Valdosta Magazine Winter 2021

valdosta magazine

$3.50

Love & Marriage

REAL

Weddings

PROFILES | ART & CULTURE | AROUND LOWNDES | GO DOWNTOWN

Our network is growing Help us welcome the following physicians to South Georgia Medical Center and the South Georgia and North Florida region.

Now accepting new patients in the following specialities: Critical Care/Pulmonology | General Surgery | Vascular Surgery | Gastroenterology Call to schedule your appointment today. To learn more visit sgmc.org.

Dr. Deepthi Gandhiraj Critical Care/ Pulmonology 229-433-3449 Dr. Geoff Yurcisin General Surgery 229-433-1711

Dr. David Hardy Vascular Surgery 229-433-4369

Dr. Loan Vu Gastroenterology 229-433-4310 Dr. "Sai" Raghavapuram Gastroenterology 229-433-4310

Dressing Valdosta Since 1983!

Brooke & Dane Boruff (in the picture) Photo by Sarah Kathryn Photography

You can now shop 24/7 at onlyoptionsvaldosta.com or rlmartinco.com

/onlyoptions

@onlyoptions

/RLMARTINCO

@RLMARTINCO

1421 Gornto Road | Valdosta | 229-244-1807 Monday - Saturday 10:00 am-6:00 pm | Sunday 1:00 – 6:00 pm

Winter 2021

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ABOUT THE COVER

ON THE

COVER

Taylor Stone Wildes graces Valdosta Magazine's ­cover at beautiful Highgrove Farm by a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air owned by Phillip Feinburg. Wearing a beautiful and ­versatile wedding gown from White Weddings, jewelry

by Steel’s Jewelry, flowers by the Flower Gallery, hair by ­Haley Rowe of Spruced Salon, makeup by Ivey Parrish of Ivey Xesthetics, Taylor will inspire all brides-to-be! ­Photography by Wes Sewell Photography.

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SPECIAL FEATURES 12

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Our special bridal section features real wedding stories with articles and tips for planning the perfect day!

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41 LOST AND FOUND –

A YOUNG LOVE REKINDLED Delayne and Delbert Raiford fell in love in high school but were married 30 years later.

55 THAT’S AMORÉ!

Three couples, with a combined 98 years of marriage, share advice and their stories of love.

CONTENTS TABLE OF

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Valdosta Magazine

Building wealth takes hard work and passion.

So should managing it.

Wealth Management | Investment Planning | Retirement As successful as you are, we know there’s still more you want to do. We’ve been helping our clients for more than 125 years, caring for more than $1.4 trillion of their hard-earned assets. Find out why so many people trust our Financial Advisors to help them manage their wealth with the care it deserves.

Together we’ll go far

Call us today.

Frank Carter III Managing Director – Investments 3310 North Valdosta Rd, Suite B Valdosta, GA 31602 Office: (229) 245-7013 yf.carteriii@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/frank-carter3

The Forbes 2020 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors ranking algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, which does not receive compensation from the advisors or their firms in exchange for placement on a ranking.

Investment performance is not a criterion.

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (WFCS, LLC). All rights reserved.

CAR-0620-01012 97340-v1 A1932 Winter 2021

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REGULAR FEATURES 67 FOOD – A TALE OF GAME AND GREENS Recipes for wild game and fresh greens by Angela Hagen, Chef at TerraChula Lodge.

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HOME - BEDROOMS, A SAFE HAVEN Dana Perry, of Dana Perry Interiors, shares how to create an ambiance for the most personal rooms in your home.

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ARTS & CULTURE Featuring artist Kelly Call and highlighting events in the art community.

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GO DOWNTOWN! Go Downtown to experience the fun! Flair! & Flavor! that Downtown Valdosta has to offer.

100 AROUND LOWNDES Highlighting events and activities in Valdosta.

PROFILES 81

MEET CHRISTIE MOORE The new president of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce.

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THAT’S SOME PIG Tori Millirons turns a grand champion pig into a $5,000 donation for breast cancer patients.

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MAYOR SCOTT MATHESON GOES TO WASHINGTON Mayor Scott Matheson is one of only two Georgians invited to the “Operation Warp Speed Summit” at The White House.

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LEADERSHIP LOWNDES Thirty years of community service.

ARTICLES

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MONEY MATTERS-STIFEL Financial advice for newlyweds and couples.

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78 REAL ESTATE NEWS - COLDWELL BANKER Advice for both buyers and sellers in today's market.

Here for what’s important to you.

We believe banking should be simple, responsive and convenient. As one of the leading regional banks in the Southeast, we’re here to help with all your checking1, savings1, and financial planning needs.

We’re here for you.

1-888-SYNOVUS | synovus.com

1 Subject to approval.

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC.

Winter 2021

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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: Caffeine Generated Graphics

John & Connie Riddle, Taylor Stone Wildes, Natalie Roberts, White Weddings, Wes Sewell

HERE'S TO 2021!

W

hat better to start a new year, especially after 2020, than with the "Love & Marriage" issue. We could all use stories of love and relationship advice as we embark on 2021.

As you can see on the cover, the bridal section includes images from a stunning photoshoot. It also includes three real weddings of couples who were determined that a pandemic wouldn't ruin their special day. There are also articles with advice and tips from local wedding professionals for all the brides-to-be. Oh, and the love story of the Raiford's who fell in love in high school but were married thirty years later after finding each other again.

With the nights longer and the colder weather, we are also spending more time indoors, and what better way to pass the time than cook. Our Food Section introduces a new chef with several recipes for preparing wild game and greens that we think you'll enjoy. Who wouldn't love a recipe for pecan pie muffins?

And, there is so much more! Profiles of outstanding personalities, home décor tips, financial advice, and a feature on an artist who is painting the world’s beauty one canvas at a time.

Each issue is unique and requires a dedicated group of people who bring these stories to life. For that, we are very grateful. Of course, we offer our most sincere thanks to the advertisers who make it all possible.

We hope that each issue provides you with a respite from the daily grind. Hopefully, reading Valdosta Magazine enlightens you to the beautiful people and this special community you call home. But, we certainly hope this issue, in particular, helps get this new year off to a great start.

Happy reading…and…happy new year!

Sincerely,

John & Connie Riddle info@showcasepublicationsga.com 6

Valdosta Magazine

Contributing Writers: Tom Call, Mattia Goddard, John Riddle, Javon Longlieliere, Taylor Stone Wildes, Devan Martin, Dana Perry, Suzanna Harris, Angela Hagen, Lynn Vallotton, Susan Mullis, Jane Shelton, Delayne Raiford, Doug Carter, Bill & Jennifer New, South Georgia Medical Center, Delayne Raiford, Jennifer & Bill New, Caila Anderson

Contributing Photographers: Javon Longlieliere Photography, Sarah Kathryn Photography, Madison Carter Photography, Gandy Photographers, South Georgia Medical Center, Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce, Belight Photographers Designers: 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 $15.00 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.

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FROM OUR READERS...

Take Valdosta Magazine with you when you travel. Take a photo with it and send it to us and you'll see it here! Letters and comments are also encouraged. Mail to: Showcase Publications, Inc. P. O. Box 391, Jesup, GA 31598 or e-mail to: info@showcasepublicationsga.com.

Like and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

We love it when our readers take Valdosta Magazine with them wherever they go.

Thanks Bernie!

“Great couple! Thanks for making our community a better place.”

- Valdosta Country Club

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WINTER 2021

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

"We are so grateful for the opportunity to be featured in the most current Valdosta Magazine, the Holiday Edition. Thank you to John and Connie Riddle of the Valdosta Magazine, who arranged for and provided the gorgeous tree decorations. And thank you to Susan Mullis, owner of the Flower Gallery, who decorated the tree this year!"

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BEST DENTIST BEST OVERALL BUSINESS

BEST DENTIST 2010-2020

2015, 2016 & 2018

Barclay Woodward D.M.D. • Hardy Gray D.M.D. • Ashley Moorman D.M.D

Full Family Dentistry New Patients Welcome 3211 Wildwood Plantation Dr • Valdosta, GA • 229.242.4441

Excited to announce our second location is open at: 3362 Greystone Way Valdosta, GA 229.242.0063 www.ADCTEAM.com • All Insurances Accepted • In Network with many plans

Winter 2021

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Dr. Andrew Woods, Dr. Erin Dodson and Dr. Nicholas Dodson

Put Your Feet in Great Hands!

OUR AFA TEAM CARES!

WE'RE COMMITTED TO OUR PATIENTS AND OUR COMMUNITIES

In the early part of the year 2020, we were globally united by the Coronavirus. Due to the Pandemic, businesses, families, and the way we socialize has changed. The small things we took for granted, such as merely visiting one another, going to church and the grocery store, or visiting your physician, are more complicated.

Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, continues to monitor how our offices operate on a daily basis and what is needed to remain healthy as we navigate this difficult time. Our offices are still closely monitoring the recommendations concerning COVID-19 from the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health authorities' updates.

To kick off the holidays, Dr. Andrew D. Woods, Dr. Erin Dodson, and Dr. Nicholas Dodson of Ankle & Foot Associates in Valdosta are dedicated to giving a contribution to Second Harvest of South Georgia's annual event, "Thanksgiving for Thousands." Last year, this contribution was given in honor as a five-dollar donation from each of Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC employees. For five-dollars, we can ensure that one family has food this Thanksgiving. Each box contains 20 pounds of food and will feed a family of four for approximately a week.

Television station WCTV of Tallahassee, Thomasville, and Valdosta news also provided a news broadcast and article challenging other businesses and organizations to follow the AFA Cares' example of giving back to their communities. The AFA Team is committed to improving the health and well being of our communities.

www.AnklesandFeet.comN O M A D I C 10

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|

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What’s Lapiplasty? Do you have a Bunion??

The Lapiplasty® procedure corrects the root cause of a bunion, which is a misaligned toe bone. The three-dimensional lapiplasty approach is a revolutionary new type of bunion surgery. The procedure dramatically shortens the time patients have to stay off their affected foot. This technique is a new approach to a traditional bunionectomy which can keep a patient off their foot for up to 6 weeks. Lapiplasty surgery allows patients to bear weight on their foot within days after surgery.

Our team is board-certified foot and ankle surgeons that will provide you with expert recommendations and help prepare you for any necessary lower extremity surgeries, including Lapiplasty® bunion surgery.

Make an Appointment Today 1700 N. Patterson Street Valdosta, GA 31602 229-247-7707 NEW PATIENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Most Insurances Accepted. www.AnklesandFeet.com

Winter 2021

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here

Bride COMES THE

WHEN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC ARRIVES AS THE ULTIMATE UNINVITED GUEST, BRIDES ARE FORCED TO GET CREATIVE IN ORDER TO TURN THEIR DREAM WEDDINGS INTO REALITY

—despite facing extraordinary challenges along the way. Suddenly, things like worrying about floral arrangements or agreeing on a cake flavor come as welcome distractions amid navigating the lengthy list of Covid-19 safety protocols.

In this section, you will find narratives of nuptials from three amazing couples who, in the face of adversity, found comfort in the belief that love endures all things. If you are currently deep into wedding planning mode, you will find a trove of inspiration as well as a look at some amazing Valdosta vendors to consider. If you aren’t currently planning a wedding, grab a seat (and maybe a tissue) and enjoy these beautiful, real-life romances that made 2020 their best year yet.

Thanks to: TAY LOR W ILD E S , Model H IG HG ROVE FARM , Venue P HILLIP FE IN B URG , Car W ES SEW E LL P HOTOG RAP HY , Photography

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Valdosta Valdosta Magazine Magazine

Taylor Wildes sits atop a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in front of the chapel at Highgrove Farm.

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THE DRESS WHITE WEDDING S Taylor is flaunting a sleek and modern mermaid wedding dress with puffed sleeves from White Weddings Bridal.

Designed by Martina Liana, this dress features an edgy twist to a minimalist design.

It brings the drama with a strapless neckline and center plunge, contrasted with a sheer back panel with visible boning that curves along with the figure. The full flare to the skirt creates a moment of grandeur, while the detachable high-volume puffed sleeves add unexpected texture to a timeless design.

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Valdosta Magazine

here

Bride

COMES THE

THE FLOWERS – THE FLOWER G ALLERY Brides are loving the trendy styles for their bouquet. Designed by The Flower Gallery, this bouquet features purple mini calla lilies, fuchsia stock, purple roses, purple veronica, white hydrangeas, purple waxflower, seeded eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and podocarpus, completed with a braided wrap around stems.

THE JEWELRY – STEEL’S JEWELRY Completing her look, Taylor is wearing a stunning bracelet and earrings from Steel’s Jewelry. The exquisite 18k white gold bracelet features over 14 carats total weight of round brilliant cut diamonds in classic clover shapes. The fabulous chandelier drop earrings are in a graduated pattern of pear shape designs with 2 carats of diamonds.

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here

Bride

COMES THE

THE HAIR HALEY R OWE, SPRUCED HAIR STUDIO We recommend that brides book a consultation or trial with their stylist one to three months before the wedding. This allows you to communicate and plan your desired look before the big day. At that time, bring any hair accessories or extensions you plan on using for the wedding. It's also a good idea to bring photos of the dress, and you in the dress. This makes it easier for the stylist to envision how the hair will look on you and in the dress. Photos of potential hairstyles are appreciated too.

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Valdosta Valdosta Magazine Magazine

THE MAKEUP IVEY PARRISH, IVEY XETHETICS Makeup tips: • • • • • • • •

• • •

•

Good makeup starts with a good canvas-your face.

Cleanse your face, exfoliate, and tone.

Use a lip scrub/lip mask the night before.

Do not experiment with skincare products the week of your wedding.

HYDRATE! Drink a lot of water before your big day.

The best makeup application is on hydrated skin.

Makeup Trial-You and your makeup artist will feel more comfortable on your big day.

Balance-If you are doing a dramatic eye look, go for a natural lip color.

Tanning Hacks-If you are getting a professional ­airbrush spray tan done for your wedding, ask the provider not to spray your face. Having makeup on top of a spray tan will look "muddy". Your makeup artist will be able to match your face to your body perfectly.

Book ahead-Do not wait until the last minute to book your vendors.

SPF-Avoid any makeup that contains SPF. This will cause you to have a white flashback in photos.

Body Makeup-Makeup doesn't end at your jawline.

Make sure that your makeup artist blends down your neck, behind your ears, and on the chest area.

Waxing-Any facial waxing should be done at least five days before to ensure that your makeup will adhere properly to your skin.

Styling Tips: One month of the wedding: Complete any haircutting or color one to two weeks before the wedding.

The day before: Shampoo and blow-dry your hair with minimal product. No flat ironing, as this can affect how your hair will hold or curl the following day. Working with the hair's natural oils and not freshly washed hair allows for a cleaner finish for a bridal updo.

The day of: Wear a zip-up or button-down shirt to your appointment. Nothing that has to go over your head.

This makes it easy for you to get ready and avoid any updo fails. Smile! You’re getting married!!

