I enjoy being around my friends,

(L-R) Beverly Ork, Susan Prather, Susan Mitchell, Charlotte Gunby, Swain Gravlee, Nancy Gunby, Margie Richardson, Ginger Cosby, Frances Berry, Sista Varner, Celia Jenkins and Liz Allison

catching up on news each month,” she said. “It is a social time—a night out—but it’s also fun to see such spirited competition. We rotate hosting honors and meet in a member’s home. Hosts provide snacks, dinner and dessert as well as drinks. We visit and talk before and while we eat, and because of the laid-back nature of bunco, even while we are playing.”

She feels the social and mental benefits of tabletop games such as Bunco are equally important.

“It can be a fast-paced game, but easy to pick up,” Richardson said. “It helps keep your mind sharp by using math skills to focus on numbers rolled and tallying your individual score. Bunco also provides interaction with everyone present. In addition to

(L-R) Sista Varner, Frances Berry and Charlotte Gunby shared winnings for Big Bunco.

pregame socializing, we move from one table to another as we lose rounds so we get to talk to everyone there.”

Set-up is easy. “Someone gave me a bunco box for my birthday when I first started playing,” she said. “It holds pencils and extra dice, and we hand it off to the next host each month. And of course, we use three folding card tables with four chairs at each table.”

As she did with her own club, she suggests anyone interested in starting a new group should “just get 12 friends together and start playing!”

Mahjong players rock on

Meanwhile, in LaGrange, several groups meet regularly to compete in centuries-old mahjong. Traced to 1800s China, it features 144 tiles embossed with Chinese characters and symbols, combining aspects of similar games played in ancient societies. In the 1920s, the game requiring intense strategy and skill we know as mahjong made its way to the United States where it became a hit.

For long-time friends Jill Henderson and Lennice Parker, mahjong is both an

entertaining and challenging hobby. Not only do they compete, but they also eat, relax and enjoy time together, occasionally breaking into song when their game-day soundtrack delivers favorite hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

Although you’ll likely hear much laughter during LaGrange games, mahjong is no lightweight: It requires concentration and logical thinking skills that keep players sharp. Like the Western card game rummy, mahjong is a game of skill, where outcomes are determined by both strategy and the luck of the draw.

Married with three grown children, Henderson has lived in LaGrange since moving there from Massachusetts in 1976. After retiring from a 31-year career as a laboratory supervisor for the city of LaGrange, she took on part-time work as volunteer

Several groups meet regularly to compete in a game of mahjong.

coordinator at a local hospice, leaving in December 2022.

“My mother played mahjong on a regular basis for many years,” Henderson said. “I knew what it was but was never interested in learning to play.”

Until four and half years ago, that is, when she approached friends and family about a unique opportunity.

“We learned to play at the same time in a hospice volunteer’s home,” she said. “Since then, we’ve all become such good friends. We support each other emotionally and bring our joys, sorrows, frustrations and complaints to this judgment-free zone. It is a lot like a therapy session, with an understanding that what is said at mahjong, stays at mahjong.”

“Jill and I go to church together,” said Parker, also of LaGrange. “After working in education for more than 30 years, I retired. I like to stay busy and, being recently widowed and my daughter grown, I was game to try something new to fill my time. I worked part-time at our church for a while, but after 20 months there during the pandemic and dealing with all the administrative and logistical adjustments required to socially distance, I was ready to return to fulltime retirement.”

Originally, four women comprised the team—friends and family who have known one another for more than 30 years. They have since added a fifth member to ensure there are enough players if scheduling issues arise. They alternate game sites at one another’s homes.

“We all have other commitments, so sometimes we go a few weeks between games,” Parker said. “We try to meet at least every two weeks, though, and occasionally our schedules allow once a week.”

Feeling physically and mentally lazy? There's a game for that!

Forget fancy studies: As Chattahoochee Valley game enthusiasts will attest, the real secret to staying mentally fit could be as simple as having a good time with good people. For them, competitive games help them stay engaged and active, and best of all, mental workouts are as easy as sitting around a table with friends. C

Savvy Seniors

Age is a progress of life. If you are progressing along in your time of life, then retirement may be a goal on the horizon or the very next step. Retirement brings, for many people, the freedom to enjoy activities that were put on the back burner until their golden years arrived. If you are starting to think about the glow of the days to come, it is time to make decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

The businesses on the following pages offer services and options that will have you feeling pretty savvy if you plan ahead and educate yourself to ensure that your finances, health and home allow you to enjoy all of the benefits and joy that you and those around you deserve in your glowing years.

Estate Sales & Auctions Offer Solutions

Has the time come when you have to make those decisions about mom’s most precious valuable treasures? How about downsizing? Moving into a retirement home or moving out of state? It can all be

overwhelming, but Evans Estate Sales makes the transition easy.

Evans Estate Sales and Auctions is a family-owned licensed business with over 40 years’ experience in Estate Sales and Auctions for both residential, commercial and government across the southeast.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Meeting with the family/client, providing the best recommendations that meet your needs

• Setting up, scheduling and advertising your estate sale with over 75,000 subscribers/followers

• Staging by an Interior Designer

• Consign selected unsold items in the Queen Bee showroom located at 3750 Woodruff Road

• Organize auction items for sale with a licensed auctioneer

• Representing the family/client every step of the way, gaining the best results

Making the Most of Life

Columbus Hospice is about more than providing comfort for the dying.

“There is often a lack of comfort with knowing when hospice is the right type of care,” said Donna Morgan, President and CEO of Columbus Hospice. “Many mistakenly believe that the care should only be provided hours or days before death, yet Medicare and Medicaid believe that the best patient outcomes are discovered when Columbus Hospice care is provided for six months or more.”

A good time to consider hospice is when a person can no longer perform self-care, or when a physician says that nothing more can be done to stop the progression of an illness.

“The misconception is that hospice stops care,” Morgan said, “but in reality, Columbus Hospice aggressively manages symptoms and addresses problems to help people feel as well as they can.”

From providing proper medications to placing medical equipment and supplies in the home, to sending professional hospice experts, the staff at Columbus Hospice supports patients and their loved ones to feel better and cope.

“Until someone has experienced the care provided by Columbus Hospice team members,” Morgan said, “they cannot fully understand the difference that we can make in their lives.”

The Columbus Hospice staff makes visits throughout the day. At night and on weekends, physicians, registered nurses, social workers, chaplains and certified nursing assistants are all on call.

“We employ highly educated and trained staff, many with advanced degrees and hospice and palliative care certification, with low staff turnover,” Morgan said. “These team members provide hands-on care, plus emotional and spiritual support, while our bereavement and volunteer teams ensure that care goes far beyond just healthcare.”

It has been the only hospice to earn and maintain The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for its commitment to excellence since 1996.

Columbus Hospice serves 11 counties in Georgia and five in Alabama. In 2022, Columbus Hospice provided $1.3 million dollars in charitable care to people without insurance, ensuring that all area residents have the same access to end-of-life care.

A Place to Call Home

Freedom is what makes Covenant Woods Senior Living special.

Located conveniently to area shopping, attractions and the blossoming Uptown area of Columbus, Covenant Woods is a vibrant senior living community designed for freedom-seekers. The spacious 17-acre wooded grounds are a serene respite for their residents, their families and guests. Within their walls are amazing people and their stories. There are stories of families, friends, careers, service and travels. The residents are what make them truly special.

“Every independent community in the area has its own personality, and we believe that Covenant Woods Senior Living is the most welcoming and hospitable atmosphere around,” said Van Palmer, Sales and Marketing Director for Covenant Woods. “We encourage prospective residents and their loved ones to come for a visit to experience that. We hope to be the answer to a senior’s next chapter of life and are committed to making that an easy and enjoyable transition. Covenant Woods is truly something special. We offer three distinctive opportunities.”

