Valdosta Magazine - Spring 2023

Peter Millar, Johnnie-O, Lilly Pulitzer, Crosby

HERE COMES THE

TABLE of CONTENTS

HOME & GARDEN

11

A special section showcasing beautiful homes with stunning interior designs and o ering tips and trends from local professionals to make your home even more beautiful.

Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

Frank Carter, III Managing Director-Investments

Alonso Martinez Financial Advisor

Sena Hansen Senior Registered Client Associate

Laurie Scarborough Client Associate

Profiles

55 Maddox Coile

A Story of Pain, Perseverance, and Determination

60 Shining Stars

Honoring STAR Students from Four Valdosta High Schools

63 Sweet Sixteen

Highlights from the 2023 Dance

65 16th Annual LEAD Event

Rotary Club of Valdosta Honors Local Law Enforcement Officers

69 Ace Electric

Gains National Recognition

REGULAR

49 Real Estate Tips by Tom Call of Coldwell Banker

71 Arts & Culture

Featuring artist Travis D. Simmons and Narci’s Book Reviews

78 Go Downtown

Meet the Merchant: Tiffany Bentley, Downtown Social

83 Health Focus

Your Community. Your Health System

85 SEENS

Have you Been SEEN by Valdosta Magazine?

Trust Southwell and Georgia Sports Medicine to help you get up and get moving again. For more than 75 years our healthcare specialists have provided high-quality compassionate care for South Georgians and their active lifestyles. If you’re living with athletic injury or chronic pain, book an appointment today, and get ready to roll.

We’re with you on that.

Learn more at www.mysouthwell.com

MD

from the PUBLISHER

EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS

John F. Riddle & Connie K. Riddle

Showcase Publications, Inc.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Wes Sewell Photography

W derful

Spring and early Summer in South Georgia is such a wonderful time of year to be outdoors. We love slipping down to St. Simons Island regularly to relax in the sun and sand. However you like to spend the beautiful days this time of year, we hope you enjoy them with a copy of Valdosta Magazine. And our newest issue is just in time for trips, vacations, and days in the sun.

Our “Home Sweet Home” section is a favorite among readers who love the beautiful homes, designer tips, and unique spaces featured by outstanding local designers and builders. If you’re considering building or improving your home,

WHAT A TIME OF YEAR!

ART DIRECTOR: Robin Harrison

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Mattia Goddard

Narci Drossos

Tom Call

Lee M. Smothers

Allison Crenshaw, Fay Bridges Hyatt

Preston Coile

Callie Shaw

Erika Bennett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Javon Longlieliere Photography

Lee M. Smothers

Lauren Barringer

Janna Luke

Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

DESIGNERS:

Russ Hutto

Robin Harrison

PROOFING:

Allen Allnoch

ADVISING CONSULTANT:

Lamb Lastinger

PUBLISHER EMERITUS:

you’ll find great ideas in this section and the professionals who can turn your ideas into reality.

Of course, you’ll also enjoy reading Maddox Coile’s story of faith, perseverance, and determination and the passion of local artist Travis D. Simmons among other stories in this issue.

We appreciate everyone who makes each issue possible including the writers, photographers, designers, and especially the advertisers!

Be sure and SHOP LOCAL!.

Have a fun summer,

Connie & John Riddle

Johnny B. Lastinger

PUBLICATIONS, INC.

P. O. Box 391, Jesup, GA 31598 or email to: info@showcasepublicationsga.com.

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Readers of all ages enjoy Valdosta Magazine!

Photo by Wes Sewell Photography

Mary Perry with her sister in Paris celebrating their birthdays with Valdosta Magazine! Thanks Mary!

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“Mr. Hobbs is so deserving. Phenomenal talent as well as a magnificent educator.” “Part of falling in love is you want to do the things Gaye says. Story by MATTIA GODDARD // Photo by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Gaye “Part of falling in love is you want to do the things Gaye says. Can’t wait to read this! What a great inspiration to all of us! ~ Susan Wooten Love… beautiful story, beautiful family!! ~ Tami Gray

Collette Summers Tyson AFTER SEVERAL NEAR MISSES EVERYTHING CLICKED

out these awesome Valdostans each other.  After Gaye had been in Athens she came home for Christmas. It was Frank, who was working at SGMC at when all their near misses finally clicked. that month of Gaye’s Christmas break she returned to Athens that he’d go no, they continued to date. He’d come her to Atlanta to see his brother and She took him to see his first real was Les Miserables and he fell in love He took her to see her first MLB game. playing for the Braves. This was back drive up and get tickets five rows behind Gaye discovered she loved baseball.  “Part of falling in love is you want they love,” Gaye says.  Gaye and Frank continued to date all through the rest of her time at UGA and got engaged in the spring of 1990. When it came to proposing, Gaye said he planned a romantic evening. Frank borrowed the sundeck of his cousin Joe and Mary George’s lake house. He lined the staircase with luminaires and had a friend serve them dinner. The meal was from the very popular restaurant at the time, Fiddler’s Green.  Their wedding was a traditional affair held at Westminster Church, which was formerly on Country filled the church, on what Gaye described sunny spring afternoon, with Frank’s family, their church family, Gaye’s family, from near and far. Gaye remembers and Stan Cox catered their reception while they were still at the Sheraton, opened Covington’s.  After they married, the couple Gaye was pharmacist and Frank continued the hospital. He did general occupational This means that he worked with any the hospital had. That could be pediatrics, orthopedics, neurology, hands — anything everything. Frank explains that back didn’t really know much about OT.

“Thank you so much for publishing the

on Cambree Lucas. She and her family were just so honored, and the article was amazing. Thank you again

all you do for our community.” ~ Teresa Parkerson

HOME S HOME

A look into some of Valdosta’s beautiful homes and private spaces featuring tips from local craftsmen and interior design experts.