Winter Winter 2021 2021

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Valdosta Magazine

Where the South gets Engaged

229.244.3369 | SteelsJewelry.com | Summit Pointe Valdosta | @SteelsJewelry Winter 2021

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WRITTEN BY SUSANNA DOVER HARRIS, PINK BEE EVENTS

Yes!

SHE SAID

No...

COVID SAID

N AV I G AT I N G T H E M U R KY PA N D E M I C W E D D I N G WAT E R S

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Valdosta Magazine

“WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN DURING OUR WEDDING?” This has become the most frequent question since March 2020, especially for brides who had grand visions of a flawless wedding. Celebrations are now being threatened not by the weather, not by our famous swarms of gnats, but by a far more complicated and merciless pandemic. Couples who were engaged before the pandemic have had to pull back the reigns in the thick of planning to assess their next steps. Newly engaged couples do not know where to begin. Everyone, including the Maid of Honor and the cake baker, has a different opinion on whether to keep the date or postpone until another time or even another year. There is now quite the market for clever stationery with titles such as “We Still Do! but…..” and “Unsave the Date.” While we are becoming used to the numerous event cancellations, canceling a wedding just doesn’t sit well, especially with most Southern women.

Suddenly, photo backgrounds are full of masks,

plastic jugs of hand sanitizer, as well as mini hand sanitizers labeled “Spread Love, Not Germs.” Who could have ever imagined? Normalcy and plans are being thrown out the window practically on the way down the aisle. For the most part, mega- weddings are a thing of the past for the foreseeable future, along with their jaw-dropping costs and the “who’s who” guest lists.

With the focus quickly changing to more intimate wedding formats and scaled-down guest lists, couples are being forced to reinvent their original vision and rediscover the non-negotiables, the ties that truly bind. Who and what do these couples really need with them at their milestone event?

So in the meantime, to safely celebrate and commemorate, more planning and thought must go into the logistics.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL A Greek philosopher once said, “Change is the only constant.” As many are hoarding toilet paper rolls,

here

Bride

COMES THE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Weather permitting, all events can take place outside or under tents. Ensure that if you choose an indoor option for a reception that you also include plenty of high top and banquet tables outside for those guests wishing to space out.

SHORT AND SWEET Consider a family ceremony that is limited in time and big on space. Without a large wedding party, a wedding ceremony does not have to last longer than 10-15 minutes. The couple can always encourage the use of masks during the ceremony for those seated. The less time seated close together, the better.

RECONFIGURE TABLE TALK Forgo a traditional buffet and consider a served meal or a staff served buffet.

This is an easy change to ensure more safety. Most round banquet tables seat 8.

Consider only seating 4 or 6 at a table. Seating charts also help encourage friend groups or families to sit together.

PHOTO BY BELIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY

engaged couples are being forced to roll with the times, adjust expectations and strategize a new plan. Flexibility on the couple’s part helps lessen the stress level of everyone involved with the planning process. It is simply paramount. After the requisite period of disappointment, a positive approach is essential to handle any headwinds of change that blow your way. Without this, the planning is no fun, and it most certainly should be a good time! Your wedding planner will thank you! The reality of the situation is that sometimes love really does have to be patient.

QUALITY NOT QUANTITY Downsizing a wedding does not equate to a wedding that is not well done. Usually, the opposite occurs.

With a focus on family and special friends, a couple can achieve more bang for their buck. A higher-end meal or full bar may become feasible once the headcount goes down. Keep the integrity of the event even as you make edits, and you will not be disappointed.

KNOW THE RULES OF THE GAME Before considering a change of date or complete cancellation, make sure to read through every vendor contact. Don’t get stuck in a financial situation because you get ahead of yourself and cancel. Fortunately, vendors have been exceptionally willing to bend over backward during this challenging time to accommodate as much of the original wedding vision as possible. This is when a wedding consultant can effectively help you navigate through the red tape and determine alternative approaches.

THE AFTER PARTY As many couples who elope often do, throw a party when things calm down.

Your marriage is paramount, so look forward to extending the celebration once we are able. Wear a white cocktail dress, serve your signature drinks and celebrate in style without the worry.

IT’S A CELEBRATION, NOT ROCKET SCIENCE Great weddings allow everyone involved to suspend daily life and create some magic. Don’t make the planning so complicated that the fun is lost. Intimate groups can make for the most memorable celebrations.

Most significantly, the marriage does not have to be canceled. This pandemic threatens the wedding, not the commitment made by the couple. Stay thoughtful, organized and do try to enjoy the moment that you created.

Winter 2021

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Congratulations

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Valdosta Magazine

Weddings REAL

L AC IE GUY & A L A N R OW E

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS… AND FLOWERS

S TO RY BY TAY LO R W I L D E S PHOTOGRAPHY BY GANDY PHOTOGRAPHERS

F

ROM A YOUNG AGE, Lacie Guy already had a clear vision of what her dream wedding would look like: married by twenty-five years old with ten bridesmaids, 250 guests, and the most beautiful floral arrangements. As the daughter of a florist, Susan Mullis, owner of The Flower Gallery, Lacie had an insider’s view of countless weddings and used those opportunities to take mental notes, carefully curating and collecting ideas to use for her own wedding when the time came.

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Lacie and her fiancé, Alan Rowe, differed from their friends as they found themselves planning a wedding at thirty-five years old, a ten-year difference from Lacie’s childhood vision of being married by twenty-five. She discovered that the wedding she envisioned for herself at twenty-five looked much different years later. Lacie’s wedding planning focus became centered around the relationships with friends and family that she and Alan formed over the years. Of course, her desire for stunning floral arrangements never wavered.

Once Lacie and Alan began planning their wedding, they quickly agreed on an intimate atmosphere that would allow them to spend quality time with their guests. They ultimately opted for a destination wedding at Amelia Island Plantation—a special place to each of them with a shared history between both of their families. In the spirit of creating a relaxed environment, they decided against having a wedding party so that those closest to them could truly enjoy the weekend.

Deciding on an intimate celebration without a wedding party in 2019 turned out to be a blessing in 2020 when they were faced with the restrictions of a global pandemic and the number one priority of ensuring the safety of their 24

Valdosta Magazine

guests. If Covid wasn’t enough of a wedding crasher, the soon-to-be newlyweds were hit with another setback when a nor’easter made an appearance along the east coast earlier than expected, creating a domino effect of challenges, including switching venues three different times to avoid the 50 miles per hour winds threatening their wedding day. Lacie credits their team of vendors, including The Flower Gallery, and their wedding planners, The Pink Bees, for facilitating a smooth transition: “this made everything effortless for our guests, and the hurricane-like winds took a backseat to the fun and laughter of our evening,” she explained.

Weddings REAL

Though Lacie and Alan faced a plethora of unforeseen circumstances—both before their wedding and during their wedding weekend—they focused their energy on the things they could control and ended up having “the most fun weekend of their lives.” In addition to celebrating their marriage, Lacie and Alan felt happy to be able to bring a bit of joy into a year filled with uncertainty and heartache for so many.

“The year being as tumultuous as it was made Alan and me feel even more grateful and blessed for the amazing people in our lives,” Lacie explained.

Often, in the face of challenge and hardship, we come out of the other side refreshed, with a renewed appreciation for what is most important in life.

If you are wondering how Lacie’s wedding compared to her original vision for her twenty-five-yearold self, there's no comparison. "What I envisioned my wedding to be like all those years ago was totally trumped with a destination wedding, 85 guests, and the most beautiful flowers that I have ever seen.”

“Planning a destination wedding prior to a pandemic, facing a potential postponement, then being greeted by a nor’easter truly brought to light the things that mattered the most to us for our special weekend: faith, family, friends, flowers…and a full bar!”

“THE YEAR BEING AS TUMULTUOUS AS IT WAS MADE ALAN AND ME FEEL EVEN MORE GRATEFUL AND BLESSED FOR THE AMAZING PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES,”

advice “Choose a good team of team of vendors.

They made everything effortless for our guests, and the hurricane-like winds took a backseat to the fun and laughter of our evening.”

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A Stellar Event!

A DANIEL HANIFAN EXPERIENCE

Designer, Daniel Hanifan and his highly qualified staff will work with you to create a unique wedding experience.

We work with your vendors to create a “Once in a Lifetime” Experience!

STELLAR ATTRACTIONS StellarEvents.info | 229-305-6759 26

Valdosta Magazine

Patti Everett and James Allen Bryant were as surprised as everyone else at the father – daughter dance.

DADDY

T

dance WITH ME

aylor Everett Bryant married James Allen Bryant at the beautiful Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia, last fall. Taylor's mother, Patti Everett, joked through the years that it would be so much fun if Taylor and her father did something special for their father-daughter dance. Taylor and her father, Steve Everett, have always shared a very special bond. She says, “We have enjoyed attending the Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance for 21 years in a row, so dances are our thing!”

The duo did not decide until about two months before the wedding to do the surprise dance to kick off the reception, so they had to quickly get to work!

Lloyd Carter mixed together four songs to make the dance even more personal to them, including Patti's favorite song, "Old Time Rock n Roll.” Taylor said, “We had the best choreographer, Gaye George. She choreographed the dance, and we met at her studio to practice. We would sometimes tell James Allen that I was with friends, and my dad would tell my mom that he was running errands. We would also try and schedule practices on my lunch break and on his golf days.” Taylor and Steve also planned “date nights” where they would have dinner and then go practice their routine.

Taylor Everett Bryant dancing with her father, Steve Everett.

S TO RY BY D E VA N M A R T I N

Taylor said, “It was extremely hard keeping the secret, especially because I didn't tell any of my friends! After the ceremony, everyone thought the hard part was over for me, but that is when my nerves kicked in because I was the only one who knew what was about to happen!"

The guests at the reception were delighted to see the pair dancing, and all eyes were on Taylor and Steve. Many of the guests said they were hoping something exciting was going to happen to celebrate the special relationship they share. On the side of the dance floor, James Allen and Patti were very surprised and will never forget the feeling of cheering them on during the dance.

Lots of laughs, applause and whistles from the crowd, and even a few happy tears were shed.

The guests were most surprised to find out that Steve was the mastermind behind the plan. Taylor was a little nervous about making a mistake in the routine, as she never got to practice in her wedding gown until the actual moment, but she says her dad was confident from the beginning! Taylor added, “It was truly such a sweet and special memory that I will treasure forever!”

Steve has certainly had a positive influence on Taylor's life and how she views marriage and her relationship with her new husband. She says, "My dad is my best friend! We have such a close relationship, and I've always said I want to marry a man that reminds me of him. Dad and James Allen have so many similar qualities, and I love to see how close they are too! Their relationship is really fun to watch, and it makes me happy that my dad loves him so much!”

When asked about the next chapter of her life, Taylor is most excited about making a life with her husband, James Allen. "I'm so excited to travel, go on adventures, and explore everyday life with him!"

Winter 2021 27

Glowing Face Lab Brides

We suggest getting wedding ready 6 months before the wedding day and encourage brides to come in for a complimentary skin consultation to get on a medical grade skin care regimen and treatment plan.

Aesthetic Treatments frequently suggested for our brides to be include: Chemical Peels • Hydrofacials SaltFacial MD • Microneedling PRP (platelet rich plasma) • Photofacials Dermaplaning • Laser Hair Removal LED Light Therapy • Skin Resurfacing Injectable treatments include: Botox • Dysport • Xeomin Dermal Fillers: Restylane • Juvederm • Radiesse • Versa Aquagold • PDO Threads Our team at Face Lab are trained and educated in the latest medical aesthetic treatments available on the market today. Call to book your complementary consultation to look and feel your best on your very special day.

3322 GREYSTONE WAY * VALDOSTA, GA

229.242.0331

facelabvaldosta.com | christycarter1969@yahoo.com Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. noon

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Valdosta Magazine

Best of South Georgia 2021

Weddings REAL

AS H L E Y T HO RN E & N IC K HA M M O C K

THEY TOOK A CHANCE ON

love

STORY BY TAY LO R W I L D E S PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

W

HEN A CHANCE ENCOUNTER leads you to the love of your life, it’s a pretty big deal. Four years ago, Ashley Thorne was coaching her son's flag football team while Nick Hammock sat in the stands watching his nephew play the game. More than just a flag was captured that day as Ashley and Nick were introduced to each other, exchanged numbers, and started spending time together.

Three years later, they were engaged, and the wedding planning commenced.

Ashley scheduled a tour at Quail Branch Lodge, immediately fell in love with the venue, and booked her wedding day for the following year.

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ALTHOUGH ASHLEY AND NICK WERE ABLE TO KEEP THEIR ORIGINAL WEDDING DATE, THEY STILL HAD TO MAKE PAINFUL SACRIFICES TO KEEP THEIR WEDDING ON TRACK.

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Weddings REAL

To everyone’s surprise, the year 2020 had much more in store for us than anyone could have imagined.

Although Ashley and Nick were able to keep their original wedding date, they still had to make painful sacrifices to keep their wedding on track.

Ashley was looking forward to having all of her friends and family together to celebrate their big day.

However, due to Covid, all of her family from Puerto Rico—some who she had not seen in years—were unable to attend because of travel restrictions. As heartbreaking as it was not having part of her family present, she made the best of it by live-streaming the festivities so that her family in Puerto Rico could still watch her get married and celebrate from afar. Her veil was made in Puerto Rico so that she could subtly represent those members of her family who were unable to attend.

Although Ashley missed members of her family, she was thankful for her parents' love and support and that she was still able to have the wedding of her dreams after hearing about so many other weddings being postponed. “I kept my faith and prayed to keep our wedding

on schedule. I am very blessed that we did not have to change anything,” she explained.

Luckily, Ashley and Nick picked the perfect venue for social distancing without even knowing it at the time.

In addition to maintaining Covid social distancing protocols, they worked closely with their wedding planner to ensure everything was cleaned properly and provided masks and hand sanitizer.

One of Ashley’s favorite aesthetic details from her big day was her floral arrangements, which included a vibrant mixture of burnt orange, peach, white roses, and eucalyptus.

Ashley’s advice to brides-to-be currently planning a pandemic wedding is rooted in faith: “Try not to worry while planning your wedding and trust God during these uncertain times.” She also places importance on being present and enjoying the moment. "My best advice would be to have fun and not to stress. This day is about you; yes, it can get overwhelming, especially the closer it gets, but just make sure you have fun.”

advice “Have fun and not to stress. This day is about you; yes, it can get overwhelming, especially the closer it gets, but just make sure you have fun.”

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Robert & Emma (Stevens) Herrig

Flowers

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING UNIQUE STORY BY SUSAN MULLIS, OWNER, THE FLOWER GALLERY

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Alan & Lacie (Guy) Rowe

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oday’s weddings are all about making it personal and bringing your own style to your special day. Every wedding should be unique and a one-of-a-kind event that speaks to the couple’s style and personality.

Whether it be incorporating personal family heirlooms, a pet, hobbies, or a favorite movie that you share, all of it can work together to make your wedding truly unique and a one-of-a-kind event.