INDEPENDENT LIVING

Covenant Woods offers a variety of services for its residents that includes:

• Full time activities department

• Restaurant style-dining

• Transportation to doctor appointments, shopping and off-site activities

• Housekeeping and laundry service

• Personnel available 24-hours a day

INDEPENDENT PLUS

One of the more unique aspects of Covenant Woods is its in-house Independent Plus Program for those residents who need some extra assistance with their daily activities of living, Palmer explained.

“Independent Plus is our in-house personal home care program designed to assist residents in our Independent Living apartments,” he said. “All of this care is provided by our Covenant Woods Home Care staff.” Their team can assist with:

• Activities of daily living

• Medication services

• Monitoring and tracking vital signs

PERSONAL CARE

The Covenant Woods Personal Care team provides their residents a higher level of care. This professional team demonstrates the values of both professional and personalized care in a 24 hour a day setting.

Some of their Personal Care attributes are:

• Round the clock certified trained staff available 24 hours a day

• Assistance with personal care and activities of daily living

• Medication assistance and wellness checks

• Daily housekeeping and laundry services

“Our team’s commitment to providing the most enjoyable experience possible for each of our residents sets us apart,” Van said. “Our focus on service is the key to our continued success. With more than 30 years of service in the community, our team is the essential component to demonstrating our values of consistency and excellence. It’s rare to find such a large staff that is working daily with a large group of residents that is on the same page of providing consistently excellent service.

“Many on our team have worked in this community for decades. There’s a reason employees stay at their workplace for long periods of time. Happy employees equal happy residents. Our full-service community offers the perfect balance of quality service and independent living.”

Covenant Woods Senior Living offers several floor plans. On the independent living side there are studios, one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom cottages. The personal care side offers studio, one bedroom and shared studio suites.

“At Covenant Woods, you will find a warm, dedicated team committed to creating a community you will be delighted to call home,” Van said. “We welcome the opportunity to introduce you to our amenities, services and to show you how Covenant Woods Senior Living can enrich your life.”

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Supportive Services Offer Seniors Peace of Mind

6850 River Road • 706-607-0002 •

Oftentimes, a move to a senior living community can create stress for seniors and their loved ones. While they may yearn for the possibility of finding their place in a senior community, they may also fear losing independence and wonder what will happen if their needs change in the future. At TerraBella Riverplace, an independent living community with a decorated history and welldefined vision for the future, established partnerships with local onsite supportive services can provide seniors with added peace of mind knowing that convenient, on-demand care and a helping hand is available when they need it.

TerraBella Riverplace’s Independent Living option features a variety of programs and offerings designed to help area seniors enjoy a richer, more rewarding lifestyle.

“In communities like ours, amenities and enriched services come together to help seniors maximize lifestyle quality in retirement,” said Charles May, Senior Lifestyle Counselor. “Plus, our dedicated team members help create an enriching, comfortable environment that feels like home, making the transition to senior living seamless.”

At TerraBella Riverplace, available dining, recreation and events, and housekeeping and maintenance services impart a more relaxing lifestyle that gives seniors and their loved ones more time to focus on their health and wellness and participating in their favorite activities. Plus, the community setting has been shown to promote togetherness and effectively fight isolation and loneliness, also providing seniors a network of neighbors with whom to share their golden years.

SUPPORTING SENIORS AT EVERY STAGE

Though there are many benefits to independent living communities, some seniors and their loved ones may have lingering misconceptions

and concerns that if their needs change, they’ll need to uproot their lifestyle to make a move to another community. At TerraBella Riverplace, the team works to combat and overcome these obstacles through partnerships with onsite supportive services such as Visiting Angels. With these supportive services, residents enjoy many benefits including:

• Convenience: through onsite support services and local partnerships, you don’t need to leave the community to fulfill your care needs. Much like Uber or DoorDash, these services can be attained on demand.

• Peace of Mind: With onsite supportive services, families can enjoy an additional safety net of knowing that not only is care available, but customizable in an Independent Living Community, where their caretakers work for the seniors and their loved ones.

• Financial Benefits: With onsite supportive care services, residents are paying only for the care they need rather then paying for additional care services they may not use in an Assisted Living community.

“Here at TerraBella Riverplace, we’re thrilled to be able to be here for our seniors and their families throughout all stages of retirements,” May said. “It’s comforting for families to know that once they join our Riverplace family, we have the resources to help them remain in our community as needs change.”

Located at 6850 River Road, TerraBella Riverplace is nestled close to Lake Oliver and within easy reach of the desirable shopping, dining and entertainment destinations that fill the area’s Uptown district. Call our team today at 706-607-0002 to schedule a tour of our community.

Keeping it Simple CP FINANCIAL CONSULTING 706-525-5931 • CPFinancialConsulting.com • charmagne@cpfinancialconsulting.com

When comes to financial planning, Charmagne Preston has a single rule—Don’t panic.

As the founder and owner of CP Financial Consulting, Preston has made a career out of helping retirement-age clients find comfort and security in whatever the future may bring.

To get there, Preston offers some basic suggestions:

“Always have a budget in mind for your essential needs,” she said. “In addition, always make sure to save some money but always reward yourself with something small to celebrate little victories.”

She also suggests clients secure a job that’s not especially taking.

“Turn your hobby into a side business or be a delivery driver for companies that allow you to make your own schedule,” she said. “Or help sell government phones to make extra money.”

Born during the COVID-19 pandemic, Preston and her staff at CP Financial Consulting focus on:

• Medicare

• Under-65 health insurance

• Disability income protection

• Life insurance

• Group insurance

• Retirement planning

Preston and her staff specialize in assisting clients in applying for A&B Medicare, comparing rates on supplemental plans, comparing advantage plans and with finding affordable drug coverage.

“We have an A-to-Z service, all at no cost,” Preston said. “We’ll

also walk you through the coverage line by line, so you will know exactly what it is and how it applies to your exact scenario.”

It’s that type of attention to detail that Preston believes separates CP Financial Consulting from other area planners.

“What makes us unique is that we make the process simple,” Preston said. “I’ll help you with the paperwork, compare the plans and prices and find you the insurance plan that fits your needs.

“Best of all, my help is at no cost to you.”

Preston has been a licensed life and health insurance agent for four years. “I've helped thousands of people lower their premiums and find affordable insurance,” she said. “As an independent agent, I work with multiple companies so that we can always find the fit that is right for my customer.”

For more information, call Charmagne Preston at 706-525-5787 to schedule a 20-minute review call.

Thrive at Green Island is a senior living community that aspires to give each resident a purpose and opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.

“We are here to breathe life into older adults with our outside-the-box lifestyle,” explained Kerry Jo Brooks, Community Relations Director for Thrive at Green Island. “Our desire is to reignite purpose and passion that exists in everyone, no matter what season of life they are in.”

To do that, the team creates an environment that allows the residents and their families to truly feel supported, loved and at home.

“The energy, enthusiasm and servant leadership our team offers every single day is contagious, unique and special,” Brooks said. “Our community is of course breathtakingly beautiful, but it is by far the amazing servant leadership and love that people feel and experience from our Thrive family from the moment they enter our doors.”

“We are a family here.”

Thrive at Green Island is all about building what Brooks calls "intentional relationships.”

“We are a smaller community with a huge heart,” she said. “We create—or in some situations, recreate opportunities to ignite joy, hope, and spontaneity for the residents.”

That includes the Dream Weaver program, which has been a huge hit for older adults.

“One of my favorite questions to ask will forever be, ‘What is one thing that you haven't done or maybe would like to do again that would be a dream come true for you?’” Brooks said. “We will do everything we can to help make their dreams come true.”

That includes hot air balloon rides, boxing at age 75, flying an airplane or riding a zip line to name a few.

Thrive team members receive specialty training to help others live their best lives.

“When you work daily with those diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s, it is very important to have the knowledge, wisdom, tools, and skills to provide the care and lifestyle they deserve,” Brooks said. “We believe that older adults enduring this journey need, desire and deserve to live their best life even in this chapter.”