PHOTO BY WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY OF THE MASTER BATH IN THE HOME OF FRANK & REBECCA CARTER

A Stu San ry IN THE COUNTRY

Story by MATTIA GODDARD / Photography by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY Interior Designs by DANA PERRY INTERIORS

WWelcome to the Carter Residence.

Forty gorgeous acres in North Lowndes County, where Rebecca and Frank Carter have brought to life their dream home. Working with the precise design eye of Dana Perry, the couple has beautifully weaved together Rebecca’s world travels and Frank’s Southern bucolic roots.

Upon meeting Rebecca, it is not readily apparent that she grew up in England, because she is the quintessential Southern belle, warm and welcoming, with the accent to match. A closer look around her beautifully appointed home reveals her love of fine china and small framed drawings of her favorite childhood spots in Exeter, Devon, England. Her father, a medical doctor, moved their family from England in the ’80s to join the Saudi Arabian International Medical Program, run by the King. They were in a large armed forces hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia, and as a young child in the international school, Rebecca was surrounded by people from all over the world. She was 8 when her family moved to Florida and then later to Macon, but those early years in the international community gave Rebecca an appreciation for antiques, fine art, and beautifully wrought decorative pieces.

erFDetailed paneling brings definition to the space, creating a beautiful backdrop for several of the family keepsakes. The love of blue begins in the foyer and carries throughout the house

Frank, born and raised in Nashville, comes from a long line of South Georgia natives. His family line of Carters goes back six or seven generations through Lowndes County, Ray City, Naylor, and Nashville. When Rebecca first met Frank, he had a farm. Frank prefers to be surrounded by trees and spend his time outdoors. This home is the perfect blend of what both Rebecca and Frank love.

From the beginning it was a collaborative effort that created a smooth process to make Rebecca and Frank’s dreams a reality. They opted for a beautiful and timeless Southern Living floor plan customized for their lifestyle. Rebecca said that with two small children, ages 8 and 9, and Frank’s two grown children, the house is the center for all their blended family’s activities. It needed to be exceedingly functional.

When Dana Perry joined the project, the house was still down to the studs. Having worked with Rebecca on their previous home in Nashville, she already knew her style and many of her likes and dislikes.

“I got on Dana’s waiting list before we even broke ground," Rebecca said. “It was 2020, the middle of the pandemic, and our builder, very wisely, would not begin building until he had our windows in his possession, because of the supply chain issues he had been experiencing. His keen insight and cautiousness saved us from a lot of potential complications. We spent hundreds of hours making decisions about everything throughout the structure, working on all of the details from the thick crown molding to every indention on the kitchen cabinets, to intricately drawn bathroom cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, and tile selections, so it was exactly as I envisioned it, all before framing was finished!”

The Carters had several sentimental pieces that belonged to Frank’s mother that needed to be incorporated. By the time framing had started,

mDRThe dining room carries the chameleon color of blue-green with a beautiful grass cloth as a backdrop.

“Before the Carters moved into their new home, Rebecca and I had met countless times to ensure the details were executed well. I say a house is never really finished, but this one is well on its way to the finish line.”

– Dana Perry

“I like to get to know my clients – their personalities, their lifestyles, how they entertain, how they do family, how they live in their homes. This is important information for creating, planning, and executing a house that will suit them, that will function well for them, and that they can live happily ever after in.” – Dana Perry

Dana had found a home for most of these family heirlooms, which began to dictate the design concepts for the space that they were in. Rebecca said, “I love beautiful antiques and we have been blessed to have quite a few from Frank’s mother. Antiques have a tendency to look dated unless you’re working with a designer who can keep them looking timeless and fresh. Dana really helped me incorporate my love for antiques with some more modern silhouettes in other furniture and fabrics.”

“Rebecca loves fabric textiles and china, so I started with those two items to give direction in color and personality for the house,” Perry said. “With a semi-open floor plan, it was a priority that the house work well from room to room, creating cohesiveness and well-thought-out design. Blues and greens are dominant throughout, with a splash of pink here and there as a nod to Mottahedeh Tobacco Leaf, one of Rebecca’s favorite china patterns.

The crisp bright kitchen is centrally located and gives ample space for daily living and entertaining.

“The only thing missing was a piece to hang over Mrs. Carter’s chest. There was a mirror at A+B that I had long admired. Rebecca messaged me and said, ‘I must have this mirror! Do you think we can use it?’ Immediately, I replied with a big YES, knowing the mirror was made for her foyer. It was a piece purchased in an antique market in France.” The entire foyer was designed and decorated before the building was finished.

Rebecca’s timeless dining room furniture sets a beautiful ambience, making this room an ideal holiday gathering spot. Dana custom designed the cornice boards to add a chinoiserie flair to the space.

The blue and green color palette continues in the great room and is exaggerated with bright textiles, Rebecca’s prized china, and a one-of-akind Turkish rug.

In the master bedroom, Dana emphasizes the importance of the scale of the space. The ceilings in the house are 10 feet high, so all of the rooms feel quite spacious. This is most evident in the couple’s private bedroom retreat. Dana chose large bedside tables, a trademark of hers, giving the homeowners plenty of space. These surprisingly substantial matching pieces beautifully offset the high custom headboard and soaring ceiling.

“I wanted a formal half bath, and I loved the

B ler's Pa ry

The oversized butler's pantry, just o the kitchen and dining room, serves many purposes. It houses Rebecca's china and stemware overflow; it's perfect for serving large crowds; it houses a wine fridge, so it serves as a bar area; and it has double pocket doors so it can hide dirty dishes when entertaining. P der R m

The formal powder room is elegant and refined with the enchanting blue wallpaper that allows the brass fixtures to shine.

idea of an antique chest converted to a sink,” Rebecca said. Dana found just the right chest that was customized by a local craftsman.” Rebecca notes that Dana thinks of everything and gestures to the faceplates that are covered in matching wallpaper in the formal powder room. “Dana is a consummate professional, as evidenced by her attention to even the smallest details.”