Flowers speak volumes when planning a wedding. Flowers bring love, color, fragrance, and excitement to the wedding and can transform any room or venue. The most important thing is to enjoy the day with family and friends surrounded by your favorite flowers!

Bridal Bouquets • Ceremony • Reception • Events •Centerpieces to Fit Any Budget

The Flower Gallery Voted “Best of the Best” Florist by Readers Choice Year after Year!

Creating exceptional designs & lasting memories for brides for over 20 years.

Located in Historic Downtown Valdosta 127 N. Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31601

(229) 242-1001 theflowergalleryga.com

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Park Place ҂ҁ҉ àԄ £þƢţ Ǜĩűƿĩ ßþŦĢŻƪƷþӾ G ҄҂҇ҁ҃ ԕ҃​҃ҊԖ ҃҅҃Ԡ҆​҆҅​҅

An Intimate Location for All Your Wedding Events, Parties, & Photos!

'Ƣĩƪƪ ŻƿƢƷĩƪǢ ŻŁ àʼnŎƷĩ àĩĢĢŎűłƪ £ʼnŻƷŻƪ ĚǢ tþƷþŦŎĩ ¦Żƪĩ £ʼnŻƷŻłƢþƟʼnǢ 34

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Weddings REAL

J O R DAN J O HN S & TY L E R KE Y

ENDURING LOVE S TO RY BY TAY LO R W I L D E S PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADISON CARTER

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J

ORDAN JOHNS AND TYLER KEY have quite literally known each other nearly their entire lives, meeting as toddlers after their mothers became coworkers—giving the phrase “childhood sweethearts” a whole new meaning. The two formed an unbreakable bond that stayed strong even throughout years of long-distance dating during their time in high school and college.

It is difficult to avoid words like “destiny” and “fate” when describing Jordan and Tyler’s love story. When they were just fifteen years old, Tyler accepted Jordan’s invitation to be her date to the Sweet 16 Dance right here in Valdosta, Georgia, and, seven years later, she accepted his proposal— standing in front of a Tennessee waterfall. Magical?

I would say so.

Wedding planning typically encompasses a whirlwind of emotions, from pure bliss and excitement to anxiety and stress. Adding a global pandem-

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ic into the mix elevates those emotions tenfold as brides have been forced to navigate wedding planning in uncharted territory. Thankfully, brides all over the world have persevered and adapted to our “new normal” with remarkable creativity, patience, and grace.

Rather than getting discouraged over having to overcome additional obstacles while planning her Highgrove Farm wedding, Jordan was able to rise to the challenge. She never lost sight of the true meaning of their wedding day. "In the end, the pandemic made Tyler and me realize what was truly important: being together, forever," Jordan emphasized.

However, planning her big day did present certain challenges. Jordan credits her amazing vendors for stepping up to the occasion with creative solutions to help make their wedding day beyond what they could have ever imagined. Like many brides, Jordan had to postpone her wedding due to Covid but says that it worked out better than she could

Weddings REAL

“I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT GOD CREATED US FOR EACH OTHER.”

have imagined because the one-month postponement allowed their grandparents to attend the wedding.

Besides the lengthy to-do list associated with any wedding, additional safety measures had to be taken. To make sure guests felt safe during their wedding, Jordan and Tyler provided guests with masks and individual hand sanitizers. They also offered socially distanced seating and even went so far as to set up a viewing area outside of the chapel to live-stream the ceremony for guests who felt more comfortable sitting outdoors.

Jordan’s advice to brides during the Covid pandemic is to, "Take wedding planning one day at a time and always try to have a backup plan in mind.

There will be times of uncertainty but never give up.” She also emphasized the importance of trusting your vision and believing in the expertise of your vendors. "If you place your trust in them, your wedding day will be magical."

Reflecting on Jordan and Tyler’s love story makes one thing abundantly clear: from time, distance, and even a global pandemic…love endures all things.

"Take wedding planning one day at a time and always try to have a backup plan in mind. There will be times of uncertainty but never give up.”

advice

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Bridal Suite

Fox Hill Fox Hill THE

* Chiavari chairs included in packages

8163 MILLER ROAD HAHIRA, GA 31632 foxhillplantation.com

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Perfect

VENUE FOR YOUR

Perfect

EVENT

AMENITIES: • Premieres its first wedding March 13, 2021 • Extremely limited availability remaining for 2021 • Now booking 2022 wedding weekends • Open-air ceremony pavilion with large seating capacity • Heated and cooled reception barn with spacious covered patio and dance floor • Tastefully appointed Bridal Suite and Groom’s Parlor • Large bar and serving area • In-house coordinator and planner available • Ample parking • And the prettiest landscape in Lowndes County

Yes,

Your Honeymoon is Still Out There Waiting for Your Arrival!

Written By Jane Shelton, South Georgia Travel

T

ravel is rather challenging amidst COVID-19; however, it is still possible when using great care and following guidelines when traveling.

Honeymoons in the Caribbean are still a valid option, with islands putting in place their own guidelines and requirements. It is imperative that you check with your travel advisor when planning your honeymoon so that you will be sure to have all the information you need to travel safely and worry-free.

Some islands require PCR COVID-19 testing before your arrival, and these regulations vary depending on which island or country you are flying into. For instance, Jamaica requires testing ten days before your arrival, while many of the islands require 72 hours prior to your arrival.

Currently, Barbados requires a quarantine upon arrival, in addition to a second test after arrival.

As of January 26, 2021, the CDC will require all travelers coming into the U.S. to have a negative test before entry into the U.S. Testing is being done by the resorts where you are staying in most cases.

International travel is a very fluid situation with rules and guidelines changing almost daily, so again, contact your travel advisor when you begin planning your honeymoon to guide you through all the requirements specific to your honeymoon travel.

If testing internationally is not on your bucket list of things to do for your honeymoon, then I would suggest considering a U.S. destination with your travel advisor. Key West, for example, does not require any testing. Hawaii requires testing prior to entry but not upon exit at this time. These two destinations would still provide you with the tropical, Caribbean feel you are looking to experience. Hawaii is especially lush with beautiful beaches and plenty of places to explore on both land and water. Big ship cruising will hopefully be back on track in the summer of 2021 The tropics are not the only places to explore. There are great cities all over the U.S. like San Diego, San Antonio, New Orleans, to name a few. And don't forget the great National Parks are just waiting to be explored, especially if you are into hiking, biking or other fun land activities that get you out into nature…a great place to be to escape the woes of COVID-19!

Most importantly, make sure you contact your travel advisor to walk you through the planning so that you are well-informed. We'll be here for you from the first conversation to begin your plans until your safe return home.

Jane Shelton, President South Georgia Travel 229-244-2324 jane@sgatravel.com Winter 2021

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Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a big production, your wedding should be as unforgettable as you are.

Planning and hosting a wedding can be overwhelming to even the most seasoned planner. We can assist you every step of the way from finding the perfect location to booking the rooms.

Bridal Showers, Engagement - Rehearsal dinners, and Wedding Receptions, our staff will work tirelessly to make it a Lifetime Memory.

Events up to 200 people.

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na Mills Photography

Anna Mills Photography Anna Mills Photography

Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center I-75 (Exit 16) • 1805 West Hill Avenue Valdosta, Ga 31601 229-244-1111 40 weddings@williamshotelgroup.com Valdosta Magazine www.williamshotelgroup.com

a young love – LOST AND FOUND –

REKINDLED

It's been said that there will always be that one person you will never get over – no matter how long it's been. Such is true for Delayne and Delbert Raiford, who First Fell in Love 30 Years Ago but were not married until last year.

S TO RY BY D E L AY N E R A I F O R D PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

O

ur love began long before we knew what was in store. While one of us recalls a seventh-grader rearing his head back in laughter toward a fifth grader's interest, the other remembers being overlooked for another. Regardless of our misguided memories, God placed us where we needed to be. We tell each other that when looking back at our missed opportunities to be together.

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RIGHT:

A young couple in love, Delayne and Delbert first met in elementary school and dated through high school before becoming separated after Delbert graduated.

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Although we were each other's first loves throughout high school, our road of trepidation started when Delbert (Del) graduated from high school and, as I think back, left me behind. Then he returned to reclaim me after my sophomore year of college. He states I snubbed him. There was also a time when I found him by dialing information. There are some of us still old enough to know that you could dial 411 with the knowledge of the person's city of residence, and the operator would kindly oblige you of the requested person's address and landline number. Although I found him, a couple of mistruths lay in wait, and the person who answered failed to relay my message. What then ensued were hurt feelings and miscommunication that drove us to over 30 years of separation. This led each of us to a state of daydreaming, pained by wishful thinking and sometimes even driving by old haunts hoping to see one another.

Well, now all we can say is THANK GOODNESS FOR FACEBOOK!!!! I had looked for Del through his brother, Johnathan's, Facebook page, to no avail. Del looked for

me through mutual friends' pages with the same luck. Little did I know that the Air Force forced Del to change the spelling of his last name due to a misprint on his birth certificate. Coincidently, I had started using my first name. So, we were looking for each other without a clue of the changes! Finally, through Del’s persistence, he found me. Although he did not recognize my name, when viewing my picture, he knew my face. Now, why didn’t we just ask his brother, Johnathan? Afterward, we both canceled our Facebook accounts. It had served its purpose: our reconnection.

Things do come around within its season, and this is the season for Delayne and Delbert. From the obstacles placed before us through the years, we learned to stay close through communication and never take for granted our love that has been nurtured over time. For us, we find faith in the belief that things happen for a reason, so we cherish our

LEFT:

“My father passed away three years ago so I had him “talk me down the aisle” to four voice recordings that were played as I walked alone to my groom. I prayed to have the strength to make it down to the end and I did.

I wanted it this way because no one could ever take my Daddy’s place.”

time together.

When in our presence, please excuse us in advance for being giddy in love. For see, our adoration never grew past the teenage years, and we find each day to be a blessing: to be together, to grow old, and excitingly more in love.

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Custom Wedding cakes, designed uniquely for you! We offer our custom decorated Sugar Cookies for any of your special occasions! Stop in daily for our fresh Cheese Straws, Thumbprint cookies, SweetPolly Truffles, and many other treats from our ever changing menu! We love to help with all of the sweet events and milestones in your life!

2180 North Ashley Street • Valdosta, GA 31605

(229) 262-2247

Valdosta & Tallahassee www.whitewedbridal.com

Direct-ship to your groomsmen!

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LEFT: Consider unique venues such as a garden, courtyard, museum ­gallery, library, wine cellar, or a ­favorite restaurant.

Trending,

THE MICRO -WEDDING An Intimate Affair

C

Story By Lynn Vallotton

oined by wedding planners, the Micro-Wedding is a nuptial affair with around 50 guest or less in attendance. While weddings are generally believed to be big events, small weddings are trending lately. A limited guest list is one safer way to get married in light of the coronavirus pandemic, but couples may also gravitate toward the more intimate affair because they are typically more cost effective.

In fact, a smaller wedding is an opportunity to “go all out” for an intimate and more personal experience. Limiting your guest list can cut costs while opening up a larger budget for a more luxurious event.

Unique venues, specialty menus, abundance of florals and personal décor can customize your day to be truly yours. Shrinking down to a cozy, intimate size event guarantees you’ll love where your money goes. Give yourself, your beloved and your guest a once in a life time experience.

ABOVE: An abundance of flowers on an arbor, garlands, hanging arrangements, and flower walls make a dramatic impact.

F LO R A L D E S I G N • 35 years floral experience • Certified Georgia Master Florist • Award winning floral designer • Specializing in Weddings and events

Lynn Vallotton Floral Design lvallotton@bellsouth.net

229-257-6533 ABOVE: The use of personal touches like family heirlooms, fine china, crystal, treasured candle sticks, and memorable favors make a lasting impression.

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Engagement Party Planning S Doug Carter Design & Consulting 229-247-6775 dcarter@dougcarterdesign.com 46

Valdosta Valdosta Magazine Magazine

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY D O U G C A R T E R , C A R T E R D E S I G N & C O N S U LT I N G

ocial Distancing, quarantining, and even the once foreign word “pandemic” has quickly become a staple in our vocabulary today. But to a bride, groom, and any proper entertaining host, these nightmarish phrases have become the latest real obstacles to test the very fabric of our ever-changing social graces.

A wedding and the many social celebrations horning such union is what any true southern bride has dreamt and prepared for from an early age. Any respectable host or group of hosts can confidently address today’s challenges and offer the bride a celebration she will not easily forget.

There are a few key points to remember when hosting a party with the Covid crisis still looming, and these suggestions seem more applicable than ever.

ADAPTING IS KEY Listening to your bride or honoree and tailoring the theme and menu to suit their personality or ideas is crucial for a successful party.

INVITATION AND COMMUNICATION In the days of “e-vites” and social media, never discount the power of a printed invitation. The style and theme of the invite set the tone for the party yet to come. Always remember to communicate the date, time, and location (provide a map if necessary). A considerate host will also convey dress code suggestions, while a polite guest will always regret if they are unable to attend.

ALWAYS CHOOSE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY Whether it’s with the guest restrictions of Covid or merely trying to maintain cost, a good host will always choose the quality of the food, décor, and amenities over quantity.

TRADITION EQUATES TO COMFORT AND FAMILIARITY Even today, when brides refuse to register for formal china, using traditional china, table linens, and silver in the celebration brings a sense of tradition and order. During these uncertain and unfamiliar times, people are drawn to tradition. It seems to never go out of style.

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WEDDING RECEPTIONS / REHEARSAL DINNERS LICENSED AND INSURED BAR SERVICE RENTAL SERVICE WITH TABLES, CHAIRS, AND LINENS

Elegance A TASTE OF

COVINGTON’S DINING & CATERING

229-242-2261 covingtonscatering.com | caterinc@bellsouth.net

Bridal Registry 2020 Bridal Registry Provided by Perfect Settings

Morgan Herrin & Mark Bassford January 16, 2021 Mary Margaret Lee & Daniel McMillan January 30, 2021 Ashli Scruggs & Brad Jones January 20, 2021 Emily Rozier & Brandon Bland February 6, 2021 Carly Davis & Dulayne Cumberlander February 27, 2021 Emily Gray Powell & Jonathan Pritchard March 6, 2021 Lori Taylor & Ryan Harrod March 6, 2021 Lindsey Hannon &Hunter Broadway March 6, 2021 Callie Warren & Ross Sutton March 12, 2021 Tanner Gordon & Randy Herndon March 13, 2021 Leanna Williams & Robbie Hilton March 20, 2021 Rachel Cohen & Connor Dillion March 20, 2021 Katie Pleasants & Jaime Harper March 20, 2021 Jenny Bullard & Ren Hester March 27, 2021 Lizzie Carter & Tyler Toles April 10, 2021 Alyssa Griffin & Chase Griffin May 1, 2021 Lynn Pulido & Jared Daly May 8, 2021 Tenley Kiger &Stewart Ward May 15, 2021 Brandy Rollins & Ryan Johnson May 22, 2021 Avery Kolisz & Logan Taylor May 29, 2021 Laura Wilson & Stephen Greenway June 12, 2021 Anna Barber & Spencer Ensley September 11 , 2021 Katie Allen & Austin Connell November 6, 2021 Rachel Dampier & Pete Cantella December 4, 2021 Sarah O’Neal & Charles Lisk TBD Shop our entire store and registries on our NEW website at

From the registry of Tenley Kiger & Stewart Ward (May 15, 2021)

From the registry of Katie Allen & Austin Connell (November 6, 2021)

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(229) 219-7751

3338-H Country Club Road Valdosta, Ga 31605

Theming Your Wedding Paper

BY MARY BETH SMOTHERMAN, MANAGER PERFECT SETTINGS

B

efore you begin your wedding paper design, think about what you are envisioning for your event. The invitation is the first glimpse into what your big day will be. Do you want it to be black tie? Are you inspired by the colors of Spring? Do you hope for a more laid back, casual atmosphere? It is important to choose a style for your wedding paper that sets the tone of formality and theme of your ceremony and reception.