MAY-JUNE 2023 Columbus and the Valley 31

BY BRETT BUCKNER

Back on the Right Track

LOCAL TRACK AND FIELD LEGEND COACH CHARLIE OLIVER RETURNS HOME FOR TRACK MEET AT RENOVATED KINNETT STADIUM

When meeting a local legend, introductions often lack formality.

“Just call me Coach O,” said the genial voice on the other end of the phone, “everyone does.”

That voice belongs to none other than famed track and field athlete and coach—not to mention Columbus native— Charles Oliver, or simply Coach O.

“We’ve done a pretty good job of branding,” he said, laughing. “Even now, when someone comes up to me and says, ‘Charles’ I’m like … ‘Are you talking to me?’

“I’m pretty much Coach O to everybody these days.”

Coach O, who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned to Columbus recently to promote the Coach O Invitational. Hosted by the West Georgia Jets, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) sponsored event was held on April 22 with the simple goal of promoting local track and field athletes.

“We have been working for nearly a decade to host an event with Coach O and to finally have it come to fruition was incredible,” said Merri Sherman, executive director for the Columbus Georgia Sports Council. “Coach O is highly respected for his role within the track-andfield community and having the opportunity to work with him and him being willing to put his name and reputation on this event is priceless.”

While there’s been a desire to host this type of event, the issue was access to a suitable venue. But that all changed with the renovations to Kinnett Stadium.

“It’s now the perfect facility for a track and field event that will attract top talent to compete,” Sherman said. “We are expecting several All-Americans and national champions for this inaugural event, which will grow each year.”

Because registration was still ongoing prior to publication, Sherman couldn’t speculate on the potential financial impact the Coach O Invitational might have.

By comparison, the 2022 GHSA State Track and Field Championships that were held at Kinnett Stadium brought in more than $850,000 to the local economy.

The meet is for runners of all ages from 5 years old to adult.

“It’s all about helping them develop,” Coach O said. “Even for the adults, it’s a chance to prove that it’s never too late.”

Coach O knows a little something about late starts.

Growing up on 5th Avenue in Columbus, he used to run in block track meets where he’d race against kids who lived on other streets.

“Every time I entered a relay race,” Coach O remembered, “I came in last place. Every. Single. Time.”

Coach O didn’t start running seriously until March of his

“Regardless of visitor spending estimations,” she said, “the event will still have a positive impact on the community.”

As for Coach O, he’s hoping this is the first in a long-running partnership with his hometown.

“I want to see this meet grow to encompass even more kids,” he said. “A track meet is about more than running and jumping. It’s an opportunity also to provide positive leadership to kids.”

senior year in 1972 at Jordan High School. He tried out for the fourth spot on the team. It came down to Coach O and a childhood friend—the same friend who always beat him in those neighborhood races.

“For some reason, the coach picked me because he saw something in me,” Coach O said. “That put me on the right track for the rest of my life.”

“A track meet is about more than running and jumping. It’s an opportunity also to provide positive leadership to kids.”

-Coach Charles Oliver

That year, he won the state championship after an undefeated season and had the fastest 400-meter time in all four divisions in Georgia. His 48.8 still stands as a school record.

After high school, Coach O attended Troy University (formerly Troy State) where he won the 1976 NAIA National Championship in the 400-meter dash with a record-setting time of 45.74 seconds.

Oliver was an alternate on the 1976 and 1980 United States Olympic teams and was ranked among the top-10 in the country by "Track & Field News" in 1974, 1976 and 1980.

“It’s been said a few times, but I was not an Olympian,” Coach O clarified. “I was an alternate and competed in two Olympic trials, but I never got to go to the Olympics.”

Oliver returned to Troy in 1980 as a graduate assistant track and field coach and was named head coach the next season. His teams won seven Gulf South Conference track championships. Coach O was named Coach of the Year seven times, and 26 athletes won All-America honors. He was inducted as a member of Troy University’s inaugural Sports Hall of Fame class in 2012.

Coach Oliver became a member of the University of Tennessee’s track and field coaching staff in 1988. During his tenure, the team won SEC indoor and outdoor championships and produced numerous All-American athletes. The team also won the NCAA National Championship in 1991. Coach O remained on the university administrative staff until 2009.

Coach O during his Troy State (now Troy University) years

After coaching, Coach O transitioned into the business world while staying true to his track and field roots.

He’s the CEO and founder of Coach O Enterprises, which serves track and field in three ways—Bags by Coach O, Coach O Registration and Coach O Event Management. He’s also Second Vice President and National Chair for the AAU.

After a lifetime of running races and coaching athletes, Coach O knows that there are countless lessons that can be learned on the track that having nothing to do with the finish line.

“Everyone can’t be a star or win first place,” he said. “A kid may come out, and he’s always coming in last. But all that time, he’s learning about teamwork, about discipline, motivation and interacting with others.”

That kid is going to grow up.

“One day, you might go in for surgery and that kid is your doctor,” Coach O said. “He’s the last face you see. But he learned about drive and hard work, and he never gave up when it got tough, even though he always came in last.” C

Organizers of the meet (L-R) Merri Sherman, executive director, Columbus, Georgia Sports Council, Coach O, Marcus McGinty, meet director AAU, David Boyd, event manager, Columbus, Georgia Sports Council gathered to discuss the upcoming event at Kinnett Stadium.

CRUSH S

BY PAT DANIEL

‘Spring Into Summer’ with New Whites & Reds

pring into Summer” is a “season” we all look forward to. It’s warm enough to finally get outdoors, yet it’s not so hot and sticky we can’t wait to get right back inside to the air conditioner. This is a great time to gather and celebrate, often without fussing about what we’re drinking, as long as it’s tasty and refreshing. This makes it a great time to find new favorite wines instead of the ones we always buy. Here are some great suggestions for this brand-new season we just invented!

Summer picnics, family reunions and barbecues are by nature relaxed. Similarly, burgers and chips replace the fancy well-thought-out dinners of the holiday season. But this doesn't mean the wines can’t be just as tasty as the big wines we enjoy in the winter. When summer hits, we’ll reach for the crisp whites and light rosés, but those days are still a few weeks off. Let’s ease into this season with some big white wines and enjoy them grill side.

When we think of grilled meats, our minds go right to steak, ribs and burgers, but fish, fowl and even grilled veggies are fantastic cooked on the grill. Many of the nicer chardonnays of the world are fermented and/or aged in oak, which adds flavors to the wine, just as smoking chips of hickory and applewood add great flavors to the foods. The big-name California oak-

and-butter bomb chardonnays were made for these grilled smoked chicken and grilled shrimp dishes. In fact, at other “indoors” times of the year, these wine styles are often served, too cold and all the nuance is deadened. So enjoy them grill side at their perfect temperatures of 50-55 degrees, a little warmer than refrigerator temperature.

The great French chardonnays do better with lighter, less busy items, as they are generally more subtly styled. It’s hard to imagine not enjoying trout almondine— buttered, grilled trout, with flaked almonds—with a beautiful Meursault, an oaked, minerally, pear-like chardonnay. A Montrachet would also pair spectacularly with this dish. If you prefer unoaked chardonnay, how could you go wrong with a delicious Chablis, whose grapes are grown in soils composed of fossilized sea life. Perhaps paired with grilled lobster with Swiss chard and pink grapefruit beurre blanc sauce? Did you know that Chateauneauf-du-Pape also produces big, rich white wine blends as well as red? Try one of those wines with an herb-marinated grilled sea bass on great northern beans. Take your time getting here, Summer, we’re good.

