ARTIST ALMA THOMAS’ WORK COMES HOME AUGUST 2022
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A Jewel in Columbus:
SCHOMBURG’S MARKS 150 YEARS
Specialized Care Matters When it Comes to Women’s Cancer Cancer. It’s a word no woman wants to hear, but one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. In Georgia over 9,000 women are projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 3,000 with a gynecologic cancer in 2022. Cancers unique to women may pose physical and emotional challenges. The disease may develop in the breasts or reproductive organs, creating concerns about fertility, sexual health and self-image. Women seeking to navigate diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting such sensitive areas can benefit greatly from seeking care at a women’s cancer center, where experienced doctors and clinicians with advanced, disease-specific training are singularly focused on screening, diagnosing and treating breast cancer and gynecologic cancers with a sense of urgency.
Breast Cancer: Every Patient is Different
Although breast cancer may be the most common cancer women experience in the United States—women have a 1 in 8 chance of developing the disease—it is a unique diagnosis and experience for every patient. Most women with breast cancer will be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, a noninvasive cancer found in the milk ducts, but other diagnoses include invasive ductal, lobular carcinoma in situ, invasive lobular, triple-negative, inflammatory, metastatic, and more. A breast oncology care team ensures treatment is tailored to each woman based on her diagnosis. This can include mammograms and genetic testing that determine risk factors and screen for disease; diagnostic technology designed to give patients and their oncologists the information needed to make informed decisions about their care; and treatment options such as surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and chemotherapy that target and treat the cancer.
Gynecologic Cancer: A Risk for All Women
Gynecologic cancers target the reproductive organs and include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers, among others. For many of these cancers, warning signs and symptoms may seem like they’re caused by other, less alarming issues, such as bloating, bowel changes, abdominal pain, and vaginal itching. As a result, women often do not receive a diagnosis for these diseases until these cancers have progressed to a more concerning stage. Gynecologic oncologists are a rare, highly trained specialty. After standard gynecology and obstetrics training, they undergo several more years of training and specialized education in gynecologic cancer treatment. They are also
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highly sought after—less than 1,500 gynecologic oncologists practice in the United States, and research suggests that women with gynecologic cancers who are treated by a gynecologic oncologist have better outcomes and chances for survival than those who are not. As with breast cancers, genetic testing can also assess risk and inform a gynecologic oncologist of any unique aspects of their genetic makeup that may affect treatment. Beyond standard-of-care treatment involving surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation, gynecologic cancer patients may also require significant physical and mental supportive care.
Supportive Care for Cancers Unique to Women
Supportive care services are designed to help address symptoms and side effects. For women, these services help build up the strength and stamina to continue treatment and improve quality of life for everyday activities throughout their cancer journey. Supportive care for women with cancer can include: Reconstructive surgery Fertility management Nutritional support Sexual wellness Rehabilitation Survivorship resources Mental health support Support groups Spiritual support And much more When facing cancer that affects women almost exclusively, treatment from teams dedicated fully to their cancer type can make a remarkable impact on a woman’s cancer journey and confidence in care. If you experience concerning health signs or other unusual symptoms that cause you any concern, visit an expert physician as soon as possible.
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The Women’s Cancer Center at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Atlanta
BREAST SURGICAL ONCOLOGIST
expert. The oncologists and supportive care therapists are certified and compassionate, and they work together as a team to build the treatment plan that best suits the patient. Care teams may comprise of specialized medical oncologists; surgical and radiation oncologists; and supportive care options. Featured here are just a handful of the experts at CTCA Atlanta invested in women’s cancer care. GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGISTS
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Atlanta, created a comprehensive Women’s Cancer Center to integrate addressing the unique nature of breast and gynecologic cancers with their integrative care model. Services are provided under one roof and span advanced diagnostics, treatment, supportive care, survivorship, and more. Every member of the Women’s Cancer Center at CTCA® Atlanta is an
Anita Johnson, MD, FACS
• Degree: Morehouse School of Medicine • Residency: General Surgery, Grady Hospital Department of General Surgery Fellowship: Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine; Surgery, Medical College of Georgia • Board Certifications: Diplomate, American Board of Surgery • Serves as Chief of Surgery and Leader of the Women’s Cancer Center at CTCA Atlanta
Ruchi Garg, MD
Natalie Godbee, DO
• Degree: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine • Residency: Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine • Fellowship: Gynecologic Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center • Board Certifications: Gynecologic Oncology; Gynecology and Obstetrics • Serves as the National Director of Gynecologic Oncology for CTCA
• Degree: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Georgia Campus • Residency: Gynecology and Obstetrics, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital • Fellowship: Gynecologic Oncology, WellSpan York Hospital • Board Certifications: Gynecologic Oncology; Gynecology and Obstetrics
RADIATION ONCOLOGIST
INTERVENTIONAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIST
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON & MICROSURGICAL RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
Lily Shakibnia, MD, MSc, DABR, FRCPC
• McGill University (Quebec, Canada); The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (United Kingdom) • Residency: Radiation Oncology, McGill University • Board Certifications: Diplomate, American Board of Radiology • Serves as the Chief of Radiation Oncology for CTCA Atlanta
Henry Krebs, MD
• Degree: Texas A&M University College of Medicine • Residency: The University of Texas Health Science Center • Fellowship: Angiography and Interventional Radiology, Emory University Hospital • Board Certifications: Diagnostic Radiology; Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Expert cancer care is only one call away. If you are interested in learning more about CTCA Atlanta’s comprehensive and compassionate cancer care or have other questions about the hospital, call 844-721-2304 or visit cancercenter.com/atlanta. ADV.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Atlanta
600 Celebrate Life Pkwy. • Newnan, GA • 844.721.2304 • CancerCenter.com/Atlanta AUGUST 2022
Columbus and the Valley
Frederick L. Durden Jr., MD
• Degree: Morehouse School of Medicine • Residency: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine; Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery), Emory University School of Medicine • Fellowship: Microsurgical Reconstruction, The Ohio State University School of Medicine Wexner Medical Center • Board Certifications: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Otolaryngology • Supportive Care Services: Reconstruction surgery for cancer-related wounds and trauma, including valuable, musclesparing perforator flaps for breast cancer patients who are not candidates for, never received, or do not want implant-based reconstruction 3
From the Editor’s Desk
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s I was driving my car yesterday at lunch time along Broadway in Columbus, I became aware of all of the gear and lighting scattered across the median and on some of the side streets. Then the Facebook pictures of movie actor, John Travolta, and all the support personnel wandering our streets reminded me that we’re becoming a significant movie producing town in the most important movie-making state in our nation. When you introduce movie stars into the equation, those, in combination with new restaurants, retail and hotels begin to really vibrate with what feels like almost unbridled enthusiasm and wonder. This place is really beginning to become something wonderful and fun. Something important and significant. Something we’ve been chasing for my entire adult life—coolness. I’ve traveled to enough cool towns to know what that looks like, why it is important and just how hard it is to obtain. Places like Asheville, Austin, Nashville and Denver just scream cool when you’re walking down those restaurant packed streets with music thrumming from every storefront. Like it or not (and, I really like it!) some places in this town now require you to stand in line for the chance to eat, drink or be entertained there. Once coolness descends over a place, almost nothing will dampen people’s compulsion to go there to bask in the new cool of a place they’ve never been. They’ll come for music, for food, for shopping, for the world’s longest urban whitewater experience and for education. We’ve got every bit of this stuff, and with the recent opening of the Mercer University School of Medicine, we’re training smart, cool doctors right along with everything else that our region is turning out. Looking around me, remembering the crippling weight of the COVID-19 pandemic of the last two years, I’m stunned by how resilient the people of this place are. By how they’re responding to the opening back up of our local economy and by how they’re getting back to the work of seeing our region grow, continuing to thrive and finding its place in Georgia’s movie-making industry. Here I am again asking you for a favor: Find what really makes you happy, see how your involvement with that thing could happen and most importantly, plug yourself into it. Grab hold, and do what you can to make the place where we live, work and play the coolest place among every single second tier city in America. We’re already arguably the most generous city per capita in the country. Let’s be the coolest one, too! Once we can claim that, we will have begun a journey that will pay huge, generational dividends. That is the home I want to leave to my grandchildren. Meanwhile, shop and spend in our local marketplace, our merchants depend on that.
Mike Venable Editor
EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS Mike Venable and Jill Tigner
mike@columbusandthevalley.com jill@columbusandthevalley.com
ADVERTISING SALES Margie Richardson
margie@columbusandthevalley.com
Julie Jernigan, Sales Assistant
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GRAPHIC DESIGN Sixty Two Graphic Studio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brett Buckner Julie Jernigan Janet C. Burden Marquette McKnight Pat Daniel Scott Phillips Doug Gillett Jennifer Shrader PHOTOGRAPHY Ritchie White ______________________ P.O. Box 229 214A 10th Street Columbus, GA 31902 706-324-6214 • fax 706-324-6216 ______________________ COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE is published bimonthly for $18 per year by Chicken Dinner News, Inc., 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 MAGAZ INE. 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 © 2022 by Chicken Dinner News, Inc. trading as COLUMBUS AND THE VALLEY MAGAZINE. Postmaster: Please send address corrections to: Post Office Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902.
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Columbus and the Valley
AUGUST 2022
JULY-AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 31 | NO. 4
what’s inside... FEATURES
AND THE VALLE Y
8 Sherry and Steve Martin: Home at Last 19 A Jewel in Columbus
Schomburg’s Jewelers marks 150 years.
34 Hungry to Learn
High school culinary arts students get real world experience.
49 Drawn to America’s Heroes Bunny Hinzman creates portraits of those who risked everything.
DEPARTMENTS 62 The Cine Files 75 Valley Scenes 82 Dining Guide 83 Calendar 84 —30—
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53 Distilled Intrigue
25 WOMEN @ WORK
57 ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’
37 NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
Legendary Irish moonshine with Columbus ties hits shelves in August.
Downsizing brought this PC family the home they’d always wanted.
EXTRAS
Infantry Museum Gala features posts around the globe.
58 Artist Alma Thomas’ Work Comes Home
Columbus Museum exhibition culminates tour of Columbus artist’s work.
60 Crush
Guilty Pleasure Summer Wines
ON THE COVER
62 UNITED WAY OF THE CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY
On th e
Go? Read the V Columb us a alley on Yo Everyw nd here ur M Devic obile es
The dining room in the Phenix City home of Sherry and Steve Martin features a fireplace, French doors and a nook for their antique radio. photo by Ritchie White
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Steve and Sherry Martin:
HOME AT LAST BY JANET C. BURDEN | PHOTOS BY RITCHIE WHITE
I
n 1925, when builders constructed a modest Craftsman style house on Summerville Road just north of Phenix City, neighbors lived far apart and public roads were surfaced with dirt and, if lucky, a bit of gravel or tar. Perhaps the builders had an eye towards the future: Alabama had just tapped into an ambitious new project to modernize its transportation infrastructure and the area was becoming more accessible. The house also reflected the emergence of a new middle class that needed affordable housing and, fingers crossed, an automobile with reliable roadways on which to drive to jobs in Phenix City and Columbus. Through the 1980s and beyond, Steve and Sherry Martin drove past the charmer almost daily while traveling to and from their home in
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Russell County for work, play and errands. They witnessed the city expanding up Summerville Road, but the Craftsman and its acreage remained intact and as appealing as ever. Sherry grew to love the house and fantasized of owning it one day. Fast forward to 2020, when Sherry spotted a “For Sale” sign on the front lawn. With their four children grown and with lives of their own, Steve and Sherry realized that their dream of downsizing from the ranch-style house they built and owned for 35 years and moving into town was not only smart, but very doable. Sherry contacted their realtor that same day and asked for a showing. When Sherry walked in, she knew she was home.
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Experience pays off
After years of purchasing, renovating and selling rental properties, the Martins, armed with a wealth of knowhow and skills, readily recognized the Craftsman’s potential. Despite its ‘90’s décor and countless coats of paint—both inside and out—they knew the house had been well-maintained and that it had, as they say, good bones. The nearly 100-yearold structure was a high quality, well-made construction with just two previous owners.
The timing was right
“Purchasing this house when we did was just meant to be,” Sherry said. She and Steve still marvel at the timeline: They sold their Russell County home and purchased the Craftsman just before the housing market began its recent wild ride. They were fortunate to have been able to engage architects, contractors and other essential workers needed for repairs, renovations, remodeling and for a planned addition. They also purchased lumber and necessary materials just before shortages became the norm.
Sometimes the best stuff is hiding in plain view
Another stroke of good luck was unearthing treasures as they cleared out their Russell County home prior to the Summerville Road move-in date of January 2021. The Martins had purchased and stashed away French doors, an eightpanel door and other authentic items while remodeling their rentals. They’ve been able to incorporate those and other increasingly scarce materials that would
The formal dining room showcases furniture rich in family history, restored fixtures and a glimpse of the addition. The unique fireplace brickwork is repeated in the kitchen.
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make their Craftsman a showplace. Another garage gem included a large slab of peacock marble that is now a kitchen focal point. Other times, discerning vendors provided beadboard, flooring and tile they knew suited the house’s aura—and the Martins’ aesthetic—before competitors snapped it up.
The Martins created a master bedroom suite focused on comfort as part of the addition. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing after a busy day of renovating and remodeling.
Setting the stage for success
One of their first undertakings before moving into their Summerville home was the construction of a workshop in the backyard with plenty of space to store additional vintage material they may someday use—and just about any power tool you can name.
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Their desire for authenticity is evident even here: Just outside the workshop door hangs a rustic light fixture they salvaged when razing a smaller outbuilding to make room for their garden. “My dad could do anything,” Steve said, and he paid close attention as his father built, bricked, blocked and remodeled. Recently retired, Steve’s schedule allows him to handle many of the remaining tasks to finesse the renovations. No slouch herself, Sherry researched and applied tips and tricks from Do-it-Yourself sources, Pinterest and Southern Living. Their inherent and learned skillsets have allowed the Martins to perform countless tasks themselves, such as preserving the home’s original brass hardware rather than buying new or reproductions. Still working as a pharmacy operations manager and with less time to devote to time-consuming home projects, Sherry is an encyclopedia of DIY knowledge. Ask her the quickest, most efficient way to strip years of paint from door hinges, for instance, and she may surprise you by describing a process involving a slow cooker.
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Since its makeover, the kitchen has become a magnet for guests and family.
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GROWTH WITHOUT THE GROWING PAINS • As near as the Martins can tell, the original Craftsman was approximately 1,200 square feet and had two bedrooms and four fireplaces for heat. The owners would have cooked and eaten in the kitchen. • Later, perhaps with the addition of central heating, two of the fireplaces were removed and closets built in those spaces. It is unclear when an eat-in kitchen was added to the original structure, but doing so created a formal dining room and welcome elbowroom.
Even inanimate objects can be full of life
The Craftsman house is the perfect setting to display family heirlooms from the Martins’ parents and grandparents. Lovingly and skillfully restored as needed, they will be passed down to their four children, all of whom grew up absorbing the
importance of family. Memories evoked by that furniture and memorabilia is one way the Martins are nurturing a lifelong sense of common identity and shared heritage. They know that eating at the Mission-era round oak dining room table, gathering at the kitchen trestle table or snuggling in the guest bedroom’s iron metal bed means
• A later addition with a large laundry/gardening room and a carport in the rear enlarged the house to 1,608 square feet. • Before the Martins moved into the house in January 2021, they added a master bedroom suite and breezeway between it and the kitchen, making today’s house just over 2,300 square feet.
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It’s easy to unwind in this spa-like master bath. The unique double sink cabinet is a piece of repurposed family dining room furniture.
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more than sustenance and rest: Those pieces hold history.
Designing should be personal
“I’m not a minimalist, but I do avoid clutter,” Sherry said. The Martins furnished each room in a no-fuss yet cozy style that invites both comfort and relaxation and were careful to create flow between rooms by repeating elements. They’ve recreated the dining room fireplace’s rustic brickwork in a nook above the kitchen stove; used a subtle, warm paint color called Ginger Sugar in the kitchen area, breezeway and all bathrooms; detailed ceilings and wainscoting with beadboard—all while directing the eye with pops of red. Never overpowering, the splash of red is a loving, understated homage to Sherry’s mother, whose decorating style demanded a bit of red in every room and which balances Sherry’s preference for neutrals. Behind the kitchen table, though, hangs a colorful, bold painting by Columbus artist Amanda Weldon that speaks to the Martins’ daring decision to pick up stakes and leave the familiarity of their Russell County home to tackle this ambitious relocation and renovation project. Most of the walls in the home are plaster and nail un-friendly. Since plaster tends to crack and
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The focal point of the Martins’ cozy den is a baby grand piano that Sherry spent many hours playing as a teen in the home of her friend. The friend’s mother wanted Sherry to have it when it was time to downsize.
crumble if you attempt to hammer directly into it, “Don’t mention the word hammer in front of Steve,” advises Sherry. Anything hung on the walls was deliberated and discussed before drilling took place. One guest bedroom wall, though, is drywall and the Martins have fashioned a gallery of precious artwork— no drilling necessary.
Curb appeal: Designing a house perfect for entertaining
As the Martins look forward to opening their home to guests for showers, parties and holidays, the long, circular front drive makes for perfect parking, as does the convenient sideroad to their south. Having lived in the country for so
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long, the Martins enjoy their proximity to town and the friendly honks as friends and acquaintances drive by. Living in town allows them to entertain without necessitating guests’ long drives into Russell County as in the past. That’s why the addition they designed and oversaw includes not only a spacious bedroom, closet and bathroom, but a breezeway with plenty of storage for everything they need to comfortably serve dozens. The breezeway not only provides storage for entertaining essentials such as crystal, stemware and plates, its glass-fronted cabinetry displays them in an artistic and attractive manner.
When a shady past is a good thing
The Martins immediately recognized and appreciated past owners’ efforts that went into landscaping the large yard and have plans to return it to its woodsy charm. The shady yard benefits from the 180 oak trees planted and nurtured through the first owners’ labors, as well as a coral bean plant still thriving where they planted it years ago. The original owners’ daughter and her husband, who lived in the house next, not only appreciated and honored her parents’ landscaping efforts, also spent countless hours tending its lot, planting camellias, azaleas and other flowers while she was active in the Phenix City Garden Club. Now, as the Martins add their own personal touches to the site, you may even spot an “Aubie” azalea or two.
