Valdosta Magazine Summer 2018

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valdosta magazine

Rhett Akins & Thomas Rhett never far from home

Food Entertainment AND

FOLLOWING THE MUSIC | ART & CULTURE | VALDOSTA “SEENS” | CUTEST DOG CONTEST | PROFILES

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Summer 2018

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Photos by Wes Sewell Photography

ABOUT THE COVER

When you get musicians together, one thing is bound to happen – music. Waiting on the sun to go behind a building to capture the scene in the right light wasn't dull. Popping into a local restaurant for a “cold one” made it even more fun. Thanks to Covington's & 306 North for the beautiful table setting and the musicians who posed for the cover. Of course, with Wes Sewell behind the lens, everything looks better. On the cover: Kerri Kent (seated) and Jolyn Smith of 2RiverStation; Howard Hsu, VSO conductor; Joe Smothers; Steven Taylor, VSO first-chair cellist.

TABLE OF

CONTENTS REGULAR FEATURES

In Every Issue

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WHERE TO GO – THINGS TO SEE – WHAT TO DO

ValdostaSEENS

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Valdosta Jr. Service League’s House Party Valdosta Country Club’s Valdosta Open Class of 1968 - VHS 50th Wildcats Reunion Valdosta Country Club Couples Golf

REMEMBERING WHEN

Jerry Newman’s take on 50 Years of Live Music in Valdosta.

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GO DOWNTOWN!

Go Downtown to experience the Fun! Flair! & Flavor! that Downtown Valdosta has to offer. Featuring an advertising section and a listing of downtown events.

Meet Melanie McGinnis— owner of Home of 10,000 Picture Frames in downtown.

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ARTS & CULTURE

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A CIVIC CONVERSATION

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Valdosta Magazine’s community calendar is THE leading source of information on the most important cultural events and community activities for you and your family.

Highlighting “Art Instructor of the Year,” Smith and Marvin Smith, winner of Valdosta’s Photo Contest, and upcoming art and cultural events.

Azalea City Civic Club – Creating goodwill and making a positive impact in children’s lives.

Valdosta Magazine

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Summer 2018 P R I V A C Y . P R O F E S S I O N A L I S M . P E R F E C T I O N .

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SPECIAL FEATURES

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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT

Our special food and entertainment section features some of Valdosta's best live music performers in "Music With a Side of Dinner" Of course, there is insight into Valdosta's food scene with entertaining tips and recipes. And, a feature on country music stars Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett who both call Valdosta home.

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FOLLOWING THE MUSIC

Behind-the-scenes of Valdosta’s local music scene with “groupies” who follow the music all over Valdosta

MUSIC WITH A SIDE OF DINNER

16 2RiverStation – The magic behind the duo of Kerri Kent

and Jolyn Smith

19 Valdosta Symphony Orchestra – Providing some of the finest

entertainment in Valdosta

22 Music Man – Joe Smothers a local icon of the live music scene

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LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU Tips on entertaining with Sue Cox

MIKKI HUDSON The name behind Jessie’s Restaurant and Catering

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NEVER FAR FROM HOME

Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett live in Nashville but their roots and much of their hearts lie in Valdosta, and they are never far from home

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THE RECIPE BOX

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VALDOSTA MAGAZINE’S CUTEST DOG CONTEST WINNERS

PROFILES 54

CHARLIE POWERS

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THE ART OF PHILANTHROPY

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SUNSET FARMS

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IT’S WRITTEN IN THE STARS

A Lesson in History

The SGMC Foundation’s Award-Winning Program

Celebrating 100 years of Goodness

Nathanael Strickler – LHS STAR Student

ARTICLES 46

MONEY MATTERS

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REAL ESTATE

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Valdosta Magazine

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

valdosta magazine Editors and Publishers : John F. Riddle & Connie K. Riddle Showcase Publications, Inc. Official Photographer & Cover Photography: Wes Sewell Photography Art Director: Stacey Nichols Content Coordinator: Candice McKinley

Connie and John Riddle enjoyed following the music with Cheryl Oliver, Nancy D. Warren, and Mala Vallotton at Salty Snapper.

On August 7, we had a Facebook post reminder that three years ago, August 7, 2015, was the day we announced we were the proud new owners of Valdosta Magazine which we purchased from the Lastingers. At the same time, we announced that John would be joining our publishing business full-time. That was three years ago and what an exciting time it was.

And, what an exciting time this is! This year we’ve added “Entertainment” to the food issue which, we think, has made for a really entertaining issue. You’ll read about some of your favorite local musicians who play in some of the best restaurants in Valdosta; along with a group who "follows the music" to make sure they don't miss a beat of Valdosta's live music scene. An in-depth interview with two of Valdosta's most famous musicians - Rhett Aikens and Thomas Rhett – help make the inaugural "Food & Entertainment" issue complete.

Of course, one of the greatest assets to the Valdosta community is the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, and, we’ve not left them out. You might not find them at a local restaurant on a weekly basis (though some of the members do play local gigs), but you can certainly enjoy their upcoming season at Whitehead Auditorium…and… then go to dinner after enjoying their live symphony performances. Or, bring your own dinner while enjoying “Pops in the Park” this October.

We’ve enjoyed the last three years of meeting great new friends, learning so much about this dynamic community, and enjoying our share of “food and entertainment.”

We’re committed to continuing the quality publications our readers and advertisers have come to expect for years to come. We still have new ideas you’ll be seeing in the pages of Valdosta’s premier magazine.

Thanks to everyone who made this issue unique, beautiful, intriguing, and entertaining. We especially thank the advertisers who make each issue possible. Be sure and see the Index of Advertisers on the last page and visit them often.

Now, get ready to be entertained with our inaugural “Food & Entertainment” issue, then go out and experience all the food and entertainment Valdosta has to offer!

Sincerely,

John & Connie Riddle

info@showcasepublicationsga.com 6

Valdosta Magazine

Contributing Writers: Candice McKinley, John Riddle, Javon Longieliere,Bob Goddard, Tom Call, Mattia Goddard, Nancy Warren, Sue Cox, Connie Riddle, Jerry Newman Contributing Photographers: Javon Longieliere John Shearer Joshua Gilligan Jessica Ganas Jennifer Chmielewski Designers: Stacey Nichols, Russ Hutto, Robin Harrison Advising Consultant: Lamb Lastinger Publisher Emeritus: Johnny B. Lastinger

Valdosta Magazine is published quarterly by Showcase Publications, Inc. For information on advertising, submitting articles, or to subscribe: (912)-559-2045 – P.O. Box 391 Jesup, GA 31598 info@showcasepublicationsga.com Subscription rates in the U.S. are $14.00 annually. showcasepublicationsga.com All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors and other changes without notice. The opinions expressed by the writers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

LINDSEY S. O’STEEN SUBARU OF VALDOSTA 4140 North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA 31602 OSteenSubaru.com 229-242-9920

LOVES HER 2018

IMPREZA

Summer 2018

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FROM OUR READERS...

We look forward to continuing the tradition of Valdosta Magazine traveling with you. Please take Valdosta Magazine with you on your travels and take a picture and send to us.

Ronald and Jayne Allen carried Valdosta Magazine up the Yanatze River, Tibet, Xian, and Beijing.

Ronald is holding the magazine on the Great Wall of China.

Pictures can be emailed to: info@showcasepublicationsga.com Nancy Warren attended the Rotary International Convention in Toronto over the summer and carried Valdosta Magazine with her. She is with the Global Moose at the Convention.

Did you know there are 1.2 million Rotarians from 38 countries engaged in humanitarian activities?

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Valdosta Magazine

Letters from our readers are also encouraged and we look forward to receiving them. They can be emailed to: info@showcasepublicationsga.com or mailed to: Showcase Publications, Inc.; P.O. Box 391; Jesup, GA 31598

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Valdosta Magazine

Food Entertainment AND

INTRODUCTION BY JOHN RIDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen Howard Hsu interviewed for his job as the conductor of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, he remembered thinking, “I could live here… and I could eat here!”

Like so many others, Howard enjoys the food and the music that make up the dynamic “food and entertainment” scene in Valdosta. Nancy Warren writes in her story on “Following The Music” that, “Valdosta is fortunate to have 10 locally owned restaurants and bars that offer a variety of free music and great food.” There is really no reason not to go out in Valdosta for “music with a side of dinner.” Or, “dinner with a side of music.”

This section provides information on great local musicians and great local restaurants. And, it features a father-son duo who have done very well for themselves in the musical world – Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett. Read about their family and musical ties to Valdosta in “Never Far From Home.”

Now, sit back, relax, and let us entertain you……

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The original members of "The Table" who enjoy live music in Valdosta - Bonnie Rainey, Nancy DeRuyter Warren, Sally Querin, Jeani Synyard,Rob Evans, Janet Hendley, Steve Hendley, Mala Vallotton, Mike Shobe, Marghy Smothers, Joe Smothers, Cheryl Oliver.

Following

Music the

STORY BY NANCY DERUYTER WARREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Valdosta Magazine

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t began at The Bleu—"The Table” at The Bleu Café in downtown Valdosta that is, where Rob Evans, along with Zane Ally, plays each Monday night.

“Three years ago, some of us didn’t know each other,” Marghy Smothers explained.

“The Table at the Bleu Café brought us together and true friendships were made because we all love music.”

The Table’s group is as eclectic as the music and food each enjoys. There’s Joe and Marghy Smothers, the talented musician and his equally talented wife. There is also Mala Vallotton, Jeani Synyard, Sally Querin, (and this writer) from the Turner Center, and Cheryl Oliver, the Turner Center’s past executive director. There’s Julie Van Ham, who’s always the first one at The Table, and many other friends who also rotate into the group! Janet and Steve Hendley were some of the original group and come when they’re not busy with their many animals. Bonnie Rainey is there when she’s in town and Mike Shobe comes when he’s in Valdosta.

Food & Music

The Table where it all began- Sally Querin, Rob Evans, Nancy Warren, Zane Ally, Mala Vallotton, Leah Montage, Julie Van Ham, Kristen Eason, Dave Gibson, and Joe Smothers.

Photo contributed by Nancy Warren

“Following the music” has become a favorite pastime for this electric and eclectic group. Some of the group are talented musicians supporting other talented musicians, but most are just loving the music and the comradery that has developed. The group became friends with 2RiverStation songstresses Jolynn Smith and Kerri Kent, who always play their favorite songs, and expanded to following Joe Smothers and 2RiverStation wherever they played! And of course, The Table loves following new artists! Valdosta is fortunate to have 10 locally owned restaurants and bars that offer a variety of free live music and great food.

In addition, the Valdosta area is blessed with fabulous local talent. The group says that following musicians who have become friends, is “pure joy!”

life,” adds Mike Shobe. “The music is medicine for my soul,” agrees Janet Hendley. “People will gather for music. It’s universal and brings people in from all walks of life,” says Steve Hendley. Steve met Joe Smothers through guitar lessons three years ago and they’ve been close friends since.

“Friends, food, music played and sung by those friends—what better way to enjoy an evening in Valdosta!” says Mala Vallotton.

“Music is good for your soul. It makes you happy and it has been said to extend your

“We have many locally owned bars and restaurants that provide free live music almost every night,” said Marghy Smothers.

“That’s what brings us together. We are very appreciative of live music and what

“’Following the music’ is important to my friends, the community and to myself personally because the effort positively contributes in so many ways to the quality of life in Valdosta,” says Sally Querin.

“We love and support the people who work at the music venues, and they love and support us back. We love and support our local musicians and they love and support us back. We love and support all who come to eat great food and share great music.”

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Nancy Warren and Cheryl Oliver enjoy the friendship as much as the music and food.

“We have one rule; when a musician completes a song, we clap. This shows our appreciation and gets everyone in the venue applauding the musician also.” - Mala Vallotton

the musicians do to fill our souls. We are so fortunate that we have so many extremely talented musicians here in Valdosta and the surrounding areas. They make us get up and dance, sing a familiar song and sometimes cry when a song hits a heartstring.”

Bonnie Rainey and Sally Querin at the Salty Snapper; one of the many great restaurants featuring live entertainment.

“Confucius says music produces a kind of pleasure that human nature cannot do without,” said Jeani Synyard. “Maybe that’s why I enjoy listening to the wonderful music that Valdosta provides – especially with good friends. Or maybe it’s because, as a dance teacher, I have always been exposed to every genre of music and it has been a major part of my life. At any rate, it is not unusual for me to spend several nights a week enjoying music.”

“The music is great, but the friendships are the most important thing to me,” said Julie Van Ham. “The musicians and the music create such a sense of community.”

Nancy Warren and Mala Vallotton were two of the original members that began following the music three years ago-and show no signs of stopping.

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Valdosta Magazine

Sally Querin said, “The beauty of ‘following the music’ lies in the certainty that the quality of life benefits only exist in that window of time when you are there. It is a temporary moment of magic. An evening when everything comes together and friendship, fun and happiness can’t help but bubble up to the surface.

We just love being a part of the magic! Valdosta is our home!”

Cheryl Oliver concluded with, “Music enriches friendships and friendships enhance music! There’s something so welcoming, so uniting, so gratifying about listening to music together!”

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Summer 2018

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2RiverStation

Music to Our Ears STORY BY MATTIA GODDARD

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

S

ummer Breeze, Makes me Feel Fine…,” particularly when singing duet Kerri Kent and Jolyn Smith are at the mic. The two spent a recent Thursday night entertaining a happy crowd on the packed outside patio of The Salty Snapper.

Performing together for the past 10 years, these two ladies can be found singing all over town. They are regulars at The Salty Snapper, Bleu Café, Country Club and Woodstack Bar-B-Q.

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Valdosta Magazine

Music With a Side of Dinner

Photo by Sally Querin

Jolyn explained their unique band name. “2RiverStation comes from Genesis. The 2River represents the second river that flowed out of Eden, the Gihon. In Hebrew it means “bursting forth or gushing fountain.” As the first river, Pishon, represented the material things that God flowed out to us the second one represents the fellowship of friends and family. We loved the idea of filling stations because we used to drive through for gas and the attendant would take care of our car. It’s perfect because we try to ride in and fill people up with music that they can relax and enjoy. Lastly, we made it all one word because it flows together just as we try to do every time we sing.”