If you’d like something just a little bit redder, it’s rosé to the rescue. But again, it’s still “Spring into Summer,” so the light-bodied, beach-bunny rosés of the Riviera can wait their turn! Two of rosés bigger styles come from the Rhone Valley. Tavel is a region which only produces rosé, so it’s got to be good. These wines are rich in red fruits, crushed strawberries, black cherries, but also violets and white flowers. The wine’s long finish reveals aromas of flint stone and spices. The famous wine writer Jancis Robinson has said that, “Tavel, everyone tells me, goes with charcuterie, cheese, fish, chicken, duck, seafood, veal, pork and beef. It goes with pasta, spicy foods, fruit, garlic, quail, Mediterranean food, soup, roast vegetables and spring salads. It's a barbecue wine, a pizza wine, a Chinese-takeaway wine and a curry wine.” That covers all the traditional foods of “Spring into Summer.” Once again, Chateauneauf-du-Pape region is about more than just fabulous red wines, these wineries produce wonderful rosés with a

solid body of strawberry and lavender notes. The beach-waif rosés can wait a few more weeks, we have “Spring into Summer” to enjoy while we can.

Still, there’s no doubt that burgers and steak own the barbecues, and that traditionally means reds, but try these red wines. If you can remember all the way back to the holidays, Beaujolais Nouveau, the colorfully-labeled, firstfinished wine of the year, was released the Thursday before Thanksgiving. This wine is just a holiday guest; it’s gone by New Year’s. This wine’s bigger brothers, however, are available year-round and perfect for the events of “Spring into Summer.” “Normal” Beaujolais is a lighttannin red which is served chilled and is great with burgers and barbecued chicken. This wine’s cherry flavor is easy to love, and since it’s neither too sweet or too dry, this wine can be enjoyed all afternoon. For something a little more special, try a Cru Beaujolais from one of 10 named areas. They have funnysounding names: two are Fleurie (these wines are lighter), and Morgon (these wines are richer with a wonderful black tea flavor underneath the cherry).

If you love Pinot Noir, try one from Menetou-Salon, a super-secret wine area next to Sancerre. Menetou-Salon is warmer than Burgundy, so the Pinot Noir has a relaxed acidity and feel. This wine tastes like it’s enjoying the barbecue as much as you are.

But for perhaps the most “Goldilocks wine” ever, find a Cabernet Franc from Anjou-Saumur or Chinon, again in the Loire Valley. This grape is actually the parent grape for Cabernet Sauvignon, but these are lighter wines. For a wonderful entree like pork loin, finished outside on the grill, a Cabernet Sauvignon would be too heavy, and a Pinot Noir too light. Cabernet Franc’s dark cherry/raspberry/ borderline plum flavors and mineral undertones make the flavors pop as it refreshes.

The wine department may have just created a brand-new season, but there’s no disputing that “Spring into Summer” is a “season” we all look forward to. This is a great time to get outdoors while you can and find a new favorite wine to enjoy too. C

JoRhee and Jack Pezold at Bill Mill Event Center

BY DOUG GILLETT PHOTOS BY RITCHIE WHITE

A Most Hospitable Man

JACK PEZOLD REFLECTS ON A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND THE COMMUNITY THAT HELPED HIM BUILD IT.

IIf you’ve had a burger in Columbus anytime in the past 40 years, there’s a good chance Jack Pezold had something to do with it.

Starting with three McDonald’s restaurants in the early ’70s, Pezold built a hospitality empire that included nearly two dozen sets of “golden arches” throughout the Chattahoochee Valley area—as well as full-service restaurants, several hotels, the Bibb Mill Events Center and even (for a while) a TV station. And while his company, Valley Hospitality, sold off the McDonald’s locations last November, Pezold says he’s as committed as ever to the “marvelous, marvelous town” that helped him become successful—evidenced by not only his investments in the business community, but also the kinds of philanthropic endeavors that have made Columbus what it is today.

“We’ve been extremely blessed,” Pezold said. “Columbus is a marvelous community—[my wife, JoRhee] loves it, and I love it as well. We’re really pleased to be here.”

The Ingredients for an Empire

A strong work ethic and a keen eye for opportunity are integral to any success story, and Pezold’s is no different. His “business career” started all the way back at age 7, selling newspapers with his brother at the corner of Broadway and Riverview Drive in St. Louis, Missouri. The fourth of nine children, Pezold became the only one to attend college, earning his degree from St. Louis University in three and a half years while working his way through school as an inspector, or “car-knocker,” for the Wabash Railroad.

Depending on the day of the week, he recalls, he might have been in class from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then worked the second shift at the railyards from 3 to 11. “It wasn’t that every day was a 16-hour day, but it was still difficult—I had to really work at it,” Pezold said. “My mother would always have supper in the oven for me when I came home from work at 11 o’clock, so she was always a big, big help.”

Of course, while hard work and good business sense are vital, sometimes it’s just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. That was the case when Pezold applied for a McDonald’s franchise in 1973 and was awarded a store in Dublin, Georgia.

The opportunity came right as the first Arab oil crisis was throttling the American economy— “Everybody was out of money, and gasoline overnight doubled from 25 to 50 cents a gallon,” Pezold remembered. “The operator who was supposed to get the [Dublin] store could not arrange his financing, so they offered the store to me. Everybody else turned it down, nobody else wanted it, but I took it on.”

According to Pezold, the Atlanta region had the second-lowest volume of McDonald’s 23 regions at the time, yet the Dublin store performed well enough for him to open two more locations, in Vidalia and Sandersville. It also set the stage for the most important partnership of his life—his marriage, now 47 years strong, to his wife JoRhee.

“I met her at McDonald’s,” he said with a laugh. “She came into the store on a Friday evening or something with her mom and dad. She was this cute little blonde, so I fell head-over-heels smitten, and we got married a couple years later.”

Planting Roots in the Fountain City

It wasn’t long before a new opportunity presented itself, as the operator of six McDonald’s locations in the Chattahoochee Valley decided to sell and move to Florida. Jack, who was then having to buy advertising in three different media markets (Macon, Savannah

and Augusta), saw an opportunity to focus on just one, so in 1980 he sold his existing three locations and moved to Columbus.

With Fort Benning being downsized in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, it was a risky time to go all-in on Columbus. (“I don’t know, I wouldn’t want to do that again,” Pezold said, chuckling.) But the McDonald’s locations in Columbus had been low-performing for years, and Pezold saw opportunity for improvement. The stores did so well that he built many more, at one point owning 22 locations throughout the Chattahoochee Valley employing more than 1,200 people.

The success of the restaurants put Pezold in a position to diversify. In the late ’80s he purchased Columbus’ WXTX, then an independent TV station,

Jack Pezold (back, far left) with his team during a store celebration in his early years in business.

and made it a Fox affiliate; edgy, attention-grabbing shows such as “The Simpsons” and “Married… with Children” immediately made the station a force to be reckoned with. “Actually, in the first ratings book, we beat ABC, CBS and NBC in primetime,” Pezold said. “And that was an unheard-of success for [a new network].” He sold WXTX and another Fox affiliate, Augusta’s WFXG, in 1998.

That success also provided opportunities for Pezold to introduce his family to the business. His daughter Stephanie worked at one of his hotels after graduating from college; at one point, he also sold seven of his McDonald’s locations to his son John.

“You have a child, you want to give them every opportunity to be a part of this. And, of course, being in your own business is an ideal situation,” Jack said, pointing to other Columbus “legacy businesses” such as Wade Cleaners that have sustained success through multiple generations of family ownership. “Giving him the opportunity to do that, it just seemed to me it was the right thing to do.”

Building Assets in the ‘Trust Bank’

But perhaps the most significant and long-lasting consequence of Pezold’s success has been his efforts to re-invest in the community he calls home. It started with his very first Columbusarea restaurants in the early 1980s, as the McDonald’s corporation stressed a concept called the “Trust Bank” to its franchisees.

“The Trust Bank was building up a local presence and support from your local community by supporting the community, and putting back into the community,” Pezold explained, “so that the

community really trusted you—you weren’t just a ‘carpetbagger’ operating and then packing your bags and leaving.”