A labor of love is never finished The Martins found their happily-everafter home in a modest little Craftsman they fell in love with years ago. Just as the home’s original builder had an eye towards the future, so too do Sherry and Steve. Both agree that they will never be “done” with this labor of love: There will always be chairs to be stripped and re-woven, flowers to be planted and flooring to be sanded. As you drive by on Summerville Road and see them tending their lawn or circling their house identifying new projects and marking progress, feel free to extend an encouraging smile and wave. Home at last, they’ll be happy to return the greeting. C 16
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Three of the members of the Schomburg family who carry on the legacy of Carl Fredrick Schomburg: Mary Luby, Rick Schomburg and Laura Patrick Schomburg
BY DOUG GILLETT PHOTOS BY RITCHIE WHITE
A Jewel in Columbus Along with its gems, Schomburg’s Jewelers has a treasure trove of history
For 110 years, Schomburg’s Jewelers held a prominent place downtown on Broadway.
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“A diamond is forever,” or so goes the slogan that the De Beers company started using in 1947 to market their precious gems as symbols of commitment. In Columbus, one seller of those gemstones has demonstrated a lasting commitment to its hometown. Long before “A diamond is forever”—or even the De Beers company—existed, Schomburg’s Jewelers was building a legacy that continues to grow with each passing day. “I’m very proud that we’ve lasted this long,” said Mary Luby, part of the fifth generation of the Schomburg family to operate the store—said to be the oldest jeweler in Georgia. “To have such an established business in town is really something to say. I love seeing families that have been coming in here for 60, 70, 80 years—a woman in her 80s will come in here, and she knew
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me growing up. Or a daughter getting married, I knew her mom, or I might have baby-sat, or her mother shopped with us for years and years. It’s really cool to see entire generations come through this store.”
A True Family Business— for 150 Years and Counting The story of Schomburg’s began in 1872, when Carl Fredrick Schomburg, a native of Hannover, Germany, arrived in Columbus. Mary says he had just spent a year doing an apprenticeship in New York, and at the tender age of 20, he purchased a watchmaking business whose owner had passed away. The tiles spelling out “Schomburg’s” are still visible in the sidewalk at its original Broadway location. Though Carl Fredrick joined a substantial German merchant community in Columbus, Mary says she can’t recall too many German traditions being passed down through the family, so fervent was his embrace of his new country and the “American Dream.” That dream included
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This vintage photo taken inside the Broadway store shows some of the display cases that are still used today.
passing what by then was a very successful business to his son, Fredrick Herman; F.H. Schomburg likewise became a pillar of the community, even ringing the fire department’s bell at 11 a.m. on a regular basis so that Columbus residents could set their clocks accurately. Fredrick Herman Jr. took over the business after attending Auburn University and serving in World War II. He could often be found in the bell towers of downtown
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manager and buyer, doing “whatever needs to get done.”
The Secrets to a Century and a Half of Success
In addition to fine jewelry, Schomburg’s offers china, crystal, silver, home décor and gifts.
churches, winding their clocks. Two of his children run Schomburg’s today—Rick Schomburg, one of a very small number of certified gemologists in the Chattahoochee Valley region, and Laura Schomburg Patrick, who serves as vice president. Another daughter, Cornelia Schomburg Partain, assists with merchandise displays. And the fifth generation is already lined up to take the reins: Rick’s son Collins focuses on jewelry, gemology and repair, while Mary Luby (Laura Patrick’s daughter) serves as
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The close-knit atmosphere that has resulted from 150 years of family ownership is one reason Laura Patrick gives for Schomburg’s longevity. “There have been tough years where we would cut our own salaries so that we could keep people working,” she said. “We had a repairman who worked with us for 56 years—he worked into his 80s. And we have a lady who worked part-time for us polishing silver and things, and she still comes in and visits with us. And every time she comes in, she’ll start polishing silver, and we’ll say, ‘You don’t have to do that anymore!’ We have her over for Thanksgiving, birthdays, whatever we’re doing. She’s family to us.” Of course, it also pays to be adaptable. “Being online helps, because the younger generations will buy gifts but they don’t necessarily want to come in to look at it
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or even talk to you on the phone about it,” Laura said. “They just want to look at it online, punch that button and order it.” Schomburg’s product lines include china, silver and high-end gifts, which, according to Mary, is uncommon in the jewelry industry. The family holds exclusive regional rights to offer brands such as Herend porcelain and Richard Bishop glassware, in addition to handblown glass items from Simon Pearce. “We focus on smaller manufacturers, and while a lot of our china comes from places like China, Hungary and Portugal, we try and offer as much ‘Made in America’ as we can,” Mary said. That diversification has helped the family compete with the big jewelrystore chains, but one important thing the chains can’t offer, Laura declares proudly, is Schomburg’s personal touch. And that touch comes in many forms—personalized cards and wrapping, of course, but when the COVID pandemic hit it expanded to include restaurant-style curbside pickup. “We still have a lot of customers who like that service,” Laura said.
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Portraits of the founder and subsequent Schomburg’s owners cover the wall behind two of Fred Schomburg’s children, Rick and Laura.
Embracing the Future, Preserving History Schomburg’s had locations in Columbus Square Mall and Cross Country Plaza through the years, but after 110 years downtown, it moved north to Main Street Village in the 1980s. In 2007, when the business was poised to lose a chunk of its parking lot to a road-widening project, Schomburg’s moved to its current location on Rollins Way, behind Bradley Park Square. But many vestiges of the original downtown store remain, most prominently the clock that stands outside by the parking lot. The family also brought a number of jewelry cases dating back more than a hundred years—including one of Carl Frederick Schomburg’s
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original cases from 1872. Those unique reminders of the past, Mary explains, are important in a close-knit town that values its history as much as Columbus does. And they impart a sense of strength and permanence—not unlike those forever diamonds—that have maintained the community’s trust for 150 years. “It’s been really neat to see our family members grow up in the store, but also families growing up as they come through the store,” she said. “Someone comes in and we’re re-setting the same diamond we sold to their grandmother 60 years ago. Or people we may not know come into the store with their engagement ring in the original box they bought it in 70 years ago. It’s really interesting to see how people will come back through and say ‘I bought this’ or ‘I used to love this about Schomburg’s downtown’—it’s neat to hear those stories from years past.” The nature of their family’s business means the Schomburgs are involved in some of the biggest milestones in people’s lives— graduations, engagements, weddings, anniversaries and on and on. That, Laura says, is one of her favorite things about coming in to work every day. “We have had people get engaged on top of a mountain or something, and they take a picture and tag us,” she said. “And it is fun when you get to be part of a surprise. We’ve got someone whose wife brought a ring in to be repaired, and then he came in and started talking about a bigger [stone]. She’s getting a surprise today!” C Today, the clock that stood in front of Schomburg’s Broadway store for more than 100 years, watches over its Rollins Way home.
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n e m o W k r o @W Today there is no field where women are not making their mark. We are proud to profile some that are making a difference in the Chattahoochee Valley.
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Melissa Thomas
REALTOR®, COLDWELL BANKER KENNON, PARKER, DUNCAN & DAVIS
COLDWELL BANKER KENNON PARKER, DUNCAN & DAVIS 5670 WHITESVILLE ROAD (706) 575-0669 MELISSATHOMASHOMES.COM
When realtor Melissa Thomas meets with clients, she’ll likely arrive in a vehicle that reflects her style and drive, a holdover from her years of operating the family automobile dealership, Ken Thomas Acura and BMW. Still an enthusiast of top-performing vehicles, she’s since turned that discerning eye to property listings in and around the Columbus area, including eastern Alabama and Fort Benning, which she describes as “one of the best assets our community has.” The expertise she honed by matching prospective buyers with exactly the right vehicle now serves her real estate clients equally as well. “Both industries center around relationships,” Thomas said. “I sold cars to my friends, and we remained friends because of the level of service my dealership maintained. These days, I sell houses for my friends and those friendships endure because they know I am 100 percent dedicated to helping them sell and find the perfect home to buy.” Melissa puts the power of her vast network behind each transaction. As she enters residential homes for the first time or explores building sites, her thoughts automatically sift through her extensive list of customers, identifying prospects for whom the property would be the perfect fit. That process serves her well: Besides the countless honors earned during her career, for
the past two years running Thomas has been awarded the prestigious Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier award, given to the top one percent of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide. Always on the run, Thomas describes her career as being the only hobby she needs. Despite the time demands of her profession, she still carves out time to volunteer. “I enjoy my career greatly, but I am truly passionate about giving back to my community,” she said. “I am honored to be a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley, a member of the board of advisors for the Schwob School of Music and on the foundation board for Piedmont Columbus Regional. I am also a member of the Rotary Club of Columbus.” Her passion for the area is evident as she gives this advice to anyone relocating here. “Columbus is a great place to live and raise a family,” she said. “It’s a very welcoming community. I would encourage newcomers to get involved through their jobs, children’s schools, places of worship and explore the wonderful cultural venues our city has.” Whether it’s through the connections she’s made through tireless community involvement, Auburn University affiliations and countless friends and colleagues, Thomas will find the home for you.
Dr. Nicole Flandry
DERMATOLOGIST, SKIN CANCER SPECIALISTS
SKIN CANCER SPECIALISTS
1150 BROOKSTONE CENTRE PKWY (706) 257-4189 SKINCANCERSPECIALISTS.COM
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Nicole Flandry was born to be a doctor. When she was little, the Columbus native loved making the hospital rounds with her father, local orthopedic surgeon Dr. Fred Flandry. Those experiences of visiting his patients made a lasting impression, even working with him in the operating room when she was older. “His mentorship and passion for medicine is ultimately what inspired me to become a doctor,” Dr. Flandry said. But when it came to choose her own path, she chose dermatology. “I love dermatology as opposed to surgery because it lets me form lasting relationships with patients and their extended family,” she said. “I am able to see a variety of problems every day. There is never a dull moment.” “Some problems have quick fixes, some are chronic. It keeps me on my toes.” Today, Dr. Flandry is a team member of the Columbus office of Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, where the most rewarding aspect of her job is the patients themselves. “I have the best patients and being able to fix their problems, whether large or small, makes me happy,” she said. “I really enjoy the team that I work with as well.” Columbus and the Valley
In helping those patients, Dr. Flandry’s honed a bedside manner that makes them feel comfortable discussing even the most uncomfortable concerns. “Patients have to undress for skin checks which is also nerve-wracking for a lot of people,” she said. “In addressing patients, I like to think of them as friends or family members and engage them in that way. I try to be approachable and speak in layman’s terms whenever possible. Medical jargon can be intimidating for most.” Away from the office, her proudest moment is being a mother. Dr. Flandry and her husband Zack Bozeman are raising 10-year-old Jackson Fussell and 7-year-old Ella Mae Bozeman. “I love my children,” she said. “I love that I can work in a job that is fulfilling to me and show them by example that hard work and dedication can lead to a very fulfilling career. Having satisfaction in my work life fills my bucket up to be able to pour love on them when I’m not working.” But that’s not the only thing she enjoys doing. “I love dancing,” she said. “Get me in front of a live band with some good music, and I can’t stop dancing.” AUGUST 2022
Nancy Strickland
COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP BANKER, SYNOVUS Nancy Strickland could balance a checkbook by the time she was 12. “I love numbers,” said Nancy, 53. “I’ve always been drawn to numbers, but more importantly, I’ve always been good with numbers and good with money.” So it came as little surprise that Nancy chose to study accounting at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. She married her husband of 30 years, Stan, shortly after earning her degree. Together they raised two children, Rob and Kerry. By the time she decided to reenter the workforce, Nancy realized she loved one thing even more than numbers. “Helping people is my real passion.” In 2012, Nancy joined Synovus as a Commercial Relationship Banker. In this role, she’s responsible for deepening the bank’s relationships for companies with revenues between $1 million and $30 million. Columbus Market President Heath Schondelmayer considers Nancy “an absolute superstar,” adding, “She has a heart for her
clients first and foremost. She truly cares for their wellbeing in every way. She also has a unique ability to dive deep within a customer’s business and add consultative advice to help that customer grow and prosper.” Nancy understands what it takes to be good at her job. “I care about people,” she said. “Although being profitable is part of my job, what’s most important is doing the right thing. You need to know what’s best for the client.” As a result of Nancy’s knowledge of her clients’ customers, employees, and families, most of her newer clients have been referred by existing ones. At the same time, Nancy’s concern for her clients means she often makes referrals of her own. “Clients trust me because they know I’ll treat them fairly, answer them honestly, and I don’t mind recommending them to someone else if that’s better for them,” she said. “At Synovus, we’re a team.”
SYNOVUS, COLUMBUS SYNOVUS.COM
Willette Shalishali
DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE LEARNING, SYNOVUS Willette Shalishali was feeling “unsettled” in her professional life. Soon after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in business that focused on marketing, Willette accepted a job at Synovus writing programs to cultivate commercial bankers. Growing up in Columbus, she was familiar with Synovus. “I knew it was a good company because my parents banked there.” As she rose through the ranks at Synovus, Willette realized she needed to find a different direction. She took a career assessment and still recalls the results. “I remember seeing on there, something about learning or training, which was something I really liked,” Willette said. “Whenever we had a new person come in, I loved showing them around.” She subsequently applied for and was hired to join the bank’s Learning and Development department. “I was lucky to be able to take a complete career shift within the same company,” Willette said. “I could have never predicted
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this trajectory, but I’ve found the place that’s the perfect fit for my blend of talent and passion.” In May of this year, Willette was named Director of Enterprise Learning at Synovus. Shalishali loves it when her team is working together to produce something of value to their clients. “Our goal is to help businesses teach new employees how to do their jobs better and faster while being more productive,” she said. “We also try to help businesses solve problems to meet performance needs.” As for her personally, she added, “I love the moments when I can think strategically and be in that futuristic space in order to see where we need to go.” The mother of Mila, 5, and Elise, 2, also has a thing for superhero movies. Her husband, Alex, recently gave her a necklace with a charm of Thor’s magical hammer. “I don’t know all the ins and outs of all the movies or how they’re interconnected,” she said, “but they’re just so much fun to watch.”
Columbus and the Valley
SYNOVUS, COLUMBUS SYNOVUS.COM
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Weezy Wingo Motzel
GENERAL MANAGER, COUNTRY CLUB OF COLUMBUS Weezy Wingo Motzel may have learned the basics of the business world and hospitality in college, but she truly learned how to treat people and her work ethic from her mother and father. “My mother raised me to have Southern manners, to be a thoughtful host and to be hospitable,” Weezy said. “It fits in perfectly with what I do. You should anticipate people’s needs before they ask for something. It’s all about relationships and building trust. When our members come to the Club, they’re not working, we are. I learned my work ethic from my Father. He would
COUNTRY CLUB OF COLUMBUS 2610 CHEROKEE AVE 706.322.4441 CCOFCOLUMBUS.COM
always tell me ‘With your work ethic and thoughtfulness, you can have a career in the hospitality business. You are a natural.’” Weezy, a Columbus native, is the General Manager of the Country Club of Columbus, overseeing its 120 employees, an 18-hole Donald Ross designed golf course, 10 outdoor tennis courts, four outdoor pickle ball courts, a junior Olympic-sized pool, a fitness facility, and
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all Clubhouse amenities, including banquet and dining spaces. Weezy’s career has taken her to places such as the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Gaillard Performing Arts Center, the Metropolitan Convention Center in South Carolina, and the Columbus Trade Center. She knows what it’s like to lead a small army with her execution of several VIP, small, and large events. This experience has made her the right fit for the CCC. “We wear a lot of hats and work some crazy hours, but the hospitality business is very rewarding,” she said. “We have talented, caring professionals focused on the same goal: creating the best member experience. Our team is poised and ready for this post-COVID phase and Club activity and banquet business are booming!” “The Club is an extension of the members’ families,” she said. And members become like family to the staff. The Club celebrates when members have new additions to their family and mourn when they lose a loved one. Building personal relationships with members is what sets the CCC apart. “I truly love what we do. After all these years, it’s still a challenge that I love.” She often quotes the late Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Members of her team are like family, too. “We work to be the employer of choice,” Weezy said. The Club also celebrates employees’ accomplishments, from awarding scholarships to an employee purchasing their first house and birthdays and work anniversaries. She understands the value of great leaders and team members. Because of this, the Country Club’s president, Stephen McRae, said she is a true asset. “As our General Manager, she is an engaging and energetic leader who cares deeply about our staff and members,” he said. “Through her tireless work effort and her background in food and event management, she has taken our Club’s services to a higher level. We are very grateful for all that she contributes to our Club.” Outdoor activities like golf and tennis weren’t affected much by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the pandemic has eased off – or at least everyone hopes it has – banquet and special event business is back and as strong as ever. “Food is really a huge part of our lives in the South,” Weezy noted. “The Club has had to deal with inflation and some supply chain issues, but has made adjustments and members have been pleased.” She truly counts on her team staying a step ahead of their members, like a Formula 1 pit crew servicing a driver who wants to get back on the track quickly and efficiently with a perfect race car. “We are here to create memorable experiences for our members,” Weezy said. The CCC strives daily to build on their slogan “Where history begins, make yours today.”