Wedding paper design includes several different aspects, such as wording, font styles, color, and paper texture. Even if you’re not planning a specific theme, you can add a unique flair representing your personalities or things that are important to both of you. The latest trend is using a custom monogram or motif that can be used throughout all of your wedding paper. Using a consistent symbol on your save the dates, wedding invitations, programs, cocktail napkins, menu cards, thank you notes, and more gives a uniform and cohesive look on every item your guests touch and see. This symbol can be inspired by a special detail such as an intertwining monogram, your venue, a family crest, or a favorite flower.

The staff at Perfect Settings is happy to help with all your wedding paper design needs.

Rebekah Cottle used a hand-painted wreath by Darby Boruff for her wedding crest. The red and green colors brought in just the right amount of holiday without screaming Christmas. She used a two-letter monogram in the middle. A two-letter monogram using the first initials of the bride and groom is a great way to keep the same letters before and after the ceremony. Emily Post recommends you wait to use your 3-letter married monogram until after you say "I do."

While you may think about designing your save the date card before anything else, it is crucial to start with the invitation itself. This item is the base for the rest of your paper. Once you decide what you want your invitation to look like, you can use those same fonts, colors, and motif on your save the date.

The motif can look precisely the same on each piece, or you can change it up! For example, Lacey Duggan used a custom watercolor of her reception venue, the beautiful Crescent, on her save the dates and cocktail napkins. For a more traditional look, she decided to use an outline drawing of the same image on her wedding invitation.

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P H OTO BY G A N DY P H OTO G R A P H E R S

Groomsmen Gift Ideas T

he groomsmen and best man have stood by the groom during the months leading up to the big wedding day. They have attended engagement parties, planned the bachelor party, and more. Now it is time for the groom to say “thank you” with the perfect groomsmen gift.

Valdosta has several retailers that offer lasting and memorable gifts for the groomsmen they will treasure for years to come.

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THE WATERFORD LISMORE DOUBLE OLD FASHIONED is for the classic man. Give your groomsmen something memorable to add to their bar for a lifetime. Shop these gorgeous masculine glasses at PERFECT SETTINGS any time of year!

R. L. MARTIN & CO carries the largest selection of BRACKISH BOW TIES in South Georgia. These ties are a modern take on the classic bow tie and handcrafted to reflect the natural beauty of each genuine bird feather. Many of our grooms choose this gift for their groomsmen to wear during the wedding ceremony, and it can be enjoyed for many years to come. These one-of-a-kind bow ties stand the test of time.

NEEDLEPOINT COASTERS AND FLASKS from Smathers and Branson offer a variety of motifs from hunting, music, fishing, sports teams, and lifestyle that can be ordered to fit your groomsmen’s personalities. These quality gifts will be enjoyed and loved by the men who mean the most in your life and are available at R.L. MARTIN & CO. STOGIES DOWNTOWN offers specialty and UNIQUE CIGARS for the groomsmen to enjoy on the big day or at their leisure. Stogies also carry a great selection of humidors to keep those cigars fresh. Visit Stogies Downtown for a gift your groomsmen will love.

For a unique gift for your groomsmen, consider CANEBREAK RATTLESNAKE BELTS. These belts are made from the finest snakeskin and leather and are handcrafted in south Georgia. Visit WHITE WEDDINGS to see all the styles they have available.

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Pushing petals all around South Georgia... and beyond!

229-740-3086

@boxwoodandblooms

Boutique for the Stylish, with a Southern flair, & a side of Sass.

A

Boutique Clothing Shoes Accessories Home Décor Furniture Gifts

(229) 588-4933 100 North Ashley Street • Valdosta, Georgia stylishsouthernandsassy.com 52

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love, marriage…

and adjust your beneficiaries to ensure all children are accounted for.

FIRST COMES

CREATE OR ADJUST YOUR ESTATE PLAN.

THEN COMES

T

he K-I-S-S-I-N-G song may remind us of our childhood, singing about love, marriage, and babies.

While this may be a fun sentiment, as adults, we know that preparation requires planning, such as hiring a wedding planner before you tie the knot. While weddings are mostly regarded as single events, taking care of your children with your life partner can last a lifetime.

As a new parent, sleepless nights and additional responsibilities are inevitable, especially when it comes to changes in your finances. Below are a few tips to help make it less of a financial shock.

HEALTHCARE COSTS. Understanding what expenses your health insurance covers will help you determine your maximum out-of-pocket expense. Babies can be expensive; in fact, according to a recent report, the average cost of raising a child from birth through age 17 is nearly

Article provided by the Campbell Hutchinson Financial Group

$250,000, and this doesn’t even factor in college expenses.1 It’s helpful to come up with a budget before your new baby arrives and adjust it as needed.

FUND YOUR HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA). If you have an HSA account, you

can use those funds for routine doctor visits. When your newborn is sick, the last thing you want to worry about is how you will pay for your baby’s co-pay and the cost of medicine.

CUT DOWN OR PAY OFF OLD DEBT.

Before adding new debt with the cost of a child, it’s a good idea to pay off old debt, including credit card balances, student loans, and any other debt you can afford to pay off.

UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES. Ensure

the money you have saved goes to the appropriate people in the event something were to happen to you. If this is your second or third child, don’t forget to review

If you do not have a current will or trust, now is the best time to create one. More importantly, naming your child’s guardian in the event you and your spouse were to pass away is crucial to ensuring your children are cared for in case you pre-decease them.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. You should always

fund your own retirement before funding other goals. Be sure to consistently contribute to your retirement accounts so you can retire and enjoy what you have worked for.

CONSIDER FUNDING A COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN. After paying for the necessi-

ties and funding your retirement accounts, you may want to consider funding an account for your child. When it comes to saving, the earlier you start, the longer you have to let your funds grow. By the time your children are ready to attend college, you’ll be in a better place to help with college expenses.

Wedding planners and life partners are with you during some of the most important events of your life. At Stifel, the Campbell Hutchinson Financial Group is here to help you navigate these events while you plan and prepare for your life full of K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

¹https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/01/13/cost-raising-child

Richard Campbell, CIMA® Senior Vice President/Investments

Paula Hutchinson, AAMS®, AIF® Senior Vice President/Investments

Zachary Hageman, CFP®, Financial Advisor Associate

3555 North Crossing Circle | Valdosta, Georgia 31602 | Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com Winter 2021

53

Local and Responsive.

Here when you need us.

Baytree Road • North Valdosta Road • Hahira www.cbcbank.com @MyCBCBank @MyCBCBank

Host your event in the heart of downtown with elegant charm! Perfect for:

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Converse Dalton Ferrell House 305 N. Patterson Street

info@vjsl.org 54

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PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

“In Napoli, where love is king, when boy meets girl, here’s what they say…”

Amoré a That’s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE “LOVE & MARRIAGE” issue each year is this section that profiles couples and the life they have built together…for better or worse.

These three couples: Lee and Justin Smothers, married 13 years, Kristin and Britt McLane, married 25 years, and Ginna and John McTier, married 60 years, have celebrated many anniversaries together and have very sage advice for other couples with their combined 98 years of marriage.

They have been over some mountains and through some valleys. Yet, they are still devoted and still in love. They seem to all agree with this quote about marriage, “Marriage – the roots are deep, the covenant is solid, love is sweet, life is hard, and God is good.”

And so, together, they have built a life they love!

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Pillars of Their Family 60Years & Community for

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Ginna & John McTier S T O R Y B Y M AT T I A G O D D A R D

illars of the community, Ginna and John McTier will celebrate sixty years of marriage this June. In 1960, Ginna Parramore left home for Atlanta where she worked at C&S Bank. As chance would have it, her roommate introduced her to a young lawyer, John McTier, who was then working with the law firm of Nall and Miller. On their first date driving down Ponce de Leon Avenue heading to the Commerce Club to attend a bar association function, they played the "do you know game."

Ginna asked John if he knew anyone from Valdosta. John, having attended Emory Jr. College in Valdosta at the age of sixteen, remembered one particular friend he had met there. That friend was Johnny B. Lastinger, who had the use of his father’s car. No small coincidence, Johnny B. had married Ginna’s sister, Lamb, in 1958.

The following year, in June of 1961, John and Ginna exchanged wedding vows in the chapel at First United Methodist Church, the same church where they as a family continue to worship this very day. John’s father, the Rev. Roy McTier, officiated at their ceremony. After a short honeymoon to the Grand Hotel at Point Clear, Alabama, the young couple returned to Atlanta and to work that Monday morning.

John had attended Emory University and completed Emory Law School in 1957. In 1961, while John was practicing law, Emory University offered John the position of Business Manager for the University, which he accepted. The following year in August, 1962, John and Ginna welcomed their first son, Tom, following close behind with their second son, Frank, in 1964.

At the urgings from B. Lamar Tillman and Henry Brice, two Valdosta lawyers, John was

offered a partnership in their law firm. The thought of raising their boys in Valdosta was very appealing to the young parents who had dreams of the good small-town life that they both had known, away from the city scene. In 1966, they moved to Valdosta and he joined the law firm of Tillman, Brice, McTier, and Coleman.

With a growing law practice and two young sons becoming of school age, John became involved with their academic future. His law partner, Henry Brice, called together a group of parents interested in establishing a private school.

John is proud to be a founding member of Valwood School and helped to secure the school’s Gornto Road location.

In 1981, John was appointed by the governor to the Jekyll Island Authority, a board he served on for 14 years. During his time on the board, they worked to restore the old Jekyll Island Hotel. John is also proud to have helped bring the YMCA to Lowndes County and working to acquire the land where the Y is currently located.

Ginna enjoys bridge with her long-time friends, and prior to the COVID pandemic, she was active in her tap dance group. She also makes time for frequent trips to the family’s vacation home on Amelia Island and attending a weekly Bible study group.

Most importantly, she always makes time for visits with their six precious grandchildren.

They have been blessed with three grandsons and three granddaughters. Their parents have raised them to be outdoorsy, continuing the tradition John and Ginna began years ago. The three generations enjoy spending quality time together at the family farm, with Ginna and John’s beloved bird dogs, Buddy and Lilly, joining in.

Ginna particularly enjoys cooking. She says, “It feels like I’ve been cooking forever. John likes my cooking, and my boys like it.” John is quick to add that his wife is a wonderful cook.

As Ginna will tell you, sixty years of marriage is truly a milestone.

“It all began with a covenant, meaning to be a lifelong commitment for a chosen relationship; a new life including our faiths, families, and friends all blending into a strong foundation to build upon.”

As John and Ginna agree, “It has taken determination, trust, patience, respect, and many, many prayers to have met all the challenges that life presented through the years.”

Due to the pandemic, Ginna and John have not finalized any plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary. Hopefully, and with God’s blessing, this coming June 17th will be one more gift of love for the two of them who have been so blessed on their journey through six decades together.

In 1974, the couple welcomed their youngest son, Robert.

Ginna devoted her life to raising her sons, getting very involved in Valwood School, the YMCA, the Valdosta Junior Service League, and her church.

The year 1996 presented John with his final, very rewarding career change to become Vice President and General Counsel of Griffin Corporation, one of John’s long-time corporate clients. Though this change required traveling to various states and other countries, John stayed the course until he and his coworkers completed the sale of Griffin Corporation to the Dupont Corporation.

Upon that completion, John served as “Of Counsel" to his old law firm but was ready to enjoy his outdoor life at his beloved Brooks County farm.

We made a covenant. It doesn't seem to be honored as it should be anymore. There are hills and valleys in everything; I tell my kids, you can make it, just don't give up.”

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PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

13 Years of

Music & Memories Lee & Justin Smothers S T O R Y B Y M AT T I A G O D D A R D

Lee and Justin met while they were both undergrads at Valdosta State University.

The year was 2002. Lee distinctly remembers walking into Loozie Anna’s in Remerton, the best place to go for live music at the time, and a trio was playing. She looked at her friend and asked, “Who is THAT?” Although they were introduced that night, it would be another year before their first date.

Shortly thereafter, Lee left for London to study abroad. Over the summer they kept in touch via email. She would tell him about her European escapades, and he’d tell her about the goings on at St. Augustine beach, and the latest with their mutual friends. By the time Lee got back stateside, they were inseparable.

As they dated, they took in lots of live music, something they both love. Justin played guitar in the local band, Skannyardle. They golfed and traveled and enjoyed as many live concerts as they could. Their engagement was in the summer of 2007 and they married the following September.

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It was a beautiful ceremony, officiated by the late Stan White at Christ the King Episcopal Church downtown. The reception at Bas Bleu was a true celebration.

As Lee recalls, “It was a FUN downtown wedding and party! Lots of dancing, lots of laughs! Sam Pacetti, one of our favorite musicians / fingerstyle guitarist from St. Augustine, performed at the wedding. We walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Tom Petty’s Angel Dream. Justin’s father, Joe Smothers, and fellow musician Rob Evans, sang Something in the Way She Moves (James Taylor) for our first dance.”

The couple had always planned to stay in Valdosta. Justin came to Valdosta at a young age and he plans to never leave. Lee grew up in Marietta and she missed it for the first few years, but after making great friends and with a promising career as the Marketing Manager for Wild Adventures, she knew Valdosta was where she wanted to be to start a family.

Long before they were married, Justin worked in radio as a DJ and Production Manager at Black Crow Media. This fit in well with his side gig, playing music with his father in the band Skannyardle. Lee joined him in radio a few years later, across the building in sales and marketing. Surprising themselves, they worked well together. In 2012, Justin decided to make the switch from radio personality to golf professional. Lee was later recruited to the Valdosta Country Club for a new position as Membership Director in 2014. Working together has taught them much about balance – as well as respect and teamwork.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Caroline in 2011 and they are proud that the creative genes have been passed down.

Caroline has been singing since she could talk and is now learning piano. In normal times, the trio stays busy, travelling to the beach where Caroline is learning to surf. St. Augustine is their favorite; they’ve gone there every summer since 2003.