Bill Becker, a longtime partner at Bassett & Becker Advertising, has witnessed that commitment to the community ever since his firm started handling Pezold’s local advertising in the 1980s. “The first opportunity that Jack Bassett and I had to work for Jack Pezold was a charitable project,” Becker said. “He wanted

Celebrating 20 years of McDonald’s. Jack Pezold (R)

to send the Kendrick High School band to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, and we helped organize a fundraising effort that helped them do just that. I think it was a challenge grant—for every dollar that was raised, Jack would match it. Shortly after that, we helped him when he made a $250,000 donation to fund the soccer fields out on Woodruff Farm Road.” That gift, he said, was the start of the Columbus Youth Soccer Association—a group that today includes more than 60 teams across different age and gender groups.

Since then, Pezold and his family have given generously to a wide variety of charitable causes, including everything from the construction of the National Infantry Museum to new pianos for the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University—and, of course, support for the Ronald McDonald House. And one common thread running through all these gifts, Becker said, is that Pezold has never sought the spotlight for any of them.

“I’d just love to know how many checks Jack has written knowing full well that

no one was going to know—the folks who were getting the check barely knew where it came from,” he said. “Some folks love to get acknowledged that they’ve done something good; Jack’s really almost militantly humble about the things that he does. I guarantee whatever you may find out there, you’ll only find the tip of the iceberg, because there are far too many of those anonymous contributions that only he and the good Lord know about.”

In It for the Long Haul

For Pezold’s part, he says he’s simply following a tradition of giving that has existed in Columbus for decades—a big part of the reason why he fell in love with the area to begin with.

“The philanthropic side of the people of Columbus is just remarkable,” he said. “For example, the Bradley/Turners have supported the community in extraordinary ways. So many of those buildings downtown are or were owned by the Bradley Turner family, and a lot of those were donated to CSU. And that’s just one of many, many families that have supported the arts and supported CSU and all the good things that are happening here.”

Because of that giving spirit, he said, the city’s future remains bright. “I would like to see us attracting some bigger industry, maybe in the technology area, but I think we do a better job with our schools [of] developing the local talent here, and the local talent that we develop here attracts those kinds of businesses that Columbus needs to grow and really flourish…And we have such a wealth of talent that comes out of Fort Benning when they retire. The number of generals and officers and enlisted people we have here is amazing … if Columbus wasn’t a great community to be in, they certainly wouldn’t be ending their military careers and staying right here. That’s part of the richness of the population.”

And though he gives no indication of being close to retirement, Pezold said that he and his wife are staying put, too. “We’re really blessed to have had the opportunity to buy the stores and make a home here,” he said. “My wife and I even have our cemetery plots up at Parkhill, so we’re going to be here a long time, like it or not!” C

BY SCOTT PHILLIPS

When local screenwriter and filmmaker Andrew Gray asked me if I wanted to die in his new short film, So Long and Goodnight, I momentarily wondered if he was acting out his subconscious desire to shoot a film critic in the face on camera. When he told me the character is an attorney, I understood. Daniel Day-Lewis has nothing on me when it comes to playing a convincing lawyer. No method acting required. I have 28 years of training to play that part.

Andrew’s short film was shot at the Springer Opera House and Flat Rock Studios on Easter weekend. It’s one of several recent projects resulting from a grassroots effort to build an indigenous film-making community in Columbus.

Andrew is a member of the Rankin Screenwriters Group founded by local photographer and filmmaker Kenny Gray. The group meets every month to bounce ideas off each other and

give feedback on the screenplays being written by their members.

“It all started with a bunch of local writers eating pizza and dreaming about movies together,” Andrew said in a recent interview. “In my mind, the Rankin group was the nucleus of this whole movement.”

Enter Paul Rowe, a local screenwriter and filmmaker, who then spearheaded the introduction of Film Bar Mondays in Columbus. The concept began in Atlanta where local creatives would gather once a month to discuss their love of making movies and find talented collaborators to bring their visions to life. Savannah was the next city to launch a Film Bar group, and last year, Paul Rowe began organizing meetings in Columbus.

Film Bar is not simply an opportunity for film lovers to congregate and talk about their favorite movies. The goal of the informal meetings is to form a tribe of actors, cinematographers, producers, directors, special effects artists and others who can provide their volunteer expertise and labor to bring the passion projects of local filmmakers to life. You work on my film, and I’ll work on yours. The Columbus “chapter” meets on the fourth Monday of every month at a different venue. Meeting locations and times are announced in advance on social media.

Through his membership in the Rankin Screenwriters and being a regular attendee of Film Bar Mondays, Gray’s knowledge of the local film-making talent pool grew exponentially. For his short film, Paul Rowe served as his assistant director. John Houzer, the in-house videographer for Aflac, served as the director of photography (DP). Kenny Gray assisted with lighting and cinematography while serving as 1st Assistant Camera (AC). Russell County Judge Zack Collins was the film equipment guru on set and served as the 2nd Assistant Camera.

Nova Bird, a theater student at Columbus State University, and Andi Williams, who appeared in Cash Out, the John Travolta project filmed in Columbus last summer, played the female leads of the film. Local make-up artists Jay Valez and Garrett Clement provided stellar practical effects for the on-screen violence.

None of these people are full-time filmmakers. Some aspire to a career in the movies; others are content with having a creative outlet in their lives. They all pay their bills with a variety of day jobs, but their collective desire to tell visual stories must be satisfied. I asked Zack Collins if he thought people would be surprised that a judge moonlights as a filmmaker and camera operator. “Not at all,” he said. “I think it shows that people can have multiple interests and passions. I absolutely love making movies.” C

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

Valley Scenes

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Much Ado About Something...

Better Than Yummy

It was a more-than-laugh-out-loud “yummy” evening at the RiverCenter as comedienne Leanne Morgan regaled the crowd so well. My face wasn’t the only one hurting after laughing nonstop for a couple of hours with  Sallie Martin, Ann Marie Sims, Lisa Powers, Lisa DeRoche, Jill Tigner, Monica Luker, Mandy Flynn, Tricia Nicholson, Dawn Farrow, Eleen Harden, Nelia Partain, Toni Morrison, Stacy Martin, Patricia Maxwell and Lisa Allen were all howling with the descriptions of her life—no doubt, relating to any of the topics she covered including “getting ready for bikini season,” and “when your teenagers turn on you.” Calling her the female version of Jeff Foxworthy doesn’t really do her justice, but it does provide a context as she does the sort of everyday observations about life, kids and marriage that are just dang funny.

It was a double bonus, getting to see one of my favorites, comedienne Karen Mills as the opener. And no, she says, she’s not “that” Karen (with all due respect for the grief that  Karen Lord, Karen Cook and all the other Karens out there must take!) but anyone who can make ovarian cancer a laughing matter—she even did a Ted Talk on it!—has to have a great outlook on life and

the guts to make it funny.

BY MARQUETTE MCRAE MCKNIGHT

Although the crowd was 95 percent female—there were some men who braved it—and I do believe I saw them laughing out loud as well, including  Rick Brannan, Richard Hammer, Alford Harden, Reggie Brushwood and William Lacy. One of her many trademarks, calling someone “yummy” brought the house down, as did her comments on the only two things a man wants … but you’ll have to check out her social media to find out what those two things are!

Red, White and Blue

It’s the kind of moment when you want to stand up, wrap yourself in our country’s flag and sing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” I did restrain myself at the State of Fort Benning sponsored by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce at the National Infantry Museum. The crowd was right with me, enthralled by Fort Benning Commanding General Curtis Buzzard’s remarks, where he noted he was an, “ordinary man who had extraordinary opportunities”—which included serving in the White House under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. And the man has an impressive family resume

Columbus State University crowned Aaliyah Phillips of Sharpsburg, Georgia, (fourth from left) as its 24th Miss CSU. The junior majoring in elementary education will go on this summer to represent the university in the Miss Georgia Scholarship Pageant.

Pictured (L-R): second runner-up Emma Mitchell; 2022 Miss CSU Tori Svenson; 2022 Miss Georgia Outstanding Teen Anna Kate Robinson; Phillips; 2022 Miss Georgia Kelsey Hollis, 2020 Miss CSU Elise Higgins; third runner-up Peyton Avery and first runner-up Chaylse Workman.

as well. He’s married to Teri, a registered nurse and former Army officer, and they are the parents of three daughters— Katie, a physical therapist and Army spouse; Caroline a recently pinned Naval Flight Officer and Anna, a rising senior at the Naval Academy. What an impressive legacy of service.