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Libba Richardson Dillon INTERIOR DESIGNER, MALONE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS
Driven. That’s the word Libba Dillon believes that customers and colleagues alike would use to describe her. Chances are, they’d be right. For 13 years, Dillon, 35, has worked for Columbus’ Malone Office Environments, assisting local companies, ranging from Piedmont Columbus Regional and Mercer Medical School to W.C. Bradley Co. and Synovus, creating workspaces that perfectly wed form and function. It’s a career—a talent—Dillon learned at an early age. “I think it goes back to my grandmother and the way I grew up,” said Dillon, who is the senior interior designer and head of furniture sales at Malone. “When I was growing up, I loved watching my grandmother, especially decorating her house and how she set up her house for entertaining. It really inspired me to want to do that for myself.” However, interior design for businesses was not always how Dillon envisioned her career playing out. “I sometimes laugh when I think back to graduating from college,” said Dillon, who graduated from Auburn in 2009. “I thought I was going to be doing high-end residential and didn’t put much thought into the commercial side of the industry … there wasn’t much going on in the economy.” However, Sam Buracker, owner of Malone Office Environments took a chance on her, offering her a job even before she’d graduated from Auburn’s design program. “[He] hired me without me knowing anything about office furniture and now I feel like I could write a book,” Dillon said. “I love that he has also given me the opportunity to have Park Place in my life. It is a lot of fun for me to be able to curate this store and bring it to Columbus filled with all my favorite things for residential design and interiors.” Buracker recognized talent when he saw it. “She’s just has a knack … she has good taste, just has an eye for it,” he said. “She never lets the customer down, which builds loyalty. Then ultimately, they like to buy from her, which keeps them coming back.” In addition to her skills as an interior designer, Dillon is also a great salesperson, who works well as a member of the Malone team. “Amazing,” Buracker said, when asked what Dillon was like to work with. “She’s played a great role in helping me grow the business. She comes in every day with a great attitude and is just a pleasure to work with.” When it comes to her favorite part of the job, for Dillon it’s all about the end result. “I find a lot of joy collaborating with different designers, architects and clients,” she said. “Planning a project and finally seeing it come to life is a great feeling.” Dillon lives in the very same house that her grandmother once took such pride in decorating. She, and husband Will, have been married for eight years, and their boys Wells, five, and Graves, three, are the fourth generation of her family to call Overlook home. That’s just a microcosm of the deep roots that Dillon has within the community, and they extend into everything she does. AUGUST 2022
In addition to working at Malone, Dillon has invested in local businesses including Fountain City Coffee and the Bakeshop at Banks Food Hall, which are owned by her brother and sister-in-law, Jud and Edy Richardson and Libba’s husband, Will, Park Place Interiors, and an offshoot of Malone’s that specializes in floor coverings. She’s also involved in local fundraising efforts for MidTown Mingle, Steeplechase, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Brookstone School and PAWS Humane. In October 2021, Dillon was named one of Columbus and the Valley magazine’s Five Under 40. “I LOVE COLUMBUS,” she wrote via email in all caps. “I grew up in the same neighborhood where I am currently raising my children. I grew up with both sets of my grandparents around the corner. “I went to the same school from 4K through senior year and developed very strong relationships with my classmates—many of whom have moved back to Columbus—and we are still close and now raising our own children together.” For more information about Malone Office Environments, visit MaloneOffice.com.
Columbus and the Valley
MALONE OFFICE ENVIRONMENTS 1345 13TH AVE (706) 322-2513 MALONEOFFICE.COM
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Margaret Amos OWNER, SOUTHERN STRAWS
In her early 20s, Margaret Amos wanted to bake something special to gift to her friends at Christmas. While flipping through an old family cookbook, she discovered a recipe for cheddar cheese straws, donned an apron and started pressing them out. What started as a hobby soon gave rise to Southern Straws, a mother-and-son bakery dedicated to making good, old-fashioned cheese straws. “When folks hear me talk about starting Southern Straws, they may think I was this brave, daring, fearless individual who decided to leave the corporate world after almost 30 years,” Amos said. “Nothing could be further from the truth.” After a combined 20 years with Synovus and TSYS, the financial environment was changing rapidly, and in 2011, Amos’ job was eliminated. “It was life changing for sure,” Amos said. “At the time, all I knew was that I needed to do something completely different.” That was when Amos started thinking seriously about turning her hobby into a business, and her time in the corporate world prepared her for the journey. “From budgets, spreadsheets, hiring, leading others, dealing with conflict, doing presentations and working in a customer-focused culture, all of these experiences through the years were building blocks for creating Southern Straws,” she said. “I tell young people often, ‘You may not understand why you are in the role you’re in right now, but it
SOUTHERN STRAWS
506 MANCHESTER EXPY. SUITE A12 (706) 507-1531 SOUTHERNSTRAWS.COM 30
definitely has a purpose, and you should make the most of it.” While Amos was traveling the state, selling cheese straws out of the back of her car, her son, Neal, was earning a finance degree from the University of Georgia. Neal graduated in 2014 and immediately joined the team. That July, Amos and Neal attended their first wholesale gift show in Atlanta, and Southern Straws was off and running. It took some time for Margaret and Neal to establish their roles. One thing that was often discussed was how she needed to listen to his new ideas as a young person, and he needed to listen to her when she used past experiences as a reference to make decisions. “We really worked off this model of combining the best of the old and new to create a cheese straw company for today’s market,” Amos said. “When we are working, I’m Neal’s business partner and not ‘Mom,’” she said. “When we’re working ridiculous hours during the holiday season, it sure is more fun having one of my sons there right beside me working just as hard. I honestly don’t think Southern Straws would be where it is today if my family hadn’t been so directly involved. “So many long hours away from home, but in our case, Neal and his brothers would be right there with me working at the ‘factory.’” Today, Southern Straws are sold in more than 300 boutique shops and grocery stores across the Southeast and beyond. Both the Original and Spicy cheese straws have been recognized as finalists in the “Flavor of Georgia” food contest as well as being on the 2021 and 2022 Bulldog100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. “I think success is a combination of working hard and making good decisions,” Amos said, “and also a little luck thrown in there.” Amos and her son often talk about this journey they’re on, which is just how they see it, meeting random folks who then become integral to Southern Straws. “We take risks, but not carelessly,” she said. “We’ve been lucky to have a product folks are drawn to and have a connection with.” Southern Straws are a staple during the holidays, tailgates, family gatherings and weddings. “Our customers make us successful,” Amos said. “I think we’ve been successful in creating flavors that taste like the cheese straws folks remember from their childhood. We work really hard to grow the business without altering the original recipe we started with.” They want folks to taste the cheese and the butter, not the flour. To that point, Southern Straws uses only real butter, grated block cheese, premium flour and spices. “We don’t waver from the principle that better ingredients produce a better product,” Amos said. “One of the decisions we made early on was to limit ourselves on the number of flavors of cheese straws we offer. We wanted to focus on producing exceptional cheese straws and not stretch ourselves too thin with many flavors. “So, success, whether big or small, happens due to a variety of things. We are constantly trying to figure out what’s next and hope it contributes to success.”
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Kelly Pridgen
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR, ST. LUKE UMC When describing the best part of her workday, Kelly Pridgen, who serves as the church administrator for St. Luke United Methodist Church, says her mind automatically goes to the children. Every day, St. Luke’s campus is the home away from home for children from six weeks old through eighth grade. “It is delightful to see and interact with them during the day,” Pridgen said. “They walk by my office on their way to lunch and wave at me. They tell me things that are happening in their lives, and they are just a source of joy for everyone. I love to hear, ‘Hey Miss Kelly,’ during the day.” Pridgen, who was born and raised in Columbus, graduated from Columbus State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1986. She also grew up in St. Luke, so when the opportunity to serve her church presented itself, she was quick to accept. As church administrator, Pridgen is responsible for all financial and operational aspects of the church, its associated ministries and programs.
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“We work to ensure that the operations and ministries of the church, school, day care and preschool run smoothly, efficiently and effectively,” she said. “It’s very much a team effort to run the business of St. Luke.” Pridgen and her staff, work hard to ensure that they strike the right balance between effectively managing the business side of the church, while also being compassionate, loving and in service to others. “In the end,” she said, “caring for people is what we are all about at St. Luke through every program and ministry we offer.” Pridgen is married to Greg Pridgen. Together they have two grown children— Rachel Gillum, who, along with her husband, Cole, lives in Atlanta, and Keith, who along with his wife, Georgia, lives in Columbus. At St. Luke, something happens every day that touches the lives of those in the Columbus community. “I am continually amazed by the broad variety of ministries and outreach programs offered by St. Luke,” Pridgen said “I am very honored and proud to play a part in bringing these ministries to our community.”
Columbus and the Valley
ST. LUKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1104 2ND AVE. (706) 327-4343 SAINTLUKECOLUMBUS.ORG
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Students from Russell County high schools are
HUNGRY TO LEARN ABOUT THE CULINARY ARTS BY BRETT BUCKNER
Members of the Russell County High School culinary team cater a Phenix City Rotary meeting: (L-R) Chef Mark Thorne, Izabella Windle, Taylor Scott, John Griggs, Kimberly Morton, Kyle Payne, Semaiah Whigham, Alex Berdeaux, Alexis Jackson, Bailey Danielson and Jayla Thomas.
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recipe by itself has no soul. It’s the chef who gives it purpose and direction. And when it’s done right, the dish, in turn, inspires its creator as well as those they serve. That’s the lesson culinary arts students from two local high schools are learning by taking their skills beyond the classrooms and into the real world. When the Phenix City Rotary Club moved its meetings to the Courtyard Marriott, they needed a caterer. Members voted and agreed to support the culinary programs of both Central and Russell County high schools. “[We wanted to] to give these students an opportunity to not only demonstrate their art in real life,” said PC Rotary president Melissa Gauntt, “but also to meet community leaders that could help shape the trajectory of their careers.” During these weekly meetings, students serve upwards of 40 members each meeting, preparing different meals with multiple selections each time. “Everything they have prepared has been absolutely deliciously seasoned and well prepared,” Gaunt added. “They are all very polite and professional. We have been very pleased with the quality of the food, and the attention to detail these students have demonstrated.” 34
The students cater other local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce events, as well as weddings and high school sports banquets. “I try to showcase them as much as possible,” said Chef Mark Thorne, who teaches the culinary arts classes at Russell County High School, “so they can be out there, have that experience with the community and see that there’s more to the culinary arts than just cooking food. “Plus, they’re meeting these civic leaders, meeting people and making contacts.” By working for these local organizations, students are essentially applying for a job each and every time. “I tell my students that each event that we cater is a marketing tool for our next event,” said Chef John Chapiewski, who teaches the culinary arts classes at Central High School. “This offers realworld experience to my students because they are dealing with paying customers. They have to react quickly in dealing with any problems that arise. They are held to a level of professionalism. They must work as a team, and they must learn to be flexible.” For Bailey Danielson, cooking was logical extension of an existing passion. During her junior year at Russell County High School, Danielson took the hospitality and tourism course and enjoyed
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it so much that the next year she decided to “take it to the next level” and signed up for culinary arts. “Art can be many different forms,” said the 18-year-old senior. “And I like to express that in my meals. Humans must have food to survive. But why just survive? I want to make food seem like you’re living. With every meal I prepare, I like to make it
“It is definitely something I enjoy doing, as it brings together my family and friends.” something extravagant, something you’ve never tasted before, something better than a mediocre, standardized meal. “I like to take that passion and create that experience for other people.” For Thorne, who’s been teaching the RCHS culinary arts classes for eight years, giving students the chance for self-expression is what cooking is all about. “It’s so cool introducing kids to the culinary arts, watching as they discover a passion for something that, before this class, they didn’t really know existed, he said. “When they get the dish prepared and put it on the plate, those gears start turning and they start to realize … ‘I’m pretty good at this.’ “It’s a great feeling for them and for me.” In Culinary Arts I, students hone basic kitchen skills. In Culinary II, they put those skills to work, preparing menus and cooking a four-course meal. Students also learn event planning, where they experience the business side that ties everything together. “The main thing for success with these kids is that you’ve got to build a morale with them, teach them that this is really something they can take with them,” Thorne said. “This is not just another class you have to take to graduate but can actually learn a skill that’ll help them the rest of their lives.” That’s exactly what Zyhir Turner did. Turner, who graduated from RCHS in 2018, learned about the culinary arts class from his older sister. And though he already enjoyed cooking, “when I found out
Central High School culinary students: Savannah Herrick, Brandon Le, Chandler Norton and McKenna Buckingham serve Rotarians Roz Durden and Marianne Michael.
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Columbus and the Valley
about the class, I just had to be in it,” the 21-year-old Turner said. Turner has since turned that curiosity into a job—working as a line cook at the Cannon Brew Pub—and possibly a career. “I mostly cook on the grill, but I can do just about anything in the kitchen,” he said. “Just about everything I know and do in the kitchen comes from what Chef Thorne taught me. I use it at home and at work to this day.” Much like Turner, Danielson will be taking what she learned and applying it to her career. In the fall, she’ll be attending Columbus Technical College studying for an associate degree in culinary arts with dreams of one day opening her own restaurant. Chandler Norton was a freshman at Central High School in Phenix City when he had to choose electives for the coming year. With two open slots in his schedule, Norton, along with his best friend, McKenna Buckingham, saw a class that looked like fun—Culinary Arts and Hospitality, taught by Chapiewski. “Cooking was always something I had a lot of interest in,” said Norton, now a 17-year-old junior at CHS. “I remember frying up fish when I was five with my granddad almost every night after long fishing trips. “It is definitely something I enjoy doing, as it brings together my family and friends.” The Culinary Arts program is designed to help students find jobs—maybe even careers—after high school. “Not every student is going to go to college because, frankly, at this point, not every kid can afford college,” Chapiewski explained. “We’re trying to equip these students with a skill, a trade, something they can fall back on.” The classes cover topics including everything from safety and sanitation to food prep, plating and table service. “A lot of ‘em think they’ll be eating all the time,” he said, with a laugh. “That’s just what’s on the mind of most of teenagers … food.” Norton admits to being one of those kids. “I’d heard from other students that all you do is eat,” he said. “But as time has gone by, I really have connected with my classmates, and I have grown a passion for culinary arts as a skill.” Chapiewski, who’s been teaching at CHS for seven years, estimates that most of his students know what they’re getting into, but the rest are in for a harsh wake-up call. “There’s maybe 10 percent who don’t know what to expect, or they just think they’ll be 35
spoon-fed all day,” he said. “But that’s not what we do. There’s a lot of work and there’s a lot of clean up. It gets messy, but that’s part of the job.” Savannah Herrick first learned about Culinary Arts during an honor roll banquet when she was in sixth grade. “Cooking wasn’t something I was initially curious about,” said Herrick, who is now a 17-year-old CHS junior. “I became interested after my freshman AP World History class went to the culinary program to try food from India. I really enjoyed it and that’s when I wanted to take the class.”
“Food is not only what you eat, but it is what you can create.” Since then, Herrick has mastered countless culinary skills, including baking—chocolate lava cake is her favorite dessert. “Taking the culinary class is more of a practical skills thing for me,” she said. “It’s nice to have the necessary skills for when I go to college, but I don’t plan to make a career of it.” The students are also responsible for running the school’s on-campus restaurant, The Brick Beastro (the CHS mascot is the Red Devil). Students create two menus a year, budget operation costs and rotate roles—waitress, fry cook, pastry chef, etc.
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“It’s a full-service restaurant,” Chapiewski said, “and that’s where the kids really learn a lot because they run it. That’s their baby.” While Cahpiewski would love to see all his students become high-profile chefs, the culinary arts programs is about so much more. “I want them to leave with the ability to feed themselves,” he said. “Like the old proverb, ‘Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.’ I wanna teach them to fish.” As for Chandler Norton and McKenna Buckingham, who took the class on a whim, the best friends recently competed in the NASA Culinary Arts competition where they had to feed astronauts in the International Space Station by meeting certain nutritional requirements. Their menu consisted of grilled teriyaki chicken breast laid over a lemon vinaigrette quinoa salad with steamed spinach. Norton and Buckingham placed among the top 25 in the nation. “This class has not only set me up with basic and advanced real-world culinary skills,” Norton said, “but it has honestly taught me the fundamentals of food. “Food is not only what you eat, but it is what you can create.” And for current or future students with a curiosity for cooking, Danielson has some advice. “I say do it,” she said. “If you take it and turn it into a career or if it’s just something you’re [not] passionate about, you’ll still gain life skills, such as learning to work with other people. “And you get to eat. Who doesn’t like that?” C
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AUGUST 2022
WE’REOPEN
The highlight of 2021 is so obvious it may not need stating: after one year and 8 months closed to the public, we (re) opened to the public in November. Like many other customer service venues, we suffered direct consequences as a result of the lockdowns. Perhaps the most difficult issue to deal with was simply not knowing when we would be open to the general public once again. However, our purpose never changed and where there is a purpose, one can endure anything. Our purpose remained clear and complete: we exist to honor the valor and sacrifice of Soldiers past, present, and future and to educate future generations. And so we endured, albeit with significant changes to our day to day operations. We found strength in our mission and with that strength we found the will to persevere. Finally, in the month of November 2021, the storm clouds gave way to a new beginning. On that day, optimism ruled and, with a touch of serendipity, we opened just in time for the holiday season. With a renewed sense of vigor we embarked upon our year end campaign to bring awareness to our mission and remind our supporters that we are, in fact, open for business and the public reacted in the manner we had hoped they would. Each successive graduation on Inouye Field saw an increased attendance to the point that we were, without exaggeration, at capacity as a venue. The holiday season, coupled with the lively atmosphere created by Soldiers and their Families, confirmed to us that our perseverance had paid off at long last. However, 2021 was also a year of its own distinction and accomplishment well beyond the fact that we reopened to the public. 2021 is the year the public intractably asserted us as the premier museum in America by winning not just ONE but TWO accolades as AMERICA’S BEST FREE MUSEUM and AMERICA’S BEST HISTORY MUSEUM. To place this accomplishment into perspective, consider for a moment that there are over 35,000 museums in the United States and our museum was ranked #1 in multiple categories. No to mention, 2021 also happened to be the third time in a row the museum was named AMERICA’S BEST FREE MUSEUM. It is impossible to express just how grateful we are as a museum, and I am personally, for the support we receive from both the local Tri-City and Fort Benning communities. We cannot do this without our other partners -- the Army staff and the National Infantry Association. It is a team effort built upon years of relationship building and development and we do not take the support for granted. Not to be overlooked was the opening of our new Gallery 6 reflecting current operations around the globe. As any great organization, the museum is constantly updating itself to do what historians and museums do: communicate the past, no matter how recent, to better educate the people of the present and future. Gallery 6 performs this task admirably by bringing events since 1989 to life. A big thanks to the Army staff for their dedication to perfection which is clearly embodied in or newest gallery. You must see the attention to detail and realism for yourself in order to believe it. Boding well for the future, the momentum moving into 2022 is higher than ever. Fresh on the heels of our awards, our reopening, and the addition of Gallery 6, we move into 2022 with an historic momentum we are taking full advantage of and our events calendar reflects that. We are confidently moving forward with our annual events of Memorial Day Ceremony, Freedom Fest, Veteran’s Day, and of course our largest event of the year: Gold Star Dinner and Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication. 2022 is going to be another record-breaking year. Mark my words – Follow Me!