Justin and Caroline also play golf together

as often as they can. Lee enjoys painting with Caroline. The arts are such a part of their family life that they have a music-art room where they all get creative.

They each make time for themselves.

Justin enjoys playing golf with the guys and playing music when he can. Lee enjoys art, entertaining, reading, and gardening. She prides herself on her involvement in the community, being active with the Valdosta Junior Service League and the distinction of being an Honorary Commander at Moody AFB. Together the couple enjoy cooking. Justin’s strength is on the grill and Lee is in the kitchen, making salads and apps. They’ve found a rhythm that works well for them.

Because of their shared love of live music, they are eager to begin going to concerts again, big and small, once the pandemic subsides.

Their central location among their respective families, all over GA and south FL, has made them the perfect host location for family gatherings, holidays, and birthdays.

They love their lives in Valdosta so much that they convinced Lee’s mom to move here in 2014.

“We love our friends and the people, we love the pace of life. We live on the best street in America, in a neighborhood filled with families, kids and pets. We love local dining and shopping and our friends who own these restaurants, boutiques and shops. We appreciate the fact that we have personal relationships with these people, our doctors, and others. We love our Church, Park Avenue United Methodist, and our church family, youth groups and Bible studies. We adore Caroline’s school, Crossroads Baptist School, and the positive impact it has had on our daughter, not only academically, but socially and personally.”

After more than a decade together, Lee and Justin’s relationship has evolved as they’ve grown. They started as college kids, then working professionals, to parents. They keep their perspective with lots of laughter. Lee considers Justin to be one of the funniest, most quick-witted people she knows. “I have diffused a few situations by making her laugh!”

Justin says.

“Patience, communication – both are so important. And keeping God in your marriage, in your family. Family is everything!”

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Patience, communication – both are so important. And keeping God in your marriage, in your family. Family is everything!”

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Quarter Century A

of a

and it all began in church

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Valdosta Magazine

Britt & Kristin McLane S T O R Y B Y M AT T I A G O D D A R D

aldosta native Britt McLane met Kristin through a mutual friend. Britt was in a bible study with John Mark Eager while Kristin was going on a mission trip to Romania with John Mark’s ministry, The Mailbox Club. John Mark brought the two groups together to meet for a cook out and the rest, as they say, is history. Their first date was at Covington’s and they were inseparable from that moment on. Britt proposed four months later and the couple married a few months after that.

Britt’s family goes back several generations here in Valdosta and his people are among some of the first settlers in South Georgia. Kristin grew up in a small town, Ellwood City, just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. She moved here shortly after high school graduation when her parents relocated for her father’s job. She joined them in their move and attended VSU. The couple shared their vows at Park Avenue United Methodist Church in September of 1995.

Kristin was a senior at VSU and Britt was already working at his family’s business, Carson

McLane Funeral Home. He also was a graduate of VSU. Because Britt was deeply committed to his job at Carson McLane Funeral Home, the couple never considered living anywhere but in Valdosta. He believes in serving the Valdosta community and he is honored that people trust him with their loved ones in such a difficult time of their life.

the outdoor adventure in Estes Park, CO and attending Bible College at Ravencrest Chalet.

Kristin has spent the last twenty years staying home raising their children, with an embroidery/monogram business on the side. She also helps Britt by managing Park Place, their event center.

When they’re home relaxing, Kristin enjoys cooking. She says, “The best part of our relationship is that I like to cook and Britt loves to eat! In 25 years he has never complained about anything I have served on the table and never minds when I experiment!”

The McLane family, with their three college age children, love the Valdosta area. It has been a great place to raise their family and the sense of community has been especially rewarding with friendships made and extended family so close. Their children have begun to spread their wings. Their oldest Mary Clayton, is a senior nursing major at Berry College in Rome, GA. Their second daughter, Claire, is a junior Interior Architecture major at Samford University in Birmingham, AL, and their son, Ty, is enjoying

After 25 years, Britt and Kristin have managed to find a healthy balance of activities outside of work. Britt loves the outdoors, and partakes in hunting and fishing as often as he can.

Kristin is a self-described “back porch kind of gal.”

The two empty nesters revel in traveling together and miss it these days. They are particularly fond of the mountains and they enjoy

spending time on Lake Burton.

They also love exploring new cities together and sampling different types of cuisine. Some of their favorite memories are from Napa Valley, Montreal, St. Martin and Italy. Britt and Kristin are eager to get back to travelling again.

As the couple reflects on their successful marriage, they believe unity is one of the most important things. “Couples need to have unity in the most important areas such as faith, children, and how you spend your time. Our Christian Faith also teaches us to love and serve the other spouse selflessly. We should view the other person’s needs as greater than our own.

This helps create a marriage that is not selfish or one sided.”

Couples need to have unity in the most important areas such as faith, children, and how you spend your time.”

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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to our healthcare heroes on the frontline!

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H ADMIT TWO H

A Perfectly Imperfect Relationship And how you can have one too!

STORY BY BILL & JENNIFER NEW

It always makes us cringe

when our friends refer to us as the “perfect couple” and talk about how we “always” have so much fun. Social media is great for a highlight reel, isn’t it?

It’s easy to present the best of us and for people to look at that and think we have it all figured out and have this amazingly perfect marriage without any issues, problems or struggles. If you look only at our Facebook posts, it would be easy to believe all that. It’s just not true.

We aren't the perfect couple. We don't always have so much fun. We don't have it all figured out. We don't have this amazingly perfect marriage. We do have issues, problems and struggles. But we also do have a joyous and thriving marriage, overflowing with wonderful adventures and lots of fun… and coffee.

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Valdosta Magazine

Fighting The GOOD FIGHT

One of our “secrets” to a joyous and thriving marriage is to fight (argue), BUT to fight well. Marriage is hard work; it merges two lives into one, which can be messy and extremely challenging. We were raised in different homes with different ideals.

We are individuals with our own thoughts, inspirations, and personalities. In our case, we brought with us the baggage of our two prior marriages and introduced the challenges of blending families, which made it an even greater priority to learn to fight well. We don’t want our previous failed relationships to have been in vain, so we invest in our marriage.

Tools for Success

We’ve enlisted the help of marriage conferences and books like "Love and Respect," "5 Love Languages," and "Sacred Marriage" to develop strategies for fighting well. Part of fighting well requires we have rules of engagement established ahead of time, so when the fight comes, we are ready, and the enemy doesn't get a foothold. Rules of engagement put certain things out of bounds. For example, we don’t let the D-word come to the table. It's not an option, so we don't utter the word. We allow a pause for a period of cooling off to avoid saying things that we would later regret, things that would only harm our relationship and each other. Still, after the

pause, we must return to the issue, often with a much calmer demeanor. We are both on alert for something called the crazy-cycle. That's where tensions fuel more tensions, and we go round and round, accomplishing nothing. When one of us identifies it, we inform the other, hold hands, count to three and literally jump off.

The Sacred Dance Circle

The sacred dance circle is something special we have created that gives us an opportunity to bring us back to wedding day bliss, diffusing the troubles of the day or issue. We love to dance together. We laugh, and we sing, and we spin around.

It's a special and sacred thing for us. When we’ve had a particularly stressful day, one of us calls "dance circle," and we leave all the stress outside. We don't talk about the day or think about the day; we just look into one another’s eyes and dance with one another. In the midst of ongoing tension, we might call a “dance circle”, leaving whatever disagreement we had and step into a moment of wedded bliss. We recognize the space as sacred space, greeting one another as if it’s a new day, a new moment. When we are done dancing, the circumstances that led to the “dance circle” are often less intense.

Every day is

a New adventure

We absolutely love doing new things together, sharing life and laughter, coffee shops and yummy foods, new places, and interesting activities.

As such, we seize every moment as an opportunity for a New adventure. It helps that everything we do

truly is a New adventure since we are the News. We find adventure in the mundane. We make life fun by finding the fun in it. We add some silly. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We just explore and tap into joy.

JESUS Marriage is our ministry. We believe marriage is more about holiness than happiness, and through marriage, we are demonstrating the sacred covenant relationship God has with the church. We prioritize spending intentional time in the Word, both individually and together. This helps us hear from God, bringing clarity to what He asks of us, especially how we are to love.

Staying grounded in God's Word keeps our eyes off each other's faults and focused on Him. We love each other best because we love Jesus the most. He is the very essential centering and critical aspect in our marriage.

H We do have a significant social media presence showing all the fun and adventures we share, and it’s easy to capture the moments in the midst of the fun. It’s not as easy to capture a picture in the middle of an argument, nor would it be appropriate. When emotions are intense, we promise you a picture to capture the moment is the last thing we want. It’s important to understand that you don’t see anyone’s full story through social media. It’s a heavily filtered arena.

We aren’t intentionally misleading anyone, but we do want you to know... we’re not perfect, just perhaps perfectly imperfect.

Winter 2021

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Valdosta Magazine

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GAME and greens

A TALE OF Story and Recipes by ANGELA HAGEN

Photo by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Duck chili with cornbread waffles served by the lake at Terra Chula Plantation.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR - hunting season is almost over. For me, that means freezers filled to the brim

with birds and venison. It means fresh green veggies of all kinds growing in abundance at my family’s farm. That also means that week after week, I have the same meats and veggies to work with that I must somehow recreate into different dishes.

There’s always the good ol’ favorites, like fried quail and bacon braised collards, cheese grits, and cornbread. But what I love to do most is take one of these staples and mix it up with something unexpected like fried quail with cornbread waffles, collards, and apples. Or pecan butter and jelly backstrap with cauliflower puree. And, a chili, made with duck or venison, with cornbread waffles, and a slaw.

Regardless of what you choose to pair together, these recipes will provide options for you to write your own tale of game and greens.

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Duck chili made with Georgia Beer’s Blonde Ale and cornbread waffles.

DUCK CHILI WITH GEORGIA BEER

Duck Chili & Cornbread Waffles Duck Chili > INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 lbs duck breast or two whole ducks (can also sub chicken, ground beef, or venison)* • 1 tsp salt (plus additional for duck) • 1 cup white onions, diced • 5 large cloves garlic, minced • 1 large can (28 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes • 2 cups beef broth • 1 can (15oz) kidney beans(rinsed and drained) • 1 can (16 oz) great northern beans (rinsed and drained) • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans (rinsed and drained) • 6 oz tomato paste • 12 ounces ale (for the best taste use locally brewed Georgia Beer’s Blonde Ale) 68

Valdosta Magazine

PHOTOS BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tsp ground black pepper • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika • 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes • ½ tsp cayenne pepper • ½ tsp coriander • Chopped cilantro, shredded gouda cheese, and sour cream to garnish

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Pecan butter and jelly backstrap with pecan butter and berry sauces paired with cauliflower puree and brussel sprouts.

Duck Chili > DIRECTIONS 1. Score the fat of the duck breast, sprinkle liberally with salt, and sear on high, fat side down (no additional fat or oil is needed), until golden brown and most of the fat has been rendered.

2. Remove the duck and slice or chop it. *** 3. Add the onions to the pot, cooking until they have softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the remainder of the ingredients (other than garnishes), including the duck.

5. Cook for about 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the duck is falling apart.

6. Serve with cheese, cilantro, and sour cream *** If using whole duck, beef or venison, skip the first two steps.

For the whole duck, cook in a crockpot or in a pot on the stove for 30-45 mins on high or until the duck is easy to shred. Then just add with other ingredients after cooking the onions. It is the same if using ground beef or venison, just cook ahead and drain before adding other ingredients. * If you don't have access to fresh duck, Publix generally sells both fileted breasts and whole ducks in the frozen section and sometimes in the fresh meat section.

Cornbread Waffles > INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup cornmeal • 2 tsp sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp salt • 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 eggs • 6 Tbsp butter melted • 2 cups shredded cheese (I like to use gouda or cheddar) • ½ cup green onions (optional)

Cornbread Waffles > DIRECTIONS 1. Whisk together the dry ingredients.

2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, folding together until just combined. Don't over mix -the batter should be shaggy vs smooth.

4. Add in the melted butter and cheese, folding together gently.

Again - don't over mix!! If you are using the green onions, add in with the cheese.

5. Heat your waffle maker. I like to use a high setting (but yours may be different - keep an eye on it!)

6. Grease the waffle maker, then add around 3/4 cup of batter for large Belgian-style waffles. Use 1/2 cup for the flatter, less deep waffle irons.

7. Cook until browned and crispy. Makes about four large waffles.

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

PECAN BUTTER

AND JELLY BACKSTRAP Backstrap

• Marinate 2 medium pieces of backstrap for 2-4 hrs in: > INGREDIENTS • 2 TBSP apple cider vinegar • 2 tsp oil • Fresh cracked black pepper > DIRECTIONS Heat grill on high (hot enough to sear). Put the backstrap on, turn the grill down to medium heat. Cook for 3-5 mins on the first side, flip and cook for 1-2 mins. Turn off the grill. Let the backstrap sit for 4-5 minutes to rest before slicing. Smear berry sauce on plate, top with venison, top with pecan sauce, and toasted pecans if desired.

Berry Sauce

Muddle up the berries and mix with sugar and water.

Let sit for five minutes. > INGREDIENTS • ½ cup fresh berries • 2 tsp sugar • 1 tsp water

Pecan Butter Sauce

> DIRECTIONS • Melt together pecan butter and coconut oil for 30+ seconds until the butter is melted and easy to stir. Mix in the other ingredients and allow to sit for at least five minutes to allow the brown sugar to dissolve. > INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup Purely Pecan sea salt pecan butter • 3 TBSP oil (I prefer liquid coconut oil) • 1 TBSP brown sugar • 1 ½ tsp of your favorite steak/chicken spice blend • Pinch of salt Winter 2021

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SOUTHERN

FRIED QUAIL > INGREDIENTS 12 Whole Quail: Cut into pieces (I leave the breast intact and then cook the legs separately). Mix together milk and pickle juice. Soak quail in mixture for up to 8 hours — the longer the better, but at least 30 minutes to develop more flavor.

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (substitute regular milk if desired or coconut milk for dairy-free option) • 2 tbsp pickle juice (I generally use sweet pickles) Fry Mix: (may be stored in a container for up to one month for easy frying) • 2 cups flour (can use gluten-free flour or regular all-purpose flour) • ½ cup starch (I use arrowroot, but can use potato starch, tapioca starch or cornstarch) • 1 tbsp black pepper • 2 tbsp salt • 1 tbsp smoked paprika • 1 tbsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp onion powder

PHOTO BY ANGELA HAGEN

> DIRECTIONS 1. Heat frying oil to around 350 F. (canola, vegetable, peanut or expeller-pressed coconut oil) 2. Using 1 1/2 cups fry mix, toss each piece of quail in fry mix in a separate bowl.

3. Carefully drop into oil, and fry for 5 or so minutes until they float and are golden brown.

4. Drain on a paper-lined plate or tray for 1 to 2 minutes.

Try serving quail with a mixture of pepper jelly and mayonnaise for a little sweet and spicy sauce!