Kerri and Jolyn lend their acoustic guitar and clear, versatile voices to a wide variety of songs. Early on that night, they began with At Last by Etta James then switched tempo to the upbeat Black Horse and the Cherry Tree. One of their best gifts is their variety. Expect old school Stevie Nicks, then a turn to country with Miranda Lambert and another switch to pop, with Bruno Mars.

The audience that hot Thursday night was treated to a glorious rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine, the heavy metal song by Guns-n-Roses which was almost unrecognizable. They began it acapella, then slowly brought it to a ballad, and finally kicked it into high gear, launching into an upbeat duet. After a stirring twist on Stuck in the Middle with You, the duet switched to Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls.

Kerri, the petite brunette of the pair, has been a lifelong performer. She has been singing since she was two and even had the opportunity to sing on the Christian-based PTL TV Network when she was 10 years old. She spent several years as a Christian recording artist and to this day, music is central to her life. Kerri is a music teacher at Scintilla Charter Academy in Valdosta during the day, and she enjoys singing around town with Jolyn at night.

Jolyn is a lifelong Lowndes resident. After growing up in Hahira, she left and went to Wake Forest University on a tennis scholarship. After many years of coaching tennis, Jolyn now prefers part-time work so she can concentrate on her music.

Along with singing with Kerri, Jolyn is also an active part of her father’s ministry, Fishermen.

The two friends met on the Walk to Emmaus, but it took a few years for Jolyn to be confident enough to sing with Kerri.

These days they harmonize effortlessly, but in the early days, Jolyn, whose hearing isn’t strong, was resistant to singing along with Kerri.

Their eclectic music is a result of their individual tastes. Jolyn likes older music and chooses songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

She describes the 70s as the era of harmonies which makes that decade perfect for their singing style. Artists whose harmonies they love are Linda Ronstadt, Burt Bacharach, and always the Carpenters. Both Jolyn and Kerri love the Beatles even though Kerri enjoys more modern music and brings their original sound to everything from today’s pop, country and rock.

Catch this talented duo all over town. They list all of their performances at www.2riverstation.com Summer 2018

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Valdosta Magazine

The symphony

adds a powerful layer of arts appreciation to Valdosta STORY BY MATTIA GODDARD PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Music With a Side of Dinner

A

s Howard Hsu prepared to lead the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra’s 29th season, he sat down with Valdosta Magazine to discuss dinner and a concert. “We always hope our patrons will go out for a meal before the show and come see us afterwards.” There is ample crossover here in town between food and the music scene. Eating and listening to live music can be found all over Valdosta.

In the case of Valdosta’s live symphony orchestra, with anywhere from 40 to 100 musicians on stage, depending on the piece, planning an evening around one of their five performances is one of Valdosta’s best kept secrets.

“If you haven’t been to the VSO, I invite you to come and experience the power of live music. There’s nothing like it,” Conductor Howard Hsu said. He pointed out that in the same way watching a ballgame on tv is fine, if you go to the ballpark and experience it live, there is nothing like it. “That kind of experience makes you feel truly alive,” said Howard. The same is true of visiting Whitehead Auditorium and experiencing the magic of a live symphony orchestra.

One of the measures that is used to determine the greatness of a city and a region are the amenities. When Howard speaks with business owners they tell him that potential employees often ask them, “What’s in your city?”

Howard Hsu, VSO conductor, and Steven Taylor, first-chair cellist, are two of between 40 to 100 musicians on stage each time the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra performs. They provide some of the finest entertainment in Valdosta and the region. And planning dinner and a evening around one of their performances is one of Valdosta's best kept secrets.

“We have our own symphony orchestra, and at a time when other symphonies in larger cities are closing, ours is thriving,” he replies. Howard attributes the success of the VSO to its close relationship with VSU as well as interest from the various businesses that bring people to town, particularly Moody Air Force Base and South Georgia Medical Center. “There is something about the appreciation of the arts that is ingrained in this community,” he said.

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“When I was invited to come audition, besides being struck by how accomplished the orchestra was, I was also struck by how supportive of the arts the city was and the great restaurants.” –Howard Hsu

H

oward is a self-described foodie, and he checked out Valdosta’s food scene before moving here in 2009. When he first came to town, he was concerned he’d only find chain restaurants. He was pleasantly surprised when he was taken to restaurant 306 North and had a dish with fresh Georgia shrimp. Howard remembered thinking, “I could live here…. and I could eat here!” Shortly thereafter, he and his wife, opera singer Tamara Hardesty moved to Valdosta from Connecticut, where they were completing their doctorates.

These days they enjoy Valdosta’s restaurants, particularly after a concert, when the most pressing question of the night is “where are we going to dinner?” At home, Howard and his wife both enjoy cooking. He has perfected the art of cooking a thick ribeye on the stovetop. He uses a combination of butter and steady medium heat that gives the meat a delicious brown crust.

“I could live here…and I could eat here!”

– Howard Hsu

Steven Taylor --Cello Music and food are deeply intertwined, and among symphony performers this is especially true. First chair cellist Steven Taylor of the VSO is a Valdosta transplant and he is another musician who truly loves food. When considering post-concert dining, Steven says Giulio’s is probably where they end up most often, but Valdosta has too many great restaurants to have one particular favorite.

Having lived in New York City, Toledo and Savannah prior to Valdosta, Steven has been exposed to all types of food.

New York is where he learned most of his cooking and that’s where he fell in love with Greek food. Almost every weekend, Steven can be found in the kitchen cooking spanakopita--his singular favorite--and he considers cooking to be therapeutic.

After 25 years in Valdosta, Steven and his wife Maria are here to stay. He says they’d never live anywhere else now because they’re spoiled by the life they’ve created for themselves. One of their favorite pastimes, Sacred Harp singing, has

a deep history in the South, so they find more opportunities down here to enjoy it than in other regions of the country.

Steven’s career in music performance started in his local school district back in Ohio. “The school system where I grew up had a string program, similar to our South Georgia String Project in Valdosta,” he said. “My choice of cello was purely a random selection when I was nine years old. With the passage of time, as I had the opportunity to play ever greater works, I fell in love with music.”

Steve is a member of the Azalea String Quartet that teaches their respective instruments in the Department of Music at Valdosta State University. The ensemble performs regularly in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, and is available for either concerts or educational demonstrations. The members of The Azalea String Quartet also serve as the principal players of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. Players include: (l-r) Kristin Pfeifer Yu, violin; Laurel Yu, viola; Nina Lutz, violin; and Steven Taylor, cello.

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Valdosta Magazine

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TH

SEASON Howard Hsu, Music Director

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Valdosta’s Consummate Music Man STORY BY MATTIA GODDARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

W

hen listening to Joe Smothers play his guitar and sing his songs, it is clear that this is a man who deeply and completely loves what he does. Joe Smothers has been entertaining Valdosta and the surrounding region for 30 years. His performances, previously with Doc Watson, the band Skannyardle, and these days, solo, have been a centerpiece of the live music scene here in town.

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Valdosta Magazine

Joe recently provided the live music entertainment during the beer tasting at Jessie’s Restaurant and he can be found adding ambiance to events big and small here in Valdosta and the surrounding areas.

Music With a Side of Dinner

Around town, catch Joe playing southern favorites, from rock to country in his clear, strong voice that recalls old school Johnny Cash.

From his earliest days in North Carolina, Joe has been teaching himself how to make music. His mother gave him his first guitar in 1963 at the young age of 12. But with no guitar players around, Joe had no one but himself to teach him how to play.

The powerful folk, bluegrass, country album called These Things I Know that Joe released a few years back features songs all written and performed by him. On this album, he does a beautiful job of storytelling as he plays his guitar. His stories are a varied mix of fond old memories, soldiers lost to battle, and characters who have squandered their lives.

Listening to Joe’s songs, his guitar strumming, and his captivating lyrics will transport listeners to far away times and happier places.

Valdosta audiences remember Joe as a founding member of Skannyardle, the multi-talented local band known for covering everything from rock to country. After 20 years of performing together, they’ve gone their separate ways. Joe’s

path now has him performing 2-3 times a week and spending time writing every day. These days, Joe doesn’t consider himself a prolific songwriter but he likes to keep the creative juices flowing. Joe lends his clear, strong voice to the songs he chooses, whether they be old or new, covers or originals.

In every performance Joe exudes the steady calm of a man confident in his talent and his years of experience.

This August, Joe Smothers will be featured in the Valdosta Songwriter Showcase downtown at The Dosta Playhouse August 18. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. The show will feature Joe with fellow songwriters, Greg Barnhill and Johnny Bulford. The writers will take the stage together, taking turns sharing their stories and songs with the audience.

Joe stays busy on the local live music scene and he can be found playing at The Salty Snapper, Frogtown Winery and Woodstack BBQ, to name a few.

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Jessie’s – A Restaurant That Offers Something for Everyone

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essie’s has always been known for its laid-back atmosphere where “everybody knows your name.” But it offers much more than breakfast and lunch during the week and brunch on Sunday. Mikki Hudson, Jessie’s owner, has been hosting various events suited to different tastes for a while but one of the most popular has become Craft Beer Tastings every third Friday.

“It has gotten so popular. We do it because it’s fun and it’s another reason to come into the restaurant to experience Jessie’s in a whole different way,” Mikki Hudson, Jessie’s owner, explained.

The event offers live music including some of Valdosta’s best local talent such as Joe Smothers, 2River Station, Zac Lambert, Tanner Strickland, Kyle Keller, Jarrod Brogdon, and others. For those who like to know more about craft beer selections, she has the local representative from Savannah Distributing Company, Bill Niemi, providing background on the craft beers offerings.

You don’t have to wait until the third Friday to have fun at Jessie’s! They’re always open during the Downtown Main Street’s First Friday activities offering corn-hole games on the sidewalk, live music, with food and drink specials.

So, if you’re into craft beer – Jessie’s is the place to visit. But, if you’re not, they have something for everyone!

Craft Beer Tastings - Every Third Friday – 7:00 pm Live Music – Food – Fun

“We’re not just a sleepy little restaurant – we have a lot to offer.” – Mikki Hudson

Open for Breakfast and Lunch Monday – Friday 8 am – 3 pm Sunday Brunch 10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Closed Saturdays 205 N. Ashley St. – Valdosta | 229-247-4670 Summer 2018

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South Georgia

Pecan

NEW Products, NEW Location, SAME Great Pecans

Jeff Worn, President & COO of South Georgia Pecan, developed the company’s new line of pecan butters.

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Valdosta Magazine

The new gift shop in Summit Pointe offers a full line of nut products and gifts including Purely Pecans Pecan Butter.

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t’s an exciting time at South Georgia Pecan Company. With a new Gift Shop location and a new line of pecan butters, they are offering a new product and an improved shopping experience.

In July, their new location in Summit Pointe Plaza located next to Friends Bar and Grill - began welcoming customers. “We are thrilled to have a new store in Summit Pointe. The gift shop will carry our full line of nut products and gifts, offer a unique Southern shopping experience, and provide another place for our customers to get our products,” said Hannah Russell, Director of Sales and Marketing. The storefront on Hill Avenue will remain open in a limited capacity and will carry select signature items such as one-pound bags of nuts.

Purely Pecans, their newest product, is their own line of “all-natural, junk-free” pecan butters. Loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients, pecan butters keep it real. Real ingredients, real fresh, real pure.

“Wholesomeness is important to us. We source our pecans direct from growers to bring you the creamiest and cleanest nut butters so you can eat with confidence knowing you’re not sacrificing nutrition for flavor. Nothing artificial, no GMO’s, no refined sugar, no garbage,” emphasized Jeff Worn, President and COO.

Purely Pecans, their newest product, is their

own line of “all-natural, junk-free” pecan butters.

Loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients, pecan butters keep it real. Real ingredients, real fresh, real pure.

Purely Pecans, developed by Jeff Worn, is a brand under South Georgia Pecan. The line is a byproduct of the company’s effort to reduce their oversupply of unused material. With attention from national retail grocers, Purely Pecans is quickly becoming a notable brand name in the world of natural products.

“We are excited about this growth and now more than ever, we are looking at innovative ways to ensure the future of our crop,” said Worn. “We are proud of our South Georgia roots and are excited to continue adding value to our brand through innovation.”

The gift shop carries a full line of nut products.

Gift Shop Locations: 3338 Country Club Road, Bldg. C, Unit A (229-245-6068) 401 E. Hill Ave (229-244-0686) | Georgiapecan.com

“We want folks to know the South Georgia Pecan Gift Shop is more than just a place to buy holiday gifts,” explained Russell. Of course, pecans and nuts of many varieties can be found in the Gift Shop, along with other southern treats like cheese straws, jams, jellies, ten-layer cakes, pies, and an entire section dedicated to sugar-free foods!

South Georgia Pecan is still the best place to purchase the “gift of the South.” But, now there is a new product for your personal shopping list and to add to your custom gift baskets in a beautiful shop that “looks like it was picked right from the pages of Garden and Gun.” South Georgia Pecan – the place to get your pecans for every occasion.

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E

ntertaining guests can be a fun and challenging prospect, and with a little preparation you can entertain with confidence. Over the years, what is considered “acceptable” party hosting has changed as trends have changed. One click on a Pinterest image can send a host or hostess into a wormhole of time and ideas about planning the perfect event from home. Luckily, there are also some general guidelines to keep all party-planners on track.

To begin with, consider mixing up your guest list so that your party is made up of more than people who would already see each other every day, instead choosing people who share common interests and would enjoy sparkling conversation with each other. Add to that a few friends who are expert icebreakers and the one who is always the life of the party and, voila’, a recipe for an instant good time!

For additional expert information on hosting the perfect evening, we asked the “Grande Dame” of event hosting in Valdosta, Sue Cox, restauranteur and owner of Covington’s and 306 North. Sue offered the following considerations: Is there a theme for your event—elegant, casual, rustic, or eclectic? The theme of your evening may influence the menu as well as the ambience and décor that you are anticipating. If the event is a large one, will rentals like tables, chairs, cloths or tents be necessary?