Frank worked with their landscape designer, Preston Coile of Triple C Landscaping, to invest in his land for many

Master Bedr m

“Upon entering the master bedroom, the cares of the world slip away. I like to create an ambiance of tranquility and respite in the master bedroom.”

years to come. They planted 1,000 longleaf pines and over 200 pecan trees, creating his very own orchard. Rebecca is also pleased with how Preston has lit their home at night, giving the home a warm glow even in the darkest night.

Together with Dana’s professional eye for design and Rebecca’s discerning sense of understated elegance, they have created a haven in the country, one where Frank and Rebecca and their large, active family will be delighted with for years to come. | VM

G @ R m

“I love to collect fine china. Dana suggested we add small walls on the edges of the den to the eat-in kitchen to allow space to add plates, but still keep the integrity of both spaces.”

Turning Dreams To Design...

Turning Dreams To Design...

Answering The Call, Todd Wilson Now Offers Full-Service Home Design And An Ever-Expanding Portfolio Of Plans For Sale.

Answering The Call, Todd Wilson Now Offers Full-Service Home Design And An Ever-Expanding Portfolio Of Plans For Sale.

Todd Wilson is a name synonymous with fine home building, award-winning design work, and some of our region’s most beautiful homes. In the past, Todd has designed homes exclusively for his construction clients. With the announcement that Wilson Design & Construction, Inc. (WDC) is now expanding their services to include a full-service residential design studio, Valdosta Magazine recently sat down with Todd to learn more:

Todd Wilson is a name synonymous with fine home building, award-winning design work, and some of our region’s most beautiful homes. In the past, Todd has designed homes exclusively for his construction clients. With the announcement that Wilson Design & Construction, Inc. (WDC) is now expanding their services to include a full-service residential design studio, Valdosta Magazine recently sat down with Todd to learn more:

VM: You’ve expanded WDC so that you can o er custom design services to everyone - regardless of where they’re building or who the contractor is? Tell us a little more about that.

VM: You’ve expanded WDC so that you can offer custom design services to everyone - regardless of where they’re building or who the contractor is? Tell us a little more about that.

TW: This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Over the years there’ve been countless times that people have asked if I would design their new home even though, for whatever reason, WDC couldn’t build it. I’m super excited that now we finally have a solution for situations like that.

TW: This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. Over the years there’ve been countless times that people have asked if I would design their new home even though, for whatever reason, WDC couldn’t build it. I’m super excited that now we finally have a solution for situations like that.

VM: So, if someone wants to work with you in custom designing their new home, what’s their first step?

VM: So, if someone wants to work with you in custom designing their new home, what’s their first step?

TW: I’d recommend going to our website where among other things they can read a brief description of our design process. When they’re ready, simply give us a call or shoot us an email so we can arrange a face-to-face conversation in our o ce. There we’ll get to know each other a little better, discuss the project, I’ll get a sense of the client’s style preferences, and we can even review a few inspirational photos. Finally, we’ll go over

TW: I’d recommend going to our website where among other things they can read a brief description of our design process. When they’re ready, simply give us a call or shoot us an email so we can arrange a face-to-face conversation in our office. There we’ll get to know each other a little better, discuss the project, I’ll get a sense of the client’s style preferences, and we can even review a few inspirational photos. Finally, we’ll

go over the specifics of WDC’s custom design process and its costs. If everyone is still on board after that first meeting, we’ll be ready to get to work on a new custom design!

the specifics of WDC’s custom design process and its costs. If everyone is still on board after that first meeting, we’ll be ready to get to work on a new custom design!

VM: Are your design services available for new homes only, or do you also design renovations?

VM: Are your design services available for new homes only, or do you also design renovations?

TW: Renovations and additions are some of my very favorite projects to work on as a designer! They’re challenging, and budget is always a driving factor. But the excitement that clients get when they see the final transformation is among the most rewarding moments that I get to experience as a designer.

TW: Renovations and additions are some of my very favorite projects to work on as a designer! They’re challenging, and budget is always a driving factor. But the excitement that clients get when they see the final transformation is among the most rewarding moments that I get to experience as a designer.

VM: Finally, I’d guess that custom design isn’t a fit for everyone’s personality and/or budget. Do you offer an alternative?

VM: Finally, I’d guess that custom design isn’t a fit for everyone’s personality and/or budget. Do you o er an alternative?

TW: Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve created a portfolio of designs that will eventually be converted to plans for sale. A few of my most popular designs have been available through Southern Living Magazine’s House Plans and our own website (Wilson leaves out the fact that he’s one of Southern Living’s top designers). But in the past few months, we’ve completely redesigned our website to highlight our expanded services and to make it easier for people to shop our portfolio. Once they’ve chosen a plan, we also offer a modification service that allows you to turn one of our predesigned house plans into your personalized dream home!

TW: Absolutely. Over the years, I’ve created a portfolio of designs that will eventually be converted to plans for sale. A few of my most popular designs have been available through Southern Living Magazine’s House Plans and our own website (Wilson leaves out the fact that he’s one of Southern Living’s top designers). But in the past few months, we’ve completely redesigned our website to highlight our expanded services and to make it easier for people to shop our portfolio. Once they’ve chosen a plan, we also o er a modification service that allows you to turn one of our predesigned house plans into your personalized dream home!

LIVEN UP YOUR HOME WITH A F

sh D ign

Art, accessories, and design are interrelational. Individual pieces work together to create a look, a feeling, a perfect place that can be called home. Time after time, it’s been proven to me that art, accessories, and fabrics are what personalize a space. Beginning with a fabric swatch or a significant piece of art can set the tone for an entire home.

Article by HARRIETTE SUTTON, Interior Designer and Owner of Southern Lady Interiors

The best-looking rooms achieve perfection through the combination of ideally placed furniture accentuated with adorned windows, fabulous art, and other accessories. Art and design are fluid in nature, constantly changing. To keep up with these changes and freshen up an existing home, keep this list of designer must-haves.