Thanks to United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, we had an interesting table of folks including UW CEO  Ben Moser, Pat Frey, Haley Ramey, and one of my all-time favorite generals,  Andy Hilmes. As I write that line, “one of my … favorite generals” I get another big wave of appreciation that I live in a region where we come into contact with these real-life heroes all the time and thankful that not only are they incredible servant leaders, but they are most often down-to-earth folks who give our community an extraordinary advantage when they retire here. That’s exactly what Andy Hilmes and former Fort Benning commanding general  Pat Donahoe who was also at the breakfast, did. I know I’m joined in that sentiment by others at the breakfast

The Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner was hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Chattahoochee Council honoring Zsa Zsa Heard of LaGrange as a community leader who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the local community and lives by the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law. Presenting the award to Heard was Scout Executive/CEO Chattahoochee Council BSA Juan F. Osorio (L). She was joined by her husband Titus Heard (R). Zsa Zsa Heard is CEO of the LaGrange Housing Authority.

Members of the Columbus Area Alumnae Chapter of Chi Omega held a fundraiser at Divine Dinners benefiting the Make-A-Wish foundation. Dinner was served followed by a silent auction and raffle of great prizes donated by the members and area businesses. Attending were: (L-R) Kathy Young, Cathy Bickerstaff, Tasca Hagler, Carol Kirven, Jill Tigner, Julie Gilstrap, Joelle Bonamy, Lori Cooper, Nancy Prohaska and Kathy Chancellor.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter with help from Staples, held a community initiative to donate school supplies to students at Dorothy Height Elementary (DHES). Present at the supplies drop off were: Jean Jones, Paula Lockhart, Ann Carlisle, Staples Manager Daniel Poe, Rossland Scott, Pauline I. Johnson, Bertha Ogletree, Johnnie Jones, Malinda Stovall, DHES Principal Meredith Adams, Geneva Pierce, Olivia Rutledge, Catherine Murphy, Sherrell Floyd, Stephanie Wiley, Claudett Moss, Jackie Hodo, Linda Willis, Geraldine Taylor, Melinda Moton, Janice Burton and DHES Counselor Mary Jo Bridges.

including  Rodney Close, Joel Ames, Cathy Cook, Carolyn Bermudez, Mitch Grossman, Mayor Skip Henderson, Jim Livingston, Toyia Tucker, Ashley Ginn, Melody Trimble and Chuck Rossi.

Buzzard talked candidly and excitedly about the upcoming renaming of Fort Benning to Fort Moore, inspired by the service of the Moore family, Col. Hal Moore and his wife Julie That ceremony will happen in May and will be an historical moment in our region.

More Servant Leaders: Teachers

Folks who are teachers are another category of servant leaders who give so much to our community. The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) honors the Muscogee County School District’s Teacher of the Year honorees each year with one of the country’s (yes, I said country’s!) biggest Teacher of the Year Galas in May. MCSD honored these exceptional teachers with a breakfast in March where the teachers got to hear from the 2022 National Teacher of the Year. As interesting as that was, these local servant leaders were more impressed by the words of the 2022 MCSD Teacher of the Year  Vanessa Ellis, who just a few days before had been named one of the Georgia Top Ten Teachers of the Year. I’ll bring you all the details of the local TOTY gala and how well Vanessa did in the state program in the next issue of Columbus and the Valley. Congratulations to all and thank you for what you do for our students and our school system! This year’s honorees are: John Bolles, Aaron Cohn Middle; Cameron Cox, Allen Elementary; Suezette

Bill and Nell Scrantom were voted King and Queen at the 2023 Mardi Gras party at Spring Harbor.

Columbus Technical College (CTC) opened an onsite pantry to provide students with essentials like food and toiletries, made possible through the use of Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funds and a partnership with Feeding the Valley Food Bank. Donations include fresh produce, meats, canned goods, toiletries, beverages and more. At the opening were: (L-R): CTC Human Resources Director Henry Gross, CTC Trustee

Member Kai Gary, Feeding the Valley Development Director Jennifer Shawa, CTC Care Center Director Meg Burkhardt, CTC Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Susan Sealy, CTC Vice President of Student Affairs Tara Askew and CTC Vice President of Academic Affairs David Kuipers.

Baker, Arnold Magnet Academy; Deborah Goss, Baker Middle; Christen Bridges, Blackmon Road  Middle; Amy Martin, Blanchard Elementary; Jalisa Brown, Brewer Elementary; Ashley Sykes, Britt David Magnet Academy; Tori Culverhouse, Clubview Elementary; Tricia Willis, Columbus High; Kendra Hill, Dawson Elementary; Renee Golden, Dimon Magnet Academy; Jamisha Harrison, Dorothy Height Elementary; Rebecca Levan, Double Churches Elementary; Josh Evans, Double Churches Middle; Tanisha Branford Johnson, Downtown Elementary; Kacey Brown, Eagle Ridge Elementary; Robert Wilson, East Columbus Magnet Academy; Elliot Reid, Eddy Middle; Jennifer Ferring, Forrest Road Elementary; Teairra Johnson, Fort Middle; Tyla Howard, Fox Elementary; Tracy Green, G.W. Carver; Carley Gray, Gentian Elementary; Anthony Kennebrew, Georgetown Elementary; Nick Jones, Hannan Elementary; Paige Garrett, Hardaway High; Alpheia Peterson, J.D. Davis Elementary, Tori Enfinger, Johnson Elementary; Malissa Jones, Jordan Vocational College and Career Academy; Jatorey Daniel, Kendrick High; Sophia Nicholson, Key Elementary; Nicole Burkes, Lonnie Jackson Academy; Terri Jones, Marshall Success Center; Jennifer Alexander, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary; Nicole Radney, Mathews Elementary; Amanda Duncan, Midland Academy; Ebony McNeill, Midland Middle, Carra Glenn, North Columbus Elementary; Chera Riles, Northside High; Brian Walker, Rainey

McCullers School of the Arts; De’Shon McNeill, Reese Road Leadership Academy; Charlene Greene, Richards Middle; Minyon Scott, Rigdon Road Elementary, Hannah Walker, River Road Elementary; David Buxton, Rothschild Leadership Academy; Ashley Lamar, Shaw High; Evelyn Blalock, South Columbus Elementary; Tammie Brown, Spencer High; Judy Woods, St. Elmo Center for the Gifted; Tasha Morman, St. Mary’s Magnet Academy; Claudia Curbelo, Veterans Memorial Middle; Alesha Gierhart, Waddell Elementary; Carrie O’Neal, Wesley Heights Elementary and Stefanie Johnson, Wynnton Arts Academy.

50 Years of Educating the Valley

Chattahoochee Valley Community College celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and the first event to kick it off was the CVCC Foundation’s annual Hall of Fame. Inductees this year were Peggy Martin, Leigh Ann Barbaree and Phil Stillwell. Held annually at the National Infantry Museum, the HOF is the largest fundraiser for scholarships. There were 300 guests, more than 80 sponsors, a successful silent auction and a raffle of a pair of diamond earrings that all raised $120,000 for the Student Scholarship Fund.

Fonda and Mark Carter, Sherry and Joel Ammons, Jennifer and Chance Corbett, Letha and Grant Parker, Debbie Bowden, Margaret Moss, Cathy Taylor, Courtney and Mark Ellis and

Bettye and Cecil Cheves were surrounded by family members at a press conference and unveiling ceremony for the Bill and Olivia Amos Children’s Hospital at the former Doctors Hospital on the Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown campus. The project is possible due to a generous donation by the Cheves family. The hospital is named for Bettye Cheves’ parents.

Helen and BR Johnson spent time at the silent auction bidding for a good cause. The Russell County High School Jazz Ensemble had Paula and David Acton, Cattie Epps, Roz Durden, Valorie Harbour, Brenda Coley and Clara Jackson tapping their feet. More music was offered by the CVCC Ensemble with music from the ‘70s—the decade when the college was founded.