Sue Cox, Covington's and 306 North

In addition, remember when choosing your menu that you will be feeding a diverse group of people. Make sure the entrée (or, at least one of the entrées), is something that most people will recognize. The entrée doesn’t have to be as simple as plain chicken but be cautious with “exotica.” You can, of course, get creative with your salads, sides and desserts. Additional questions to consider about your menu include: Does anyone have any food allergies? Will you need gluten-free options and/or vegetarian or vegan friendly foods?

If the event is larger and more formal, say a backyard wedding reception or corporate function, Sue added the following advice:

Let Me

Entertain You STORY BY CANDICE MCKINLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRPAHY

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Valdosta Magazine

Consider whether you will need additional help from an event planner or wedding coordinator, and what kind of floral or photography needs you might have. If you bring in outside catering, ask for pictures of their food and make sure the photos are not stock images. In addition, ask the potential caterer to supply a list of happy customers and positive reviews. Who is the person in charge of your event? How flexible can they be with last minute changes? And always ask about cleanup.

Even if entertaining guests seems daunting at the outset, it doesn’t have to be! Sue has plenty of additional advice to offer for larger events with more moving parts. For additional information about event planning, catering or to get in touch with Sue, visit covingtonscatering.com.

“Accessorize at City Market Boutique”

229-219-0007 3215A N. Oak St. Ext. Valdosta, Ga. 31605

@citymarketboutique

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LIVE HERE. LEARN HERE. GROW HERE. Take your tour of campus and let SGSC guide you on your road to success.

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912.260.4206

www.sgsc.edu Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners •Licensed and Insured Bar Service • Rental Service with Tables, Chairs & Linens

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in a casual upscale environment 229-242-2261 310 North Patterson Street • Valdosta, Georgia 31601 covingtonscatering.com • caterinc@bellsouth.net

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306 N. Patterson Street • Valdosta, GA 31601 229-249-5333 • 306North.com

MIKKI HUDSON

The Na m e Beh i n d Jessi e’s R estaur an t an d Cater i n g

Mikki Hudson has a one-of-a-kind personality that fits her unique and eclectic restaurant, Jessie’s Restaurant and Catering, in downtown Valdosta.

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STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE

he owner’s name of Jessie’s Restaurant and Catering is Mikki – not Jessie. But when the restaurant opened in 1999 as Jessie’s Eats and Treats by Kim Newman, she named it after her daughter, Jessie. The name Mikki decided to keep. Some customers still assume the owner's name must be Jessie, so Mikki has learned to answer to both names.

That may be a glimpse into her laid-back style and casual demeanor, but it also shows that the name of her restaurant is as important to her as her own. It is also part of a much more strategic approach to maintaining and growing her customer base.

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Braised pork shank carnitas with Oaxacan red mole and masa streusel, prepared by "Pop Up" Chef, Hunter Hill.

Photo by Jessica Ganas

Photo by Jessica Ganas

Jessie's specializes in unique twists on customer favorites such as chicken and waffles.

Mikki began working at Jessie’s Eats and Treats in 1998 while attending Valdosta State University. After graduating with a Marketing Degree, she moved home to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta, getting an Associates in Culinary Arts. Eventually, she moved to Orlando, Florida for a stint at Disney as a Cook at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. When she was approached about coming back to manage the restaurant by Newman she gave it some thought and made a counteroffer – she would purchase the restaurant. The two agreed, and Mikki became the owner in 2009.

Photo by Jessica Ganas

Mikki has made changes over the years to keep the restaurant relevant and exciting. Most notably, she obtained a liquor license and added a Sunday brunch featuring Mimosas and Bloody Marys. And, she is still adding new events and amenities to help make her regulars keep coming back and attract new friends to Jessie’s.

Jessie’s has been a “fan favorite” for Frist Friday’s for a while. Some more recent events are setting Jessie’s apart even more. She now hosts Craft Beer Tastings every third Friday which has become very popular. Some other events make her offerings even more diverse such as “Pop-Up Chef” dinners.

"I was reading about a restaurant in New York where they would bring in a high-profile chef and prepare a special meal, and I thought ‘we can do that,'" Mikki explained.

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Special events, such as, "Pop Up" Chef Dinners, Bourbon Tastings, and Rose Wine Tastings, have been something Mikki has focused on recently as a way for patrons to experience Jessie's Restaurant & Catering in a different way.

Photo by Jessica Ganas

She teamed up with Chef Hunter Wills as the "celebrity chef" and hosted a nine-course meal with pairings for the first event.

Bourbon Tastings are another way to enjoy Jessie’s and taste some of the finer bourbons offered at the restaurant.

Each event offers four bourbons with food pairings for each bourbon. There is also a Rosé Wine Tasting with six different wines. These events promote the full bar provided at Jessie's which not everyone is aware of. Live music is a part of most events featuring local artists.

She has even included events that aren’t exclusively centered around food and drinks. “Paint Parties” are offered monthly highlighting a local artist helping participants complete a canvas painting. Of course, appetizers and drinks are featured as well. And the space is perfect for private parties for adults as well as kids. “Recently, we hosted twenty-four cheerleaders from Lowndes County Middle School who rented the restaurant for a paint parity as a team-building experience,” Mikki said. She also hosts a dinner before the father-daughter dance each year and an annual “Breakfast With Santa."

Catering is a central aspect of her business from wedding receptions, private parties, corporate events and much more.

Of course, you can always order ahead for some of her famous dishes to take home to your own table.

Mikki is always thinking about new ways to promote the

restaurant and attract new customers, but her commitment to supporting the community is always present in everything she does. She makes it a point to hire interns and alumni from her alma mater, Valdosta State University, offers discounts for law enforcement personnel, and teacher discounts during appreciation weeks. She regularly contributes to various local efforts as unfortunate circumstances arise.

Another way of ensuring quality and freshness in her menu items and her way of supporting other local businesses, Jessie’s is a strong proponent of serving “farm to table” by purchasing from local vendors including Carter and Sons Produce, Sunset Farms and South Georgia Pecan.

In 2017, her community support and successful business acumen were recognized by the Chamber of Commerce with the Small Business of the Year award.

One of the independent judges for the Small Business of the Year Award summed up what Mikki Hudson is all about: “The level of community involvement from this business speaks volumes about the business, but also its owner; of course she is an active member of the Chamber, she is the Vice President for Special Events on the Executive Board for the VSU Alumni Association, is a graduate of Leadership Lowndes, and is a member of the 2015 Citizens Fire Department and she has all but given up her own name for the good of the business, making sure that people still remember the name ‘Jessie’s.”

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Rhett Akins & Thomas Rhett never far from home STORY BY JOHN RIDDLE AND HUX RIDDLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN SHEARER AND JOSHUA GILLIGAN

Rhett Akins and his son, Thomas Rhett, are Valdosta’s most famous musicians.

Though they live in Nashville, Tennessee, their roots and much of their hearts, lie in Valdosta and they are never far from home.

“Hey, you think you could write songs?”

T

homas Rhett was naturally excited to be playing with his dad in a “writer’s round” that day in Nashville when he was 19 years old. However, he never thought it would be the day that jumpstarted his career as a country music icon.

While it is common for publishing company executives to attend “writer’s rounds” on the hunt for upcoming writers and musicians, what was uncommon about that day is that one of them heard Thomas Rhett and asked, “Hey son, you think you could write songs?”

That day in Nashville, Thomas Rhett’s road to stardom began. But, his musical journey started at a much younger age. Like his dad, he grew up watching family members play in church and joining in on singSummer 2018

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a-longs back on his family's farm in Valdosta. Of course, Thomas Rhett Akins, Jr. inherited natural talent from his father, prolific songwriter and performer Thomas Rhett Akins, Sr. In fact, Rhett Akins road to success also began on one of those uncommon days in Nashville years before.

“No matter where you come from you can accomplish your dreams if you go after them.”

Rhett Akins had developed a deep love of music by the time he was six years old. His grandfather and Mother played the piano at church. His grandfather also sang. His uncle Buddy LaHood played guitar and his uncle Charles LaHood had a "cool record collection.”

“My Mother and uncle had incredible record collections. And, because of that, I was made aware of an entire decade of music I wouldn’t have known about in the late 1960’s otherwise,” Rhett explained. Of course, local radio stations were the main source of hit songs, and he loved the Valdosta State University radio station, WVVS. "They played songs you would never have heard on other stations." And his friends had KISS albums that he wasn’t allowed to have at home. He got his first guitar at 8 years old and began taking lessons from Sam Grenneker, a local attorney.

During high school, football took more of his time - the only regular gigs he had were at football camp and friend’s parties – but his love of music was growing, and so were his dreams. He thought about what it might be like to “make it big” one day. But, he realized it was more likely he’d have a football career than a music career. "I grew up in the era of no internet. No American Idol. I had big dreams but realistic thoughts that it would probably never happen," he explained.

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In 1990, the year Thomas Rhett was born, he and Hal Johnson, a high school friend, began playing at restaurants in Valdosta. “Our first gig was at the Holiday Inn lounge. Then we played out on the deck of a seafood restaurant where Zaxby’s is now,” Rhett recalled. Soon they were playing for fraternity parties at VSU. By the end of 1992, Rhett moved to Nashville to see just how realistic his dreams were. "Nobody ever dreamed I would go off and try this.

It was risky having a young wife and a two-year-old. But, my entire family was supportive," Rhett remembered.

His Mother, Pam Akins, never wavered in her support. “I always thought Rhett needed to go try it. If somebody has a dream they need to pursue it,” she explained. Besides, according to her, “Rhett could always impersonate anyone from Mick Jagger to Hank Williams, Jr.” That had to account for something.

It didn’t take him long to get a contract with Sony publishing writing songs they could pitch to other artists. In the Spring of 1994, he recorded a few songs and sent them to Decca Records for one of their artist’s new albums. They liked Rhett’s songs…and…his voice. They wanted him to record them.

By 1995, Rhett had his first album, A Thousand Memories, which produced four chart singles including his first number-one hit – and signature song - “That Ain’t My Truck,” which he also co-wrote. His career has included 28 number-one singles which he either performed and/ or wrote. He has won the Country Music Awards Triple Play award – given to songwriters who have penned three number-one singles in 12 months – six times with the latest being in 2018.

“We’re having the time of our lives. Being able to experience all that with my dad is really special.”

- Thomas Rhett “Being able to be a huge part of his career is just a double blessing.”

- Rhett Akins

Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett at the 62nd annual BMI Country awards.

Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images North America

However, what Rhett is most proud of is that he followed his dreams and got to meet some of his childhood heroes. “The fact that I’ve gotten to meet, write for, and perform with a lot of my musical heroes – the people I idolized as a kid – is amazing. I grew up ‘pre-internet’ days when you dream a lot harder because you couldn’t ‘google’ your idols – it wasn’t complete access like today. Now, I have Reba McIntyre’s number in my phone,” he explained.

Like Father…Like Son Naturally, Thomas Rhett said “yes” that day in Nashville after being asked if he could write songs. For the next year, that’s what he did. Wrote songs, performed them, hoped for artists to record them and for the public to want to hear them…over and over.

Within six months, Jason Aldean recorded one of his songs.

Other well-known artists began asking for him by name. “I started wondering what it would be like to record my own songs,” Thomas Rhett explained.

He got that chance when he toured with Toby Keith. “After I caught the ‘bug’ of getting out there and playing for the fans as an opening act, I was hooked. I realized that there was no going back for me,” he explained. “I love entertaining a crowd. It is one of the most addicting and fun things in life.”

Like his Dad, Thomas Rhett was influenced by music at a very young age. “I’ve loved everything about music since the time I was born it feels like,” Thomas Rhett said. “I remember cruising around Nashville when I was really young and knowing every country song on the radio.” But, he never dreamed he would be performing professionally, “…partly because that’s what my Dad did.” In fact, he didn’t think he had any talent when he was younger.

As he got older, friends would say, “…Thomas Rhett can play and sing a little too.” That’s when he first realized maybe he could do something with music. His family knew it long before.

His grandmother, Pam, recalls, “I remember the first time I heard Thomas Rhett in the back of my house singing and playing. I thought it was Rhett, but I realized it was Thomas Rhett. I really couldn’t believe it.” Of course, Rhett saw it too. "I knew Thomas Rhett had something special by five or six years old. I first started going on the road when he was five, and he would go with me and be on the stage the whole time with a toy guitar. He knew all the lyrics to every song."

It was during college that he realized music was more important to him than a degree. “I decided I was going to try and write songs for a living,” he explained. “And by the grace of God, I was able to do that and sign a record deal shortly afterward.”

Like Father like son. It’s been his Father’s musical influence and camaraderie that has meant so much to him personally and professionally.

“Being on tour with Kenny Chesney and calling my Dad out in front of 50,000 people and having the fans sing the words to ‘That Ain’t My Truck’ and telling them that he wrote that song along with 28 other number-one hits is just amazing,” Thomas Rhett said. “We’re having the time of our lives. Being able to experience all that with my dad is really special.” Rhett agrees, “Being able to be a huge part of his career is just a double blessing.”

“Life Changes” One day when father and son, along with a few others, were at their farm working on songs Thomas Rhett begin venting about

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Being on tour with Kenny Chesney and calling my Dad out in front of 50,000 people and having the fans sing the words to ‘That Ain’t My Truck’ and telling them that he wrote that song along with 28 other number-one hits is just amazing.”

- Thomas Rhett

how life seemed to be changing so rapidly that it felt like it would never stop. It had been a sort of whirlwind. He had embarked on his first headline tour, he was working on a third album, and he and his wife, Lauren, were traveling back-and-forth from Nashville to Uganda to adopt their first child. During that same time, Lauren became pregnant.

It just seemed that life was so full of changes.

“At the time, I felt like life was never going to stop being so fast-paced.

Something new was happening every week that put a wrench in the plans that Lauren and I had for our lives. I wondered how many more life-changing events could happen before we get to come up for air?” he recalled.

Before the day was over Thomas Rhett’s venting had become the basis for a new song, Life Changes.

“The song is like an autobiography of the last seven years of my life. I never thought it would be a single, I just wanted it on my next album. I could not be happier for a song that is basically a page out of my journal,” Thomas Rhett explained. “And I think that’s what country music is about, just telling a true story about the experiences that you’ve been through. That’s why Life Changes is so important to me.”