Previous Page Oyster plates, wallpaper, greenery, and French antique mirror

Top Oyster plates, high-end glass vases, acrylic risers, and original art grouping

Above and Left Pillow Perfect – Feminine and Masculine styles

Designer Must Haves:

• Original Art – Art is in the eye of the beholder. Art selection can be local, inexpensive, realistic, abstract, high-end commission, or a favorite amongst your children’s paintings. The sky is the limit.

• Bring a flash of color and texture to your home by adding trim to your draperies, shades, or headboards.

• Something Old, Something Gold, Something Blue – It can be a vase, tray, frame, lamp, drapery rod, or simply hardware on a cabinet.

• Anything Acrylic – While you may associate acrylic with the nail salon, this material can add some glitz and glam to your home. Some personal favorites are frames, trays, tabletop risers, and drapery rods.

• Oyster Plates – Fun to place on a table or hang a grouping on your wall. Simply fabulous.

• Accent Lights – Emphasize your art and bookcases.

• Wallpaper – A great method to bring a pop of personality into your foyer, powder room, mudroom, or bookshelves.

• Moss and greenery – A cousin to flowers, this accessory brings life to any room.

Top Left Savvy wallpaper-backed bookcases with Salvador Dali art, oyster plates, acrylic risers, and picture accent light

Top Right Beautifully adorned windows frame original art with accents of gold for a next-level design impact.

Above Retreat area with focus on large commissioned painting framed by upscale fabrics and accessories

Left Silk cornice, wallpapered walls, and fabulous accent lighting

multI-functional KITCHENS:

BY MATT DOUGLAS, PARAMOUNT GRANITE & MARBLE

Countertops have become more critical than ever as both an aesthetic and functional component in today’s kitchens. The modern-day kitchen serves not only in their traditional roles of food prep, dining, cleanup and entertaining; but as a space for schoolwork, hobbies and crafts, work-from-home projects, social gatherings with family & friends activities.

When planning a kitchen many people are thinking about their island even before the foundation is poured. And most of them want an island that is handy, functional, durable, and beautiful. Here are some tips for designing a multipurpose kitchen island that offers comfortable seating for family &

THE NEW FAMILY GATHERING TABLE IS A KITCHEN ISLAND

friends; incorporating seating is one of the first drivers of an island design. If regular chairs are to be used, then part of the island will need to drop down to table height: 29-30 inches. Most people prefer stools, though. There are stools that fit comfortably under a standard Flat Bar (36-inch countertop height), and there are taller stools designed for the Raised Bar area (6-8 inches taller) of an island. A Flat Bar (instead of a Raised Bar) maximizes the utility of the work surface, and the shorter stools are easy to use for young and old alike. There are reasons for an island to have more than one level: A Raised Bar will hide a messy countertop; but a simple Flat Bar (single-level counter) allows usable area.

The island’s length usually is set by the number of seats that are desired and space available. You will need to allow 24 inches per seat. When room is limited, stools are needed on the ends for extra guests; moving one seat to an end allows you to shorten the length. Perhaps more important than size, however, is the amount of space around the island; therefore, plan aisle widths before island size. Whenever possible, give 42-48 inches to an aisle where an oven door or dishwasher door opens into it. This provides room for a person to maneuver past the door when it’s down (a typical dishwasher door can block 26 in. of the aisle). When no door is open, a 48-in.wide clearance allows two people to walk past each other comfortably. Obviously, there are times when aisles cannot be quite so wide. In such cases, 36 inches should be the minimum clearance, with careful placement of appliances to minimize bottlenecks.

Regardless of size, an island is an opportunity to add some style to a kitchen. You can use an island to bring contrast to the kitchen’s aesthetic, perhaps with a paint color on the cabinets or a countertop material that differs from what is used in the rest of the kitchen. When mixing and matching countertops, watch the patterns to avoid clashing styles. The idea of combining two countertop styles in your kitchen might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s a relatively easy process if you balance the color coordination. If two options both have significant movement or pattern, pairing them can overwhelm your kitchen design and distract the eye. If you find yourself drawn to busy designs, search for a complementary countertop that’s solid-colored or has a minimal pattern. This will ensure that one counter material doesn’t compete with the other. The yin & yang principle applies to countertop design too. If your first choice is on the lighter side, look for a darker second choice for contrast. When creating a light-dark dynamic, there’s more than one approach. If you want your cabinetry & countertops the same color throughout, consider other factors, such as backsplash material.

No matter the size or the style of your kitchen island; remember to cherish the times spent in your kitchen with your loved ones. In the end all that matters is family & friends not kitchen design. Time spent together around the table…or island, discussing the day’s activities is well spent time. Slow down and enjoy your time!

A Su y Spaci s R at

LYNDSEY & DUSTIN KILBY’S HOME TRANSFORMATION

Story by MATTIA GODDARD

Interior Designs by DANA PERRY INTERIORS

SSET BACK FROM THE ROAD and nestled among verdant growth, the Kilby residence, with its charming facade and classic design, evokes the joy of home in every way. Boasting a gorgeous pandemic remodel, this Cherry Creek home has been transformed into a sunny, spacious retreat for Dustin, Lyndsey and their four young children.

Stepping through the front door, guests are greeted with arched doorways, beautiful heart pine floors, and an inviting color palette.

What started in September of 2020 as a cosmetic redo for the main living area, quickly became a full project with structural remodeling to include room shu ing, tearing out a walk-in pantry, gutting the kitchen, ripping out tiled floors, and utilizing a closet under the stairs as a hidden pantry.

“I was afraid of color. I used to joke that my color palette was 50 shades of grey. I tried for two years to work with my comfortable grey schemes, but it just wasn’t doing this house

Photography by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Dustin & Lyndsey Kilby with Brooks, Bowen, Ella Kate, and Banks

justice. Eventually I waved my white flag. I realized I needed professional help and that’s when we called Dana Perry,” Lyndsey explained.