BG Pete Jones, U.S. Army Retired President and Chief Executive Officer National Infantry Museum Foundation
2019 AND 2020 BY THE NUMBERS
2021
255,184 47,428 111,936
130 27 15
Visitors
School Tours
16,580
403
APPROACHINGNORMAL Prior to June 2021, graduations and Soldiers touring the museum reminded one of the bleakness of the situation at that time. Candidly, seeing a young Soldier graduate without being able to share the moment with the Family who shared their Soldier with us can leave everyone involved wanting. To address this, we worked with the Army to be able to bring the Families in to share this oncein-a-lifetime moment. While it required creative thinking and elbow grease, we found a way.
Soldiers on Tours
161 256
Private Events
In the month of June, we began allowing Families to attend outdoor graduations at Inouye Field. While the situation remained less than ideal, through adjustments to the spacing requirements of attendees, we were able to at least allow Soldiers and Families to share this moment together. Another addition to our graduation day lineup was the enhanced online streaming of the graduations which allow anyone, anywhere to be able to watch the graduations live. It has proven to be such a popular option for some that we have decided to keep this lockdown adjustment as part of our permanent lineup moving forward.
46 40
6,993 7,033
As time progressed and the reality of a post lockdown world became apparent, adjustments continued to be made which both reflected the needs of the Army and the wants of the Families. At first, we increased the number of spectators we could allow to be in attendance, then we moved to a mask optional ceremony, to today where there are no restrictions imposed by the venue.
13,509 17,598
40 11
Names Added to the GWOT Memorial
15,857 2,651
7,044
Total Names
Graduating Soldiers
15,133
AMERICA’S BEST
FREE AND HISTORY MUSEUM
Did you know that the United States boasts 35,000 museums? To be named AMERICA’S BEST FREE MUSEUM one time and one time only is a feat reserved for a select few only. Now do that for the third competition in a row (2016, 2020, 2021) and then you’re approaching unbelievability. Now add to that accolade the fact that we were also named AMERICA’S BEST HISTORY MUSEUM for 2021 and we are talking about the stuff of legend. You read that correctly. We were named as AMERICA’S BEST FREE MUSEUM and AMERICA’S BEST HISTORY MUSEUM by USA Today’s readers for 2021. This marks the very first time the National Infantry Museum was voted #1 out of 35,000 museums in multiple categories during the same year. While the accomplishment places us in a near mythical status as far as museums go, the fact remains that these accomplishments reflect the support we have received from you, our network of Family and Friends.
BEST HISTORY MUSEUMS 2021 1. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center 2. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center 3. National Museum of the Marine Corps 4. The Mob Museum 5. USS Constitution Museum 6. Museum of History & Industry 7. Independence Seaport Museum 8. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine 9. Museum of Native American History 10. The Henry Ford
BEST FREE MUSEUMS 2021
1. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center 2. National Museum of Mexican Art 3. Wagner Free Institute of Science “What can we say that has not already been said,” Brigadier General (Retired) Pete Jones, President and CEO of the National Infantry Museum Foundation said upon notification. “We keep winning because we are not only the best museum but also because we have the best supporters and the best staff. The Army staff and what they do to keep this museum current and relevant is absolutely amazing. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us year after year.”
4. Cincinnati Art Museum
The competition this year was as stiff as ever with heavy weights such as the Smithsonian Institute and the National Museum of the Marine Corps being among the giants of the museum community the NIM had to face. To keep things interesting, the museum went into the final week of competition behind in the BEST FREE MUSEUM category. Despite that being the case, the final results vindicated the faith the museum has in its supporters.
9. Cleveland Museum of Art
Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson, Army Museum Enterprise Regional Director David Hanselman, and the MCoE Commander Major General Patrick Donahoe were in attendance with the museum staff to honor the momentous event. As we look forward to the upcoming year’s competition, we know the bar has been set high. Despite that, we look forward to next year’s test of our ability to keep setting new and higher standards.
5. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 6. Baltimore Museum of Art 7. Smithsonian Institution 8. The Museum at FIT 10. The Walters Art Museum
9-11... 20 YEARS LATER
Honoring The Sacrifice of over 7,000 Service Members (and counting) Every year since we have had a Global War on Terrorism Memorial, we have commemorated its rededication on the Saturday following Labor Day and 2021 was no exception. However, the fact that this year’s rededication happened to fall exactly on the 20th anniversary of 9-11 made this year’s events poignant. September 11, 2021 was an overcast and eerily quiet day fitting for the occasion. As the FORSCOM Commander, General Michael Garrett spoke, spectators quietly thought of the loved ones memorialized on the granite blocks just over a hundred yards away. As with each previous year, Gold Star Families from across the country, and in some cases overseas, came to the
museum to honor their fallen loved ones as more names were etched in stone. Not only was September 11, 2021 an exact anniversary of the events of 9-11, but this year’s memorial marked an even more somber milestone as the names of the post 9-11 fallen have exceeded 7,000 in total. Yet the evening before was a display of resilience and fortitude as the museum team hosted the annual Gold Star Dinner. This year’s gathering of Gold Star Families continued with the trend of growing numbers as family member attendees exceeded 375. As they honored the memories of their loved ones and we honored their ongoing sacrifices, this very special group taught us about patriotism and perseverance.
DONORSALUTE 2021
For this year’s donor salute, we want to take a moment and thank our table sponsors and above who make the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Rededication and Gold Star Family Dinner possible each year. Without question, this is our largest and most resource intensive event of every year. It is so
Presenting Partners at $25,000 AM General Pritzker Military Museum & Library
Sponsors at $10,000
Charron Family Foundation Grayhawk Homes Gary Sinise Foundation
Sponsors at $6,500 Liberty Utilities
Sponsors at $5,000 Tony and Mary Jane Link Raytheon Synovus
Sponsors at $2,500 Pratt and Whitney Walmart
Sponsors at $2,000 Hughston Clinic Warner and Lisa Neal Bill and Becky Rumer John and Linda Shinkle
Table Sponsors at $1,000 Phyllis and Newt Aaron Tom and Beth Burrell Steve and Kent Butler Colony Bank Larry and Patty Cardin Tom and Loretta Flowers Bob and Mary Jane Koon Frank and Tamie Lumpkin Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller The HON Judy Thomas LTG (Ret) Tom and Pam Metz
fundamental to our mission that we feel compelled to thank each one of you publicly. Whether you donated $1,000 or $25,000, we cannot thank you enough. When you have the opportunity, please join us in thanking the following sponsors.
A HEROFALLEN Sergeant First Class Michael Charles Bruck was born on August 18, 1984 in Trenton, NJ and raised in Levittown, PA. When Michael joined the military, he had one goal which was to make his family proud. Following in his father’s footsteps, he enlisted in the Army in 2002. His first assignment was Fort Dum, NY where he deployed to Afghanistan with A Company, 2-87 Infantry. He deployed again to Afghanistan as a Scout Platoon Sergeant in 2006 and once more in 2009 with the 4th Infantry Division. After his third deployment he was off to Ranger School where he earned his Ranger Tab in 2011. Once a Ranger, he was assigned to Fort Benning, GA as a Ranger Instructor. Once his time as an instructor was complete Michael was sent to the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, KY where he deployed for a fourth and final time as a Platoon Sergeant. While deployed, Michael decided to start a physical fit challenge
to remember his fallen comrades despite being deployed and having his own hands full. Not only was he taking care of his Soldiers in a combat zone, but he was also honoring those who had previously given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Unfortunately, Sergeant First Class Michael Charles Bruck, 34, passed away June 15, 2019. His service will never be forgotten. We know there were several places where Michael’s family could have honored his legacy and service. We are extremely grateful that they chose to honor him here. As you walk along Heritage Walk, The Vietnam Plaza, and The Global War on Terrorism Memorial remember you are walking amongst heroes with their names etched in stone. Be sure to visit Sergeant First Class Bruck’s paver located in section 25A Row 5 to the right of center along Heritage Walk. If you are considering honoring a unit or loved one of your own at the National Infantry Museum, please contact Michaela or Karen at (706) 685-5811 or OpsManager@ nationalinfantryfoundation.org for more information.
WHERE HONOR IS DUE We love to learn about our donors and their fascinating stories of how they came to support the National Infantry Museum. Many of our donors are from all over the nation and others are from right here at home in Columbus, Georgia. One of our donors, Michael Kvicala was born and raised near us at Fort Benning, but now resides in Huntsville, Alabama. Michael has been a devoted donor to the museum for many years. Each month, Michael donates in memory of his father, a Korean and Vietnam War veteran, COL (Ret) James Kvicala. COL (Ret) Kvicala was once a volunteer for the museum many
years ago. COL (Ret) Kvicala believed in the museum and its mission. He enjoyed being a part of the museum and helping in any way he could as a volunteer. Michael believes in our mission as well, not only to honor his father’s memory and legacy, but also by honoring Soldiers. Michael stated, “It is meaningful for me to honor my dad’s memory and what he believed in. He took volunteering at the museum seriously. I consider Fort Benning my home and want to support the museum in honor of him.” Michael Kvicala has been a constant donor through and through and we appreciate his support over the years!
LOCAL HEROES AWARDED
THE MEDAL OF HONOR
It is not often you see a local hero recognized by the President of the United States with a Medal of Honor. When it happens, there is usually a parade, streets and buildings may be named after them, and proclamations are made in their honor. Not only did that happen for a local hero in 2021, it happened for two of them.
To put these numbers into perspective, there have been a mere 3,511 Medals of Honor awarded in the history of the United States and two of our local heroes, Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe and Colonel Retired Ralph Puckett Jr were both named recipients of the Medal of Honor a mere four months apart. An outsider might say, “What are the odds?” A local would answer, “Pretty good, actually.”
Colonel Retired Puckett
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe
Columbus/Phenix City/Fort Benning is and always has been a wellspring of heroism as the home of the infantry. It has also become the literal home to generations of Fort Benning Soldiers settling in the area making valor part of the local culture not just by trade but also family lineage. Puckett and Cashe are not the first, and highly likely not the last, local recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant First Class Cashe was born here in Georgia, stationed at Fort Benning multiple times, and has immediate family who lives here to this day making his ties to the community deep both personally and professionally. SFC Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Iraq on October 17, 2005 in Salah Ad Din Province. His story that day is one of utter selflessness as he laid down his life to rescue six other service members from certain death. Despite being covered in fuel, he entered the interior of a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle to rescue four of his troops. Realizing two were unaccounted for he reentered the vehicle to retrieve the other two. To add to his already heroic actions and in another act of selfless service to his troops, he refused medical evacuation, despite his severe and ultimately mortal wounds, until he was assured his Soldiers had received the medical attention they required. President Biden presented his widow with his Medal of Honor on September 16, 2021. Colonel Retired Puckett was also born in Georgia where he continues living to this day. To say he is tied into the local community would be the understatement of the year. He attended every Ranger School graduation held for decades and served as the Honorary Regimental Colonel of the 75th Ranger Regiment for 12 years. On November 25 through November 26, 1950, then Lieutenant Puckett led a Ranger Company assault of Hill 205. Among his acts of gallantry during the six human waves of attack on their position, LT Puckett moved from foxhole to foxhole rallying his men while distributing ammo and performed all of these feats of bravery despite being severely wounded. During the final wave, enemy mortars landed in his foxhole inflicting grievous wounds. LT Puckett ordered his men to retreat and leave him behind. His Rangers disobeyed his orders and evacuated LT Puckett. Colonel Retired Puckett was present the Medal of Honor on May 21, 2021 by President Biden.
DELIVERING STUNNING 4K
GIANT SCREEN THEATRE In December 2015, The Giant Screen Theater welcomed the first Christie Digital’s cutting-edge 6P laser light projection in the Southeast. Standing at 40 feet tall and expanding over 72 feet wide, this revolutionary technology delivers stunning 4K resolution and the truest, boldest 3D images ever produced for the giant screen. Guests from all over the world have come to the National Infantry Museum to enjoy featured films and documentaries on the enormous screen. Our concession stand accompanies the theater by providing refreshments such as fresh hot pizza, buttery popcorn, and thirst-quenching drinks. Covid-19 was a difficult time as the entire world was paused for several months. However, with struggle, there is always triumph. During the height of the pandemic, we were able to provide a safe and sanitary meeting place for our U.S. Army’s Soldiers. Now that we are once again open to the public, we are excited to continue our service to Soldiers, of the past, present, and future as well as their families! Please check out https://nationalinfantrymuseum.org to get updates on movie schedules, and events that are happening in our world-class theater!
GALLERY 6
A GLOBAL PRESENCE
In order to continue being the best person you can be requires a constant updating of knowledge, skills, and abilities. The same applies to museums in the sense that world class venues are constantly updating themselves to keep the public growing and learning. After all, education is an, if not the, essential component of any good museum. With that in mind, the museum made history, literally and figuratively speaking, when it opened Gallery 6: A Global Presence, 1989-present. The exhibits start with operations in Panama and continue to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and everything in between. Noteworthy for this period of time is the jaw dropping speed of technological developments within what amounts to a single generation of time. The Soldier who joined in the 90s, deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and retired after a 25 year career will be able to see the evolution of the kit he personally used from basic training to retirement. The collection includes night vision devices, radios, and medical kits from the first generation to the latest. A sign of our times is the 9-11 short film and the reactions it receives from visitors. For those who lived through the events, it brings back the reality of that day. For those too young to remember, it could be the first time they’ve been exposed to what happened in that level of detail. Regardless of the visitors’ personal memories, all stop and watch silently and reverently. No matter your personal experience, please spend the time to appreciate the events which shaped our current world situation by visiting Gallery 6.
The National Infantry Museum Foundation wishes to give special thanks to our Premier Partners and Sustaining Partners for their sponsorship of events throughout the year.