Once again, this musical “dynamic duo” had collaborated on another hit song.

“If I never get to build my mansion in Georgia” This line from Thomas Rhett’s fifth number-one single, Die A Happy

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Man, which he co-wrote, is a love song to his wife. But there is a telling line about his ties to his Georgia home, according to his grandmother Pam Akins. “I feel like it is a dream of his – not to move back – but certainly to have a presence and a physical tie as strong as the tie in his heart.”

Thomas Rhett calls Valdosta his hometown though his family moved to Nashville when he was three years old. That says a lot about his strong ties to family, friends, and memories so prevalent there.

“So much of my roots are in Valdosta, I have family and life-long friends there. I know Valdosta the same way that I know Nashville,” Thomas Rhett explained. His family would visit almost monthly. His first job was at Akins Petroleum started by his grandfather and then owned by his Uncle, Brooks Akins. He and friends from Nashville would also work on the family’s farm in the Summer. He still says, “Oh yeah, I’m from Valdosta.”

Valdosta is Rhett Akins’ hometown and his experiences there have greatly impacted his music as evidenced by Blake Shelton’s new song, I Lived It, which he wrote. "Listen to that song one time, and you can tell I'm from Valdosta," he explains. "You can't grow up in Los Angles and write that song.”

Rhett Akins and Thomas Rhett live only one minute away from each other in Nashville. And that’s about how far their hearts and minds are from Valdosta. Rhett summed it up best, “I think about Valdosta all the time. Home is never far from my mind or conversation.”

Pam Akins Pot Roast Recipe: 3 or 4 lb. boneless chuck roast 3/4 c. flour 1/3 c. Canola oil 3-4 potatoes - quartered 1 bag carrots Salt & Pepper to taste 5-6 c. water

Pam Akins with her grandson, Thomas Rhett, backstage at a recent concert.

Family & Food Pam Akins’ family lives on what she calls a “family commune” with her two brothers and her parents. It’s where her son, Rhett, was raised and where he and his son, Thomas Rhett, still visit. She is all about family being together… and…feeding them good ole’ southern cooking. That’s something both Rhett and Thomas Rhett always depend on. "We're a very close family, and we like to eat," Pam explained.

“I’m just a country cook who doesn’t follow recipes,” Pam emphasized. “Now, Thomas Rhett is so into fitness, but he still loves my country-fried steak – I send him a picture, and he says, ‘I wish I were there.’”

“Pam’s chicken and dumplings are by far the best chicken and dumplings on the planet,” Thomas Rhett said.

And although he feels like “every grandmother is good at turkey and dressing,” he does think that “Pam’s turkey and dressing absolutely destroys most other peoples.” And then there’s dessert. “There’s this chocolate cheesecake that she has made since my dad was a kid and we love it. It’s the absolute bomb,” he emphasized. And to wash it all down, “Nobody can make sweet tea like her.”

Pam spares no dish and goes to great lengths to give them what they want, even if it means flying it to Nashville.

“When they walk in the cakes are made. There are chicken-in-dumplings and roast and always boiled peanuts,” she explained. “I have flown dressing and boiled peanuts to Nashville,” she said. Having her Daddy fly her on his own plane does make it a little easier.

And when Pam goes to Nashville, “I go straight to the grocery store to get everything I need to cook a roast.”

Salt & pepper roast liberally and dust with flour. Shake off excess flour. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and brown roast on all sides. Remove roast from pot and whisk in remaining flour in oil until slightly browned. Gradually add water whisking until smooth and thickened to a gravy consistency. Season gravy to taste. Place roast back in the gravy and add potatoes and carrots. Place in pre-heated 350-degree oven. Cook 3-4 hours until all is tender. Check gravy around 2 hours. If too thick add water, if too thin whisk in a few tablespoons flour and continue cooking. Serve over rice if desired.

Chocolate Cheese Cake (not really a cheesecake) 2 c. all-purpose flour 2 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt 2 sticks butter 4 tbsp cocoa 1/2 c. Buttermilk 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 7/8 c. water 1 tsp. baking soda Sift flour, sugar, salt, & cocoa together. Bring butter and water to a boil and pour over dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Beat over low speed until blended well. Add eggs and beat until incorporated. Add vanilla. Mix baking soda into buttermilk and then mix into batter. Bake in 13x9 casserole at 350 for 25-30 min. Cool for 5 minutes and spread chocolate over cake while hot.

Icing 1 stick butter 4 tbsp. cocoa 6 tbsp. milk 16 oz powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped nuts, optional Sift powdered sugar and cocoa together. Heat butter and milk until butter is melted. Add to sugar and cocoa mixture and beat until smooth and glossy. Add vanilla and nuts and spread on hot cake.

NOTE: Rhett doesn't like icing, and Thomas Rhett does so either I make 2 cakes and ice just one OR ice only half of one cake!

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Bank of the Ozarks is now

New name, same commitment to you. A commitment to the great service you’ve come to expect. And no matter where you go, our digital experiences go with you, making life simpler, safer, and more fun.

And if you’re new to Bank OZK? Well, you can count on all that, too.

Visit OZK.com, where we’re building community one relationship at a time.

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OZK: Nasdaq Listed

Member FDIC

Recipe Box SMOKE ROASTED SPICED PECANS South Georgia Pecan Company 1 lb. South Georgia Pecan Halves 1 cup Light Brown Sugar ¼ cup Kosher Salt 1 teaspoon Curry Powder ¼ teaspoon Cayenne ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander Zest from one lime Zest from ½ a navel orange

Mix all ingredients together except pecans.

Place pecans in a bowl. Cover with hot water for 2 minutes. Strain thoroughly. Dry bowl.

Return pecans to bowl. Add ¼ cup of seasoning to pecans.

Mix thoroughly. Spread pecan mix on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Smoke at 300°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Thanks to Lamb for sharing a few of her and Johnny B's recipes!

MARINATED VEGETABLE SALAD Lamb Lastinger

PEACH CRISP Lamb Lastinger

PICKLED SHRIMP Johnny B. Lastinger

¾ cup white vinegar ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp pepper 2 (11 oz.) white shoepeg corn, drained 1 (15 oz.) can small English peas, drained 1 (14 oz.) can French-style green beans, drained 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1 cup diced celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained

2 cups fruit, peeled and sliced, placed in the bottom of greased Pyrex dish

1 lb. boiled shrimp 1 cup olive oil 1 ½ cup white vinegar ½ cup honey ½ cup lime juice 1 jar capers 2 tsp. Louisiana Hot Sauce 2 tsp. salt 1 onion, thinly sliced

Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool. Combine next ingredients. Stir in vinegar mixture.

Chill 8 hours, drain. Yields 10-12 servings.

Topping: 1 stick butter 1 cup Bisquick 1 cup sugar Mix, “cutting” softened butter in.

Spread topping on top of fruit. Bake, uncovered, 45 minutes Makes 8-10 servings

After boiling and draining shrimp, mix all the ingredients and add to shrimp. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Serve cold.

A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream goes nicely on each serving.

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229-244-2562 www.entofsouthgeorgia.com Summer 2018

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Jerry and Kim Newman still following the music at a recent live performance in Valdosta by Joe Smothers.

Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

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Years of

LIVE Music In Valdosta STORY BY JERRY NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY JERRY NEWMAN

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t's 1965 in Valdosta and on any given Saturday morning you could drive through a neighborhood with your windows down and follow the sound of live music. When we were teenagers, it seemed that garage bands were everywhere.

You could count on the police showing up because we were always playing too loud and waking those who would like to sleep in late. These were great times because live music was the highest form of entertainment next to a movie or a high school football game. Fifty years has brought about much change in the music scene here in our city!

Many of us cultivated our love for music under the direction of formal training from the local school band programs. Many of us owe our music education to Frank Butenschon, Sandy Campbell, Ed Barr, and Billy Martin along with other band directors that helped us refine our passion for music. Valdosta has always been a "hot spot" for music talent and continues to produce fantastic artists like our local king of swing Bodie Chitty and the Top Hats.

Along with starting my music career under Jack Myers at Valdosta Junior High School, I too had a garage band in 1965 (The Objects with Brass) with my Lee Street neighbor Randall McCellan. We played dances through our school years believing that we would be the next Beatles. Well, we were not, but Randall

Remembering When

1. Performing with Montana in 1978.

2. Randall McCellan and I still enjoy performing together after 50 years.

3. It was always a great time performing with Joel Mathis in the 1980’s at the local Ramada Inn. 4. My high school band-The Objects with Brass.

and I continue to play together now sometime four nights a week in local restaurants and at other community events.

After working six years at M&M Music for Sid Morris and Jack Myers, I went on the road with a locally formed band call "Montana" that traveled from Key West to Philadelphia. In 1975, Live Music was widely supported and attended by our many fans that enjoyed dancing and being together socially. Music concerts were getting bigger and better as the live music continued to draw large crowds. I was fortunate enough to play shows with The Marshall Tucker Band, David Allen Coe, Asleep at the Wheel, Hank Williams Jr. and others. We would always make our way back to Valdosta and perform at the Long Branch Saloon, The Knights of Georgia and other local establishments. Besides Macon or Atlanta, Valdosta continued to be a hub for quality music in the south.

Jumping forward, into the early 1980's, the music scene in Valdosta continued to thrive. Most motels had a lounge with live music six nights a week. As I became weary of the traveling band, I decided to take a house band gig with Joel Mathis at the local Ramada Inn. We played to a packed house every night. Music was always one of this city's most significant social events.

So what happened to live music in such a rich environment of entertain-

ment and long-lived history? We all know that the competition for our time and attention has been affected by new technology along with so many other forms of entertainment. Slowing attendance to local music venues reduced the opportunities for live music as the next generations became saturated in other forms of entertainment, social media, etc.

These changes had a significant impact on the future of our local music.

After a lean season of live music in Valdosta, I am incredibly excited about the revival of this art form in our city. A large contribution to this revival should be credited to Chris Manwell and Randy Decoudres along with other local restaurants for establishing live music as part of their weekly operations to become more than just a food stop. The exceptional dining experience accompanied by live music from local artists has once again put us on the map. National acts are now being featured at the Salty Snapper, and we are seeing a younger generation sharing their talent because of these opportunities.

Community support for all of our artists, from the Turner Center for the Arts, Valdosta State University, the Dosta Theater, and others continue to play an essential role in this musical revival. After fifty plus years in the music business with all of these changes, Randall and I can tell you that music is alive in Valdosta Georgia. Go find some live music and let the musicians know you appreciate them so there won't be "a day the music died" in our town!

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[ MONEY MATTERS ]

Plan for Your Retirement

BY BOB GODDARD

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ust a generation ago, planning for retirement used to be much simpler. You could just add together company pensions and Social Security benefits to figure out how and when you could retire comfortably. Retirement planning is not nearly this simple today.

With company pension plans becoming less prominent and shortfalls in Social Security more likely, planning for your retirement is more important than ever. The fear of outliving one’s retirement savings is real. Society is faced with longer life expectancies and a continuous rise in the cost of living; however, living the retirement you’ve always dreamed about can still be a reality. All it takes is proper planning.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or simply planning ahead, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question: “Am I saving enough to enjoy my retirement years?” By planning wisely now, you can take the steps necessary to finance your retirement.

When planning for your retirement years, the first thing to do is to think about the type of life you would like to live. Whether it’s financial security or realizing lifelong dreams, saving enough money to pursue your retirement objectives requires a bit of foresight. Depending on your plans, your financial needs could range from 70 to 100 percent of your current income.

Once you have established the amount you’ll need to pursue your retirement goals, you should review your savings and retirement benefits, including funds from company retirement plans and Social Security. You should also review your assets and liabilities to determine how much debt you’ll still have at retirement. After you’ve estimated what it would cost for you to retire today, factor in the cost of inflation to give you a better idea of how much you’ll actually need from your retirement funds. Next, take that number and divide it up to determine how much you need to save on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

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Choosing the right time to retire is also important. You must be realistic about when the right time is. While most of us hope to retire early, this may not be realistic with the amount you have saved. To adequately finance your retirement, you may need to work longer than what you had planned. Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and goals to determine how long you need to work to finance your retirement.

Once your plan is in place, be sure to review it regularly. By reviewing your retirement plan annually, you can evaluate your progress.

This process will also allow you to make any appropriate changes to your plan.

Planning for retirement as early as possible can be very helpful in accumulating the funds you’ll need to live out your future goals. An investment professional can help you determine a savings strategy to help you pursue the retirement you’ve always wanted.

Article provided by Robert Goddard, AIF®, CFP® is a Vice President/ Investments with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, member SIPC and New York Stock Exchange, and can be contacted in the Valdosta office at (229) 259-2111.

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Client Centered, Community Focused Clay Moseley, Jodi Myddelton, Wayne Edwards, Justin Martin

229-247-3381 3338K Country Club Rd Valdosta, Ga 31605

www.secapinv.com Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC

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godowntown Everything’s waiting for you!

Welcome to Downtown Valdosta! Come enjoy downtown’s shops, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, services and entertainment that provide something for everyone! Stroll through the historic streets and enjoy the beauty of our historic downtown, with its fabulous artwork, as well as extraordinary shopping and dining. So, GO DOWNTOWN…we hope to see you there!

MEET THE MERCHANT

MELANIE MCGINNIS HOME OF 10,000 PICTURE FRAMES

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ocated downtown since 2014, Home of 10,000 Picture Frames has served Valdosta for 45 years. Roy and Mary Rawlins began the business in 1973, not far from the current storefront. Melanie McGinnis, its current owner, bought the shop after finding out that Roy and Mary had a desire to retire. Roy and Mary knew Melanie when she worked for them in Summit Point in 2004.

Melanie began working in picture development when she was 16 and fell in love with the process of photography production.

From there, it was only natural that she would fall in love with framing. “I love the art,” she said. “I love designing mats as much as framing, and I love applying color theory to our client’s work. I also love sawing the wood and building the frames and seeing something I've created from start to finish every day.”

Kristy Hughes, Melanie McGinnis, and Dawn Longeliere.