Dana said, “Lyndsey wanted to brighten all the spaces up. She felt like she was living in a dark hole. We did all the di erent phases at the same time so we really kept the project moving the whole time. The more we worked together, the more I learned what Lyndsey liked. She was very decisive. She knows what she likes, but even more, she knows what she doesn’t like.”

“The living room had orange terracotta square tiles with dark grout. No matter how many times I cleaned those floors it always looked dirty to me,” Lyndsey said. “It just made the room have an overall dark and dirty feel. We knew removing them would be a big, messy job and initially tried to work around them. Eventually, when we decided to remodel the kitchen, we committed to removing the floors in the living room as well, and it made a world of di erence.”

erFThe foyer has been revitalized with the addition of overhead lighting and a welcoming wallpaper that brings cohesiveness, definition, and light to the space.

G @ R m

The home naturally has good architectural details. The arched doorways in this room beautifully frame the sofa wall and creates a great tra c flow to the rest of the house.

The kitchen layout did not function for the Kilbys’ big family, as it also housed the breakfast room, which made things very cramped for a family of six. “Prior to the remodel, the house did not have a good tra c flow. So even if we only had a handful of people over it could feel congested,” Lyndsey explained. “We love to entertain and we have a large extended family. We have friends and family over often, so having this new flow has been so nice.”

Getting rid of the island peninsula opened up the entire room and allowed for additional wall cabinets and a large working island. The new walk-in pantry was created using a closet underneath the back staircase and is accessed by hidden cabinet doors.

Lyndsey and Dana looked at di erent kitchen designs and discussed functional priorities. From that, Dana drew an entirely new kitchen design. The only original piece in this space is the romantic English Tudor window over the kitchen sink.

What used to be the dining room now serves as the breakfast and keeping room. This room had dark brown grasscloth, which was not working for the space. Dana recalls

K p R m

The former dining room is now the breakfast and keeping room. The seating that faces the breakfast table has become a favorite spot for the adults to gather when Lyndsey’s parents visit.

D R m

The dining room is now what was the formal living room.

that it took some convincing to get Dustin to agree to turn this space into a keeping room/breakfast room combo.

“We painted the grasscloth a beautiful shade of blue and it transformed the entire area,” she said. “Using banquet seating for the breakfast table allowed us to hug the wall, which allowed for more space for the keeping room area.”

The dining room is now a lovely chic space that is ready for any type of party. Previously, it was the formal living room, a space Lyndsey, said had a tv, a console, and living room furniture, but

Master Bedr m

The soft soothing blue palette in the master immediately puts the senses at ease. Such a soothing color pattern creates a truly tranquil space for Lyndsey and Dustin to unwind at the end of the day.

Mud R m

“Eliminating the old walk-in pantry freed up space, and allowed us to have a better back entrance for this busy family. We were able to incorporate a beautiful drop and go station as well as lockers for all of the kids. Adding the brick floor was a good choice for a high tra c busy area because it can withstand the whirlwind of four kids.” – Dana Perry Before

“It is amazing what color can do! With all the custom touches, I wanted Lyndsey to feel she was staying at a boutique hotel.”

– Dana Perry

was never used. It was an isolated, wasted space. “This is where you really see the value in hiring an interior designer,” Lyndsey added. “Dana has an eye for what a space can be, not simply what it is. She moved the rooms around and made our home so much more functional. She also saw ways to move pieces of furniture to different rooms and recover existing pieces to give them new life.”

“It is amazing what color can do. With all the custom touches, I wanted Lyndsey to feel she was staying at a boutique hotel,” Dana emphasized.

When asked how she put the Kilbys’ master bedroom together, Dana explained that she began with the fabric. “I do all custom bedding, so once we chose the fabric I incorporated the bed skirt, then the pillows, and from there I very carefully chose the wall color. Next came the bedside chests, and as always when it comes to deciding on

colors, I check, double check, recheck. The rug is a custom-made piece that is fit to the specifications of the room. The only thing Dustin requested of the master was a ceiling fan. This is where sometimes I am a marriage counselor. I found an acrylic and satin brass one that blends seamlessly with the monochrome room design.”

“I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with Dana as she helped me embrace color,” Lyndsey said. “What was once a dark, overwhelming array of oranges, reds, browns and greys now reflects the beautiful views around us. I love how it draws the outside in by pulling in the calmer blues and greens from the pool and landscaping. I’ve also embraced original art. We commissioned pieces specifically for different spaces in our home that add beautiful splashes of color throughout.” | VM

“I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone with Dana as she helped me embrace color. What was once a dark, overwhelming array of oranges, reds, browns and greys now reflects the beautiful views around us.”

– Lyndsey Kilby

• 4755 SOUTH COFFEE ROAD • NASHVILLE, GA 31639 • IG: DANAPERRYINTERIORS

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

The long-awaited alternative to vinyl and wood is here. New Auraline ® True Composite windows and patio doors by JELD-WEN blend the beauty of contemporary wood windows with strength and durability that surpasses vinyl, delivering a luxury

Lifesaving Tips for Moving in the Summer

Article by SOUTHERN SELF STORAGE

Moving from one home to another is stressful any time of year. Moving in summer, though, adds a significant level of extra stress. More people are moving, movers are busy, the kids are out of school, and the mercury is through the roof. Moving in summer is a recipe for disaster but Southern Self Storage has some tips to help make your summer moving experience less stressful.

Lock-In a Moving Company as Early as Possible

No matter when you move, it’s essential to plan a move. In the summer many more people will be moving simultaneously. The best movers will have limited availability from May through September. Locking in a moving company early is essential. Here’s how to do it:

1. Get estimates from three or four moving companies at least two to three months before you plan to move.

2. Meet with the companies in your home with a live sales representative. Get a written estimate.

3. Compare estimates, determine the best moving company, notify them of your choice, lock in the packing, moving, and unloading dates, and send a deposit to lock in the agreement.