Premier Partners Aflac AM General Dignity Memorial/Striffler-Hamby Liberty Utilities Lockwood Partners National Infantry Association Pezold Management Pritzker Military Museum and Library TSYS - A Global Payments Company Waffle House
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION December 31, 2021 Sustaining Partners Assets DJI Builders Georgia Power Foundation Synovus Charron Family Outreach Foundation Grayhawk Homes Hughston Clinic Gary Sinise Foundation W.C. Bradley Co. Tony and Mary Jane Link Pratt & Whitney Raytheon
Cash, Cash Equivalents & Investments Contributions Receivable, Net Other Assets Fixed Assets (Net of Depreciation) to Include Land, Buildings, Furniture & Fixtures, Equipment Total Assets
$1,700,002 $459,147 $519,739 $72,632,423
$75,311,311
Liabilities & Net Assets Liabilities Notes & Accounts Payable Total Liabilities Net Assets Net Assets with Donor Restrictions Net Assets without Donor Restrictions Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets
$7,209,168 $7,209,168 $609,942 $67,492,201 $68,102,143 $75,311,311
The National Infantry Museum Foundation is grateful for the support of the 1775 Society. Your annual gift of at least $1,000 includes two tickets to the annual gala plus many other benefits. For more information, call Jane Bayer at 706-685-2604. Freedom Level - $10,000 Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cheves Mr. Don Jones COL (Ret) and Mrs. Ray Kauffman GEN (Ret) William F. Kernan Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kurtz Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lumpkin III Mrs. Jean McKee Mr. and Mrs. Warner Neal Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pezold COL (Ret) and Mrs. Ralph Puckett Pritzker Military Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Carl Savory GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Hugh Shelton Dr. and Mrs. Maurice M. Solis Liberty Level - $5,000 GEN (Ret) and Mrs. John Abizaid Mr. and Mrs. Mark Baker Mr. and Mrs. Steve Butler, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jake Flournoy Mr. and Mrs. Tony Link MG (Ret) and Mrs. Peter McVey LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Tom Metz Mr. and Mrs. Charlton Norris GEN (Ret) Robert RisCassi George and Ann Swift Family Foundation Mr. Philip Thayer The HON Judy Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Wright B. Waddell Mr. and Mrs. Jim Weaver Mrs. Katherine Corn Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Bill Woolfolk III Patriot Level - $2,500 Phyllis and Newt Aaron Mr. and Mrs. Brian Abeyta Mr. and Mrs. James Balkcom, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Pablo Bermudez Mr. Richard Bickerstaff, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Buntin COL (Ret) and Mrs. Greg Camp COL (Ret) John D’Agostino COL (Ret) and Mrs. Dan Fuhr Dr. and Mrs. Jack Goldfrank Mr. John Hargrove Mr. and Mrs. Ken Henson Mr. and Mrs. James G. Hillenbrand COL (Ret) and Mrs. Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William Huff BG (Ret) and Mrs. Pete Jones Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Chuck McClure
MG (Ret) and Mrs. James Musselman COL (Ret) and Mrs. Edward Northrop Dr. Robin Pennock Dr. and Mrs. Richard Robbins Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Rossi The HON and Mrs. Bill Rumer Mr. and Mrs. John Shinkle Mr. and Mrs. John Thayer Mrs. Jill Warlick LTC (Ret) Richard Wood Mr. Richard Wright Mr. and Mrs. James Yancey 1775 Society Level - $1,000 Mr. and Mrs. Rick Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Dan Amos Mr. and Mrs. Rick Anthony Mr. Tom Arthur Mrs. Champ Baker, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Jared Bates Dr. and Mrs. Gary Bayer Mr. and Mrs. Josh Beard Mr. and Mrs. Billy Benton, Jr. Mrs. Susan Berry Mr. and Mrs. James Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. William Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. George Boyd, Sr. GEN (Ret) David Bramlett COL (Ret) and Mrs. Johnny Brooks GEN (Ret) Arthur Brown, Jr. GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Edwin Burba, Jr. COL (Ret) and Mrs. Bill Carty LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Carmen Cavezza COL (Ret) and Mrs. Rob Choppa Mrs. Lovick Corn Mr. and Mrs. Don Corbin MSgt (Ret) and Mrs. Kenneth Couture Mr. Tim Crabb and The HON Charmaine Crabb LTC (Ret) and Mrs. Jim Creek LTC (Ret) Michael Denehy Mrs. Owen Ditchfield Mr. and Mrs. Mack Dove MG (Ret) Maurice Edmonds MG (Ret) and Mrs. Carl Ernst Mr. and Mrs. Chris Eysel Mr. and Mrs. James Ferrell LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Harold Fields MG (Ret) Patricia Frost Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner Garrard Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Garrard Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Goldfrank
GEN (Ret) Benjamin Griffin Chaplain LTC (Ret) Anthony Randall Mrs. Richard Hallock Mrs. Sam Rawls, Jr. Mr. Kevin Harcourt Mr. Bill Reaves Mr. and Mrs. Madden Hatcher, Jr. COL (Ret) and Mrs. Andy Redmond Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hecht III GEN (Ret) and Mrs. William Richardson Mr. Richard Hecht The HON Tom Ridge Mrs. Roger Hewitt Mr. and Mrs. Buddy Roberts Mr. and Mrs. Comer Hobbs LTC (Ret) and Mrs. Scott Rutter COL (Ret) and Mrs. Hank Holcomb Ms. Margaret Salter The HON and Mrs. John House COL (Ret) Don Sando and Mr. Robert H. Hurt the HON Julia L. Sando Mr. and Mrs. Jim Irvin Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Sampson Dr. and Mrs. Kurt Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Claude Scarbrough III GEN (Ret) Charles Jacoby, Jr. BG (Ret) Gene Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Johnson Mrs. H. Norman Schwarzkopf Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Jordan Mr. Bill Scrantom CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Mike Kelso COL (Ret) and Mrs. Michael Sierra Dr. William P. Kendall Mr. and Mrs. Michael Silverstein Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey Kennon LTG (Ret) Edwin Smith Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kilpatrick, Jr. LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Gary Speer COL (Ret) and Mrs. Cole Kingseed Mr. and Mrs. John Stacy Mr. and Mrs. C. Robert Koon Mr. and Mrs. J. Riley Stansell Dr. and Mrs. James Kurish MG (Ret) and Mrs. William Steele LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Guy LaBoa SGM (Ret) and Mrs. Gary M. Stickles Mr. and Mrs. Mason Lampton Mr. and Mrs. Mathews Swift Mrs. Earle Lasseter Mr. and Mrs. Jim Talley SGM (Ret) Jim Lee Mrs. Mary Terry CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Chris Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Phil Tomlinson BG (Ret) and Dr. James Mace Mr. and Mrs. James P. Trotter Mr. Doug Magruder Mike and Melody Trimble LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Lawson Magruder III Ms. Lois Tryon GEN (Ret) and Mrs. Barry McCaffrey LTC (Ret) Jim Tucker Mr. and Mrs. Nelson McGahee Mr. and Mrs. Brad Turner Mrs. R. Scott McGurk BG (Ret) Joseph R. Ulatoski MG (Ret) Carl McNair, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John Walden, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. H. Ray McPhail Mr. and Mrs. Rob Ward CSM (Ret) and Mrs. Jeff Mellinger Ms. Patricia A. Weekley Mr. Kenneth Miller Mrs. Sam Wetzel Mr. and Mrs. Alex Naik MG (Ret) and Mrs. Jerry White Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Newman Mr. and Mrs. Will White Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Nichols GEN (Ret) John Wickham LTG (Ret) and Mrs. Jack Nix Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wilensky Dr. Lyle Norwood Mr. and Mrs. Ben Williams COL (Ret) and Mrs. Dick Nurnberg LTG (Ret) Leonard Wishart III COL (Ret) Bob Offer and Dr. Carole Rutland MG (Ret) and Mrs. Walt Wojdakowski Dr Richard Parrish II and Dr. Ibolja Cernak Mr. and Mrs. Troy Woods Mr. and Mrs. Dan Parker Mr. and Mrs. John Woolbright Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pease III Mr. and Mrs. Joel Wooten LTC (Ret) and Mrs. Mac Plummer Mrs. Deborah Yates Mr. and Mrs. James Poole Mr. L. Meredith Yoe, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Price Mr. and Mrs. Robert Yellowlees Mr. and Mrs. Bill Privette Mr. and Mrs. Al Zimmerman Mr. and Mrs. Alan Ramsay
NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION
OFFICERS
LTG (R) Tom Metz, Chairman Dr. (COL-R) Carl Savory, Vice Chairman BG (R) Pete Jones, President and CEO Col (R) Andy Redmond, Executive Vice President and COO Frank Lumpkin III, Secretary and Treasurer NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Frank Lumpkin III Judy Thomas John Hargrove Warner Neal John Shinkle Michael Silverstein Tony Link Carolyn Bermudez Brian Abeyta Randy Robertson Mark Baker Rob Ward Jim Hillenbrand David Lewis Eric Strother
MCoE Ex-Officio Directors BG Larry Burris COL (R) Bob Brown COL (R) Mike Burns Scott Daubert Ex-Officio Directors Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe Chair of 1775 Society Becky Rumor NIMF Volunteer Representative Craig Pearson
NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM FOUNDATION
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Jim Balkcom LTG (Ret) Mike Barbero LTG (Ret) Jerry Bates MG (Ret) J.B. Burns LTG (Ret) Carmen Cavezza LTG (Ret) Bill Dyke GEN (Ret) Larry Ellis MG (Ret) Carl Ernst LTG (Ret) Mike Ferriter LTG (Ret) Tom Fields LTG (Ret) Benjamin Freakley LTG (Ret) Dave Grange Mrs. Richard Hallock LTC Michael Kelvington GEN (Ret) Buck Kernan MG (Ret) Will Latham
LTG (Ret) John LeMoyne MG (Ret) Ken Leuer LTG (Ret) Tom Metz COL (Ret) Ralph Puckett Mr. Tom Rabaut Gov Tom Ridge GEN (Ret) Robert RisCassi COL (Ret) Mike Sierra LTG (Ret) Mike Spigelmire MG (Ret) Bill Steele Mr. Mat Swift Mr. Fred Taylor MG (Ret) Jerry White GEN (Ret) John Wickham MG (Ret) Walt Wojdakowski BG (Ret) Jim Yarbrough
ARMY MUSEUM LEADERSHIP Scott Daubert, Museum Staff Director Jefferson Reed, Chief Curator Chris Goodrow, Arms Curator
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The 190,000-square-foot National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center chronicles the history of the American Infantry from its formation in 1775 to the present. On display are tens of thousands of priceless artifacts telling the stories from Bunker Hill to Baghdad. In addition to six era galleries, there are galleries dedicated to those who support the Infantry, training at Fort Benning, and recipients of the Medal of Honor. There are galleries honoring distinguished Rangers and graduates of Officer Candidate School. The Soldier Center includes elements that make the museum a modern day attraction for visitors with diverse interests, such as a giant screen theater, combat simulators, the Fife and Drum restaurant, and the Soldier Store. The 133-acre campus includes an authentically restored World War II Company Street and a parade field and stadium for weekly graduations of Fort Benning trainees. The flag-lined Heritage Walk features custom-engraved granite pavers purchased to honor loved ones. Stretching the length of Heritage Walk is the Vietnam Memorial Plaza, featuring a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Wall. Across from the Vietnam Wall is the Global War on Terrorism Memorial which is the only memorial in America with every single name lost in combat since 9-11. The Memorial Walk of Honor is home to dozens of monuments and memorials. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center opened on June 19, 2009.
PARTNERSHIP
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center is operated as a partnership between the National Infantry Museum Foundation, the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, and the U.S. Army Center of Military History. The Army reimburses the Foundation for approximately 30% of the museum’s operating expenses. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) formed in 1998 to raise funds for, build, and operate a new National Infantry Museum. It is directly responsible for all fund raising, construction/ expansion, property, and non-gallery spaces in the building. The Center for Military History museum staff is responsible for all artifact collection, display, maintenance, and storage. It leases exhibit and office space in the building from the Foundation.
Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Ralph Puckett sat for artist Bunny Hinzman over the course of a month.
Drawn to America’s Heroes Columbus artist’s latest project: Immortalizing those who risked everything for their country BY DOUG GILLETT
AUGUST 2022
I
f drawing portraits of military heroes seems like an unusual commission for 25-year old Columbus artist Bunny Hinzman, well, not much in her life fits the “usual” category to begin with. A self-described Army brat whose life story includes stops in Hawaii and New York City, as well as a stint as the country’s youngest horse racing journalist, Hinzman says she was always brought up to pursue her interests no matter where they led—and from a very early age, art was at the top of her list. Her current focus is a series, commissioned by the National Infantry Association, of infantrymen who have been awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH) for their valor on the battlefield. And while MOH recipients aren’t exactly household names in this country, Hinzman hopes her work can be a small step toward changing that. Columbus and the Valley
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“As someone who’s never worn the uniform, I always thought it was important to find ways to honor those who wear the uniform, and I’m very fortunate to have found a path with my art,” she said. “When the NIA commissioned me to draw past and future MOH recipients, I was really overwhelmed with the aspect of getting to know the character of such valiant American heroes. It was incredibly humbling, this goal of capturing the life, character and heroism of these unbelievable people.”
Off to the Races With her family following wherever her dad’s Army career led them, Hinzman—who acquired her nickname because she “was supposedly cute like a bunny” as a baby—has lived all over the United States. New York, though, is where her passion for art truly came into focus. “My sister and I were never without these satchels that my mom made for us that were filled with drawing paper and pencils,” she remembers. “Even as early as five years old, I remember sitting at the Mets baseball game drawing the field and the players. We would probably go once or twice a week to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, our mom would plunk us right in front of those masterpieces and we would just draw for hours.” Horses became an artistic obsession of Hinzman’s when she adopted an elderly thoroughbred at age 10. “I just really became fascinated with every aspect of his pedigree, his history, the whole nine yards. I began drawing racehorses nonstop, and it got to the
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point where my drawings just completely enveloped my bedroom walls.” Her interest even prompted her to start a blog about horseracing at age 14—one that earned her a spot covering the 2014 Kentucky Derby for NBC.
Personalities Brought to Life Hinzman stayed on the horse racing beat well into college, but while at Columbus State University, she decided to reinvest her energies in her art career, shifting focus from equine anatomy to the human body. Even before earning her art history degree in 2018, she was participating in exhibitions across Columbus and as far away as New York and Rome. Working primarily with charcoal, graphite and conte (sticks of compressed, powdered graphite or charcoal mixed with clay), Hinzman relies on shadow and texture, rather than color, to bring life to her drawings. And the effect is arresting. Her portrait subjects’ faces are contoured so finely that they almost seem to be rendered in 3D; solemn expressions and proud smiles alike practically rise up off the paper. Hinzman describes it as the “Mona Lisa factor.” “You can be technical all day long, but the great challenge is capturing that intangible, because it’s not even something that you can technically do—it’s really about trying to understand the person that you’re drawing and capture that person and their life story just in this one single moment that you’re trying to draw.” Her ability to capture those stories in turn captured the
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Bunny Hinzman sits in front of two of her Patriot Portrait Project works. Photo by Alex Molina
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attention of retired Col. Rob Choppa, whose three-decade Army career began at Fort Benning and who now heads the National Infantry Association. Choppa said he was “blown away” by Hinzman’s artwork when he attended an open house at her Midtown studio—and he knew Hinzman would be the perfect artist to capture retired Col. Ralph Puckett.
Heroes Get Their Due In November 1950, Puckett, a Georgia native, led his Ranger company across an 800-yard-long battlefield in what is now North Korea, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire so that his troops could identify enemy gun positions. Choppa wanted to have a portrait of Puckett ready by the time he attended his Medal of Honor ceremony in Washington in May 2021, so Puckett sat with Hinzman over the course of a month as she drew. The result, Choppa says, was “unbelievably breathtaking,” and he commissioned a second Medal of Honor portrait, this time based off of photos of Sgt. Alwyn Cashe, who was fatally wounded in Iraq in 2005. “I decided I wanted her to do all the past infantrymen who have the Medal of Honor and are living, and we are currently raising money for the venture,” he said. While the military recognizes Medal of Honor recipients as “the most decorated, valorous, heroic and brave,” the rest of the country rarely even knows their names, Choppa explained. “We
just thought that when we got enough of the artwork done, we could take it on the road to educate the children of America and tell the story of those who have sacrificed themselves for their nation, as well as educate that non-military civilian society that doesn’t have any skin in the game.” Hinzman counts herself lucky to have been chosen to immortalize people like Puckett and Cashe—and she has expanded on the Medal of Honor series to launch the Patriot Portrait Project in partnership with The Gallant Few, a nonprofit organization helping veterans re-acclimate to civilian life. These portraits specifically honor soldiers who gave their lives in the war on terror; the first was of Sgt. Ronald Kubik, a Fort Benning Ranger who died in Afghanistan in 2010. A second portrait, of Sgt. Jason Santora (who died in the same operation), was unveiled at the National Infantry Museum just before the start of the Heroes of America Marathon during Memorial Day weekend this year. “Starting off with these MOH portraits and getting into more military work, it’s really just been such a monumental thing to experience. It’s just been such a huge blessing, I can’t say that enough,” Hinzman said. “It was such a formative experience to grow up witnessing my dad’s patriotism and his devoted service, and to experience the life of a soldier’s family as well. And now, to be able to use that perspective in my work and share it with him and the community, it’s a wonderful thing.” C
Can be found at: Barnes & Noble Columbus Museum Dinglewood Pharmacy Durham’s Pharmacy Durham’s Pharmacy Galleria Judy Bug Books Marriott Midtown Medical Center Gift Shop Pierce Crossing Convenience Store Piggly Wiggly River Road Pharmacy Whitewater Express 52
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Distilled Intrigue
BY BRETT BUCKNER
Legendary Irish moonshine with Columbus ties hits shelves in August
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uring the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jon Brannan, like most of the quarantined world, suddenly had a lot more time on his hands, so he started doing a “deep dive” in his family tree via Ancestry.com. Around this same time, Brannan’s aunt sent him a clipping from the Monday, September 13, 1858 Columbus Daily Times. The subscriber is now manufacturing the real Iris Poteen Whisky at his place one and a half miles from Columbus, which he warrants to be pure and genuine, and equal to the best Poteen Whisky manufactured underground in Ireland. Apart from its being a healthy and pleasant beverage, it is an excellent remedy for Colds, Diarrhoea, Worms, etc. For sale by the bottle at Brook & Chapman’s Drug Store, at Brassill & Co’s by the drink or otherwise and by the gallon at the distillery.” The ad was signed A. Brannan—Ambrose Brannan—Jon Brannan’s greatgreat-great grandfather. After the initial excitement, Brannan was left with a lingering question— what the heck was “Poteen Whisky?” “I had no idea what it was,” Brannan said. “I mean, I drink whiskey, but I’d never heard of poteen.” Finding the answer would span continents and generations. The journey is culminating in August when Ambrose Poitín, the only commercially distilled poitín in North America, officially arrives on Georgia liquor stores. Ambrose Poitín is just like the kind once distilled by its namesake. “I truly feel called to do this,” said Brannan, who still maintains his day job at United Rentals. “As soon as I saw that advertisement, I just knew … ‘There’s something to this.’ That’s the feeling I’ve had, that this was a story that was just meant to be told, and I’m the one to tell it.”
‘Water of life’
Poitín or poteen—either way, it’s pronounced Po-cheen—is Ireland’s oldest spirit, pre-dating whiskey and Guinness by centuries. This “Irish moonshine” has roots dating back to sixth-century Christian monks who produced it as Ireland’s original aqua vitae (water of life). AUGUST 2022
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Its production was forced underground in 1661 when Ireland came under British rule, which then tried to tax it to extinction. But rural bootleggers ran clandestine operations in the country’s remotest areas. For those seeking a sip, “Is the cow milking?” became a popular refrain. Poitín comes from the Irish word for a “pot,” referring to the small pot, still commonly used by distillers. While American moonshine is typically made from cornmeal, poitín is traditionally distilled using malted grains such as barley, oats, wheat and occasionally rye. Only recently has it been made from alternative ingredients such as potatoes and beets. Poitín is notoriously potent. The Gaelic word for hangover, “poit,” derives from the elixir. “It’s a grain-based spirit, which is usually pretty strong,” said Brannan, whose version is 94 proof. “When you first taste it ... it’s a pop to your system, but what’s different is that it quickly tails off into a smooth, slightly sweet aftertaste. It doesn’t linger. It cools off and makes you want to taste it again.”
Family Recipe
Through his research, Brannan pieced together much of his great-great-great grandfather’s life. Ambrose and his fiancé, Mary Anne Murray, appear “out of nowhere” in Savannah’s 1840 census. “Georgia was a place,” Brannan said, “where people often ended up when they didn’t have anywhere else to go.” Brannan believes that Ambrose and his wife were stowaways
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Jon Brannan and Phil Wills
who made their way to Savannah from Ireland, escaping the Great Potato Famine. Traveling by horse and carriage, the couple settled in Columbus where Ambrose worked as a farm laborer in Russell County, Alabama. The work was hard; the wage was fair. However, Ambrose wanted more for his young family. To that end, he distilled and sold poitín in local shops and pubs. With Ambrose’s success, the family opened their own dry goods store, J.R. Brannan Dry Goods & Groceries. With every aspect of Ambrose Poitín, Brannan honors the family legacy. N3 Beverage Company, which Brannan established
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to sell his spirits, takes its name from a road in Ireland. “We didn’t know exactly where in Ireland (Ambrose) was from,” Brannan said. “We have enough hints to know that it was one of the cities along N3, the main road that went from the countryside into Dublin.” The Ambrose Poitín label incorporates a picture of Broadway from the late 1800s and includes the old family store. “The building still stands on Broadway,” Brannan added. “You can still see some of the brick work. Half of it is Samurai Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar and half is the housing office for Columbus State University.”
1887 receipt from Brannan’s store
‘So intriguing’
After Brannan read the ad for “real Irish Poteen Whisky” in the Columbus Daily Times, he started digging through family records where he found a partial recipe for Ambrose’s poitín. He decided to recreate and sell it just like his great-great-great grandfather did. “I knew it was going to be a challenge because not only is it a new product, but it’s a new category, too.” Brannan said. “I’ve got to not only market this new drink but educate people on, ‘What is poitín?’” Brannan sought the advice of Britt Moon,
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J.R. Brannan Dry Goods, Broad St., 1885
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owner and master distiller at Swamp Fox Distilling Co. in Buena Vista. “I couldn’t make heads or tails of it,” Moon said of the recipe. “It was literally like … ‘Do this and put it in a sack and set it by the fireplace to keep warm. “It was old school to say the least.” Brannan had a few bottles of poitín shipped from Ireland. Moon and Brannan reverse engineered the imported Irish poitín, then substituted those ingredients for what Ambrose would have likely used
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around Columbus. The result is Ambrose Poitín, which will be contract distilled and bottled by Swamp Fox. “It’s basically a multi-grain mash that uses a variety of grains and oats, and some Brannan family secret ingredients,” Brannan said. “This is something no one in the United States is producing, though there’s a small following in England. “When I first tasted it, I knew it was meant to be.”