When asked what makes 10,000 Picture Frames unique, Melanie said, “We build all our frames in-house. We take 10-foot sticks of wood and turn them into frames. We do intricate work with shadowboxes to preserve all manner of things. I don't even feel like we are in competition with the big craft stores because we both offer such unique products. We can't compete with their bulk pricing on mass produced frames which is sometimes all you need. And they can't compete with us in providing the level of customer service, handmade items, and quality craftsmanship that comes with years of experience.”

“10,000 Picture Frames also offers premium art supplies at half-off the online price tag. Artists could be using better products for cheaper,” she said. “I would invite people to come walk downtown one day. Just see what's here.”

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godowntown Everything’s waiting for you!

We specialize in custom framing, printing services, photo restoration and excellent customer service. Under new ownership since November 2015, the store is undergoing some exciting new changes and continuing to provide excellent craftsmanship and quality work at excellent prices.

Melanie Register McGinnis, Owner

There is always a reason to Go Downtown in Valdosta! Unique shops, restaurants, theaters and galleries provide an eclectic atmosphere that is pleasing to everyone.

This dynamic city is bursting with activity from art events to bustling loft apartments.

Come and see what it’s all about.

First Fridays August 3 / September 7 / October 5 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Various Locations Throughout Downtown Valdosta 124 N. Patterson St. • (229)244-9651

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

Downtown Valdosta Songwriter Showcase August 18 @ 8 p.m.

Dosta Theatre will be featuring hit songwriters Greg Barnhill, Johnny Bulford and Valdosta local Joe Smothers. The intimate concert features the artists sharing the stage and playing off of one another as they take turns sharing their songs and the stories behind them. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets - $20.

229.244.0924 millerhardware.com 211 East Hill Avenue

Paint Party August 24 / August 30 / September 13 from 6 pm - 8 pm 134 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31601 (229) 469-4022 flauntformalwear.com

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Join Cottonwood Boutique downtown for a paint party featuring different themes to paint at each event, including hydrangeas, sunsets by the sea, and many more. For more information, or to reserve a place, call (229) 474-4313.

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Craft Beer Tasting – Third Fridays – Jessie’s August 17 / September 21 / October 19 @ 7:00 p.m.

Join Jessie’s Restaurant & Catering every third Friday for a Craft Beer Tasting with live music, food pairings, and fun.

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Taste of Downtown Downtown Main Street's Restaurant Week once again was kicked off at a "Taste of Downtown" on July 18 at The Patterson. The event offered guests a taste of the participating restaurants signature dishes with drink pairings. This is yet another great event provided by Downtown Main Street and another reason for you to GO DOWNTOWN!

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New Showroom Now Open 104 South Lee

Valdosta Main Street is your source of information about Downtown Valdosta. Visit their website at valdostamainstreet.com.

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Kaleidoscope has many wonderful gift ideas for your future home and lives together. We invite couples to come in and register for beautiful gifts, decor, paintings and more!

We also have gift certificates! Lots of New Inventory!

SO MUCH TO SELECT FROM!!

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PROFILES Charlie Powers standing in front of a painting of his great-great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War. Photo by Javon Longieliere

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harlie Powers’s family has a “history with history,” you might say. With relatives who served in the Civil War and more who served in World War I, Charlie feels a sense of pride in the role his family has played in the shaping of our nation. Displayed proudly in his house is a portrait of his great-great-grandfather donned in uniform from the “War Between the States.” Hoping to instill a sense of history, or perhaps pride of his family, into David, who was six years old at the time, Charlie began to tell him stories about their family and their military service. David was hooked and has been a history buff ever since.

YOUR GUIDE TO VALDOSTA' S P E O P LE , P LACE S , AND BU S I NE SS E S

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H I STO R Y

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Charlie and grandson David on Normandy Beach.

A Lesson in History STORY BY JAVON LONGIELIERE

The beaches of Normandy were cold, misty and windy on June 6, as Charlie Powers and his grandson, David Chamberlain, walked among the graves of the Americans who gave their lives to secure freedom, not just for themselves but for a continent of people that they had never even met. Coincidentally, conditions that day were similar to the weather that took place the morning of the historic invasion, some 74 years prior to Charlie and David making their way among the tombstones. Like the deployment itself, there were events that led up to the journey and quite a bit of planning that went into the trip before they set foot on the beach.

June Chamberlain, David's mother, and Charlie's daughter, an interior designer in Atlanta, has taken numerous trips to France with her clients. While overseas on one such trip, she met John, a local guide from England, now living in France. It was John who arranged the schedule for the journey throughout the battlefields of Normandy—he would pick them up every day and take them to see all the historic sites.

Charlie, David, June and David’s father, Steve, began their trip on June 3. Their last stop to be at the American Cemetery just above the cliffs at St Laurent, near what had been Omaha beach. One of the first towns they visited was St. Mere Eglise,

made famous since John Steele, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, parachuted in, becoming entangled on the spires of the church, and hung there for more than two hours “playing dead” before being captured by the Germans. In St. Mere Eglise, there is an airborne museum that includes an interactive experience with a C 47 plane, like the paratroopers used during the invasion. “At the end, they blew dry ice, like we were about to crash,” said Charlie.

While they were in St. Mere Eglise, Charlie noted that there were several hundred re-enactors in WWII uniforms, along with authentic jeeps, half-tracks and tanks. He saw the bodies of four German soldiers that the French government was working to discover the identity of, in order to send them home to their families. Incredibly, even after 74 years, there are places where people are not allowed to wander around because of unexploded ordnances and that bodies are still being discovered.

On June 6, Charlie and David made it to the American cemetery.

Charlie said that when standing among a field of tombstones, there just aren’t words for how emotional and heart-wrenching that experience can be—knowing that these brave boys gave their lives for their country while they were still so young. “It was a lot bigger than I thought,’ he said. “At 76 years old, it was Summer 2018

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an experience for me.” Many of the soldiers that are interred on the beaches didn't necessarily die on the first day but in the consecutive days and weeks of the battle.

That day, David was dressed in an authentic replica uniform of a soldier from the 101st Airborne. “He looked just like a very small WWII paratrooper,” said Charlie. Walking among the gravestones of the fallen soldiers, David and his family placed American flags at the graves. They noticed that there were photographers at the cemetery covering the events of the day but didn’t think anything of it. One of the photographers came up and asked if he could take pictures of David placing the flags. The next day, Steve’s sister called them and told them that they were on national television back in the States, from Fox News to USA TODAY.

“I just imagined in my head what really happened on that day, June 6, 1944. The men storming up that beach and the Germans just…shooting them down. It was just sad, looking at the cemetery and knowing those men risked their lives for people they didn’t even know.” –David Chamberlain

Since the trip, Charlie continues to enjoy his retirement, his family and his unique relationship with his grandson. David said he plans on becoming a doctor or maybe a historian. In the future, he would like to go to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor or to England to see where the Battle of Britain took place.

Charlie added that they might even go to New Orleans to visit the Stephen Ambrose museum, as they are both big fans.

When asked about his reaction to all that he witnessed, David replied, “I just imagined in my head what really happened on that day, June 6, 1944. The men storming up that beach and the Germans just…shooting them down. It was just sad, looking at the cemetery and knowing those men risked their lives for people they didn’t even know.” Insightful and poignant words from the heart of a 10-year-old.

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Charlie (right) with his grandson David, David’s father, steve, and their tour guide, John (left). Not pictured is June Chamberlain, Charlie’s daughter visiting the Colleville American military cemetery, in Colleville sur Mer, western France, Wednesday, June 6, 2018, on the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. The U.S. and other allied troops joined veterans of the D-Day invasion and families of fallen soldiers to mark 74 years since the massive military operation that change the course of World War II. This is the photo that appeared in USA Today and other national news outlets.

Photo by David Vincent – Associated Press.

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H E A LT H C A R E

The Art of Philanthropy

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SGMC Foundation’s Awarding Winning Program Helping Patients Heal at Pearlman Cancer Center

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he SGMC Foundation is hard at work promoting the need for philanthropy for South Georgia Medical Center. Behind its efforts are volunteers and staff dedicated to helping SGMC fulfill its mission in ways that often go unnoticed.

Recently, the South Georgia Medical Center Foundation was recognized for their event that focused on raising awareness and donations to help revitalize the art therapy program for patients undergoing cancer treatment at SGMC’s Pearlman Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Georgia Society for Healthcare Marketing and Public Relations (GSHMPR) awarded South Georgia Medical Center Foundation with the Special Events Gold Award for ‘The Art of Philanthropy’ event.

The award recognized the Foundation’s event which was an initiative to raise awareness about revitalizing the art therapy program at SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center.

The Art of Philanthropy women’s paint event was held in October of 2017 at Horse Creek Winery in Hahira, Georgia.

Female participants had the opportunity to create a holiday-themed piece of artwork guided by art professional, Maysha Pate. During the event, Ellen Woodard, Oncology Social Worker at the Cancer Center, explained the need for revitalizing the art therapy program for patients.

“While at treatment sessions, patients may spend several hours sedentary.

During this time, the practice of art therapy can assist with decreased stress, increased relaxation, improved communication and building relationships with others,” stated Woodard.

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The Art of Philanthropy event was hosted by The Foundation’s Women’s Legacy Circle, a newly formed group of female supporters. The Women’s Legacy Circle was organized to educate women on health-related issues, provide a forum for engagement with SGMC and the philanthropic work of The Foundation. Volunteer leaders who make up the Women's Legacy Council are Suzan Prince, Casey Langdale, Brenda DeLoach, Susan Swader, and Sara Wilder.

Elizabeth Vickers, SGMC Foundation Executive Director and Courtney Orr, SGMC Foundation Coordinator, receive the GSHMPR’s Special Events Gold Award for The Art of Philanthropy paint event.

The Award “We are excited with the quality of entries that were submitted from hospitals all across the state,” said Daryl Cole, president of the GSHMPR board of professionals. “This is the one time of year where we recognize the creativity and quality of work that is being done throughout Georgia in healthcare marketing and philanthropy.”

Entries in this year’s competition were judged by the New England Society for Healthcare Communications and the Kentucky Society for Public Relations and Marketing and were judged based on creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.

“It’s an honor to receive this Target award for one of The Foundation’s newest events. Thanks to the hard work of the Women’s Legacy Circle Council and our staff, this successful event will provide lasting benefits to the patients served at SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center," said Elizabeth Vickers, Executive Director, SGMC Foundation.

For more information on SGMC’s Foundation efforts, visit sgmc.org/foundation or call 229-433-1071. If you would like to volunteer with the Art Therapy Program at Pearlman Cancer Center contact SGMC Volunteer Services at 229-259-4412.

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One of the company's delivery trucks in the mid-1940's. (Note the telephone number.)

100 SUNSET FARM BRAND

CELEBRATING

YEARS OF GOODNESS STORY BY CONNIE RIDDLE

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amilies that stay in business together over generations have an articulated sense of family vision, values, and goals. This statement is certainly true for the Carroll family which is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Sunset Farm Foods. It all started in 1918, when Walter W.Carroll began selling two sides of beef a week to Flashers Meat Market on Ashley Street in Valdosta. The business was in rented space until they purchased their current property on Madison Highway in 1932. Walter’s son, James D. Carroll, Sr., joined him in the family business.

In 1948, the name was changed again- to Carroll Packing Company- to emphasize the growing focus on retail and wholesale meats.

In 1965, James D. Carroll, Jr. came aboard and his brother, Walter W. Carroll II joined in 1971.

In 1969, a sausage recipe was created by Jack Knight that would become the pride of Sunset

Farm Foods - the same recipe that is still used today. The company went under Federal inspection in 1975, enabling it to cross state lines with its products. This event dramatically increased the growth rate of the company as the state of Florida was eager for the fresh products of the company.

To continue to be successful and meet the demands of an ever-changing economy, the company changed its product focus to smoked sausage. The business name was changed to Sunset Farm Foods in 1980. Later in 1997, Walter W. Carroll II left the company as James D. Carroll, Jr.'s son, Thomas G. Carroll came aboard.

Sunset Farm Brand recently hosted the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours to help celebrate their 100th Anniversary. Tom Carroll is pictured with his father Jimmy Carroll.

Today, Tom Carroll serves as President and CEO of Sunset Farm Foods. The sales radius of products covers twenty states in the Southeastern United States. Additionally, their products are available on numerous islands in the Caribbean, around Central America, and sold worldwide in U.S. military commissaries.

The latest ventures include forays into big club membership stores such as Sam’s Club.

Tom believes the success of the company over the past 100 years is due to the product, the employees, and the community. They continue to produce a quality product that people are proud to take home to their family.

The employees of the company become more like family. There are eight employees that have been with Sunset Farm Foods for over 30 years and many who have been there for 15+ years. Having been in the Valdosta community for 100 years, they believe in giving back.

They are active members of the Valdosta Chamber of Commerce, support numerous organizations such as United Way, LAMP, The Haven, charity golf tournaments, civic clubs, Moody Air Force Base, and also school and church events. Last year, Sunset Farm Foods donated over 7,000 pounds of product.

It has often been said that the culture of families enjoying multi-generational success foster individuals’ sense of responsibility and accountability to something larger than one’s self. Family members seem unusually willing to sacrifice short-term self-interest for the long-term greater good. This is obviously true for the Carroll family that celebrates 100 years of success in Valdosta!

Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

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ST U D E N T A C H I E V E M E N T

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STARS

COMPILED BY CANDICE MCKINLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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incent Nathanael Strickler is the 2018 Lowndes High School STAR Student and the Region 10 STAR Student for all of South Central Georgia.

Nathanael is the second of eight children of James and Kathleen Strickler, of Valdosta. His older sister, Brooklyn Strickler, was the 2017 Lowndes High STAR Student. The STAR Student is the senior that scores highest on the SAT. Nathanael has selected Mrs. Christina DiTomasso as his STAR Teacher. “I’m very thankful for the many wonderful teachers I’ve had over the years I’ve lived in Georgia, and all they did to help me to attain such a high score on the SAT," he said. "I am especially grateful to Mrs. Di, whose class was likely the most helpful of all.

Not only is she an amazing teacher, she is the diligent and inspiring leader of our math team."