4. For a four-bedroom ranch, packing usually takes a day and another day for loading everything. Get those dates locked in with your mover.

5. Delivery is usually a two- or threeday “window” of time to give the movers a little breathing room. Get these dates locked in as well.

Rent Your Moving Truck at the End of the Day

This tip can save you a lot of sweat and tears. It’s only for folks moving themselves, so folks using a moving company can take a quick breather here.

Most truck rental companies rent in 24-hour increments. If you rent a truck in the morning, you must return it the next morning. If you rent it in the afternoon or early evening, that’s when you need to return it. We would argue that renting it at the end of the day, especially in summer, is the better choice. Here’s why:

The summer heat in the middle of the day can be brutal and inside the moving truck it will be hot as blazes. Here’s how to avoid that:

• Rent your moving truck around 5 to 6:00 PM.

• Be ready to start loading with friends, family, moving pads, etc.

• Set up bright work lights around the truck for safety.

• Load the truck in the cool of the afternoon and evening.

• Leave the next morning cool and clean as a cucumber, with your moving truck already loaded.

If you’re moving locally, this is the perfect plan to beat the awful summer heat. Leave as early as possible the next day to beat the heat when unloading! | VM

A MASTER BEDROOM Transf tion

Article by JOHN RIDDLE

Photography by JAVON LONGIELIERE PHOTOGRAPHY

Interior Design by JIM RINEHART

Valdosta Furniture & Mattress

The retreat they always wanted is finally complete

IM AND JAMIE HANKS, owners of Window World, moved into a new home in Kinderlou three-and-a-half years ago but until recently there was one space that was not complete – their master bedroom. They turned to Valdosta Furniture and Mattress in Downtown Valdosta to help them transform the room into the beautiful retreat they longed for. Now, she feels like her home is complete.

“Our bedroom was the one room we had not put the finishing touches on since purchasing our new home,” Kim explained. “We wanted to have a beautiful space we could relax in.”

With the help of Jim Rinehart of Valdosta Furniture, they incorporated abstract designs with hints of tropical color. The focal point is the rattan bed which became the inspiration for the “coastal feel” of the room. Other furnishings, a new rug, art, lamps, and accessories were added.

“My favorite piece is the oversized dresser that Jim picked out. It’s actually two pieces put together and is over 108 inches long,” Kim said. “I would have never picked it out on my own, but I love it. It truly is a showstopper.” Jim handpicked each piece of furniture for the bedroom which includes coordinating oversized pieces that is Kim believes the room needed to create balance.

Kim and Jamie loved working with Jim and owner David Brooks. Kim says they are very personal and “give the best customer service in town by far.” “One of my favorite parts of our experience is that Jim is so helpful with the design process. He has a clever eye for design and is a joy to work with.”

Most people are aware of the beautiful furnishings and bedding o ered at Valdosta Furniture and Mattress, a 45-year-old family-owned business on Central Avenue in Downtown Valdosta, but not as many know about their interior design expertise.

“I tell everyone I know that is looking to update their décor to see David and Jim,” Kim said. “They take great care of their customers and provide honest advice. It is my favorite place to shop.”

Furniture and Mattress, a 45-year-old familyowned business on Central Avenue in Downtown Valdosta, but not as many know about their interior design expertise.

Most people are aware of the beautiful furnishings and bedding offered at Valdosta

Transforming Styles & D igns

Article by CALLIE SHAW, Owner TIN LILLY DESIGN

One thing that Callie loves about her job as a designer is the various styles and client preferences she has the opportunity to work on. Tin Lily Design loves working on all project styles such as Traditional, Modern, Rustic, Boho, Transitional, and the list could go on.

Mixing styles and/or working with di erent styles is very common for Tin Lily Design. They carry a wide variety of accessories and furniture in the storefront, but also have access to ordering many other items if needed. Call Tin Lily Design to help if you are unsure of how to bring your vision to life!

Calming, serene, modern, elegant. All of these words describe a recent remodel project from Fernandina Beach, Florida. Tin Lily Design is great at taking existing spaces and transforming them into whatever each specific client desires. For this project, the client wanted to start from scratch and use one of their paintings as inspiration. The large showstopper painting that Callie hung over the sofa was used as a guide to the flow of the entire condo. Callie mixed di erent textures in fabrics and furnishings to create a beach feel, but also keeping the style clean and modern.

One of the best transformations within the condo was the wet bar area. Callie took a dated look with mirror and metal bracket shelving to a whole new level by adding cream faux grasscloth wallpaper and new painted wooden shelves. The soft backdrop made staging the accessories a breeze and the accents really pop against the wallpaper.

Traveling to beach destinations is something Callie and Tin Lily Design love to do along with their local design work. Reach out to them for your destination project!

A recent Cabin project was a great blend of Rustic and Modern/Boho design. This Cabin may have some elements that appear old and foundational, but it is a completely new build in a remote area in South Georgia. The Kitchen is by far the hub of any home and this one in particular demands to be seen. The mossy green on the cabinets mixed with the whites on the countertop and the gold lighting with the warm rustic wood shelves make for a dreamy Kitchen for sure!

Tin Lily Design was started in 2014 by Callie Shaw and focuses on both Residential and Commercial design.  They work on projects all over South and Middle Georgia as well as North Florida and even both East and Gulf coasts!  Callie carries a variety of fabric samples, furniture and accessories from many di erent vendors and with many di erent price ranges.  Tin Lily Design is able to help with new construction and remodels as well as redesigns using your own items to help freshen up your spaces.  They love to do custom bedding and draperies with the help of their local seamstresses to give that finished look!  Callie and her Assistant Designer, Gabby Powell, are more than happy to work with you on your current or next project!