PECAN PIE

MUFFINS

Skip the pie. Make these muffins instead for an easy breakfast or for a delicious dessert. Hunters love them before a morning hunt! > INGREDIENTS • 1 cup packed light brown sugar • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 2 cups chopped pecans

• ⅔ cup butter, softened • 2 eggs

> DIRECTIONS

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease muffin cups generously or THEY WILL STICK! In a medium bowl, beat the butter and eggs together. Stir in brown sugar, flour, and pecans just until combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups about ⅔ full. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Run a sharp knife around edge of each muffin, but then allow to sit in pan for 3-5 mins before popping out. Makes about 12 muffins.

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W

GREEN Envy

E ALL WANT TO EAT MORE GREENS, RIGHT? It's a new year, which means a fresh opportunity to start that diet, which never really makes it out of January if we're all being honest with ourselves. But we still try. And what is one thing almost all health programs, gurus, and apps have in common? EAT – MORE - VEGGIES. Veggies are great. But sometimes we don't know what to do with them and what to pair them with. There are so many different types and varieties to choose from - many people have told me that the produce section at the grocery store overwhelms them and that they end up buying the same three veggies every week.

Greens belonging to the cruciferous family are some of my favorite veggies. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they are also easy to fix and more versatile than most people think. And even better, they're all in season right now: cabbage, bok choy, brussels sprouts, swiss chard. One of my favorite things to make is slaw/chopped salad. You can pretty much take any of these greens and sub them for something else in a dish - brussels for broccoli in a broccoli salad, bok choy for cabbage for a taco topping, swiss chard for spinach in a pasta dish. The options are endless!

WITH

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BRAISED

COLLARD GREENS > INGREDIENTS • 3-4 strips of bacon (the fattier, the better), cut up into small pieces • ¼ cup water • 8-12 cups (about three good-sized bundles) fresh collards ** • ⅛ cup bourbon • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional) > DIRECTIONS Cook bacon in a large pot on the stove until quite crispy but not burnt. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep to the side in a separate bowl. To bacon grease left in the pot, add water and greens. Cover and bring up to a simmer on high heat. Add bourbon, salt, and pepper, and cook for 7-8 mins until soft. Add brown sugar (if using) and bacon, cook on low one minute longer, stirring frequently. **This recipe works well with other hearty greens like cabbage and kale. I like to use a mix of collards and cabbage sometimes to mix it up a little.

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PHOTO BY ANGELA HAGEN

Valdosta Magazine

CAULIFLOWER

PUREE

• 1 head of cauliflower, roughly chopped into large chunks (no need to waste all the stalk, that's the best part!)

• ½ cup half-and-half, milk, or coconut milk for dairy-free option • 2 tbsp butter, • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 2 cloves of garlic - peeled but left whole > DIRECTIONS Put everything in a pot on the stove. Cover and cook on high for 10-11 minutes. It should come to a simmer within 3-4 minutes, but don't worry about checking it - the liquid will keep it from burning. Dump everything into a blender and puree until smooth - if all your liquid is cooked out, you can add 1-2 tbls more liquid to make the blending process easier. Add more salt or pepper if desired.

SPICY GLAZED

BRUSSELS > INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

2 pints brussels 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tsp oil 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp water 3 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp honey

• • • • • •

1 tbsp soy sauce ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper ¼ tsp onion powder ¼ tsp mustard powder ¼ tsp paprika (I prefer smoked, but either will work)

> DIRECTIONS Sauté garlic in oil for just a minute in a small saucepan - not trying to brown, just take out some of the sharpness of the raw garlic. Add everything else to the pot and turn on medium heat. As soon as it comes to a good simmer, turn on low - keep a close eye on it as it will boil up and over the sides of your pot. Stir occasionally, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wash, trim, and halve brussels and scatter across a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

Lightly spray with cooking spray (or can drizzle with oil, just make sure to keep it light), and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly browned and tender. Pull out of oven and drizzle glaze over the top. Toss or stir up until the brussels are nicely coated with the glaze. Set oven to broil on high, and broil for 2 minutes.

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY AT TERRACHULA PLANTATION

> INGREDIENTS

Angela Hagan is the Chef & Lodge Manager for TerraChula Plantation in Quitman, Georgia.

She holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Wiregrass Technical College.

"I have always loved cooking and food. My earliest memory of cooking was standing on a chair in the kitchen when I was three-years-old making oatmeal," Angela says of her long love of cooking. But her decision to become a chef started with wanting to chop onions like Julia Child.

“Several years ago, my Mom and I watched the movie “Julie & Julia,” after that I was determined to one day be able to chop onions like Julia Child. That was the reason I went to culinary school – I wanted to chop onions like a professional chef,” Angela explained. Once there, she realized she might want to do more with her newfound knowledge than simply chopping onions like a pro.

Angela says she is “Southern to the core” and likes anything that smacks of Southern comfort food. “The more butter it has in it, the better. I have been called the ‘butter queen’ – a title I wholeheartedly embrace. Her favorite food quote is, “If you’re afraid of butter, use cream,”

by Julia Child.

Her experience consists of a few years at 306 North, where several great local chefs got their start. She worked part-time at Terra Chula before going full-time after graduating from Wiregrass. She has also spent the last three Summers as a yacht chef.

Her favorite days are prep days, like chopping onions. "I can plug in music and chop to my heart's content.

Nothing makes me happier than opening the fridge and seeing a neat stack of containers full of chopped fresh food," Angela said. Besides cooking, she loves to arrange flowers and set the table. "Having a job that enables me to do everything is great. I also love to meet new people. At Terra Chula, I'm not just stuck in the back cooking.”

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HomeSection INTERIOR DESIGN

Bedrooms – A Safe Haven –

DANA PERRY PROVIDES IDEAS ON HOW TO CREATE AN AMBIANCE FOR THE MOST PERSONAL ROOMS IN YOUR HOME

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ore than ever, we need peace, order, respite, and a place to retreat to - a safe haven from the busy and hectic schedule that most of us keep. The most personal room in one’s home, our bedroom, should be just that. It is the first place we see in the mornings and the last space we see before closing our eyes at night.

It is said that we spend one-third of our lives in our bedroom. It is not an area to cut corners or skimp but rather should be given the attention it deserves. Our bedrooms are an area where needs are specific, personal, and unique.

The hope is to create a room where you feel rested, inspired, and ready to embrace the day.

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY JAVO N LO N G I E L I E R E

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HomeSection INTERIOR DESIGN

F

OR A MASTER, creating an ambiance that is soothing and relaxing is a recommended priority. I tend to favor a soft and relaxing color palette for the master bedroom, but if color is your inspiration, then go for it. Comfort is key for a good night's sleep, so a king size bed is a must with the best bed linens you can buy. I prefer tall oversized lamps to allow for ample reading light on bedside chests, which provides additional storage so the disorder can be tucked away. If your room allows, comfortable seating is a priority. It is a place to include upholstery that you actually enjoy sitting on, not something that is just pretty to look at. It is not a space that is shared with the rest of the world, but your very own personal retreat, so plan in a way that meets your needs and desires.

This young adult’s room can transition to a guest room when she leaves for college. The bed, chairs, and dresser are inexpensive pieces from estate sales. A little paint gives a custom designer look.

K

IDS' ROOMS ARE A FUN PLACE to be creative, bend design rules, and encourage a vivid imagination and inspiration! A child needs a space to enjoy, feel safe, and create happy memories. Practicality is a priority, so think ample storage for toys, gadgets, and books. Maximize open floor space as much as possible. Selecting a few pieces that can transition with time allows the inevitable future redo more manageable. Think long term rather than childlike with your more expensive items, so you don't have to replace them as your child matures.

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Tips

FOR MAKING YOUR BEDROOM MORE COMFORTABLE • Full Blackout lining for window treatments in bedrooms is a must. It is a luxury that you will be glad you said yes to!

• Fluff your pillows in the dryer twice a month.

• Keep a coaster on all of your nightstands or bedside chests.

• Ironing sheets are a real luxury. My grandmother had her sheets ironed weekly, and I still remember how they felt.

• A gentle, lavender pillow spray is a nice bedtime treat.

• Don't allow your bedrooms to become a "catchall" for laundry and projects. Be intentional about keeping your space restful and orderly.

• Avoid decorating a bedroom that is too themed.

There are exceptions, but most often, this creates a room that lacks a timeless feel and most people tire of it quickly.

This young man's room reflects his love for American history and personal collections. Incorporating a few antique pieces creates a timeless yet youthful feel that will transition into adulthood.

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OST TEENAGERS are looking for a place to belong and looking for a way to express to the world who they are! With some parameters and design guidance, allowing them to do this in their rooms should be a significant consideration. Their desires, needs, and preferences should be included in the process to create a space that they are proud of and enjoy. As the parent, encourage them to think long term, rather than giving them free rein. Allow for a few options, so they can choose and take ownership in the design process. The goal is to have a room that transitions well into adulthood that still allows for self-expression. With a little effort in planning, there can be a happy median.

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Guest Rooms Guest rooms should not be neglected, nor should they collect all the leftovers. But they certainly don't have to be grand and extravagant. A simple, small, yet well thought out room can be very inviting for your guest and, with a few thoughtful gestures, can convey that "I am glad you are here and I want you to feel honored."

• Fresh flowers by the bed are the best welcome.

• Provide comfortable bedding. No one enjoys a lumpy flat pillow or harsh sheets.

• A coffee maker is a gracious gesture and allows you more time in the morning for other preparations.

• Leaving travel toiletries provides that boutique hotel feeling that we all love.

• Have a phone charger plugged in by the bed.

• Provide Sufficient lighting for reading.

• Ample space in the closet for a few of their things.

Let’s face it- most of us use all of our extra closets but make sure there is room for your guest to put their things.

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HomeSection INTERIOR DESIGN

When Marketing Your Home Interior Design Matters Written by TOM CALL

E

ver wonder what magic tricks interior designers have up their sleeves? There's no secret.

It's just an understanding of what's aesthetically pleasing to the eye and why. And like so many things in life that work well, it’s all about balance. Considering where you place objects d'art – your favorite things – is key to pulling off a professional-looking interior design. As part of our service at Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate, we keep a network of designers to help both Buyers and Sellers.

WHEN HANGING ARTWORK, first look at the big picture. Make sure the scale of the piece doesn't over-or underwhelm the wall where it will live. Ask yourself if the content and color of the art complement the room as a whole. Typically, artwork should hang at eye level. But don't discount the occasional element of surprise by positioning an eye-catching picture above a doorframe or running an elongated series of images over a desk, serving as an exaggerated architectural element.

WHEN CREATING A COLLAGE OF ARTWORK,

find a common denominator that runs through the collection, such as similar framing, matting, or subject matter. A connecting thread may be the collective uniqueness of the featured items – some of the most dramatic statements are made this way.

A smart plan is to lay out your vision for the wall on the floor first or have a friend hold up your artwork before nailing away. Then stand back and see what

Tom Call, Broker Premier Real Estate VALDOSTA, GA

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Valdosta Magazine

Photos by MARGARET WRIGHT Designs by LINDSEY CORAL HARPER you think. If it feels right, it probably is – if not, the composition may need small tweaks here and there. Take your time to get it right. After all, this is the part of the room that expresses your personality and adds the wow factor.

THINK TWICE ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF COLOR.

Stick to one main hue in the room and a complementing accent color or two – anything more can overly complicate the overall design. Another simple yet ultra-sophisticated approach is to introduce one single color in varying shades for quiet impact.

However, you decide to leave your signature stamp on your interior design, remember that properly placed artwork and an oh-so-right aesthetic is well worth your while – and one that may even turn out to be sheer bliss.

All of these tips do help when marketing your home. If you’d like a free estimate of your home’s value, please give us a call today. Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate 220-244-3535 or valdostarealtors.com Tom Call, Broker

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PROFILES

YOUR GUIDE TO VALDOSTA' S P E O P LE , P LACE S , AND BU S I NE SS E S Winter 2021

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Meet

Christie oore M The New President of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

C

S TO RY B Y J O H N R ID D L E | P H O TO G R A PH Y PR O V ID ED B Y TH E C H A M B ER

hristie Moore may not be from Valdosta, but she sure feels like she belongs here. Though she was raised in East Cobb County (Roswell / Marietta), where her grandfather served as mayor, her first job was in Blakely, Georgia, in Early County, where she learned how much she liked South Georgia.

“I fell in love with South Georgia and the people in particular,” Christie said. Good thing she did. The history and political science major moved from Athens to Blakely at a time when most of her friends were headed to urban areas like Atlanta, Washington, and Charlotte. "I moved to Blakely, and I loved it." She was thrust into the center of things in the small community as the youngest chamber president in the state. That has to say something for her relationship building skills and her tenacity.

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From there, she moved to Dawsonville, Georgia, where she led the Dawson County Chamber, with over 500 members, for eight years. Her duties included tourism and economic development too - a lot to say grace over. There she met her husband, Michael Moore, a business analyst for a manufacturing company that counts Langboard in Brooks County as one of their clients.

Being back closer to her family in North Georgia felt good, but something was missing.

“I adore my previous community and the role I had there. I wasn’t out there looking.

But, I fell in love with South Georgia once before – it's people, the character, the environment. My family is a 'hug you the first time we see you' type. That's how

“Connecting people is my passion. I may not know the answer, but I can find out who does.”

CO M M U N I T Y

South Georgia folks are. It's like a big, yet small, town where everybody knows each other," Christie explained.

Christie sees her role as a “connector.”

“Connecting people is my passion. I may not know the answer, but I can find out who does. She also has a great passion for small businesses and believes that's where chambers can make a real difference.

“My parents owned a hardware store and vending company, so I was raised in a household that understood small business struggles and needs. Being in a role that supports small businesses, as well as all sectors of the community, is something I really love. Their success drives the community’s success,” Christie said.

Christie's attraction to Valdosta is multifaceted. She loves football, and her husband plays golf, so there's that. More strategically, she recognizes Valdosta as a regional leader with Valdosta State University, Moody Air Force Base, a growing manufacturing sector, dynamic small businesses, and a thriving downtown, making this community very attractive, she says.

P

A self-professed "extreme extrovert," she sees her primary role as an advocate on behalf of the business community.

"Business owners are busy managing their businesses, but they need an advocate for them at all levels of government and in the community,” she explained. “Being a ‘cheerleader’ for them is important!”

"It will take a while to meet all of the leaders and members," she explained.

And, there's the fact that the entire world changed drastically in 2020. "Many businesses are struggling; still others are thriving. As we pivot to a 'new normal,' how we ensure we are continuing to meet the needs of our members will be challenging."

She certainly has wasted no time getting to know those she'll be representing and advocating for. She's been busy meeting with leaders from all sectors. So far, she likes what she sees and is impressed with the leaders and business owners she's met.