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Ambrose Poitín has a taste all its own. “It’s got just an outrageous flavor profile,” Moon said. “It’s earthy and smooth, with this coastal taste. When I take a sip, it makes me think of the ocean. “There’s just nothing like it, nothing to compare it to. It’s just poitín.” When Ambrose Poitín hits the shelves in August, Brannan expects customers to take notice. Though the shape of the bottle isn’t unique, the color is. “I had it custom-made so that no one will ever be able to have that bottle shape and color without my permission,” he said. “I wanted it to be iconic ... something that people might want to have on their shelf at home.” To complete his dream team, Brannan hired master mixologist Phil Wills, of Bar Rescue fame, as a consultant. Brannan is a longtime fan of the reality show and sent Wills a message through Instagram, which led to a Zoom call. Then, in December, Wills invited Brannan and his brother to a show taping in Atlanta where they appeared in the background as patrons. That was when Wills got his first taste of Ambrose Poitín. “When he tried it the first time, he took a sip then looked around before saying, ‘Man, that’s so intriguing,’ before taking another sip,” Brannan said. “By the end of the meeting, he’d finished both sample bottles.” Wills will create custom cocktails featuring Ambrose Poitín “He just has amazing insight and advice,” Brannan said. “He really knows this industry almost better than anyone.” In August, Ambrose Poitín will be available exclusively in Georgia liquor stores and bars. The 750 ml, 94 proof bottle will sell for $35. “Right now, it’s the unofficial spirit of Columbus, Georgia,” Brannan said, “but I hope to make it the official spirit.” Brannan wants to distribute beyond Georgia, eventually. “People ask if I’m nervous, if I’m scared, and normally I would be,” he said. “But right now, I’ve got this great team of people around me who know the business, so I’m more excited than nervous. I have a solid product that I can’t wait for people to try.” Visit DrinkAmbrose.com for more information. C AUGUST 2022
Oh the Places You’ll Go NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM HOLDS 12TH ANNUAL GALA
BY JULIE JERNIGAN
At the 2021 1775 Gala: (L) Brian and Lisa Abeyta; (R) Matt and Kimble Keller and Stephanie and Bill Privette
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ark your calendars for August 20 as the National Infantry Museum welcomes patrons back to its 12th annual 1775 Society Gala. Don your black-tie and come on out to the museum for a night filled with fine dining and dancing along with tributes to past and present soldiers. Since the museum’s opening in 2009, the gala continues to be the premier affair that honors its mission to salute soldiers while giving back to its dedicated 1775 Society members. The society is an annual dues group that honors soldiers and veterans by frequently donating to the museum. Members must donate at least $1,000 every year to stay a part of the society. Retired soldiers from across the United States as well as local civilians continue to donate to the museum and enjoy attending the annual gala. According to Jane Bayer, director of development for the NIM, the society is the heart and soul of financing for the museum. “They are so important to us,” she said. “We created it in 2010, a year after opening the museum to provide a solid base of support, financial and otherwise, to help ensure long term operational support for the museum. We don’t charge admission, so financial support from those individuals is critical for the museum.” Since the gala is continuing the tradition of having a different theme each year, this year’s theme is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go: Celebrating Army Posts Around the World.” Past themes include Fort Benning at the Movies, Georgia on my Mind and the WWII
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65th anniversary. “We’re going to have a light-hearted look at the many Army posts around the world,” Bayer said. “We always want to have something new every year while still keeping a few surprises in store for our patrons.” The social event of the season will kick off with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by the silent auction and then a delicious dinner catered by Valley Hospitality. The silent auction will include vacation prizes such as a trip to Italy and many pieces of local art. A new part of the auction will be live, so guests can competitively bid against one another on a select group of items. This will be a unique opportunity to see the museum in a different light. Flowers, special lighting and decorations will adorn the grand hall, and guests can appreciate it all while admiring the historical artifacts from the “Last 100 yards.” Per tradition, the main event is kept a secret to keep things fun, fresh and exciting for guests. You’ll just have to come and find out. The event is open to the general public not just the 1775 Society, and tickets are $150 each. However, members of the 1775 Society will receive two complimentary tickets courtesy of the museum to show their appreciation of their continued donations. Depending on the amount that they donate throughout the year, donors could receive a whole table. For tickets and more information, contact Jane Bayer at 706.685.2604 or JBayer@nationalinfantryfoundation.org. C
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Homecoming for Columbus Artist BY JENNIFER SHRADER
Frances D. Jones, Marion Pitts Armstrong (Thomas’ first cousin), Thelma T. Cobb and Alma W. Thomas at the Columbus Museum, 1973
Alma Thomas is known around the country for her artwork, which has been displayed in the Whitney, the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum. But now she’s coming home. Thomas, a Columbus native, is the subject of two exhibitions at the Columbus Museum. “Alma W. Thomas: Everything is Beautiful,” opens July 1 and runs through September 25 at the Columbus Museum. A separate exhibit, “Sand Unshaken,” opened May 21 and runs through October 2. “This is the largest collection of her work, in one place at one time, since her death,” said Jonathan Walz, the exhibition co-curator of Everything is Beautiful. Curators have published a more than 300-page catalog and created a short film to go along with the exhibition. Thomas had a multifaceted career as an artist that can likely be at least partially attributed to her childhood in Columbus, growing up the daughter of mixed race parents in a segregated South after the Civil War. She had a childhood that was not typical of her peers. “She really was the exception to the rule,” said Rebecca Bush, curator of Sand Unshaken. Thomas’ father was a business owner and her mother was a dressmaker, and they were the first and only non-white family to live in the Rose Hill community. They were involved in local churches and the Masonic lodge. Because her maternal grandparents owned land, her family was at the center of starting the Black middle class in Columbus. The Sand Unshaken exhibit
Items from the “Sand Unshaken” exhibition
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Alma Thomas in her early 20s, taken between 1911 and 1916
Columbus’ Black Public School teachers in 1905 at St. James AME Church. (First row) Mrs. Rhelia Davis Rivers; (Second row) Professor Washington, blacksmith teacher, Bootie Lamar Davis, sixth grade teacher, Marie Walker, third grade teacher, Ethel Spencer, seventh grade teacher (daughter of W.H. Spencer), Jeff Rivers, Rosa Dennis; (Third row) W.H. Spencer, Mildred Austin, Laura Belle Andrews, Alma Frye, Hennie Williams, Katie Jones, Ruby Glenn, Mabel Kimbrough, Ella Glenn, Selina Kendrick, assistant principal; (Fourth row) Leila Davis, Lizzie Cantey, Nora Brown, Callie McRae, Selina King, Julia Thomas, Tommie Williams, Elizabeth Thornton (Winston), Nellis Nelson and S.R. Marshall.
includes many items from the Thomas home, including those from a 1994 gift from Thomas’ sister to the museum. “We have furniture from their home that’s never been seen before,” Bush said. Museum visitors are also encouraged to go on a driving tour of local sites including the original Thomas home, which has been restored and is now a lawyer’s office; and some of the churches the Thomas family attended. I really enjoyed digging into the details of her life,” Bush said. Everything is Beautiful has been featured in the Chrysler Museum of art in Norfolk, Virginia, the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, before closing in Thomas’ hometown. It is a story Walz said he wanted told in her hometown, although Thomas was just as well known or better in the Washington, D.C. area as she was here. That’s where he first became familiar with her as he was growing up in the D.C. area. Thomas’ father, John Harris Thomas, moved the family to Washington, D.C., when Alma was 16, in part, so she could complete high school, which wasn’t offered to Blacks in Georgia. It’s where she completed school and eventually went to Howard University, obtaining a BFA in art. She taught junior high art classes and didn’t work as a full-time artist until after her retirement in 1960, but that didn’t stop her artistic work. The exhibition includes her work from every decade, from the 1920s when studied sculpture at Howard, to marionettes she made in the 1930s, to the 1940s and ‘50s, when she finally began to explore painting techniques. It is her painting for which she is most known. Walz and Bush also praise Thomas for her activism in the artistic community. They are pleased to see the two exhibitions come together to give a full portrait of the Columbus native. Thomas died in 1978 in Washington, D.C. “Sand Unshaken is Chapter 1 and Everything is Beautiful is Chapter 2,” Walz said. “(Bush’s) exhibit really draws you into ours.” A map of the driving tour and more information on both exhibitions may be found at ColumbusMuseum.com. C AUGUST 2022
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Alma Thomas’ parents, Amelia and John Thomas, circa 1890
Alma and her sister Kathryn are standing in front of their house in Rose Hill about 1895. The family dog Pomp is on the porch.
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CRUSH
BY PAT DANIEL
Guilty Pleasure Summer Wines Summer is full of guilty pleasures, otherwise known as not apologizing for having fun. Staying up late, getting up late, lounging by the pool or beach all day, rinse and repeat. Unstructured time. Wine has always been part of summer fun, but it wasn’t always part of America’s summer fun. But, did you know that some of the wines a “sophisticated wine person” might raise an eyebrow to today are actually cornerstones of the American wine industry? It’s true! And if you’d like to try some of these guilty-pleasure wines of past and present, don’t worry, summer’s here, and we won’t tell! America was actually more of a wine country at the time of its founding. Madeira, from Portugal, was the main drink of colonial times in part because it didn’t spoil. But, after waves of immigrants arrived from colder climates, less favorable for vines, like Ireland, England and especially Germany, beer became the popular drink of choice. At the time of Prohibition, America had a thriving beer industry, while the wine industry was in its infancy. Prohibition shut down both. Small breweries were starved out all across the land, leaving the bigger ones, and many are still around today. It takes longer to begin producing wine, so wine production lagged behind. Europe, of course, did not go
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through Prohibition, so when American soldiers arrived during and after World War II, they discovered wine, and this is where we begin our story. In 1942, Fernando van Zeller created Mateus, the first Rosé wine from Portugal. During a time when wine choices were only red or white, Mateus was pink, slightly sweet, fruity and lightly sparkling. This rosé color was only one of Zeller’s genius marketing moves. The unique curved bottle, mimicking flasks used by Portuguese soldiers in World War I, really stood out. Zeller wanted the brand to take over the world, so he famously provided each Portuguese ambassador with two bottles, one to drink, and one to give to anyone he thought might help make it popular. Soldiers stationed in Portugal did take some back to America, but it wasn’t until 1953 that Mateus was officially imported to the United States. This wine caught on slowly at first, but then took off in the ‘60s, building on Zeller’s “ambassador” strategy. Mateus’ website features black and white pictures of the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Steve Jobs and even Ace Frehley of KISS, posing with the iconic bottle. At its 1974 crest, America imported 20 million bottles of Mateus, and the Oxford Companion to Wine
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reports that in 1978, Portugal produced 42 million bottles, Mateus alone accounted for 40 percent of Portugal’s total wine exports. In the early ‘80s, a dispute over distribution made it hard to find for a few years. When it returned to the store shelves, America had moved on from “what your parents drank.” Still available today, it’s been retooled for a new age and made in a slightly drier style. Try it, we won’t tell! In 1950, a group of wine producers in the Northern Italian province of Reggio Emilia banded together to form the Cantine Cooperative, Riunite. They built on the heritage of a more rustic, species of grape called “Lambrusca Vitus,” a wild grapevine, rather than the “fancy” grapes we most often think of, like Cabernet. These wines were sweet, fruity and refreshing, and quickly became popular. Fast-forwarding to 1967, executives of Banfi Vintners traveled to Italy, looking for a wine to appeal to America’s young wine palate, and began the phenomenon known as Riunite Lambrusco. Ten years later, it was America’s top selling imported wine, and 40+ years after that, it remained America’s top imported red wine from Italy. This wine has been produced in a few other styles over the years, but Riunite Lambrusco remains the big dog, and for a reason: it’s a great guilty pleasure for summer. Drop a bottle in a bucket of ice next to your barbeque or at the beach, and enjoy. Again, we won’t tell! That’s not to say that there are not “fancier,” more respectable versions of these two examples. We’ve written previous columns on the “more respectable” rosés from Provence and other areas.
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Italy does make some very elegant styles of Lambrusco, much less coarse by comparison than the “Riunite on ice … that’s nice” of the commercial in the ‘70s. These wines are a little harder to find, especially these days, but not impossible. In fact, Lambrusco is produced in the same region of Italy which does produce specialty items like Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Prosciutto di Parma, Parmesan-Reggiano cheese and Ferrari, located in Maranello, just south of Modena. Summer fun and wine go together as much as summer food and wine. If you just cannot bring yourself to be seen buying one of the less-sophisticated wines that helped build America’s wine industry, even if we promise we won’t tell, again we return to Portugal for an up-and-coming classic, Vinho Verde. Most commonly found as a white wine, although rosé and red styles are available, too, Vinho Verde means “green wine,” and in this case, green means young. This wine is a fresh and exciting style that harkens back to bottling the wine before it was certain that the wine was finished fermenting, so it’s a tiny bit sweet and a tiny bit spritzy, although both of these qualities are controlled by modern methods for consistency. The wine presents as a soft, refreshing Pinot Grigiostyle-citrus-flavor, a little lower in alcohol, perfect for summer. However, this wine isn’t just a summer love—it’s great with appetizers any time of year, especially while you’re waiting for the turkey to come out of the oven on Thanksgiving Day. Try some of these guilty-pleasure wines of past and present. Don’t worry. Summer’s here, and we won’t tell! C
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BY SCOTT PHILLIPS
THE Unless you’re covering the international festival circuit (Cannes, Venice, Locarno), summer provides a bit of a lull for film critics. Do I really need to tell you to go see Top Gun: Maverick? Or if I tell you not to see it, will you listen to me? (For the record, it’s one of the best films of the year.) This season of blockbuster tent pole releases tends to render film criticism irrelevant, so I use my down time before awards season to catch up on the best that television has to offer. Here are some great shows that may have flown under your radar and await you as you lounge by the pool: Bosch and Bosch: Legacy: I’ve sung the praises of the Amazon Prime series Bosch in these pages before, and I’m happy to report that its spin-off series Bosch: Legacy is a worthy successor to the original show. Legacy gives us former LAPD detective Harry Bosch as a private eye looking for the long-lost heir of a dying billionaire industrialist. The novel and the show are from crime writer extraordinaire Michael Connelly. In this opening season, Connelly is channeling the Raymond Chandler private eye novels of yesteryear to great effect. Legacy is Bosch on a smaller budget, but it’s no less engaging. As long as Titus Welliver wants to play the title role, I’m along for the ride. The Flight Attendant: Actress Kaley Cuoco made a name for herself as Penny on the long-running sitcom The Big Bang Theory. In this new HBOMax show (now in its second season), Cuoco plays a globetrotting airline employee who inadvertently gets swept up in international intrigue when she wakes up in a posh hotel next to a dead man. The Flight Attendant is a surprisingly enjoyable blend of spy thriller and comedy. You’ll be thinking that this show shouldn’t work while simultaneously admiring how good it is. It features one of the best supporting casts currently on television. Servant: If you’re feeling adventurous, immerse yourself in this series from film writer-director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Split). Servant is the chilling, fantastical story of the Turners whose infant son died under mysterious circumstances. When they hire a nanny to help Dorothy Turner through a period of psychological denial, their son reappears in his crib overnight. Is something supernatural at work? Or can the sudden appearance of a healthy baby in their home be rationally explained? If M. Night is involved in the story telling, expect twists and turns galore. The cinematography is stunning. It’s the best looking show on television. If you like horror films or thrillers that are a bit “out there,” Servant is a knockout you shouldn’t miss. The Shining Girls: 2022 is the year of the multi-verse narrative where theories about parallel universes abound. From the new Doctor Strange film to the smash indie hit Everything Everywhere All At Once, audiences seem to be mesmerized by the thought they have other versions of themselves populating an infinite number of alternate universes. Now Apple TV+ has adapted the 2013 Lauren Beukes novel about a time-traveling (or universe hopping?) serial killer who can avoid apprehension by simply re-writing his history. Starring Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men), Wagner Moura (Narcos) and Jamie Bell (Billy Elliott), this will scratch your crime thriller itch for the summer of ’22. Go for the high concept premise; stay for the characters who manage to keep such a crazy narrative grounded in real emotion. C Scott Phillips is a Columbus resident and member of the Atlanta Film Critics Circle. His reviews and other work can be found at mscottphillips.com 62
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D F OR ONN C
I T EC
ON
• UNITED WAY
UN
IT E
E VALLEY • CHE
A H T C TAHO E H T O OF
Our Community United Way is committed to the people in the valley. For over 70 years, United Way has been here for our community and we will be here long into the future. We are focusing on critical issues, building relationships, and adapting to changing needs to support our area as a whole. Collectively, with your support, we are changing lives. United Way is good at bringing people together. It is the strength of our collaborations that drives growth and opportunity. Working in partnership, we inspire community action to create positive change to give everyone a healthy, happy life. Together, we will continue to create a more equitable and compassionate community that shows everyone is valued and deserves a chance to succeed. Thank you for your part in making the Chattahoochee Valley better and brighter.
UNITED WAY PRIORITY AREAS Health Access:
Access to health care and supportive services that promote good overall health.
Economic Mobility: The ability and opportunity to improve their financial status and move out of poverty.