Three students—Alexa Shiver, Kanesha Orange and Precious Hitchcock—shared heartwarming stories of the impact that their CVCC education, made possible by Foundation scholarships, has had on their lives.

New to the lineup for the HOF was the President’s Award recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities and CVCC. This year’s honorees were Susan Wiggins, Lise Patterson and Arthur Elliott.

A Gathering of City Leaders

The Columbus State University’s Cunningham Conference Center was the sold out venue for the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce State of the City delivered by Mayor Skip Henderson. He spoke on many subjects that are top of the agenda for our community. Following the Mayor’s overview, Rodney Close led the Mayor in a question and answer session. The Mayor was candid and upfront about the issues the city is facing as well as highlighting many of the current and future projects that we can look forward to. Amongst those attending was the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Class.

Orchettes Debut

The Orchettes Promenade of Debutantes presented 22 young women at its 31st Biennial Debutante Ball themed Sapphire Sweethearts at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. This event has been held since 1959 and this is the organization’s 70th year of service to the community. This year’s debs were: Layla Albright, Breanna Asante-Bediako, Yelena Bates, Rya Bell, Trinity Bledsoe, Makayla Durham, Dajha Gaines, Morrisa Griggs, Sanaa Hicks, Aalicia Irvin, Morgan Jones,

David and Jessica Best with Community Ambulance were named Piedmont Columbus Regional’s First Friday Heroes for the month of March. The married paramedic duo recognized their patient did not have a good, safe living environment. Advocating for their patient’s safety, they got an outside agency involved— allowing the patient to receive the proper attention and assistance.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) inducted three alumni into the CVCC Hall of Fame recently. This year’s honorees were (L-R) Distinguished Athlete Phil Stillwell, Distinguished Alumna Leigh Ann Barbaree and for Distinguished Service, Peggy Martin. CVCC President Jackie Screws (R) shared the stage with the honorees.

Layla Albright, Breanna Asante-Bediako, Yelena Bates, Rya Bell, Trinity Bledsoe, Makayla Durham, Dajha Gaines, Morrisa Griggs, Sanaa Hicks, Aalicia Irvin, Morgan Jones, Skylar Lewis, Zeniya Lewis, Adrianna Lindsey, Zoe Mackey, Charity McWilliams, Ashlee Ogletree, Nia Patterson, Marcaile Pridgen-White, Nina Ray, Jessica Roberts and Khayla Truitt were the debs presented at the Orchettes Promenade of Debutantes held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

Skylar Lewis, Zeniya Lewis, Adrianna Lindsey, Zoe Mackey, Charity McWilliams, Ashlee Ogletree, Nia Patterson, Marcaile Pridgen-White, Nina Ray, Jessica Roberts and Khayla Truitt.

Bowl's a Plenty

Feeding the Valley held their annual Empty Bowl event to benefit the Kids Café at the Psalmond Road Recreation Center. A steady flow of participants perused the displayed, unique bowls of which one per ticket was theirs to take home. A variety of soup choices, an auction and fellowship ensured all who attended enjoyed the event and took home a prize.

‘But That Is Not All’

The Springer Opera House Children’s Theater production of The Cat in the Hat was a big hit amongst the younger generation who attended the play in March. A questionand-answer session at the end of show produced lots of questions that only the mind of a child would think to ask. Congratulations to the cast and all involved for a fantastic show.

Attendees at the Empty Bowl event benefiting the Kid’s Café perused the display of unique bowls.

Schley Smallman answered questions from the audience at the end of the performance of the Springer’s, The Cat in the Hat.

Looking on the Highside

The highly anticipated Highside Market’s Looks & Libations event gave attendees a sneak peek of the wonderful venue in uptown Columbus that will be a hive of activity for retail shopping, events and cuisine in the not-too-distant future. People gathered for food and drink while NBC’s The Voice contestant and Statesboro native Tanner Fussell sang. Guests also took the opportunity to tour the interior of the main building checking out the spaces soon to be occupied by Parlor Donuts, Fox and Pheasant, The Flying Biscuit, Council Wardrobe Studio and Cleaver and Cork and the ladies from Teased Hair Salon were on hand to give your locks a refresh. Chris Woodruff and Martin Huff of The Cotton Companies developed the space—along with Will Barnes of Barnes Gibson Partners Architects who has steered the architectural design—welcomed future patrons to the space.

“Morbid Curiosity” at The Do Good Salon

Fred Fussell sat with his good friend Butch Anthony to discuss his exhibition, “Morbid Curiosity” from the Drs. Joseph and Francye Largeman Collection. Butch and Fred reminisced, offered insights and explained how the initial discovery of a Mosasaur Vertebra bone in his youth steered Butch on his journey into the world of art that, to this day, involves bones and myriad of other “found” items. Butch described his art as, “intertwangleism” a term that is as unique as the man himself. C

(Above) At the Do Good Fund Salon, Butch Anthony and Fred Fussell regaled the audience with tales of Anthony’s art career throughout the years.

(Right) James and Heidi Andrews with Butch Anthony and Fred Fussell

Marquette McRae McKnight is the owner of Media, Marketing. and More! Inc, a full service public relations firm. She may be reached at 706-660-9702 or via e-mail at marquette@mediamarketingandmore.com.

The Cotillion Club of Columbus Announces 22 New Members for 2023

These debutantes will be presented at the May 6 Wynn House Heritage Ball at The Wynn House. The ball benefits the preservation of The Wynn House. The Cotillion Ball on December 27 will close the 2023 Debutante season.

OFFICERS OF THE COTILLION CLUB:

Sarah Hatcher Dismuke President

Lillian Rachael Peek

Co-Vice President

Elizabeth Wells Roberts

Co-Vice President

Sara Gordy Hill

Corresponding Secretary

Lillian Elizabeth Norred Social Secretary

Lynn Thayer Pearson Treasurer

Anna Marie Albright

PARENTS

Mrs. Elizabeth Gilliland Albright and Mr. Edwin Leffler Albright SCHOOL

Georgia College and State University

Mattie Wood Albright

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Kyle Albright III SCHOOL Auburn University

HollandAlexanderLesley

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Craig Alexander SCHOOL

Auburn University

Tayler Leigh Baker

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Adam Baker SCHOOL

Auburn University

Marianna Swift Branch

PARENTS

Mrs. and Mrs. Jason Brandon Branch SCHOOL

Wake Forest University

Marguerite Helen Brooks

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. William Raymond Brooks SCHOOL

University of Mississippi

Rebecca Jordan Calhoun

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wellman Calhoun SCHOOL

Columbus State University

Lillie Amelia Caves

PARENTS

Dr. and Mrs. Sammy Albert Caves SCHOOL

Auburn University

Riley Elizabeth Grier

PARENTS

Mrs. and Mrs. Christopher Brian Grier SCHOOL

University of Georgia

Carter Elizabeth Hudson

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Mercer Hudson SCHOOL

Montana State University

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Floyd Jones SCHOOL University of Georgia

Elizabeth

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. William Lovard Lee IV SCHOOL Auburn University

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. John Bray Manderson SCHOOL

Georgia College and State University

Mildred

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jay Parker SCHOOL Auburn University

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. William Brooks Rice SCHOOL Auburn University

PARENTS

Mrs. and Mrs. Rusty Rustin II SCHOOL

University of Georgia

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. William Taft Middleton SCHOOL University of Georgia

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Benjamin Saunders III SCHOOL Georgia Institute of Technology

Anne

PARENTS

Dr. and Mrs. Grant Jones Scarborough SCHOOL University of Georgia

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Allen Tillery, Jr. SCHOOL University of Alabama

PARENTS

Mrs. and Mrs. Phillip Jason Vongsavang SCHOOL Pace University

PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. John LaFayette Waldrop III SCHOOL Texas Christian University

Laurie Clare Jones

Hay Manderson

Collins Rustin

Mia Rowan Vongsavang

Mary Avnor Parker

Anita Katherine Scarborough

Cora LaDelle Lee

MargaretMiddletonMatheson

Mary Margaret Saunders

Winstead Waldrop

Rosemary Franklin Rice

Brooks Nicole Tillery

To have your restaurant featured here, contact Margie Richardson at 706.575.7825 or Kathleen Mitchell at 706.239.7200

B. Merrell's

A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant featuring rotisserie chicken, wings & a wide selection of beer.