"There are great creative entrepreneurs who have a forward-thinking mindset that know how to cope and adjust," she said. And the community has welcomed her with open arms. "People here love their community, and they’re some of the kindest, most welcoming people I have ever met."

She faces the future with great anticipation and confidence that this community is ready, willing, and able to meet what's ahead and will come out on the other side – not surviving – but thriving.

Christie recognizes the long history of the Valdosta Chamber's success and knows there are "big shoes to fill" in leading such a large, vibrant organization. She realizes there will be challenges.

"This Chamber, through its 108 years, has a tremendous history of supporting businesses, historic preservation, and the entire community while respecting tradition and being willing to adapt and try new things to continue being the best we can be," Christie said. "I look forward to working with others to continue moving this community forward. I'm so grateful for this opportunity."

“I am very excited that Christie has agreed to lead the Valdosta/Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit the Chamber community through programs, relationship development, and business enhancement. Her ability to execute a welldefined strategic plan and develop long-term key partnerships will be crucial toward promoting the tremendous value offered by the Chamber.”

– Daryn Russell, Chamber Board Chair

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| Wayne Edwards, Branch Manager | Jodi Myddelton, Branch Administration | Clay Moseley, Financial Advisor | Justin Martin, Financial Advisor

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PHILANTHROPY

P

That’s Some Pig! STORY AND PHOTO BY SOUTH GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER

T

Tori Millirons Turns Grand Champion Pig Into $5,000 Donation for Breast Cancer Patients

ori Millirons, an eighth grader at Hahira Middle School, recently donated $5,000 to South Georgia Medical Center's Foundation. The donation was funded from the sale of her “Grand Champion” pig at the Lowndes Area Market Hog Show.

Tori chose the SGMC Pearlman Cancer Center as the recipient of her donation. The funds will benefit breast cancer patients. "The Foundation is extremely grateful for her generous heart and her understanding of what this size donation can do for the patients at our cancer center. The dedication and determination of this young lady is a great indicator of the type of leader and citizen she will become in the near future," said Elizabeth Vickers, Executive Director of the SGMC Foundation.

The donation was made in memory of a family member, Sharon Boykin, who passed away the night of the show from breast cancer.

“I always said that if I was blessed enough to win the pig show I would donate the proceeds to an organization. I am excited the donation will help people locally in our community,” Tori said.

Tori has been showing pigs for eight years and is a member of 4-H and chapter president of Future Farmers of America (FFA).

“Lowndes County 4-H’ers learn the value of citizenship and service to our community through a variety of opportunities. Youth give back through their time and resources collectively.

However, Tori’s individual gift shows a level of generosity that is above and beyond the norm, and I’m proud of her desire to make a difference with her market hog project. She’s a leader among her peers, and she will continue to impact our community, country and world in great ways,” said Melinda Miller, SW District 4H Program Development Coordinator.

For more information on the SGMC Foundation or to donate to the Pearlman Cancer Center, visit sgmcfoundation. org or call 229.433.1071.

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PH OTO BY WES SEWEL L PHOTOGRAPHY

M AY O R M A T H E S O N G O E S T O

WASHINGTON STO RY B Y JO H N R I D D L E

Mayor Scott James Matheson Is One of Only Two Georgians Who Attended The “Operation Warp Speed Summit” at The White House

I

n January of 2020, Scott James Matheson was settling into his new role as Mayor of Valdosta. No doubt looking forward to his first year in office. Little did he know how challenging 2020 would turn out to be and how it would change people's lives all over the world.

Not the type of year any of us wanted—especially those in public office who were thrust into trying to help their communities navigate through the responses to a global pandemic.

The winter of 2020 was a long one, with most people spent quarantining at home for weeks on end. Spring brought some relief. By summer, there was talk of a vaccine that might be available by year's end. "Operation Warp Speed" was the federal government's herculean effort to both develop a vaccine and distribute it as quickly as humanly possible.

Once the vaccine was developed, The White House assembled strategic leaders from around the country to participate in the "Operation Warp Speed Summit." Held at the White House complex in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the summit's purpose was to create a better understanding of how the vaccine was developed and build confidence in its effectiveness.

Participants heard from the key leaders managing the effort. President Trump kicked off the summit. Other speakers included: Vice President Pence, who oversaw the entire effort, Alex Azar, the architect of “Operation Warp Speed,” General Perna, who was managing the distribution plan, Jerome Adams, the US Surgeon General, five governors, and the CEO's of Moderna, Pfizer, UPS, FedEx, CVS, and Walgreens.

Besides presentations, the summit consisted of round-table discussions that helped educate the

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participants on the entire plan for the final development and distribution of the vaccine.

“We got a really good working knowledge of how the vaccine was developed so rapidly. They didn’t have to ‘reinvent the wheel’, Matheson said. “We learned that work on the coronavirus has been going on for decades. The scientists just had to map the last 10% of the specific path to Covid-19.”

That is essential information for those who think they might not trust the vaccine. The emphasis was on the fact that having a vaccine is one thing, but getting people vaccinated is another. The Surgeon General was instrumental in sharing the information that will help build confidence in the vaccine.

“One of the people I spent the most time with was Jerome Adams, the Surgeon General. He was helping with messaging on how to explain

LEADERSHIP

P

and convince citizens about the effectiveness of the vaccine,” Mayor Matheson explained.

"There is a lot of fear and uncertainty in the vaccine. But we learned that the messenger RNA used in the vaccine has been around for 50 years and is nothing new. It doesn't alter the DNA; it only delivers messages to your DNA."

monumental. But the distribution of the vaccine to millions of Americans and 1.5 billion worldwide is even more monumental,” he said. “By the time Trump left office, they were just shy of 1 million doses a day. Now, President Biden has stated that they hope to vaccinate up to 1.5 million people daily to get us to herd immunity.”

people from Georgia to attend and only about 20 people from around the country. He feels that he gained invaluable knowledge of how to help the Valdosta community understand and accept the vaccine. A crucial step in getting the population to the 75% vaccination rate, the minimum level for "herd immunity."

The CDC’s website provides very good information about how RNA (mRNA) interacts with our DNA to help develop antibodies, which protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies. (cdc.gov/coronavirus - A Closer Look at How COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Work)

Locally, Matheson says he sees real progress in the number of vaccines being given in Valdosta.

He explained that South Georgia Medical Center is delivering about 250 doses daily. The Department of Public Health is immunizing about 300 people daily. Barnes Health Care, Publix, and some private physicians are joining the effort, he said. He is hopeful that, "…at this pace, we may be at 75% – 80% of our population receiving the vaccine in 150 days or so.”

Scott James had no idea what he was walking into when he was sworn in as Mayor of Valdosta on January 9, 2020. But he is thankful for a community that has banded together to fight an invisible foe that has taken too much from too many. He is grateful for the opportunity to help Valdosta win this fight. Like the rest of us, though, he is anxious for a return to normalcy.

He is also excited about focusing on other aspects of the community that need attention to help ensure Valdosta remains “a city without limits.”

Matheson, who has visited The White House once before as mayor for an Opportunity Zones and Revitalization Conference, says this summit felt like being a part of history. "What was accomplished to develop the vaccine was

Matheson feels honored to have been a part of this important summit. He was one of only two

(Left top) Army General Gustave F. Perna (Left Middle) Mayor Matheson with then U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

(Below) William Crozer, then Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at The White House, with Mayor Matheson. Corzer, from Thomasville, along with John Eunice, from Valdosta, who worked in US Senator David Perdue’s office, suggested inviting Scott James to the summit.

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LEADERSHIP

P

2020 – 2021 Participants

30 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

STORY BY CAILA ANDERSON | PHOTO PROVIDED BY LEADERSHIP LOWNDES

L

eadership Lowndes is an incredible network of professionals with a wide range of backgrounds who represent industries and career fields in both the public and private sector throughout Lowndes County.

to offer. It brings local leaders together through its community service program and nurtures a servant leader attitude, truly embodying the motto ‘Learning. Serving.

Leading.,’" said Courtney Gooding, the Leadership Lowndes Program Chair.

Each year, a class of 30 individuals is selected to participate in the Leadership Lowndes program, which begins with a retreat at Jekyll Island in January and culminates with a graduation ceremony in November. During the year, they're exposed to various aspects of our community in the form of program days that cover topics like Economic Development, Health and Human Services, Local Government, Education, Military and Emergency Response, and Quality of Life here in Lowndes County.

Over the past five years, Leadership Lowndes groups have volunteered over 4,600 hours. They've also raised over $250,000 for organizations such as: 90 Works, the Family Autism Support Team, Citizens Against Violence Venture Club, Project HOPE, Break Bread Together Meals on Wheels Program, The Haven, LAMP, Children's Advocacy Center, and numerous others throughout their 30-year history.

At the retreat, the class is sorted into five Community Service Groups, who are challenged to select and assist a local non-profit throughout the year by utilizing their combined knowledge and resources to advance the organization's cause.

“Leadership Lowndes goes above and beyond exposing our community's up and coming leaders to all Lowndes County has

“Leadership Lowndes participants have volunteered thousands of hours and raised several thousand dollars,” JD Dillard, Leadership Lowndes VP of Recruitment, emphasized. “They’re changing the world right outside their front door.”

NAME

COMPANY

Nearing Adams

LARC

Elizabeth Backe

South GA Regional Commission

Andrea Bridges

Lowndes County Schools

Bernard Bulemu, Jr

South Georgia Regional Library

Gabbi Metts

Brooks County Schools

Lauren Califf

Moody Air Force Base

Dr. Patrick Chancy

Chancy Drugs

Yurshema Flanders

LAMP

Lt. Col. Suzanne Green

MAFB

Amanda Woodbridge

Barnes Healthcare Services

Jaqueline Hickman

SGMC

Bill Holt

Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta

Jarmisha Hudson

BB&T Bank

Andrea Jenkins

Moody Air Force Base

Ashlyn Johnson

City of Valdosta

Chris Jones

Georgia Beer Company

Jordan Klaus

Miller Hardware

Brett Luebke

Georgia Power

Don Luke

SGMC

Christi Marsh

State Farm

Tim McCoppin

Automotive Transfers

Robby Moorfield

CJB Industries

George Page

VLPRA

BJ Pyrzenski

The Herndon Company

Tyshon Reed

Valdosta Fire Department

Kelley Saxon

GA Dept. of Community Supervision

Royce Thomas

Valdosta City Schools

Robyn West

Owner, Wooden Nickel Pub

John Williams

Stifel

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Leadership Lowndes or to nominate an up and coming leader, visit the website at leadershiplowndes.com, or contact Scott James , 2020-2021 Board of Trustees President, at: leadershiplowndesrecruitment@leadershiplowndes.com Winter 2021

89

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“OUR WORLD IS SUCH A BEAUTI­FUL PLACE; I HOPE THAT MY ­ARTWORK WILL GIVE OTHERS JUST A SMALL PEEK AT THAT BEAUTY."

Kelly Call

Arts

& CULTURE

Painting

THE WORLD’ S BEAUTY, ON E CA N VA S AT A TIME. Story by JOHN RIDDLE // Photography by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

K

elly Call has loved to paint since she was a child. Her passion has grown deeper through the years, and she has been influenced dramatically by artists from all walks of life, from her high school art teacher, Patsy Smith, to renowned artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe.

That passion is found in every brushstroke as she strives to provide a peek of the world's beauty, as seen through her eyes, on every canvas.

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It is always interesting to find out who and what influences an artist's work. For Kelly Call, it seems to be people and places. She rattles off the names of artists she admires but is quick to say that her travels influence her most.

“Locally, I have many artists who have influenced me. Irene Dodd, Harry Ally, J. Stephen Lahr, and Blake Pearce were all professors at Valdosta State University, where she earned a degree in art education,” Kelly said.

"My college experience was amazing. Those professors had a huge impact on my art career as an artist and as a teacher. I learned more about art than I could have ever imagined."

Other artists have inspired her through their work.

One famous artist is Helen Frankenthaler for her “... use of color, the large scale of her pieces, and simple compositions,” Kelly explains. Local artists, including Jeanne Cowart, Annette Crosby, Jim Touchton, and Buddy L ­ aHood, to name a few, have also had great influence. But it was her high school art teacher at VHS who seemed to have impacted her most. “Patsy Smith was the person that made me fall in love with art,” Kelly 92

Valdosta Magazine

explained. She also had the “great pleasure” of teaching with Patsy her last year at Valwood School.

Others may influence the passion behind each canvas, but the images that make it onto the canvas are inspired by how she views the world and its beauty.

"My travels inspire me the most. New landscapes, sunsets, colors, and textures – I haven't seen these places and scenes before, and I can't wait to get home and

Arts

& CULTURE

paint them," Kelly said. Those images make their way into the abstracts or landscapes that make up the bulk of her work using acrylics and other mixed media. “My main focus is color and texture. I love coming up with new interesting color combinations and using different tools to explore texture.”

While her popularity as an artist may have soared recently with her oldest daughter’s help in starting an Instagram account (kellyccall.art) to showcase her work, she has never been too far from her passion.

Kelly taught art for ten years in schools and private summer lessons. When she stopped teaching when her children were born, she picked up painting for some local interior designers and commissions for friends.

With her two daughters now in college and her son in high school, she has more time for art.

She has participated in the local “Spring Into Art" multiple times. Last year, she was selected as part of the Pretentious Collector Artist group, a collection of twenty-plus female artists with over 800 pieces of artwork for sale collectively. She was recently the featured artist for The Last Resort Grill, an iconic restaurant in down-

“MY MAIN FOCUS IS COLOR AND TEXTURE. I LOVE COMING UP WITH NEW INTERESTING COLOR COMBINATIONS AND USING DIFFERENT TOOLS TO EXPLORE TEXTURE.”

town Athens, and an Athens retail store will feature her art this Spring. Locally, she has pieces at Perfect Settings and is working on four commissions for clients in Valdosta and Atlanta adding to other recent clients as far away as Nashville, New York, Charleston, and Atlanta.

With all that, at her core, Kelly is still the wide-eyed little girl who loves to paint.

"Last Fall, I visited the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the weekend it reopened. She has always been a huge influence on me. I read a quote from her that summed it all up for me, ‘My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world has given me’,” Kelly said. “Our world is such a beautiful place; I hope that my artwork will give others just a small peek at that beauty."

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Spring Into Art

34TH ANNUAL

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“Oh Happy Day” Buddy LaHood

Artworks on display April 12 - June 9, 2021

229.247.2787 | turnercenter.org | 527 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta

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F LO U R I S H March 27, 2021 - 7:30pm CONCERT DURATION: 70 Minutes PRECONCERT CHAT: 6:45pm

• Ewazen Symphony in Brass • Jean Francaix Sept danses • Elgar Serenade in E Minor, Op. 20 • John Rutter Suite for Strings

Valdosta Symphony Orchestra's 3 1 S T

S E A S O N

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2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

S E A S O N

THIS SPRING we will continue to prioritize patron and musician safety by performing intimate chamber orchestra classics for audiences limited to 122 in the hall (season ticket holders receive priority for first-come, first-serve seating).