You can find Tin Lily Design on Facebook (Tin Lily Design) and Instagram (@tinlilydesign_callieshaw)

4476 Val North Dr Suite B

Valdosta Ga 31602

Store | 229-262-4817

Callie cell | 229-563-1689

Callie Shaw Gabby Powell

An Oasis in Their Backyard

Article by JOHN RIDDLE | Photography by JAVON LONGIELIERE PHOTOGRAPHY

Rhonda and Ed Mark are avid readers of Valdosta Magazine

Last year, they read the story in the Spring, 2022 Home issue about how Brent Moore at Outdoor Living Southeast converted Marty and Leslie McGhin’s space around their pool into an outdoor living space. That was all the motivation they needed. Now, they too wanted to transform their backyard into the oasis they had always wanted.

“Seeing that article in Valdosta Magazine was what motivated us to do something. We knew we wanted something similar,” Ed said. So, they called Brent to inquire about adding a covered area by the pool in their backyard, “…like the one we saw in Valdosta Magazine.” That was a call Brent was happy to get. Soon, the plans for transforming their backyard were underway.

“The pool is dead in the sun and there was no shade, no place to grill or even relax in the shade,” Ed explained. “We wanted a place to cook and entertain around the pool.”

Now, they can enjoy being outside and by the pool all year long. “We are able to sit in the shade under ceiling fans in the summer and by the fireplace in the winter,” Ed stated. The area includes a bar, outdoor kitchen with a Traeger gas grill and a Blackstone griddle, a sink, a refrigerator, and a fireplace. “It is where we spend our afternoons and weekends. We even hosted a Super Bowl party out there this year,” Rhonda added.

This project took a good bit of time but Ed and Rhonda say it was well worth the wait. “We enjoyed working with Brent. He is very attentive, professional, and his communication was particularly good throughout the entire project.”

They, and other adults, can now sit in the shade and keep an eye on their many nieces and nephews swimming. “And soon, our new grandchild will join them,” Rhonda was quick to add.

Moore, Jr., of Outdoor Living Southeast.

Rhonda and Ed Mark

SELECTING Art FOR YOUR HOME

Article by FAY BRIDGES HYATT, Artist and owner of Kaleidoscope gallery & emporium

II HAVE ALWAYS LOVED TO DECORATE and without exception I have found that the addition of artwork is a wonderful way to add beauty, color, energy, and your own personal taste to any room. Original art and good prints are so popular now. In working with artists and customers through Kaleidoscope gallery & emporium I am often asked about how to purchase art: what painting to buy, what color, what style? As most original art is somewhat expensive and a first purchase can be intimidating, many of my customers begin by telling me what color their walls are or the colors of their fabric choices, and the types of colors they like overall.

There are many types of artwork, from Modern Art to Representational Art and Abstraction to Impressionism, etc. Some people enjoy landscapes, others still life. Fine Art Portraiture o ers a very personal touch to any home.

There are so many wonderful choices! Here are some tips to help you find the perfect piece of art for your home:

Choose Art You Love: My advice is always to choose a painting that you really love – something that moves you. You can add a vase or a pillow that carries a predominant color in the painting. These added décor items will move the eye back and forth in the room, making your painting of choice workable and enjoyable.

Stay Away From

Fads:

I suggest staying away from fads in decorating. The painting you love can be used in your home throughout the years and can be mixed with new pieces. It is always possible to mix Abstraction with traditional art. As you collect your pieces you will become more comfortable with what will work and where!

Quietude, abstract by Diane Joseph

Left: Felix’s Midsummer’s Dream, oil on Masonite by Fay Bridges Hyatt

Below: Jolie at 5 years old, oil on linen by Fay Bridges Hyatt

Mix It Up: I have eclectic taste when it comes to art. I mix Folk Art with traditional and abstracts. I also mix frame colors and styles from traditional to plein air to more baroque ones. A frame should complement the painting it surrounds, and some rooms and décor items will look great with a painting that is unframed.

Light Your Art: One important and practical thing to do when you have chosen that piece you love is to be sure to light it. A painting placed between two wall sconces is always lovely. You can buy many types of light fixtures to ensure proper display of your paintings, and these vary from electric to battery-operated ones that come with remote controls. Light enables you to see the subtle colors, content, and brushwork in the painting, making it a focal point wherever it is placed.

Hopefully, these tips will enhance your art-buying experience. Remember, you do not have to go far to find beautiful art that fits any taste!

I am happy to say that we have many good artists in our area, so we have a lot of quality art to choose from. Kaleidoscope represents Earle McKey with his beautiful and colorful design work. Diane Joseph does large abstracts and shore birds, while others represented by the gallery do professional work in a variety of styles with a varied selection of subject matter from modern to traditional. | VM

Likeness always guaranteed!

“A portrait has the capacity to capture likeness ... feeling ... and character while enhancing your de'cor with beautiful brush strokes and color. A work of art ... a favored possession.”

122 N. Patterson Street; Valdosta | 229-245-1289 | www.kaleidoscopeagallery.com

County

Plein air from the 16th Century, oil on linen, Dutch artist unknown, restored by Fay Bridges Hyatt

Lucille’s Cockatiel with Agapanthus, by Fay Bridges Hyatt

Brittan Jordan, oil on linen Collection: Brenda and David Brown

Helen Griner, oil on linen Collection: Theatere Guild Valdosta

Myrna Ballard, oil on linen Collection: Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce Caroline, oil on linen Collection: Jani Martin

Coraleigh, oil on linen Collection: James and Leigh Ann Durrett

Superior Court Judge Mac MacLane, oil on linen Collection: Lowndes County Justice Center, Valdosta, Lowndes

WHEN THE Sun Go D n

The time for your home to shine with landscape lighting

Article by PRESTON COILE, Owner , SOUTHERN LANDSCAPE LIGHTING, LLC

Everyone will agree that a well-lit home is inviting, calming, and beautiful. It also o ers your family the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors longer. Whether it’s conversations on the patio after a family dinner or a nighttime soccer game in the backyard, your family can use your outdoor space long after the sun goes down. While those are very good reasons to install landscape lighting, there are other more practical reasons too. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal, security, and safety are also important aspects of having a properly lit home.