Mrs. DiTomasso has been teaching math and statistics for twenty years, and for ten years at Lowndes High School. She is the advisor for the Lowndes High Math Club and Math Team, and for the Lowndes High chapter of Mu Alpha Theta (national math honor society). She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from the University of Florida.

Lowndes High School STAR Student Nathanael Strickler - STAR Teacher – Christina DiTomasso

This is a corrected re-print of this article that ran in the Spring issue.

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Mrs. DiTomasso said, “Nathanael is a well-rounded, highly intelligent, kind-hearted young man. Not only does he have a phenomenal GPA and stellar test scores, he is also active in many organizations on campus.

Although Nathanael takes his academics seriously, he is always upbeat and positive. He has an amazing sense of humor and a heart of compassion for others and Nathanael constantly puts the needs of others before his own. He is impressive in every way."

Nathanael and Mrs. DiTomasso were honored locally at a banquet on March 8th. Nathanael has also been recognized as a 2018 Commended Scholar by the National Merit Scholarship Program for his performance on the 2016 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Nathanael was also recognized by the state of Georgia as one of only two Georgia Scholars in the 2018 Lowndes High graduating class.

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Community | calendar

where to go | things to see | what to do AUGUST Saturday, August 18 Pasta Time - It's past-a time you learned how to make your own pasta!

Wiregrass Tech’s Chef will teach you how to make your own pasta dough, make it into the type of pasta desired such as spaghetti or ravioli, and cook it properly. Cost is $75 per person.

All materials supplied. From 1 pm to 4 pm at Wiregrass Technical College (4089 Val Tech Road, Valdosta).

Friday, August 3 First Friday - First Friday is an event where singles can get together, business people can relax, and couples can enjoy the charm of Downtown Valdosta! Various Locations Throughout Downtown from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Saturday, August 18 Downtown Songwriter Showcase Dosta Theatre will be featuring hit songwriters Greg Barnhill, Johnny Bulford and Valdosta local Joe Smothers. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.; tickets are $20.

Friday, August 24 Paint Party - Join Cottonwood Boutique downtown, from 6 pm to 8 pm, for a paint party featuring different themes to paint at each event, including hydrangeas, sunsets by the sea, and many more. For more information, or to reserve a place, call (229) 474-4313.

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Saturday, August 18 Decorative Acrylic Painting Class with Marilyn Dye—from noon to 3 p.m. $40 per class (supplies included). Class takes place at the Turner Center for the Arts. For more information, call (229) 247-2787.

Saturday, August 25 Artistic Exploration with Julie Skinner—In this monthly class, children will explore the unlimited possibilities of art! Two sessions: ages 5-7 will meet from 10 a.m. to noon; ages 8-12 will meet from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Individual fees are $15 and include all art supplies. For more information, call (229) 247-2787.

Saturday, August 25 “American Soundtrack” – The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will present the musical celebration “American Soundtrack: Volume VI” to mark the end of summer. Reserved seating at 6:30 pm; general seating at 7:30 pm. $60 reserved; $25 general. For more information, visit turnercenter.org.

Saturday, August 25 Get caught up in the fast lane this August at Wild Adventures’ first ever Coke Race Weekend! Sit in the bucket seat during this event with Coca-Cola’s ULTIMATE RACING EXPERIENCE!* Fans can compete in Ultimate Racing Simulators that create a truly immersive experience on a laser-scanned version of any track in the country! Bobby Allison will be present 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 to sign autographs and take photos, and Matt Kenseth will appear at Showtime Snacks 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 26. Visit wildadventures.com for more details.

Thursday, August 30 Paint Party - Join Cottonwood Boutique downtown, from 6 pm to 8 pm, for a paint party featuring different themes to paint at each event, including hydrangeas, sunsets by the sea, and many more. For more information, or to reserve a place, call (229) 474-4313.

SEPTEMBER Saturday(s), September 1, 15, & 29 Decorative Acrylic Painting Class with Marilyn Dye—from noon to 3 p.m. $40 per class (supplies included). Class takes place at the Turner Center for the Arts. For more information, call (229) 247-2787.

Saturday, September 1 – Monday, September 3 Labor Day at Wild Adventures leave the work grind behind for a spin on a coaster or a splash in the waterpark* as you enjoy a weekend of family fun at Wild Adventures Theme Park! *Splash while you can!

Splash Island Waterpark closes for the season on Monday, September

3. Visit wildadventures.com for more details.

Friday, September 7 First Friday - First Friday is an event where singles can get together, business people can relax, and couples can enjoy the charm of Downtown Valdosta! Various Locations Throughout Downtown from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Saturday, September 8— Saturday, September 15 Habitat for Humanity “Freedom Build”—from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This build invites all Moody Air Force Base employees and their families, and all first responders to help build a home and remember 9/11. For more information, call (229) 245-1330 ext. 27.

Tuesday, September 11 9-11 Ceremony will take place at Valdosta Fire Department, Station #1 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The station is located at 106 S. Oak St. in Valdosta. For more information, call (229) 333-1835.

Thursday, September 13 Paint Party - Join Cottonwood Boutique downtown, from 6 pm to 8 pm, for a paint party featuring different themes to paint at each event, including hydrangeas, sunsets by the sea, and many more. For more information, or to reserve a place, call (229) 474-4313.

Saturday, September 15 Valdosta Symphony Orchestra presents “Brilliance”- show begins at 7:30 pm. $28 per ticket; located at Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building (Corner of Oak Street and Brookwood Drive). For more information, visit valdostasymphony.org.

Saturday, September 15 – Sunday, September 16 Pecan Harvest Festival - It's no secret Georgia pecans are some of the best around, and Wild Adventures is ready to celebrate them like never before with the first Pecan Harvest Festival.

Join us for a festival full of exciting treats created from this Southern favorite, special pecan vendors and more! Hours: Saturday from 10 am – 6 Summer 2018

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pm; Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm. For more information, call (229) 219-7080.

Saturday, September 15 Special Olympics-10th Annual Taste of Titletown. The event will be held at The Patterson from 7pm-10pm. Featuring live music from Jarrod Brogdon, drinks and catering by Steel Magnolias, and an awesome silent auction.

Thursday, September 27 Valdosta State University’s free concert will feature a performance of "1805: A Town's Tale". Begins at 7:30 pm; Reserved - $60 per ticket; General $25 per ticket. Located at Whitehead auditorium. For more information, call (229) 333-5804.

Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30 Little Actors Theatre of Valdosta is bringing “The Wizard of Oz and Toto, too” to play-goers September 29 30. The performance will be held at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit Little Actors Theatre’s website at LATvaldosta.com.

Monday, Sept. 1 – Saturday, Sept. 6 Hahira Honey Bee Festival – Join the City of Hahira for their annual Honey Bee Festival, including a week’s worth of festivities and activities for everyone in the family. The kick-off breakfast begins Monday at 7 am. For more information and to see a list of activities, visit hahirahoneybeefest.com.

OCTOBER Friday, October 5 First Friday - First Friday is an event where singles can get together, business people can relax, and couples can enjoy the charm of Downtown Valdosta! Various Locations Throughout Downtown from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Saturday, October 27 Valdosta Symphony Orchestra presents Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue at 7:30 pm at Whitehead auditorium in the VSU Fine Arts Building. $28 per ticket. For more information, call (229) 333-2150.

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Thursday, October 18 11th Annual GCS Benefit Dinner featuring Fox and Friends’ Brian Kilmeade – The dinner will take place in the ballroom of the Student Union of Valdosta State University from 6 pm – 9 pm. The event will be located at 1500 N. Patterson in Valdosta.

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Summer 2018

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Arts

& CULTURE

TURNER CENTER NAMES FIRST

‘Art Instructor of the Year’

C

STORY COMPILED BY CANDICE MCKINLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THE TURNER CENTER

eramics instructor Julie Smith has been an instructor at the Turner Center for the Arts since 2014, and this year, she was named as the center’s 2018 “Art Instructor of the Year.” The center held this inaugural event in July, celebrating more than 20 art instructors who have been at the center throughout the year.

Julie teaches four to five classes each week, including throwing and hand-building pottery classes, the “empty bowl” program, and “ceramics on the road,” as well as other specialty classes and workshops throughout the year. Hundreds of students across the city and the region have benefited from her passion and talent.

“The Turner Center gave me the opportunity to resume pottery in an en-

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vironment that I would have never thought I could,” Julie said. “I started doing this for high school credit, and now, here I am doing it for a living.

Had it not been for the center, I’d still be wondering how to fire my pottery—instead, I’m sharing that knowledge with fellow artists every day.”

Julie completed a degree in art in 1980 and went on to finish her masters in her minor study, archaeology. After nearly 33 years, Smith decided to give pottery another try and purchased a used potter's wheel that she says is still in her den. She sat down to the wheel with a lump of clay from Hobby Lobby and in her own words: "…here I am. It's like riding a bike, it doesn't go away, thank goodness!" During the reception, Executive Director Sementha Mathews publicly thanked the teachers and instructors for their time and dedication to the Turner Center for the Arts.

All performances are held at Mathis City Auditorium, Valdosta, Georgia

Early Season Package Deal (ends 9/17/18) - $100 Regular Season Package (begins 9/18/18) - $135 Individual show ticket price - $50 each An optional pre-show dinner will be oered at 6pm before each show, RSVP required.

For tickets and information, contact the Turner Center for the Arts 527 North Patterson Street, Valdosta 229-247-2787 / turnercenter.org Summer 2018 71

The Dosta Upcoming Events The Seussification of Romeo & Juliet Auditions for The “Seussification of Romeo & Juliet” will be held August 6-7 at The Dosta Playhouse from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. About the show—A whimsical reinvention of Shakespeare's tragic love story, complete with rhymed couplets, creative wordplay, and fantastical machines—similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with if he ever had his way with the script.

In addition, auditions for “August: Osage County” will take place August 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and August 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call Theatre Guild Valdosta at (229) 247-8243.

Show Times: The Suessification of Romeo & Juliet – September 14 – 15 and 21 - 22 August: Osage County – November 8 – 10 and 15 – 17

Little Actors Theatre Presents ‘Oz’ For More Information…

Visit Little Actors Theatre’s website at LATvaldosta.com or call Diane at (229) 292-4742.

The Wizard of Oz and Toto, Too Little Actors Theatre of Valdosta is bringing “The Wizard of Oz and Toto, too” to play-goers September 29 - 30. Auditions will be held August 18 and call backs will take place August 19 at Little Actor’s studio, located at 1108 S. Patterson St. Open to ages 5 through 19. The performance will be held at Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center.

Turner Center Summer Soundtrack

“American Soundtrack” The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will present the musical celebration “American Soundtrack: Volume VI” to mark the end of summer.

IF YOU GO… Event: American Soundtrack Date: Saturday, August 25 Times: Reserved seating at 6:30 p.m.; Non-reserved general seating at 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Turner Center for the Arts – 527 N. Patterson St. Tickets: Reserved - $60 per ticket; General - $25 per ticket 72

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Pops in the Park – A beautiful evening of music outdoors in October

Arts

& CULTURE

Valdosta State University’s Music Scholarship Alliance will host the annual Pops in the Park in October. The evening of pops will include the VSU Steel Drum Band/Percussion Ensemble, Faculty Jazz Combo, New Jazz, and Jazz ensembles.

It is held in the beautiful amphitheater behind the Fine Arts Building at Valdosta State University. Attendees are welcome to bring their chairs, blankets, and food. Tables for up to eight can be reserved for $150.

Proceed from the Pops in the Park will benefit scholarships for students studying in the Department of Music and the Department of Art and Design at VSU. For more information: 229-333-2150 or Facebook at Valdosta Symphony Orchestra

“One in a Million” by Marvin Smith. Winner – 2018 Valdosta People’s Choice Award Contest. The photo was published in the August 2018 issue of BirdWatching magazine.

“One In A Million”

Winners of the Valdosta’s People’s Choice Award Contest Every photographer wants to capture that “one in a million” photograph. And Marvin Smith has done just that. His photograph, “One in a Million,” was chosen as the winner of the 10th Annual Valdosta People’s Choice Award Contest. The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Turner Center for the Arts on July 16. The photos are now part of a traveling display that can be viewed from August until December 2018 in various community locations.

Marvin Smith was recognized as the winner of the photo contest at the Turner Center of the Arts by Mayor John Gayle (right), Russ Henry, representing Coleman Talley LLP, and Sementha Mathews, representing the Turner Center for the Arts. The City of Valdosta is a longtime partner in this event.

Coleman Talley was the 2018 event sponsor.

Other winners in the Adult Category were: 2nd Place - Susan Davis, 3rd Place - Greg Fricker. Honorable Mentions were: Marvin Smith, Brody Lathem, Kaylee McCutchan, Nicholai Courtenay, Sophia Coronado. Winners in the Youth Category were: 1st Place - Amy Vincent.

Honorable Mentions: Lexi Ramsay, Kingsten Courtenay.

Congratulations to all the winners!

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Arts

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Valdosta Symphony Orchestra’s Upcoming Events “Brilliance”

“Rhapsody in Blue”

Valdosta Symphony Orchestra presents “Brilliance”— Gilmore Young Artist Award-winning pianist Orion Weiss joins the VSO for a performance of Ravel’s jazz-influenced Piano Concerto in G. Sibelius’s exhilarating 2nd Symphony is one of his most popular works, and a perfect introduction to his craft. The VSO will kick off the 2018-19 season with the world premiere of blaze, by Principal Flute Elizabeth Goode.

Date/Time: Saturday, October 27, at 7:30 p.m.

IF YOU GO Date/Time: Saturday, September 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building (Corner of Oak Street and Brookwood Drive)

Location: Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building (Corner of Oak Street and Brookwood Drive) Tickets: $28 per ticket Description: Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue skillfully straddles the jazz and classical worlds, and is recognized universally for its use in movies and TV. VSU’s new piano professor, Dr. Joshua Pifer, makes his VSO debut as soloist. Stravinsky’s energetic Pulcinella Suite presents Baroque music through a 20th century lens, and is a showcase for the virtuosos of the VSO. Telephone: (229) 333-2150

Tickets: $28 per ticket

Valdosta State University Arts Event

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Valdosta Magazine

VSU Wind Ensemble

IF YOU GO…

Valdosta State University’s free concert will feature a performance of "1805: A Town's Tale". This 30-minute German film with English subtitles will be shown while the ensemble performs the score live. Austrian composer Otto Schwarz bring the film to life with his programmatic writing for the wind band.