Tu-Su 11AM-10PM, Closed Monday 7600 Veterans Parkway 706.653.9464

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

Burt's Butcher

Shoppe & Eatery

Columbus butcher shop committed to helping you enhance your cooking experience by specializing in custom cut meats. Come by the restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.

Shoppe, Tu-Sa 9AM-6PM

Eatery, Tu-Sa 11AM-7PM 2932 Warm Springs Road 706.653.0677

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

Don Chucho’s

Dine on enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and Spanish rice everyday at Don Chucho’s. We specialize in serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Come taste the best margaritas in town.

Lunch Tu-F 11AM-1:45PM, Dinner Tu-Sa 4:30PM-8PM, Su 11AM-2PM, Closed Monday. 5770 Milgen Rd. • 706.561.3040

The Food Mill

Shop the variety of local candles, jams and more in their indoor market. Their café gift cards and local products make great graduation and Mother's Day gifts. All purchases support their nonprofit mission of reducing barriers to food security in our community. Learn more about their catering services, private event room and more at thefoodmill.org.

M-F 7:30AM-5:50 PM 3718 2nd Ave Suite A 706.330.3972

Fountain City Coffee at Banks

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

A Columbus tradition for families, friends and great food. Ruth Ann’s offers authentic Southern style lunches, and breakfast 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

MAY

May 7

Come on down to the Midtown Getdown—A Sunday afternoon park concert at the Lakebottom Band Shelter, featuring local musicians, food and fun. This is a great family outing. For more information about this free event, visit midtowncolumbusga.org/ midtown-get-down/.

May 12 & 13

To kick off the 2023 RushSouth Whitewater Park season, Uptown Columbus is hosting RiverFest weekend. The entire community is invited to participate in weekendlong events. Festivities will be held in Woodruff Park and along the Dillingham Street Bridge. It brings 50+ food, beverage and arts vendors to Woodruff Park, along with live music acts throughout the weekend. For more information, visit AlwaysUptown.com/riverfest.

What's Happening?

May 13

The Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents “Beethoven and ‘The Scottish’” at The RiverCenter. Felix Mendelssohn traveled extensively throughout Europe. He wrote about these wanderings in many of his greatest compositions. Thus, the third symphony is known as the “Scottish” because it reflects Scotland, its climate and its culture. To purchase tickets, call 1.888.332.5200 or visit the box office on Broadway and 10th St.

May 20

Join Paws Humane Society for their sixth annual Barks and Blues Music Festival at Woodruff Park in Uptown Columbus. This is their largest annual fundraiser that features live entertainment, food trucks, adult beverages and arts and craft vendors. To learn more about this free admission event, visit BarksandBlues.com.

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JUNE

June 3

Uptown's Beer and Wine Festival is back! This event is held in the Rankin Courtyard from 1 to 5 p.m.. The festival will feature more than 100 craft beers and wines, allowing attendees to sample beverages from all over. Join in on an experience like no other. For ticket information, check out AlwaysUptown.com.

June 16 – 19

The Columbus Civic Center presents Unity Week and the Juneteenth Jubilee. Come out and celebrate rich heritage through history, music, arts and lots of fun. Visit Columbusga.gov/juneteenth for more information regarding this event.

June 24

Newly named Fort Moore will hold their annual Independence Celebration to provide everyone a safe environment while being entertained by great music performances, watch the Chattahoochee Valley’s largest fireworks show, enjoy military displays and demonstrations and fun in the sun. For more information, visit Benning.armymwr. com/calendar/event/76530

JULY

July 1-4

Visit Callaway Gardens for their annual Star Spangled Beach Party. Enjoy three days of family fun at Robin Lake Beach. Play all day long with beach volleyball, putt putt, paddle boarding, kayaking, Aqua Island, TreeTop Adventure and so much more. Each day ends with a bang thanks to their nightly Fireworks Extravaganza. Visit CallawayGardens.com for more information.

by Mike Owen

The Magic of The Masters

Iknow, I know, this is not the kind of thing that should be looked upon as a competition. Yet here I am, the winner. Allow me to explain.

Because of my wife’s determination, I am writing a great deal of this from the porch of a rented lake house not far outside Augusta, Georgia. I’m looking out over the lake and enjoying a refreshing beverage and reflecting on the day I just spent at the Augusta National Golf Club, walking golf’s most hallowed ground and watching the world’s best golfers play the most magical course there is.

Words can’t adequately do the place or the experience justice … but hey, I have a magazine deadline, so here goes.

This all started a few years back when I had just survived a bout with cancer, and my wife wanted me to celebrate right and proper. She managed to get me two practice round tickets to the Masters. Many, if not most, of you know that is no easy feat.

But after I’d already invited a good friend who loves golf more than anyone I know to join me, along came COVID.

The Masters was postponed until the fall, and the spring tickets were moot.

The next year, tickets weren’t available to non-members, and then last year, my left knee decided to die, so I needed a new metal one, and I was in no condition to attend the tournament. So this year, my wife asked if I wanted her to try again. I believe my response was something like, “Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle?”

So, bless her heart, she managed to get me two tickets to Tuesday’s practice round and a magnificent lake house for two days to make the adventure even more memorable. Again, I win.

So on Tuesday morning, my friend and I arrived at Augusta National. We parked in a lot the size of a small city and marched onto the grounds (through TSA-grade security).

I was stunned. My friend, who plays golf better and loves the game more than most anyone I know, was actually emotionally overcome for a moment. The place is just that magical.

It’s the beauty. It’s the history. It’s the mystique and the stories of the game’s greatest players and their greatest moments that

resonate from the gentility of the clubhouse, from the sheer magnificence of the course, from the beauty of the grounds and from the majesty of the pines that soar over it.

And I hate pines. In my opinion, they’re big weeds that I’ve managed to rid my property of. But Augusta National is their place, the place where they shine and belong. (As long as I don’t have to rake up the damn pine straw.)

And the hills. Oh my, those hills. The hills you see on television are compressed by the camera lenses. So you have no idea how hilly the course really is or how steep those hills are or how undulating the greens are until you see them in person.

The course you see on TV isn’t the course you or the players walk. Or the caddies—those poor caddies. I can’t begin to imagine walking the course with a 50-pound golf bag on my shoulder. The course is 7,510 yards long. That’s 22,530 feet, or about 4.25 miles up and down those hills. And that’s just the length from tee to green. It doesn’t include the considerable distance from each green to the next tee.

I wasn’t carrying anything more than a pimiento cheese sandwich and a beer, and those hills beat me half to death.

As a veteran watcher and newbie walker of Augusta National, I think the iconic 18th hole might be the best example of this.

Those who watch the game know that players have to drive the ball through a narrow alley between trees, out into an expansive fairway. Ideally, they want to avoid a huge fairway bunker on the left and want to fade the ball (or draw it, if you’re a lefty) a bit around the corner—the dogleg.

If they accomplish that, then they’re faced with a huge, steep hill up to the final green—up to the end of their ordeal that day. How steep is it, you ask? It’s reminiscent of Stone Mountain

I tell you, walking up that last hill had me actually cursing those hallowed grounds. But I sure wasn’t cursing the woman whose determination made all that wonderful, magical misery possible. Thanks, sweetie. C

Mike Owen was born and raised in Atlanta and came to Columbus in 1986 to work for the Ledger-Enquirer, which he did for 31 years, until his retirement. He intends to grow old, die and be buried here, hopefully no time soon.