Ticket holders have the option of experiencing Valdosta's orchestra at their convenience online through our virtual concert hall.

TO ORDER TICKETS TO ATTEND IN-PERSON OR VIRTUALLY valdostasymphony.org

(229) 333-2150

VSO SPRING CONCERTS February 13, 2021 • 7:30 pm March 27, 2021 • 7:30 pm May 1, 2021 • 7:30 pm

7 H

Whitehead Auditorium

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Objects Old & New • Gifts • Bridal & Baby Registry

G o D o wnt o wn - E v e ry t hing’s wa it ing f o r you!

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.

Flower Gallery

THE

Calendar of Events

VOTED BEST FLORIST

127 N Ashley St • 242-1001

Fine Art Portraits | Fine & Folk Art | Decor & Antiques | Pottery & Jewelry | Studio Art Education

122 North Patterson

| www.kaleidoscopeagallery.com | Valdosta 229-245-1289

ALL MONTH • FEBRUARY 1-28 Downtown Valdosta

Dawning Light, St. Marks Light House

by Fay Bridges Hyatt, oil @ Kaleidoscope, Gallery & Emporium

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Love Downtown Valdosta is a month long promotion, encouraging people to shop, dine and explore locally. For every $25 spent in a downtown participating business during the month of February you will be entered to win up to $250 in Downtown Giveaways. Drawing will be held on March 1st. Also, don't forget to add a lock to the Love Lock fence located at Bennie's Alley and Ashley Street!

@kaleidoscopevaldosta

MEET THE MERCHANT

Samantha Schreiber F O L L O W I N G H E R PA S S I O N

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

S

amantha Schreiber is the owner of Cottonwood Market & Boutique located on Ashley Street in downtown Valdosta. Owning a boutique in downtown is something she’s longed for her entire life.

“I was born and raised in Valdosta and always shopped and loved our downtown. I also have a love for fashion, art, and home décor. I’ve always wanted to own my own shop since I was a young girl,” Samantha explained.

Though a native of Valdosta, Samantha lived in Savannah for eighteen years. Since 2009, she worked as a private accountant for small, private businesses, which deepened her passion for owning her own small business. With its thriving district and many unique shops, being in Savannah also made her long even more for her own shop.

Cottonwood Market & Boutique has something for everyone, including home furnishings, artisan goods, boutique clothing, jewelry, crafts, vinyl records, and gifts.

"We offer one of a kind batch goods which provides a unique shopping experience," Samantha explained. "We are passionate about supporting local artisans. We provide

a curated selection of handmade goods from many local South Georgia merchants and artists. It's truly a one-stopshop to support local, small businesses."

The boutique also includes a spacious studio offering weekly craft bar parties, open studio sessions, paint nights, and private events. "Our events are perfect for church groups, couples, team-building exercises, events for employee appreciation, fundraising, holiday parties, showers, and bachelorette parties," Samantha said. The space can accommodate thirty-forty people.

Future plans include expanding their studio offerings, open studio options, and mobile painting parties at other venues in the downtown area.

Cottonwood Market & Boutique has been open since 2017, and Samantha says being back in Valdosta feels comfortable and exciting. "I love that downtown Valdosta has been in a revitalization period and that we get to be part of that growth! Every year brings new businesses and friends. It's a warm place with interesting people that is ever-evolving.”

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Women's Boutique • Gifts • Home Decor & More Arts & Crafts Studio

A unique blend of local market vendors 123 N. Ashley Street (229) 474-4313 cottonwoodmarketbo.wixsite.com/website

10% OFF WITH THIS AD*

March 5 • APril 2 • may 7 First Friday of the month | 6:00 p.m. until | Downtown Valdosta Join us every First Friday of the month for a Downtown Valdosta party like no other. Live Music, Art, Shopping, Food, Drinks and more!

STOGIES LOUNGE  PREMIUM CIGARS  PIPES  BEER, WINE

& COFFEE Relax outside or inside our comfortable lounge.

Special gatherings, wedding or just getting out of the house, we have a space for you.

Open Tuesday - Saturday At NOON

*Must be 21+ to purchase. Restrictions apply

April 10 • May 8 • June 12 Second Sundays | Downtown Valdosta

Stylish Southern & Sassy • Boutique Clothing • Shoes • Accessories • Home Decor • Furniture • Gifts

(229) 588-4933

100 North Ashley Street Downtown Valdosta

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Join us every Second Saturday in Downtown Valdosta as we welcome farmers, growers, artisans and producers from all over south Georgia and north Florida!

Courthouse Square in Downtown Valdosta!

Music, Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and the best shopping around! 9am - 1pm!

MARCH 29 - APRIL 2 Downtown Valdosta This fun annual event kicks off on March 29th in Downtown Valdosta!

Daily clues will be posted on all of our social media channels and webiste! The first person to find our egg will win Downtown Dollars and some awesome Downtown Valdosta Merch. One winner daily. Eggs will be hidden in Downtown Valdosta!

March - November Beginning March 18 | 5:00 - 8:30pm | Downtown Valdosta Food Trucks are back in Downtown Valdosta every third Thursday in March through November from 5pm-8:30pm!

April 10 Artist Check-in 10am Judging 1:30pm / Downtown Valdosta The community is welcome and encouraged to come view the artists at work and vote for your favorite to win the People's Choice Award!

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AROUND LOWNDES WHERE TO GO • THINGS TO SEE • WHAT TO DO

AZALEA FESTIVAL 2021 Over 200 arts & crafts vendors, food court, six stage areas for a variety of live entertainment and music, classic car & motorcycle show, KidZone with Rock wall, water boat ride, pony rides, waterball ride, petting zoo and carousel, great shows including World famous Disc-Connected K9s, Falconry Forever (birds of prey exhibit and demonstrations), and more.

IF YOU GO: EVENT: 2021 Azalea Festival LOCATION: Drexel Park (1401 N. Patterson St.) DATE/TIMES: Saturday & Sunday - March 13 & 14 MORE INFO: 229-269-9381 web: azaleafestival.com

email: info@azaleafestival.com

2021 CHAMBER AWARDS Mark Your Calendars for 2021's Chamber Annual Awards : A Hyrbid Event. Finalists and award presenters will be present with social distancing and we invite our entire membership to stream the event live. For the first time ever, you can watch the most exciting event of the year in the comfort of your own home!

IF YOU GO: EVENT: 2021 Chamber Awards LOCATION: Virtual TICKETS: E-tickets $25 DATE/TIMES: February 25, Live Stream, 7:00-8:30pm MORE INFO: valdostachamber.com/annual-awards.htm

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A R O U N D LOWNDES

FULL SNOW MOON PADDLE Join us for a full moon paddle at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This is a leisurely paddle around the refuge that lies in the Grand Bay–Banks Lake ecosystem. Come early enough to sign in

IF YOU GO: EVENT: Full Snow Moon Paddle LOCATION: Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge (307 GA-122, Lakeland, GA)

This outing is free to WWALS members and $10 for non-members. We recommend you support the work of WWALS by becoming a WWALS member.

DATE/TIMES: Saturday, February 27 - Gather 5:45 PM, launch 6pm, end 8pm MORE INFO: https://wwals.net/?p=54447

The 2021 festival looks to celebrate the art and industry of film across the region. During the three-day festival, filmmakers showcase original productions and documentaries. This year’s festival pass includes access to all of over 100 films on our virtual platform. You can access any of the scheduled film blocks on your schedule beginning March 5 and concluding March 12 and watch them from your computer, laptop, or Roku/Apple TV device. Along with all of the films, you’ll also be able to watch the panels and discussions recorded through the virtual platform. You’ll also have preferred seating at the open-air events on the Valdosta State University campus.

SOUTH GEORGIA FILM FESTIVAL

IF YOU GO: EVENT: South Georgia Film Festival LOCATION: Valdosta State University - 1500 N. Patterson St. TICKETS: $10 / $40 / $100 (Seating for events is first come first serve. Passes do not guarantee admission to individual events. All parties and receptions have certain age restrictions due possible alcohol availability.)

DATE/TIMES: Friday, March 5, 2021 (12noon - 10pm) MORE INFO: Contact 229-219-1298 / jasonebrown@valdosta.edu / southgeorgiafilm.com

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A R O U N D LOWNDES

WINTER FARMERS MARKET Join us in downtown Hahira for our open-air, community-based Winter Farmers Market. The Farmers Market will provide local growers an outlet to showcase and market goods, publicize the importance of locally grown products, and provide the citizens of Hahira and surrounding areas the opportunity to buy healthy, locally grown goods. Each of these will be open to Friends of the Farmer and applications are available at www. hahiraga.gov/events

IF YOU GO: EVENT: Spring Downtown 2021 LOCATION: Downtown Hahira (220 W Main Street Hahira, GA) DATE/TIMES: Saturday, April 3 MORE INFO: www.hahiraga.gov/events

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IF YOU GO: EVENT: Winter Farmers Market 2021 LOCATION: Hahira Train Depot (220 W Main St, Hahira, GA) DATE/TIMES: Saturday, February 27, 9am – 12pm MORE INFO: www.hahiraga.gov/events

SPRING DOWNTOWN Makes plans to be in Hahira for Spring Downtown on April 3rd from 9am 2pm. There will be vendors, live music, food trucks, egg hunting, and visits with the Easter Bunny. If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the event, the application is available online at hahiraga.gov/events.

ANNUAL ANCHORED IN HOPE BENEFIT DINNER 3rd Annual Anchored in Hope Benefit Dinner for the Children’s Advocacy Center with special keynote speaker Bobby Bones!! We are thrilled to hear from Bobby Bones about his struggles growing up to becoming an award winning morning show host on iHeart Radio, Winner of Dancing With the Stars, a mentor on American Idol and host of the new NatGeo show Breaking Bobby Bones! Join us for an impactful evening.

IF YOU GO: EVENT: Anchored In Hope Benefit Dinner LOCATION: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 (4:30pm - 7:30pm) DATE/TIMES: Friday, April 30, 2021 - 6:00pm MORE INFO: www.relayforlife.org

RELAY FOR LIFE OF LOWNDES COUNTY Join the community as survivors and caregivers are recognized and celebrated. Come together and join the community to raise funds for the fight against cancer.

IF YOU GO: EVENT: Relay for Life of Lowndes County LOCATION: Valdosta High School (4590 Inner Perimeter Road, Valdosta, GA) DATE/TIMES: Friday, April 30, 2021 - 6:00pm MORE INFO: www.relayforlife.org

VALDOSTA INSURANCE SERVICES, INC.

MISSY SHERWOOD (229) 561-0232

JEN COLOM (229) 444-0660

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

SHEILA HUNTER (229) 569-1164

CAMRYN BROWN TOMMY CANGELOSI JENNIFER CARTER (229) 251-5430 (229) 834-7137 (229) 269-0950

HEIDI FAFARD (229) 560-5660

HOLLY MITCHELL (229) 561-6006

HUDSON FOLSOM (229) 560-8238

ERIC WARD (229) 740-9515

CYNTHIA GRILLOS (229) 234-7416

TAYLOR FARRAR ADMINISTRATOR

YOUR PROPERTY. OUR PRIORITY. LICENSED IN GEORGIA AND FLORIDA

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Index of Advertisers

88 9 10, 11 74 90 52 79 80 90 90 54 54 98 48 76 74 28 38 62 103 84 14 90 40 62 96 45 96 88 1 34 48 80 IBC 63 103 84 IFC 79 18, 19 26 BC 52, 97 44 5 33, 96 66 66 38 88 63 22 103 95 3 7 44

ACE Electric Advanced Dental Center Ankle & Foot Associates Astro Exterminating Blanton & Griffin Boxwood & Blooms Citizens Community Bank Coldwell Banker Colonial Bag Colquitt EMC Commerical Banking Company Converse Dalton Ferrell House Cottonwood Boutique Covington's Catering Dana Perry Interiors Edward Jones Face Lab Fox Hill Georgia Beer Georgia Florida Real Estate Services Guardian Bank Highgrove Farm Hogan's Pharmacy Holiday Inn JH Strickland Construction, LLC Kaleidoscope, Gallery & Emporium Lynn Valloton Flowers Mockingbird Gifts Newell Lodge Only Options Park Place by McLane Perfect Settings Presbyterian Home Rainwater Conference Center Renasant Bank Ron Borders Property Management SE Capital Investments South Georgia Medical Center Southern OB/GYN Steel's Jewelry Stellar Attractions Stifel Valdosta Stylish, Southern & Sassy SweetPolly's Bakery Synovus The Flower Gallery The Gardens The Links The Pour House Mobie Bar Valdosta Chamber of Commerce Valdosta Chiropractic & Rehab Valdosta Country Club Valdosta Insurance Services Valdosta Symphony Orchestra Wells Fargo Advisors Wes Sewell Photography White Weddings Bridal

aceelectric.net adcteam.com anklesandfeet.com astroexterminating.com blantongriffin.com citizenscommunitybank.net coldwellbanker.com colonial-bag.com colquittemc.com cbcbank.com vjsl.org cottonwoodmarketbo.wixsite.com covingtonscatering.com edwardjones.com facelabvaldosta.com foxhillplantation.com georgiabeerco.com gaflrealestate.com guardianbankonline.com highgrovefarm-ga.com hoganspharmacy.net williamshotelgroup.com jhstrickland.com kaleidoscopeagallery.com newelllodgeandresort.com onlyoptionsvaldosta.com parkplacebymclane.com shopperfectsettings.com phgainc.org rainwaterconferencecenter.com renansantbank.com rbpm.us secapinv.com sgmc.org southernobgyn.net steelsjewelry.com stifelvaldosta.com stylishsouthernandsassy.com sweetsaddictionbakery.com synovus.com theflowergallery.com thegardensvaldosta.com thelinksapartments.com thepourhousemobilebar.com valdostachamber.org valdostachiropractic&rehab.com valdostacc.com valdostainsurance.com valdostasymphony.org fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/frankcarter3 wessewellphotography.com whitewedbridal.com

Please thank these advertisers for making this publication possible!

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A wealth management firm that believes in commitment … to its clients and its community.

John A. Lastinger, AIF®

Senior Vice President/Investments

Barry A. Barr

Vice President/Investments Branch Manager

Robert A. Goddard III, AIF®, CFP®

Richard S. Campbell, CIMA®

Paula P. Hutchinson, AIF®, AAMS®

Robert H. Langdale

John D. Williams, CFP®

Zachary G. Hageman, CFP®

Vice President/Investments

Associate Vice President/Investments

Beverly A. Avera

Senior Registered Client Service Associate

Senior Vice President/Investments

Financial Advisor

Michelle T. Taylor

Registered Client Service Associate

Senior Vice President/Investments

Financial Advisor Associate

Nicholas W. Evans

Operations Coordinator

www.stifelvaldosta.com (229) 293-1125 | (877) 635-9524 3555 North Crossing Circle | Valdosta, Georgia 31602 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com