Date: Thursday, September 27 Times: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Whitehead Auditorium VSU Fine Arts Building (Corner of Oak Street and Brookwood Drive) Tickets: Reserved - $60 per ticket; General - $25 per ticket Telephone: (229) 333-5804

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Valdosta Magazine

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Cutest VALDOSTA MAGAZINE'S

DOG CONTEST

Gus Gus was the winner of the "Valdosta Magazine's Cutest Dog Contest" and received a special photography session with Wes Sewell Photography and a doggie goodie basket compliments of PetSmart.

Every dog has his day!

W

hen we asked our pup-loving humans to participate in “Valdosta Magazine's Cutest Dog” contest during the dog days of summer, we knew it would be a race to the finish. Four-legged friends from throughout Valdosta were showcased on our Facebook page and, doggone it, our readers really came through with their support! Congratulations to the Top Ten winning pooches: Gus Gus, Duke, Punchy, Maggie May, Bella Rose, Darcy, Buck, Gracie, Deacon and Caroline!

T WINNER! GUS GUS

We will have another “Valdosta Magazine's Cutest Dog” contest coming soon, so if you didn’t have the opportunity to enter, keep following Valdosta Magazine on Facebook and watch for our next photo contest. With that said, thanks to all who entered and showed the pup love. Without further ado, here are the “Valdosta Magazine's Cutest Dog” contest winners!

he winner of this year’s inaugural “Valdosta Magazine's Cutest Dog” contest is Gus Gus! Gus Gus is a 5-month-old Golden Doodle who lives in Stone Creek with his family, Jeff and Lindsey Beals, and their sons, Canaan and Rett. The Beals said, “Gus Gus loves to wrestle and play, but has no idea how big or how clumsy he really is. He’s sensitive and gentle with our boys and loves to dance with me and my husband on his hind legs. He’s so excited around people that he has a full body shake as if he were completely boneless. Part of the joy of our day is that big goofy face with his big black nose pressed to ours with his tail wagging uncontrollably.”

Lindsey said, “I wasn’t ready for another pet, but my husband clearly was, because he came home with a photo on his phone of a litter of puppies sitting on a tailgate looking all cute and said, ‘Pick one and we will name it Gus Gus.’ We lovingly named him after the fat mouse in Cinderella, not that he was fat, but because Cinderella was my favorite childhood Disney movie. My husband knew I couldn’t say no to the dog I’ve always wanted, and he chose a name I was affectionately attached too. Sold!

We added another golden doodle to our family two weeks ago, because of our love for Gus Gus. Gus Gus and Gertie have their own Instagram @GusAndGertieDoodles.

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Duke said, “My family and I moved to Adel 2 years ago. I live with my human family, Cindy, Ken, Kacey, Robyn and Dani Cohen, my canine brother, Max, and my feline sister, Whiskey. I am 9 years old. I know how to play dead and I like to volley a beachball back and forth with my humans. I also love to lay in the sun and I like to play with all my toys and sprawl out across on mom and dads king size bed.

DUKE PUNCHY Punchy is a boxer who owns his human family, Kimberly and Randy Cliett.

Kimberly said, “Randy and I were married a year when we realized we wanted to add to our family. In 2014, a very strong stork brought our chubby, baby boxer into our lives. We fell in love immediately. He has a people pleasing attitude, wiggly bottom, and never-ending smile. We named him “Punchy” for the way he uses his front legs to play and box. Punchy quickly became a mascot for our community in Valdosta. The treats he was constantly given by local businesses and neighbors sure convinced him to go on a lot of walks. He was the face of the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority website and also posed for a car photo shoot. We will make sure he stays humble through all of his success.”

MAGGIE MAY

Maggie May is a 4-year-old golden retriever from Valdosta. Maggie found her family after her owner, Taylor Macera became sick. Taylor wanted a therapy dog like the ones that visited her in the hospital. Taylor then found Maggie. Maggie was originally trained as a therapy dog and loves making other people smile.

Maggie took on the role of service dog and has done an incredible job. Maggie is trained for tasks such as: item retrieval and deep pressure therapy and she’s training hard for gluten detection. She loves to be brushed, loves peanut butter and yogurt popsicles, and is a tennis ball enthusiast. Maggie also enjoys accompanying Taylor to her softball games. Maggie’s favorite activity is chasing tennis balls with her sister, Daisy.

BELLA ROSE Bella Rose is a 4-year-old Goldendoodle. She has a sweet 6-year-old sister, Sophie, who is also Goldendoodle. Bella loves to play and snuggle with her 2 human brothers, Bennett and Nicholas, but she is really a Daddy’s girl at heart. When her family comes home she has a hard time controlling her excitement and she jumps up and gives everyone big hugs and talks as if she is human. Although Bella looks like a girly-girl, she is really a tomboy who loves to dig in the dirt for moles and chase lizards all over the yard. She is a great watchdog and barks ferociously, at first, at anyone she does not know, but she’s actually a scaredy cat and wouldn’t hurt a fly. Bella’s family said she is like a giant teddy bear and a perfect addition to the Alvarado family. Her parents, Fernando and Caryn, live in Cherry Creek in Valdosta where she loves to run and play in the big yard.

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Valdosta Magazine

DARCY Darcy is a 10-month-old golden retriever who lives in Valdosta with her human Caroline Redshaw. She was born in Cordele, GA, but now resides in Valdosta. Caroline said, “She was named after a character from my favorite book, Pride and Prejudice. Darcy loves to swim and we cannot keep her out of the pool! Her favorite TV show is Planet Earth- she will sit and watch it for hours (I swear she understands everything the narrator says)! Her cutest little quirk is the sound she makes when she’s happy- kind of like a cat purring- but it sounds more like a pig oinking. Darcy has the sweetest soul and is SO hard not to adore, which is why she gets away with way too much!” Caroline is a 23-year-old student at Valdosta State. She said, “Darcy is the first dog I have ever owned and has been such a blessing. She is truly one of my best friends.”

Buck is a very energetic pup and loves to play with his mom, Willow. “They wrestle almost constantly and seem to always need to be in each other’s company, whether it be going outside or eating their meal,” said Katie Gordon, Buck’s other mom. Buck’s human family includes, Derek and Katie Gordon (mom and pop) and human siblings, Dylan, Ethan and Ryker. “All of the boys just love him,” said Katie. “Our youngest, Ryker, is only 2 years old, and Buck is very gentle and loving to him. Buck and his mom, Willow, are always in constant need of their humans’ attention. They will often both try and lay in the same person’s lap because they are both so jealous.”

BUCK

GRACIE Gracie is 4 years old, and lives on the outskirts of Valdosta with her human mom, Lynn, and canine brother, Luke. Lynn said, “The world revolves around Gracie, as it should.

She was rescued from a puppy mill when she was several months old. Gracie was half the weight she should have been and was not expected to thrive—but thrive she has. Gracie loves going with her brother to their Mimi and Papa Joe’s house where she plays with their dog, Bella, and they chase squirrels. She also loves to play with two of her canine best friends Lexi and Allie. When it is time to relax, Gracie enjoys watching a movie and eating popcorn with her family.” Lynn Lewis lives in Barney, and is a Special Education Coordinator for Lowndes County Schools.

Deacon is a 7-month-old Great Pyrenees. His humans are Steve and Janet Hendley.

Deacon is a working livestock guardian at Fifth Day Farm in Valdosta. He spends his time guarding a very diverse group of critters that include goats, sheep, alpacas, emus and a llama, along with some ducks, rabbits, chickens and pot-belly pigs! Deacon is a courageous guard dog whose size alone helps scare predators away, while, at the same time, being a big white cuddly pup. “Deacon fills both of those rolls very well,” said the Hendleys. Some locals have even met and taken pictures of Deacon while his family was out dining at the outdoor restaurants of downtown Valdosta.

CAROLINE

DEACON

Caroline is a 6-year-old Pitbull mix who lives in Lake Park with her human family, Terry and Tamatha Hines, and children, Zane and Kyleigh Knighton and Taylor Hines.

Caroline was rescued from a shelter 5 years ago and now her favorite thing to do is sleep. “And when she sleeps, she sleeps more like a human than a dog,” the Hineses said. “She loves vanilla Oreos!...and never meets stranger. She loves everyone—kids, adults, dogs, chickens—you name, Caroline likes it.” Tamatha added, “Due to what, we believe, was an abusive past, she has to be with me at all times. And, as you can see, she has a cleft lip, and that’s what love most about her physical appearance.” Tamatha is a stay-at-home mom to her three children. Terry is a detective with the Valdosta Police Department.

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CIVIC | CONVERSATION You must get involved to have an impact. – Napoleon Hill, American Author

Photo by Javon Longieliere

Back: Jared McGahee, Royce Coleman, Wayne DeVane, Mark Rogers, Kyle Baxter, Andy Bolton, Terry Bennett, Brian Sumner, Ed Hutchinson, Todd Shiver, Lee Tarpley, Zac Henry, William Whitesell, Will Kemp, Bryan Deal, John Courson, Nate Balanis, Drew Duren, Justin Martin, Sean Panizzi, Front: Garrett Copeland, Brett Whiddon, Jason Dove, Taylor Biddle, Skip Long, Taylor Hutchinson, Rob Wynens, Brandon Beard Members not pictured: Jack Edwards, Daniel Day, Matt Dorsey, Richard Hill, Byron Courson, Jerry Jennett, Blake Cowart, Travis Pate, Tony Flail, Ashley Moore, Jason Moon, Sam Warren, Brad Folsom, Trey Sherwood, Michael Smith, John Tanner, Michael Gudley, Richard Welch, Danny Knight, Matt Inman, Eddie Smith, John Crawford, Josh Burke, Briggs Smotherman, Joey Stith

Azalea City Civic Club STORY BY CONNIE RIDDLE

A

civic association is a type of organization whose official goal is to improve neighborhoods through volunteer work by its members.

This definition of a civic club certainly defines the Azalea City Civic Club (ACCC). Formerly the Azalea City Kiwanis Club, the ACCC decided several years ago to become a separate civic organization that could focus solely on giving back to the local Valdosta Community. This “group of guys” as they refer to themselves, meets weekly like many other clubs do and have speakers that educate, entertain and inform. The speakers range from business leaders, educators, 80

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coaches, politicians, and non-profit organizations. The ACCC has a strong focus on children and families as it states in their mission: The primary purpose of the Azalea City Civic Club is to improve the quality of life for children and families in Lowndes County and surrounding counties by adhering to our mission statement, which is: “To do goodwill in our community and make a positive impact in children’s lives.”

The ACCC hosts several events each year to support charities in the community. The most widely known event is the Winnersville Golf Classic held the Thursday before the big Valdosta vs. Lowndes football game. This year will make the

“We want to create events are that are fun and entertaining for everyone involved while also promoting the local businesses in our community. Our aim is to find ways to accomplish that while always keeping the mission of supporting local children and families as our top priority.”

Jared McGahee, Michael Smith, and Bryan Deal of the Azalea City Civic Club present a check to Claire Walton and Lauren Hurly with Girls on the Run. The money was raised at the annual Taste of Georgia.

10th anniversary of the Winnersville Classic that provides fans of both teams an opportunity to come together for a friendly, yet competitive game of golf to raise money for both school systems.

Just as the football game brings bragging rights for the winning team, the golf tournament does the same thing. After a day of golf and fun, the end result is $5,000 to each school system.

The ACCC recently hosted the fourth annual Taste of Georgia at Valdosta Country Club. The event is co-sponsored by Smitty’s and benefits Girls on the Run South Georgia. Girls on the Run educates life skills such as goal setting, conflict management, positive self-speak, how to be a good friend, how to choose a good friend and how to be a team member.

Civic Club President Bryan Deal said Girls on the Run serves a valuable role in our community by helping young girls develop confidence and self-esteem while encouraging them to live a healthy and active lifestyle. He said the Civic Club strives to

help children. “That’s truly the reason we exist; our whole mission statement or goal is to give back, particularly to efforts that impact children,” Deal said. "Our purpose and top priority is to give back locally."

The members of ACCC are definitely creative when it comes to fundraising. This year they hosted the inaugural Pub Crawl in downtown Valdosta. The event benefitted the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County. The Children's Advocacy Center aims to promote businesses downtown while also increasing financial support and awareness for the needs of children in the community. “The CAC is a wonderful organization that serves a deep need in the lives of children affected by abuse in our community,” he said. “We want to support their efforts in any way that we can.”

If you are interested in being a member of the Azalea City Civic Club, contact Bryan Deal at 229-292-7957.

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[ Real Estate News]

STARTING FRESH:

HOW TO BUY A NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

BY TOM CALL

P

ersonalization, customization, fewer repairs, and less maintenance are just some of the benefits of buying a newly built home. Find out how you can buy a new home construction today!

What could be more exciting than living in a brand new home?

The blank slate can be thrilling: living in a place no one has lived before, a home with fresh paint, untouched carpets, and even fresh grass that no one has trodden!

While most of the homes bought and sold are preexisting, more and more buyers are interested in new house construction.

There’s no doubt moving into a newly built home is exciting.

But this sort of transaction comes with its own set of challenges as well.

Find out all the basics of what you’ll need to know to get started.

UNDERSTANDING THE TYPES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES FOR SALE There are a few different types of new construction homes you might consider. They fall into three main categories: 1. A home that is pre-built according to design templates 2. A semi-custom home: the bulk of the house is built and you have the option to pick a few design elements, finishes, and extra upgrades 3. A fully custom home: you have input on the design from the ground up

If you’d love to be involved in every stage of the building process, an entirely custom home could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you’re ready to move right in and don’t want to bother with all the design details, buying a pre-built home is likely the better option.

SELECT THE SPECS OF YOUR HOME Now that you know what kind of new house construction you’re interested in, you want to determine some details about the home of your dreams. Here are a few things to consider: 1. Location: Is it as close to (or far from) the city as you prefer?

Will you have a reasonable commute (if that’s a must-have)?