Educational Equity: An equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
UNITED WAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terry Bargy - W. C. Bradley Company Kevin Blair - Synovus Catherine Budzynski - Ohmium (Community Investment Chair) Craig Burgess, J.D. - Columbus State University Cheryl Burnes - Phenix City Board of Education (Finance Chair / Treasurer) Randy Burt - Publix Supermarkets (Immediate Past Board Chair) Dr. Brenda Coley - Russell County School District Ron Daniel - Daniel Appliance Company Sebastian Dixon - Alabama Power Company Melissa Gauntt - CTV Beam Hamish Guthrie - Columbus Engine Center, Pratt & Whitney Isaiah Hugley - Columbus Consolidated Government Rodney Mahone - Community Volunteer Jensen M. Melton - Attorney David Mitchell - Columbus State University Ben Moser - United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Rinkesh Patel - RAM Hotel Management
Keith Pierce - Community Volunteer Robbie Raybon - Covey Equity Teddy Reese - The Reese Firm, LLC Dr. Andy Roddenbery - Columbus Surgical Specialists, LLC Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims - Troy State University GwenDolyn (Gwen) Ruff - Columbus Water Works (Board Chair) Rabbi Beth Schwartz - Temple Israel (Home for Good Steering Committee Chair) Jackie Screws - Chattahoochee Valley Community College Len Sexton - Synovus Securities, Inc. Chief Raymond Smith - Phenix City Police Department D. Melody Trimble - St. Francis-Emory Healthcare W. Clark Turner - W. C. Turner Investments Jack Turner - Gwaltney Ventures/TigerJack LLC. (Campaign Chair) Erica Walker - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Rob Ward - St. Luke Church Randi Warren - Aflac
Working Together UNITED WAY VOLUNTEER CENTER Collaboration is one of United Way’s core values. We know that not one person, group, or organization can face all the challenges alone. United Way needs your help. By lending your time and talents, you can help sustain our community’s well-being. Getting involved with United Way offers a connection with the community and others. Join us in building a better world because we create lasting change by working together. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved for more information.
Get Involved with United Way • United Way Volunteer Center • United Way Campaign • Women United • Emerging Leaders United • Tocqueville Society
• Legacy Society • Home for Good • Community Schools United • Community Investment
Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved
UNITED WAY envisions a collaborative, resilient region where every person can thrive.
Investing In Community 2021 CAMPAIGN Hundreds of local businesses and thousands of donors invest in our community by giving to the annual United Way Campaign. The people of the valley are generous and choose every year to trust United Way’s leadership and collaboration process. In 2021, together, we raised $7,291,369. All donations stay right here in the valley, helping people thrive and succeed. We thank the many donors, businesses, organizations, and volunteers for their compassion and belief in our mission. Because of you, we will advance equity and achieve child, family, and community well-being.
2021 CAMPAIGN CABINET AND LOANED EXECUTIVES Dave Arwood - PMB Broadcasting Kevin Boykin - Path-Tec Leah Braxton - W. C. Bradley Co. Rodney Close - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley Rosolyn Durden - Community Volunteer Kee Evans - Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford Crystal Farley - Columbus Consolidated Government Jamie Gregory - Synovus Rob Harris - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Mayor Skip Henderson - Mayor’s Office Jason Jay - Columbus Water Works Dawn Jenkins - South Columbus Elementary Alicia Lawrence - Muscogee County School District Dr. David Lewis - Muscogee County School District
Tiffanee McDaniel - Synovus Shane McDougall - Piedmont Columbus Regional Leah Poole - Community Foundation Of The Chattahoochee Valley Dr. Andy Roddenbery - Columbus Surgical Specialists, LLC Holly Saville - Piedmont Columbus Regional Heath Schondelmayer - Synovus D. Melody Trimble - St. Francis-Emory Healthcare Jack Turner - Gwaltney Ventures/TigerJack LLC. (Campaign Chair) Phyllis Wagner - The Family Office at Synovus Erica Walker - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Susan Wiggins - Community Volunteer Avery Wolff - Brookstone School
Women Helping Women WOMEN UNITED Women United is a network of dynamic women leaders. Through their efforts, Women United builds opportunities for women and girls of all ages. Members of Women United come together throughout the year for events and service projects, including the annual Power of the Purse event. Together, we inspire and support one another to make meaningful change in the Chattahoochee Valley. Since 2011, women from different backgrounds have worked together to improve the well-being of children and families across our communities. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved to learn more about connecting with Women United. Women United leads 3 programs that deliver services right here where we live. Undergarment Program: Women United funds vouchers and collect undergarments each year to deliver essential items to local women and girls. To date, Women United donated over 17,000 pieces of clothing.
Women United Scholarship: Women United provides assistance for non-traditional students pursuing college degrees and certificates. So far Women United has given scholarships totaling over $14,000.
Women Helping Women Assistance Fund: With help from our Community Partners, Women United aids women and women-led households with rent, utility assistance, and childcare.
WOMEN UNITED BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tracey Beatty - Aflac Holli Browder - Columbus Consolidated Government - Parks & Recreation Melonese Close - Piedmont Columbus Regional (Membership Co Chair) Beth Costello - Georgia Power Pam Davis - Community Volunteer Lesley Dudley - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Sonja Esteras - DEI Advocate Laura Hanley - Synovus Paige Harford - St. Francis Hospital Katy Hedge - St. Francis Hospital DeAnne Huff - Aflac Wendi Jenkins - University System of Georgia Kelly Johnston - Pratt & Whitney Fetima Kelly - W.C. Bradley Company Tami McDonald - Brookstone Wealth Management Tana McHale - Pratt & Whitney (Event/Board Chair) Jensen M. Melton - Attorney Jan Miles - Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Inc. Marie Miller - Synovus (Event Chair) Raveeta Moore - TSYS, A Global Payments Company (Service Chair) Melissa Moss - TSYS, A Global Payments Company (Event Co Chair) Carolynn Obelton - Synovus (Scholarship Co Chair) Rachel Obermeyer - Aflac (Membership Chair) Christi Pennington - American Tire Distributors Leah Poole - Community Foundation (Scholarship Chair/ Board Co-Chair) Tammy Porter - Eastman Kodak Monica Robinson - Community Volunteer Renee Roth - Synovus GwenDolyn (Gwen) Ruff - Columbus Water Works Mary Stewart - Community Volunteer Erin Stillwell - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Cheryl Tate - Community Volunteer Dorenda Weaver - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Mary Weston - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Katie White - JP Thayer Properties Susan Wiggins - W.C. Bradley Company Heather Williams - Columbus Ledger- Enquirer Phyllis Williams - Aflac Cortney Wilson - Columbus State University (Service Co-Chair)
Young Leaders EMERGING LEADERS UNITED Emerging Leaders United members are the next generation’s trailblazers. Guided by passion, Emerging Leaders disrupt the status quo. They are the changemakers of our community, dedicating their time and talents to service and advocacy. Emerging Leaders are an inspiring group of young people under the age of 40 who each make annual contributions of $365.00 or more to United Way. They gather throughout the year for networking and service projects, including the annual event “The Great Chatt.” Because of these Emerging Leaders, this program was able to award a scholarship to a future leader, making a lasting impact on this student and their family. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved to learn more about Emerging Leaders United.
EMERGING LEADERS UNITED BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeremy Ackles - Civic Center Chelsea Arrington - Aflac Kenna Arrington - Synovus (Service Chair) Victoria Barrett - Columbus Water Works Adriann Deering - Columbus Water Works Patrick Dietz - TSYS, A Global Payments Company (Social Chair) Denise Dubois - The Citizen of East Alabama Johnny Elder - Morgan Stanley Timothy Graham - CTV Beam Alexis Gray - Columbus State University Rubria Hintz - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Tavari Turner - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley Erica Walker - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley (Leadership Chair)
The Future TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY
TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Tocqueville Society was formed in 1994 and is made up of over a hundred individuals, each making annual contributions of $10,000 or more. Tocqueville Society members reflect extraordinary dedication to inspiring a better way of life for everyone in our community.
Billy Blanchard - Covey Equity Jamie Gregory - Synovus (Chair) Ken Henson - Kenneth Henson, Jr. Law Offices Kevin Howard - Synovus Sallie Martin - Community Volunteer Rinkesh Patel - RAM Hotel Management Keith Pierce - Community Volunteer Len Sexton - Synovus Jack Turner - Community Volunteer Lulie Wallace - Community Volunteer Dorenda Weaver - Community Volunteer
As a Tocqueville Society member, you are making a significant impact on our community. Throughout the year, members connect for service projects, social gatherings, and events. We are working hard to create this thriving community, join us in inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved for more information about Tocqueville Society
LEGACY SOCIETY Legacy giving is the highest level of stewardship. By making the ultimate contribution, you empower future generations to thrive.
We believe that the best way to support United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley’s current work, honor the achievements of the past 70 years, and prepare for the community’s future needs, is through a planned investment in the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Endowment. The distributions from this endowment fund will provide resources to sustain United Way and our partners in the community for generations to come. Legacy Society members are individuals and couples who partner with the United Way to create longterm change. These contributors commit to a planned gift that helps prepare our community for the problems future generations will face. Join United Way’s Legacy Society and amplify your impact. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved to learn more.
Our Neighbors in Need HOME FOR GOOD Home for Good functions as the bridge amongst service providers, as well as between services providers and people experiencing homelessness. United Way’s Home for Good initiative assures the efficient and effective use of a collaborative system to move individuals or families from homelessness to permanent, stable housing. In addition, through collaborations and partnerships, Home for Good assists in proven measures to prevent homelessness before it happens. We collaborate with our partners to help people experiencing homelessness through • housing • job placement • transportation • medical assessments
• education • recreation • connections for other
needed services
Positive, multi-generational change starts with everyone having a place to call home. Get involved and help United Way assist our most vulnerable neighbors because everyone deserves to be Home for Good. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved.
HOME FOR GOOD STEERING COMMITTEE Betsy Covington - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley Melonese Close - Piedmont Columbus Regional Dr. Mariha Feliciano, MD - Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside Dr. Ron King, PHD - Community Advocate Curtis Lockette - Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department Rick McKnight - FabArts Ben Moser - United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley Margalena Remington - Feeding the Valley Rabbi Beth Schwartz - Temple Israel Robert Scott - Community Reinvestment Terrance Walker, Sgt. - Phenix City Police Department Lisa Walters - The Housing Authority of Columbus, Georgia
Children and Families COMMUNITY SCHOOLS UNITED Our children’s well-being is the true measure of our community’s success. It takes educators, families, and volunteers all working together to give every child the opportunities they deserve. Through our work, kids receive holistic support at home, in the classroom, and in our community. With your help, the Community Schools United initiative brings resources and support directly to students, parents, and educators. By building partnerships between local schools and organizations, we create opportunities for students’ success in the classroom and beyond. A child’s education doesn’t stop when they leave the classroom. Help us create a supportive environment for every student in our community because every child deserves a path to success.
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Together we can give every child a path to success. Access to the school’s washer and dryer is now available to the families of Dorothy Height Elementary, providing 110 loads of clean laundry. Because of our collaboration with the schools and the generosity of our community, 654 uniforms and 57 items of clothing have been shared with children and families. United Way’s Community Schools United provided 1,954 weekend buddy packs and 70 monthly commodities bags to combat hunger in partnership with Feeding the Valley and other PIE partners. 2,000 books have been shared with children and families in partnership with Ferst Readers to build up family libraries. 2 on-site after-school programs were developed in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club, serving 40 children in their education journey.
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS UNITED STEERING COMMITTEE Shameika Averett - Columbus Hospice & Community Member Matt Bell - Muscogee County School District Dr. Jan Burcham - Columbus State University Melonese Close - Piedmont Columbus Regional Belva Dorsey - Enrichment Services Program Geniece Granville - Davis Broadcasting Sarah Lang - Valley Healthcare Systems Veta Lewis - Phenix City School District David Mitchell - Columbus State University Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims - Troy University - Phenix City (Chair) Dr. Jason Whitehead - Phenix City Housing Authority
Community Impact COMMUNITY INVESTMENT With your help, we support people facing life’s biggest challenges. United Way invests in local programs providing the most needed services. By partnering with local organizations and volunteers, we provide everyone in our community with the building blocks for a quality life. By joining with United Way as a volunteer for community investment, you play a critical role in deciding how the community’s funds are shared. United Way is proud of this community-led process and that all the dollars raised remain in our community. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved to learn more.
THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROCESS First, leaders in the Chattahoochee Valley partner with us to become community investment volunteers.
Then, these dedicated volunteers review, meet, and choose the organizations that will receive funding each year.
This unique, community-led process ensures that funds are given to organizations that address the growing needs of the people we serve.
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE Catherine Budzynski - Ohmium Sebastian Dixon - Alabama Power Company Lesley Dudley - TSYS, A Global Payments Company Melissa Gauntt - CTV Beam Dawn Jenkins - South Columbus Elementary School Jensen M. Melton - Attorney David Mitchell - Columbus State University Chris Schoonover - Synovus Clark Turner - W.C. Turner Investments Erica Walker - Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley (Chair)
In Memory of Bob Kidd - his passion, commitment, and
leadership in support of children, families, and community will live on and not be forgotten.
Connection
Get Involved with United Way Join United Way in our mission to advance equity and achieve child, family, and community well-being. We envision a collaborative, resilient region where every person can thrive, but we can’t do it without your help. Let’s work together to create a more equitable and healthy community that shows every person is valued and deserves a chance to succeed. Visit unitedwayofthecv.org/GetInvolved.
As we emerge from the pandemic and deal with a growing and dynamic set of societal challenges, United Way’s mission matters more than ever. For 72 years, our United Way has united community resources and invested in high-performing nonprofits in our region, providing an outstanding return on our stakeholders’ investment. This work has been highly successful and continues as the core business of our United Way. However, the challenges of health and human service delivery in the post pandemic world demand new strategies and bold leadership, and our United Way is answering the call. Over the past year, we have targeted more resources, served more clients, and done more good, than in any 12 months of our long history in this community.
UNITED WAY’S MISSION To advance equity and achieve child, family, and community well-being.
As we work to deepen our impact and create more significant change, United Way needs you to remain invested and engaged with us, to continue sharing your time, treasure, and talent to better our community. Because if we all work together, we will continue to create a collaborative, resilient region where every person can thrive.
Ben Moser
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley President & CEO
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Our Community
Valley Scenes
Columbus and the Valley will publish as many photos as quality and space permit. Black and white or color photos may be used. Please identify all subjects with a brief description of the event and the date. Mail them to: CVM, P.O. Box 229, Columbus, GA 31902. Email them to: ContactUs@ColumbusAndTheValley.com, Columbus and the Valley assumes no responsibility for care and return of photographs submitted.
Much Ado About Something...
BY MARQUETTE MCRAE MCKNIGHT
This Girl Is On Fire!
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It was a gorgeous afternoon as friends, colleagues and family of Crystal Pendleton Shahid gathered at the Chattahoochee River Club to celebrate her new position as market president for Truist Bank. Crystal is a hometown girl—born and raised in Columbus—so it was a given that her fabulous family was there, parents Jeanella and Howard Pendleton, husband, Zak and their sons, Zaki and Zion. Crystal is a proud product of the Muscogee County School District and graduate of Fort Valley State University and is one of the youngest people to be named a bank president in Columbus. An active, passionate leader and member of so many great Columbus organizations, the crowd of friends that gathered to fete Crystal was a veritable Who’s Who of people who make our community better, including Juanita Booker, Brenda Williams, Martha Ann Todd, Rochelle Jones, Donovan and Genice Granville, Fray McCormick, Raveeta and Phillip Moore, Dominique Perkins, Robbie Branscomb, Juanita Davis, LaRae Moore, Cameron Bean, Laverne Lee Brown, Stuart and David Rayfield and Bennie Newroth. Members of the Truist Community Advisory Board were also there to celebrate including Board Chair Jack Key, Isaac Hadley, Thelon Hamby, John Sheftall and Mark Hudson and other Truist folks like Brenda Connally-Brown, who is practically the Truist icon. The reception was the day after the Columbus’ election, and it was nice to see all those elected and appointed officials (some of them newly elected, re-elected …or still serving!) including Rep. Carolyn Hugley with husband City Manager Isaiah Hugley, Mayor Skip Henderson, School Board Chair Pat Hugley-Green, School Board member Kia Chambers with husband Travis, Representative-Elect Teddy Reese, Tax Commissioner Lula Huff
Betsy Ramsay (R) with her granddaughters Landy Cartledge and Elizabeth Cliatt at Historic Columbus’ Moulin Rouge fundraiser
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Crystal Shahid and her lifelong friend and mentor Calvin Smyre
and Representative and soon-to-be-Ambassador Calvin Smyre, who is a longtime family friend and Crystal’s uber mentor. It’s impossible to list all the important volunteer roles Crystal has filled—she is truly a gem for all that she is in our community. This is a great moment for her and our region as she takes on this new leadership role.
Trés Magnifique!
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, it was glorious to return to an Historic Columbus party because they know how to throw one! A Night in Paris at the Moulin Rouge was similar to their previous parties a la Monte Carlo and Singapore, but as the theme indicates, it was inspired by the Moulin Rouge casino games … and it was a grand inspiration. Party-goers bellied up to the tables playing all sorts of fun casino games including, Sallie and John Martin, Chris Harman and Noah Fussell, Bob and Cally Dixon, Jeff and Leslie Holloway, Rich and Alice Cellino, John and Ashley Pezold, Bo and Katie Bickerstaff, Kelsea and Walker Garrett, Jason and Kim Connally, Cheryl Myers and Garry Pound, Ken and Chris Henson and Teresa and Trip Tomlinson. It was a family casino night for some of us as we were with our daughter and son-in-law, Mitchi and Travis Wade, and niece and nephew, Selwyn and Wes Kelley. Betsy and Al Ramsay were with granddaughters Landy Sudduth (now Landy Cartledge) and Elizabeth Cliatt, with husband Wade. Mary and Bo Bradley were with daughter Mary Bradley, and daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Fray McCormick. Lloyd and Jay Pease were with their daughter and son, with their spouses,
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Kathleen and Alan Whitley and Whitney and Jason Pease. Leah and Mike Braxton were with daughter and son-in-law Lindsey and Jake Platts and Skip and Karon Henderson with daughter Kyle Henderson. Funds raised at the event benefit HCF’s education programs and preservation efforts which include the nomination of Carver Heights to become Columbus’ first African American National Register Historic District, the development of a new play telling the history of our town for all third-grade classrooms in partnership with FABArts, the revitalization of Heritage Park and the Chattahoochee Promenade to include new history exhibits and the preservation of the historic neighborhoods within the Mill District and High Uptown. So, basically, all that “play” gambling we did will help make our community better … and I’m glad to be of service!