2. Budget: Will this home fit into your budget—especially if you have the option for upgrades?

3. Size: Does the home have the size and number of rooms you need?

4. Neighborhood: Is it still under construction? Do you have ample lawn space or privacy? Are there specific desired amenities such as a swimming pool?

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Many new construction homes for sale are in subdivisions. It’s a good idea to drive down and investigate them on your own and see if it has what you’re looking for.

Also, you want to be sure to find out as much as you can about the builder. Start by looking online: search for any reviews, complaints, or lawsuits. This simple step can help you avoid a lot of potential headaches down the road!

FIND A REAL ESTATE AGENT Most builders have an agent, but remember that this agent is there with a goal to sell the property. Before you speak with any builders, hire your own real estate agent to make sure your needs and desires are the number one priority.

Another advantage of taking this path is that your agent may have other insights that the builder would not. An agent will know all the unique processes and challenges of how to buy a new construction home better than anyone.

WORK WITH A LAWYER More often than not, a new construction home will have a more complicated contract than your typical house sale. There are all sorts of details you’ll need to know such information on warranties on the home itself and appliances within the home.

With the amount of paperwork involved in buying a new home, it’s always a good idea to run all the paperwork past a lawyer familiar with real estate language.

DON’T FORGET THE HOME INSPECTION Just because the home is a new build doesn’t mean you should skip getting a home inspection. Some new homes can have their own set of problems to watch out for. Insist on getting a comprehensive home inspection before you even begin the price negotiation.

Call us today at (229) 244-3535 to talk with one of our experienced agents who can begin to iron out all the details of buying a new construction home!

Astro

Specialists in Injuries and Deformities of the Ankle

Dr. Nic Dodson Dr. Andrew Woods Dr. Erin Dodson

1700 N. Patterson St. • Valdosta, GA 31602

Put Your Feet in Great Hands

Summer 2018

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Valdosta Junior Service League's Annual Social - "A House Party"

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n Friday, April 27th, 2018 the Valdosta Junior Service League hosted the Annual Social, “A House Party,” to celebrate the League year, our members, and our supporters. This year’s event included a silent auction, raising funds for repairs to the Converse Dalton Ferrell House, the historical home maintained by the VJSL, in downtown Valdosta. The event was held at the Valdosta Country Club, where guests enjoyed dancing and entertainment by the

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dynamic band, Big Brother’s Boombox. Prior to the event, there was an alumni cocktail hour, where alumni were honored for their time and service to the League. A huge thank you to our wonderful event sponsors: Steel’s Jewelry, Tanner Investment Group, First State Bank, Colson Business Systems, Valdosta Family Medicine, and Citizens Community Bank, and all who attended, for an outstanding night of celebrating service in our community.

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1. Lindsey Purvis, Kristin Tanner, Michelle Parkerson, Wendy Copeland 2. Blake & Aprile Steel 3. Nicole & Adam Steel 4. Hunter & Casey Colson 5. House Social Committee: Hope Geddings, Kelly Berry, Lindsey Purvis, Roxy Corbett, Kristin Tanner, Wendy Copeland, Megan Henderson, Maggie Vallotton, Sarah Bailey 6. Lee & Justin Smothers 7. Kim & Andy Bolton 8. Ryan & Kristi Moorman 9. Kerri Dean and Anne McLeod 10. Charlie & Katherine Freeman Summer 2018

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Bridal Registry 2018 Bridal Registry Provided by Perfect Settings

Erica Kobee & Barton Smith May 5 Emily Lovell & Colby Corbett May 5 Elizabeth Hanson & Brandon South May 19 Sara Pleasants & Kip Burdette June 2 Christina Herrington & Jarrod Keith Murray June 23 Lane Patten & Beau Littell July 21 Lauren Bahnsen & Chris Duncan August 25 Macy Clifton & Corbin Blakey September 1 Lindsay Smith & Tyler Woods September 15 Caitlin Jenkins & Tyler Suddarth October 13 Jolie Hyatt & Nick Craig October 20 Elly Steed & Jordan Klaus October 20 Kara Buescher & Collin Jones October 20 Jarrett Nessmith & Taylor Thompson November 3 Kaitlyn Hannay & Drew Smith November 17 Courtney Sayre & Kyle Farmer November 17 Allie Rowan & Max White December 1 Ruthie Parham & Marshall Faircloth December 15 Baylee Crumpler & Vick Sims December 29 Olivia Kavouklis & Blake Summers December 29 Jesslyn Brantley & Brandon Oliver January 26, 2019 Leigh Anne Burns & Brandon Corbett February 23, 2019 McClain Talley & George Lilly March 2, 2019 Lindsay Lastinger & Ed Sterry March 30, 2019

From the Registry of Olivia Kavouklis & Blake Summers - December 29

From the Registry of Courtney Sayre & Kyle Farmer - November 17

PERFECT SETTINGS Hours: Mon - Fri 10AM - 6PM • Sat 10AM - 5PM • www.perfectsettingsga.com

facebook.com/perfectsettingsga IG: @perfect__settings

(229) 219-7751

3338-H Country Club Road Valdosta, Ga 31605

Pediatric and Adult Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy Sensory Integration, Oral Motor, Feeding, Swallowing, Voice, Reading Therapy!

2704 N Oak St Building A-2 Valdosta, GA 31602 229-253-1009 www.therapyvaldosta.com

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Libby Anderson, Realtor Real Living Realty Advisors 2406 Fieldcrest Drive: 3500 sq ft 5 bedrooms 3.5 bathrooms 2 car garage ga $310,000 Contact Libby Anderson for more information or a showing 229-740-3571

Don’t miss being a part of the FALL ISSUE of Valdosta Magazine featuring the

FASHION & STYLE SECTION AND THE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE.

Our Products And Services

Big Green Egg (BGE) PlayNation Playsets Dimension One Spas Above Ground Pools

Patio Furniture Outdoor By Design Seaside Casual Pool Toys and Floats

Full line of chemicals for pools and spas

For advertising information, contact Connie Riddle at 912-424-8772 or by email at: criddle@showcasepublicationsga.com Summer 2018

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Valdosta Country Club’s Valdosta Open

he 2018 Valdosta Open 4-Ball, presented by O’Steen Subaru and Volkswagen, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, was a tremendous success with a sold out field! 68 two-man teams competed on a difficult Valdosta Country Club course on June 9th and 10th. Players

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and their spouses enjoyed an afternoon party on the pool deck Saturday. Congratulations to our overall team champions Brad Skinner and Blake DeCesare and our individual champion Andy Blanton! Thank you to all who participated and we look forward to another successful event in 2019!

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1. Charles White and Matt King 2. Charlie Dorminey and Josh Carter 3. Bonnie & Brad Skinner, Heather Dove, Lindsey Kelly, Jason Dove, Kirby & Taylor Biddle

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4. Suzanne Lastinger, Leigh Ann Hogan, Katie Kolisz, Tara Purvis, Michelle Parkerson 5. Eric Kolisz and John Lastinger 6. Cody Meeks, Randy Williams, Blake DeCesare

7. Chad Parkerson, Thompson Kurrie, Matthew Smith, Trent Parkerson 8. Emily Wetherington, Kirby Biddle, Jennifer Denham 9. Bowen Corbett and Cody Califf 13.

10. Mary Scott and Stephen Lincoln

11. Justin Martin, Jason Dove, Devin Martin, Heather Dove 12. Jake Mobley, Israel Troupe, Ben Hogan 13. VCC Director of Golf, Cary Brown, and Valdosta Open Individual Champion, Andy Blanton 14. Cary Brown and Valdosta Open Team Champions Blake DeCesare and Brad Skinner

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Valdosta High School Class of 1968 50th Reunion

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aldosta High School Class of 1968 celebrated its 50th reunion this year. In the Spring issue of Valdosta Magazine, we highlighted the milestone in “Remembering When”. Here we share more photos from one of the weekend celebration’s event.

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1. Reunion Committee: Paula Ramey Martinez, Claire Royal Dollar, Peggy Sikes Chitty, Carole Stembridge Ausum, Connie Ridley McNab and Ray Chitty 2. Freddy Killgore, Larry Brandon 3. Terry Hasty, Bob Bolton

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5. Faye Vickers Zittrouer, Julie Veatch, Zalar, Debbie Dean Temple, Carol Blalock Woodall, Carolyn May Bruce

6. Faye Vickers Zittrouer, Kathy Lincoln, Steve Lincoln, Diane Taylor Hingson 7. Louise Hesters Godwin, Danny Godwin 8. Christine Smith Middleton, Bill Lastinger 9. Paula Ramey Martinez, Melanie Tudor 10. Mike Chapman, Claire Strickland 11. Carolyn May Bruce, Peggy Sikes Chitty, Shirlee Sainz Carroll 12. Julie Veatch Zalar, Phil Metzger, Vida Webb Walden 12.

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Combining over 80 years of experience with today’s brightest young minds.

Local. Dependable.

Serving YOU.

Left to right: Rob Blanton, Wade Henry, Zac Henry and Carter Coleman

2314 N. Patterson Street • Valdosta, GA Across from South Georgia Medical Center

229-247-6500 www.blantongriffin.com

Colquitt Electric Membership Corporation 273 Norman Drive; Valdosta, Georgia www.colquittemc.com

229-244-6893

COME VISIT OUR NEWLY REMODELED STORE COMPLETE WITH DRIVE-THRU WINDOW.

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Soak up the sun–it’s time to have some fun!

Now - August 12, 2018 Enjoy these family fun activities: • School’s Out for Summer Sing-A-Long, Swamp Witch Escape Room and Build-A-Bear Workshop® • Celebrate the Summer Pool Party and SummerFest Atrium Light Show, both presented by bubly™ • Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park featuring our Big Cypress 60ft waterslide and double FlowRider® • Spa specials, surf shows and much more!

Book Your Getaway Today!

GaylordPalms.com/SummerFest

| (407) 586-2000

AQUAFINA is a registered trademark of PepsiCo, Inc., © 2018 BUBLY and the Bubly Designs are trademarks. © & ® Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Summer 2018

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valdosta magazine | SEEN Valdosta County Club Couples Golf - June 2018

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hroughout the summer VCC hosts monthly Couples Golf Nights – fun, nopressure, 9-hole scrambles, designed for players to enjoy the course and company.

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VALDOSTA INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.

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1. Couples Golf group photo 2. Earl & Carla Holmes with Blake & Barbara Pearce 3. Rex & Malinda Taylor with Tyler & Kathy Dallas

4. Dana & Dean Boruff with Justin & Lee Smothers 5. Lake & Leigh Jordan with Catherine & Nic Daugharty 6. Sparky Greneker and Shelly Smith with Heather & Jason Dove 7. Bill & Linda Grondahl with Ashley & Neal Rohrbach placed second.

812 Northwood Park Drive Valdosta, GA 31602 Bus: (229) 242-4560 Fax: (229) 242-4561 www.valdostainsurance.com

8. Eric and Avery Kolisz with Reese and Brad Adams placed first Summer 2018

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Index of Advertisers

30 24 65 83 83 40 86 92 59 57 29 75 15 83 92 62 30 87 43 50 93 65 69 92 9 63 50 25, 51 52 69 87 42 50 51 1 7, 34, 55, 76 62 86 3 48 59 95 IFC 27 47 30 63 48 18 92 57 86 BC IBC 5 52 42 86 71 75 51 95 Photo by Jessica 21 Ganas at Jessie's 10 Restaurant & Catering 52 "Pop Up" Chef Dinner.

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306 North Advance Dental Care Ameris Bank Ankle & Foot Astro Exterminating Bank OZK Bishop Cleaners Blanton & Griffin Christy Howell Medical Spa Citizens Community Bank City Market Coldwell Banker Coleman Talley Colonial Bag Colquitt EMC Commercial Banking Company Covington's Catering Edward Jones ENT Allergy & Associates Flaunt Formalwear Gaylord Palms Gerlock Dance Studio Guardian Bank Hogan's Pharmacy Holiday Inn Home Instead Senior Care Home of 10,000 Picture Frames Jessie's Catering & Restaurant Kaleidiscope Lakes Chapel Libby Anderson, Realtor Longieliere Photography Miller Hardware Mockingbird Gifts Only Options O'Steen Subaru Park Place Perfect Settings Plastic Surgery Assoc.

Presbyterian Home & Retirement Community Renasant Bank Ron Borders Property Management South Georgia Medical Center South Georgia Pecan South Georgia Power Sports South Georgia State College South Georgia Travel Southeast Capital Investment Group Southern Builders Supply Southern Home Real Estate Southern OB/GYN Speech & Swallowing Clinic Stifel Surchero's Synovus The Flower Gallery The Oaks at Kinder Lou The Pool Store Turner Center for the Arts Valdosta Chamber of Commerce Valdosta Furniture and Mattress Valdosta Insurance Services Valdosta Symphony Orchestra Wes Sewell Photography Whitehead Industrial

adcteam.com banks.amerisbank.com/ga/valdosta/320/ anklesandfeet.com astroexterminating.com ozk.com bishopclean.com/2015site blantongriffin.com theazaleacentervaldosta.com citizencommunitybank.net coldwellbanker.com colemantalley.com colonial-bag.com colquittemc.com cbcbank.com covingtonscatering.com edwardjones.com entofsouthgeorgia.com flauntformalwear.com marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcogp-gaylord-palms-resort-and-convention-center

gerlockdance.com guardianbankonline.com hoganspharmacy.net williamshotelgroup.com homeinstead.com

jessiesvaldosta.com kaleidoscopeagallery.com realliving.com/libby-anderson longielierephotography.com millerhardware.com onlyoptionsvaldosta.com osteensubaru.com mclanefuneralservices.com perfectsettingsga.com sonyamerrimanmd.com phgainc.org renasantbank.com rbpm.us sgmc.org georgiapecancorp.com southgapowersports.com sgsc.edu sgatravel.com secapinv.com thelangdalecompany.com/southern-builders-supply-inc

southernhomegirls.com southernobgyn.net therapyvaldosta.com stifelvaldosta.com surcheros.com synovus.com theflowergalleryga.com www.kinderlou.com thepoolstore.com turnercenter.org valdostachamber.com

valdostainsurance.com valdostasymphony.org wessewellphotography.com whiteheadindustrial.com

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