‘A Party Without Cake is Just a Meeting’
That headline quote is just one of the many reasons we continue to love Julia Child … and now we have a thrilling local connection to the beloved iconic chef. Local writer Natalia Temesgen added another television writing credit to her list of accomplishments as one of the writing staff for the HBOMax series, Julia, which focuses on the life and career of cookbook author and television chef, Julia Child. Natalia wrote the fourth episode of the series Petit Fours and a fun crowd gathered in early April to watch the premier of the episode together at the Bo Bartlett Center in Uptown. Dressed in the period of the 1960s that the series is set in, party-goers looked funky and fine including Paul and Donna Pierce, Emilie Menser, Amy and Hunter Bryan, Sherricka Day, Carrie Beth and Ben Wallace, Joseph and Emily Brannon, Bo Bartlett and Betsy Eby, Katie Bishop, Lisa Powers, Cora King, Nick Norwood and Susan Roth, Tony Pettis, Dorris and Richard Bishop, Kate Harrell, Jonathan Perkins, Beth Reeves, Chiara Richardson, Alex and Willette Shalishali and Kern and Robert Wadkins.
Grill Master Gayle Dudley was surprised with a grand celebration for grilling one million steaks for LongHorn Steakhouse on Macon Road in the more than two decades she’s worked there. She’s one of only a few team members nationwide who have achieved this milestone. She was presented with a $5,000 check, a special gold chef coat, reminiscent of the one presented to Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and several other mementoes.
As a fan of the show from the beginning, I’ve been greatly impressed with the insightful series and even more impressed with Natalia’s writing. Getting into the mind of someone so very different has to be a challenge, but Natalia, writing the words of Julia (an older woman in the prime of her professional career in the 1960s) captured her perfectly. Writing about the dynamics of a dual professional couple couldn’t have been a huge challenge for Natalia since she’s married to the newest State Court Judge Pete Temesgen—so it was a double celebration party. Happy to hear they’ve renewed the series for another season. Put it on your watch list!
Columbus State University recently honored its Educator of the Year and Faculty Cup award recipients. Educator of the Year award recipient was Dr. Jordan Brasher (L), an assistant professor of geography in the College of Letters and Sciences’ Department of History & Geography. The Faculty Cup honoree was Sophia Brown (R), a senior scheduled to graduate in May with a Bachelor’s of Arts in history degree, minors in political science and sociology and a certificate in international studies.
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(L) Phillip Adams, Scott McLaurin, Jenny Adams; (R) Edith Hudson DuBois, Mint Flowers and Melanie Slaton at the Columbus Museum’s Bloom Bash
Celebrating the Garden
In April, the Columbus Museum held a celebration of the Bradley Olmstead Garden with three events in three days: Bloom Bash, Flower Arranging Classes and Garden Fest. The Bloom Fest invited guests to tour astonishing floral sculptures created and inspired by works in the Museum’s permanent collection. Guests including Barb and Steve Brasier, Ken Henson, Leslie Bryan, Kathelen Amos, Becky and Sid Yarbrough, Hannah Israel, Barbara Billings, Billy Kendall, Delia Postell, Melanie Slaton and Ben Holden, Sallie Martin and Nora Garrard had
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the opportunity to vote for their favorite bloom display and the winner was Sally Bradley.
Kudos
The Museum was also the scene of the W.C. Bradley Company’s annual Spirit Awards. The Spirit Award Program was started in 1990 to recognize team members who exemplify the spirit of the company by supporting their co-workers, taking care of their families and giving back to the community. The Spirit Award Program was the idea of the late Bill Turner, the chairman and
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The 2022 Debutantes and their escorts on the steps at the Wynn House, were, (front row, L-R) Timothy Harold Graham Jr., Harper Talmadge Maxey, Wesley Garrard McKinstry, Nancy Kimbrough Sheek, Carson Hayes Marchetti, Lillian Elizabeth Norred, Charles Render Waldrep, Katherine Schley Buracker, Howard Adam Perkins, Sanders Elizabeth Hinds, William Hal Miller, Claire Adams Prince, Bladen Ross McKinstry, Sara Gordy Hill, Hallie Lynn Denson, Dean Channell Copelan Jr., Elizabeth Hollis Sigman, Clark Perry Smith, Charlotte Kimbrough Knight, Campbell Lynch Wilkerson, Lynn Thayer Pearson, Wesley Thorpe Pahl, Mary Stewart Mullin, Gilland Mark Lane, Olivia Leighton Philips, and Nathan Cael Manning; (middle row, L-R) Lennox Reed Rambo, Kathleen Ada Bridges Bickerstaff, Elizabeth Amos Blanchard, William Everett Summers, Jillian MacDonald Molnar and Miles Parker Hicks; (back row, L-R), Reid Wellman Calhoun, Olivia Catherine Foster, Helen Anne Farrar, Coleman Larry Galbraith, William Michael Cole, Elizabeth Wells Roberts, Charles Joseph Beaudoin, Lillian Rachael Peek, Amanda Lee Woolbright and Zachary Aaron Garcia. Photo by SE Photography
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CEO who challenged his team to always remember the values upon which the company was founded. This year’s recipients are Romeo Byll, Tia Justice, Vincent Kearse, Robin Key, Tim Lange, Jessica Lindquist, Becky Rice and Blake Vantussenbrook. Congrats to all!
Debs Presented
The 2022 Wynn House Heritage Ball continued a Columbus tradition presenting the Cotillion Club debutantes. The annual event benefits The Wynn House allowing its board to continue to preserve, maintain and restore this historic structure into the future. More than 600 family and friends of the debs were on hand for the presentations including, Sam and Sherrie Buracker, Duke Cartledge, Jim and Emily Blalock, Jimmy and Sis Blanchard, Cecil and Betty Cheves, Terry and Claire Honan, Rand and Dori Jones, Claude and Molly Scarbrough, Andy Philips, Helen Neal, Sid and Bev Yarbrough, Art and Sue Smith, Jason and Cile Branch, John and Elizabeth Knight and Kenny and Karen Hopkins. Following the presentation and dinner, the 10:30 Band treated the crowd to some great dance tunes.
NIM Entertains Donors
The National Infantry Museum Foundation honored its donors with dinner in the courtyard and tours of the WWII Street on an evening with picture-perfect weather. Guests, including Bill and Becky Rumer, Lloyd and Gloria Sampson, Nelson and Borden
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The Rev. Jimmy Elder welcomed Mercer University President Bill Underwood to the opening ceremony of the Mercer School of Medicine’s Columbus Campus.
McGahee, Gary and Carla Stickles, Richard Parrish, Ibolja Cernak, Susan Berry, Pat Weekley, Chuck and Jane Hecht, Rick and Carla Anthony and Warner and Lisa Neal enjoyed an ice cream sundae bar following dinner.
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United Way’s Women United celebrated held its 10th annual Power of the Purse event with funds raised directly benefiting women and girls in the valley through programs and scholarships. Also part of the luncheon is the “Wear One, Bring One” initiative in which undergarments are collected at the event then shared with United Way partners who serve those in need. Women United Advisory Board members are: (L-R) Rachel Chambless, Sonja Esteras, Tracey Beatty, Susan Wiggins, Dorenda Weaver, Melissa Moss, Katy Hedge, Gwen Ruff, Marie Miller, Carolyn Obelton and Jan Miles.
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Encore! Encore!
The Muscogee County School District is continuing its successful Summer Learning Experience (SEL) for the second year. More than 5,000 children are enrolled in the camp-like summer school filled with reading, math, unique arts activities and athletics provided by a host of community partners including United Way, Oxbow Meadows, Columbus Parks and Rec, the Springer, FABArts, the Family Center, the Rotary Club of Columbus, Girl Scouts, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Chattahoochee Valley Library, Columbus Ballet, Boy Scouts, Let’s Grow STEAMx, Naval Museum and Columbus State University. In the words of one student Alicia Bennet, “this is the most fun school I’ve ever been to!” Kudos to MCSD for continuing to offer students meaningful summer experiences that enhance and supplement the regular school year. In the September edition of Columbus and the Valley, I’ll give you an update on some of the projects that came out of the SLE and will include some special events at the Columbus Museum. But don’t wait until then to visit the Museum—especially “Sand Unshaken – The Origin Story of Alma Thomas” exhibition. It’s the perfect time this summer to see this show about Columbus native artist Alma Thomas’ work. Read all about it on page 58 of this issue. C
United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley celebrated the end of the 2021 campaign revealing that $7,291,369 was raised with the community’s help. Campaign Chair Jack Turner promised to kiss a pig if the goal was reached. He kept his word and kissed Arlo at the Victory Celebration.
Guests at the National Infantry Museum Foundation Donor Dinner included (L-R) Carla Stickles, Susan Berry, Borden Black McGahee and Leann Hoidahl
Marquette McRae McKnight is the owner of Media, Marketing. and More! Inc, a full service public relations firm. She may be reached call her at 706-660-9702 or via e-mail at marquette@mediamarketingandmore.com. AUGUST 2022
Columbus and the Valley
Ad Directory
A-Com 55 Aflac 5 Ambrose Poitín 61 Cancer Treatment Centers of America 2 Chattahoochee Rodeo 78 Coldwell Banker Melissa Thomas 15, 26 Columbus & Valley vendors 52 Columbus Body Works 50 Columbus Botanical Garden 52 Columbus Hospice 14 Columbus Memory Center 16 Columbus Museum 23 Columbus Tape and Video 54 Communicorp 83 Country Club of Columbus 28 Country’s BBQ 82 Covenant Woods 16 BEAM 80 CVCC 31 Dinglewood Pharmacy 15 Don Chucho’s 82 Envoy Mortgage 36 Fountain City Coffee 82 GPB 78 Hudson Pendleton Financial Group 54 Kinetic Credit Union 55 Malone Office 29, 56 McMullen Funeral Home & Crematory 10 Mellow Mushroom 82 National Infantry Museum 21 Phenix City Schools 11 Ritchie White Photography 77 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts 79 Rivertown Pediatrics 36 Robinson Grimes CPA 20 Ruth Ann’s Family Restaurant 82 Russell County Schools 33 St. Francis Emory Healthcare 86 St Francis Orthopedic Institute 17 Schomburg’s Jewelers IF Shred-a-way 51 Skin Cancer Specialists 26, 51 Southern Straws 30 Spring Harbor 24 State Farm/Bob English 21 St. Luke United Methodist 31 Striffler-Hamby Mortuary 7 Synovus 27, 32 Taylor Funeral Home 12 Townsend Wealth Management 1 Triangle Wholesalers 50 Two Men and a Truck 22 Uptown Vietnamese Cuisine 82 Uptown Wine and Spirits 61 Valley Fir & Redwood 12 Wade Companies 22 WC Bradley Co. 13, 19 WC Bradley Co. Real Estate 85 West Georgia Eye 20 West Ga. Oral and Facial Surgery 56 81
Dining Guide
The Bakeshop
The sister shop to Fountain City Coffee located in Banks Food Hall. Serving up made from scratch baked goods daily in the heart of Columbus. M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa-Su 8AM-7PM, 1007 Broadway, 706.494.6659
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
To have your restaurant featured here call 706.324.6214
Ruth Ann’s Restaurant
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 Road. 706.561.3040
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 take-out order at ruthannsrestaurant.com.
Mellow Mushroom
Uptown Vietnam Cuisine
The combination of a great menu, handtossed 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
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
To have your restaurant featured here, call 706.324.6214. 82
Columbus and the Valley
AUGUST 2022
What's Happening? JULY Through October 2 The Columbus Museum presents “Quilts for the Collection of Paul M. Goggans,” the second of two planned installations, featuring quilts newly acquired from Paul M. Goggans. His family lived in the Chattahoochee Valley for more than 150 years and his maternal grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-aunt produced dozens of quilts that the family lovingly preserved over the years. The quilts reflect popular patterns, colors and fabrics of the 19th and early 20th centuries and present excellent aesthetic variety with strong levels of craftsmanship. Spanning nearly 70 years, these beautiful objects also reflect their everyday use as household goods. For more info call 706.748.2562 ext. 210 or visit ColumbusMuseum.com.
Through October 16 The Columbus Museum presents “Journey Towards Justice: The Civil Rights Movement in the Chattahoochee Valley.” Themes and topics include the beginnings of a southern freedom movement and the effects of Jim
Crow segregation; the role of Black institutions as a source of community pride and a breeding ground for activists; the influence of Fort Benning; direct public actions that led to the desegregation of public and private spaces; the cycle of generational violence and intimidation that activists faced; and continued civil rights activism in the 21st century. For more info call 706.748.2562 ext. 210 or visit ColumbusMuseum.com.
July 8 – August 26 No Shame Theater is a latenight, uncensored event in which performers get five minutes to express themselves through music, poetry, sketch comedy, prose, rap, improvisation, dance, rants, stand-up comedy—almost anything goes. There are only three rules at No Shame Theatre: The performance can last no longer than five minutes. The performance must be your original material. You can’t break anything—the space, the law or yourself. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. There is a $5 admission. Visit SpringerOperaHouse.org/ noshame for more information.
July 8 – 10 The first regional indoor Pickleball Tournament in Columbus will be at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center. Play in airconditioned comfort and be steps away from your hotel, restaurants, bars, boutiques, shops and entertainment. Learn more here: Columbuspba.org/beattheheat.
July 9 – August 27 Russell County Farmers Market will be open two days this year in the parking lot at Garrett Harrison Stadium at the intersection of Airport Road and Summerville Road. You may purchase from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. each Thursday from local vendors or each Saturday morning from 8 a.m. until 12 noon.
AUGUST August 7 The circus will return this Summer at Callaway Gardens with Cirquemania LLC led by Ivan Stoinev. Ivan and his team of college-aged circus performers will provide a 30-minute circus show for all guests on Thursday, & Friday at 6:30 p.m., Saturday (2 shows: 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.), and Sunday (2 shows: 12 p.m. & 3 p.m.). Free with Gardens admission. Visit CallawayGardens.com for more information.
August 11
Leave your voices at the door and catch the creative spirit. On the second Thursday of each month from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., witness the power of the July 25 – 31 creative process as you sketch a live model under the magical Call your friends and make your skylights of the Bo Bartlett Center. reservations because it’s time to Dedicated to Artist Barbara celebrate Columbus’ incredible Golden Pound who believed in and local culinary scene. All week encouraged the Zen of Being. Free long, locally owned and operated admission and open to the public. restaurants participating in Columbus, GA Restaurant Week will Bring your own art supplies. Visit BoBartlettCenter.org for more offer guests unique, three-course prix fixe menus. For more info visit information. ColumbusGARestaurantWeek.com.
PRINTING PRINTING FULFILLMENT FULFILLMENT MARKETING MARKETING TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY BRANDED BRANDED MERCHANDISE MERCHANDISE Call Call 706-324-1182 706-324-1182 oror visit visit communicorp.com communicorp.com
AUGUST 2022
Columbus and the Valley
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by Mike Owen
A Great City for Cemeteries
I
’ve always been fascinated by cemeteries. Maybe it’s part of my lifelong love of history. Maybe I’m just a creepy old dude who likes to wander around spooky places. Maybe I identify with dead people. Who knows? But the fact remains, I love cemeteries. And I’m lucky because Columbus is a great city for cemetery buffs. Take, for example, the city’s original cemetery, Linwood, over near the hospital. Back in 1828, the state sent a man named Edward Lloyd Thomas down here to survey the land so the new city of Columbus could be laid out. Thomas brought his teenaged son with him for the job—maybe to learn the family business. He wouldn’t. That winter was a particularly harsh one, and young Truman Thomas would fall ill and die. His grieving father looked around and chose land where Linwood is now, buried his son there and declared it City Cemetery, which it would be called until 1894, when it was renamed Linwood, for the then-fashionable neighborhood that surrounded it. (Some things change.) Understandably, Thomas wasn’t able to procure a durable permanent marker for his son’s grave, so the cemetery caretakers know young Truman is there somewhere, but they have no real idea exactly where he resides. Linwood has loads of famous residents, whose graves are clearly marked. There are two sections where Confederate soldiers are buried, with relic cannons standing guard over them. Civil War General Henry L. Benning, of Fort Benning fame, is buried there, though not in one of the Confederate soldier sections. He was an officer, after all. Those other guys worked for a living. Tom Huston, of Tom’s Peanuts fame, is 84
buried there, as is Dr. John Pemberton, of Coca-Cola fame. W.C. Bradley, of … well, if you don’t know what he’s known for, you ain’t from around here, now are you? Those and others there are interesting, but what is, in my opinion, the city’s most interesting grave marker isn’t at Linwood. It’s a few miles away at Riverdale Cemetery, established in 1890. There are plenty of famous people buried in the old Riverdale-Porterdale cemeteries, the city’s second oldest. Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues, is buried there, as is Primus King, a voting rights pioneer and champion for black southerners. But to me, the most interesting gravesite there has no names on it because no one knows exactly who is buried there. What, you say? The large marble marker that is shaped like a circus tent marks the resting place of the charred remains of an unknown number of people (and possibly animals) who perished in a horrible train collision and ensuing fire. On November 22, 1915, a train carrying the Con T. Kennedy Circus to Girard, Alabama was heading west, about six miles outside of Columbus when it ran headlong into a Central of Georgia passenger train that had just left Columbus for Macon. For the record, the Central of Georgia train was at fault, having ignored an order and left Columbus early. The circus train’s cars were mostly wooden while the much heavier passenger train’s were metal. The ensuing fire almost totally destroyed the circus train, but did less damage to the passenger train. Estimates of how many circus workers were incinerated vary from 15 to 24, but their ashes, probably along with those of numerous circus animals, are interred Columbus and the Valley
under the unusual marker that bears the inscription: Erected by the Con T. Kennedy Shows In memory of their comrades who lost their lives in a railroad wreck near Columbus, Georgia November 22, 1915 Another interesting cemetery can be found in the woods near the northern end of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk. In those woods, in what’s called the old Clapps Factory Cemetery, there reside an unknown number of people, some of whom were buried along the river’s banks as early as 1830, historians estimate. No one knows how many are interred there, and the land is heavily forested now. So many graves will never be known. There may be 300 to 500 people buried in those woods. Many of those may be Creek Indians as it was rumored to be one of their burial grounds. But there are several graves that can be identified, four especially. Those are four recently identified and freshly marked graves of Confederate soldiers: William Page, 1843-1862; William Morris, 18461865; James Newsome, 1834-1894; William Jeffries, 1848-1899. The Clapp’s Factory, for which the cemetery was named, was built in 1843 and burned down by Union arsonists in 1865 (Damn Yankees.). It was rebuilt in 1866, but burned again in 1910, and that was that for the old mill. If the mill building had survived to this day, it would be in the shadow of the Lake Oliver Dam, and would probably be condos owned by descendants of the aforementioned Mr. Bradley. 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. AUGUST 2022