Increase Home Security:

There are many ways to increase the security of your home and your family; landscape lighting is one to consider. Illuminated doors and windows make it more di cult for someone to sneak around your house when you’re there and when you’re away.

Boost Curb Appeal:

Landscape lighting highlights what you want people to see about your home. Illuminate focal points and accentuate the best features of your home’s exterior and landscape to make your home the envy of your neighbors and potential buyers.

Ensuring Safety:

Adding lights to your driveway, walkways, stairs, drop-o s, and pool areas decrease the chances of you and your family and friends stumbling in the dark. Adding lights to spotlight your house number helps guests arrive safely and first responders to know they’re at the right place.

Lights Help Make Memories:

Perhaps most important of all, extend the use of your outdoor areas and provide more opportunities to make beautiful memories outside grilling, playing games, making smores, or just stealing a once-in-a-lifetime conversation.

WHATEVER YOUR MOTIVATION, CONSIDER OUTDOOR AND LANDSCAPE LIGHTING TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME’S VALUE AND YOUR FAMILY’S SECURITY, SAFETY, AND ENJOYABILITY OF YOUR HOME.

Specializing in landscape lighting design and installation

3858 Timber Ridge Road Valdosta, GA 229-300-7627

Southern Landscape Lighting, LLC

ADVICE FOR PREPARING YOUR

Vegetable Garden THIS SUMMER

Unlike us humans, our gardens don't have the luxury of air conditioning on scorching summer days. To keep plants perky, focus on these five key factors, and then consult our basic tips to find out when your plants have met their match – or just need a little extra love.

1. PRUNING

Perennials: Most perennials bloom for a four-to-eight-week period, but deadheading (pruning dead flowers) can help promote a second set of blooms. Since a plant’s goal is to produce more seeds, pruning dying flowers sends it the signal to grow more.

Annuals: Most annuals bloom all season long, but for those that don’t self-clean, deadheading can help grow new blooms. If your annuals start to look less than appealing, cut them back 4 to 6 inches to encourage new growth that’s compact, fresh, and green.

2. WATERING

For an easy trick to see if your plants are thirsty, stick your finger in the soil to the middle joint. If it’s wet or damp, forego watering. As you’re tending to container plants, pick them up when they’ve been watered and when they’re dry. You’ll start to notice the di erence in weight, which, over time, can help you to determine when they need to be watered.

In the full summer sun, container plants may need to be watered twice a day. If it’s hard to find the time, move them to a protected area. For trees and shrubs, use the previously mentioned soil-testing trick. With experience, you’ll start to get a feel for how often plants should be watered.

Water plants during the early morning and early afternoon, as wet foliage at night can lead to mold and mildew, so it’s important to give plants time to dry. However, if given the choice of wilted plants in the evening or not watering – water. Just be careful to keep the foliage dry.

Watering from the air can result in rapid evaporation, so water from the soil line. Weeper hoses are useful since they help water to directly seep to the roots. Lay them on the ground next to plants and set your timer for about an hour.

3. FERTILIZING

Container plants lose nutrients quickly due to frequent watering during the summer, so fertilize as often as every day, but at least once a week. Try using half of what the fertilizer calls for, since over fertilizing can cause plants stress.

Pro Tip: You should use gloves when using fertilizer or mulching. But you should also be sure you wash your hands afterward. We’ve got some options that won’t dry out your skin.

4. MULCHING

It isn’t too late to mulch! If you have less than 2 to 4 inches of mulch in your garden beds, consider mulching to help conserve water and reduce weeds. Weeds steal water and nutrients from your soil, so it’s important to keep them at bay. When mulching, we prefer organic mulches mixed with our outdoor and kitchen composts.

5. PEST CONTROL

Embrace good bugs like ladybugs, bees, praying mantises and spiders while avoiding unwanted bugs like aphids or Japanese beetles. Placing birdhouses, birdbaths and birdfeeders throughout your yard attracts birds that control populations of unwanted insects, not to mention gives you lovely birdsongs throughout the day.

As far as pesticides go, match to your pest, and always start with the least harmful formula first. Our simple, gentle, do-it-yourself pesticide is a good start: Mix 1 tablespoon of cooking oil with a generous squirt of dish soap in a spray bottle. Add water and test a spot on your plant before going to town. When spraying, be sure to get the back of leaves since they’re popular hiding spots for pests.

Call one of our Real Estate Agents today!

Tom Call, Broker Premier Real Estate VALDOSTA, GA

Wedding of Brianna & Tate Kight

Photography by Gandy Photographers

P PROFILES

YOUR GUIDE TO VALDOSTA’S PEOPLE, PLACES AND BUSINESSES

MADDOX COILE

NOBODY CARES WORK HARDER

A Story of Faith, Perseverance, and Determination

most runs scored, most bases stolen and highest on base percentage, but none of these stats matter to Maddox. He gives this sport everything he has every day for the pure love of the game – not for glory, but just to be out there playing.

Story by MATTIA GODDARD

Photo provided by THE COILE FAMILY

Maddox Coile is the fourth-leading baseball scorer in Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA baseball). Profoundly hearing impaired, Maddox was the varsity leado hitter as a ninth-grader for the Valwood Valiants. During the regular season he finished with the highest batting average,

Maddox has been playing non-stop baseball since he was 4 years old, about a year after his parents found out he had bilateral neurosensoral hearing loss. The hereditary condition had gone undetected during his newborn screening. His mother, Melanie Coile, said, “The hospital hearing tests are not that e ective. Their equipment is not the best technology. It’s important for parents to be aware of that.”

His father, Preston Coile, said that they noticed when Maddox was a toddler that he would put his hands on either side of his mother and grandmother’s faces and physically turn their heads back toward him so he could see their lips and better hear the words coming out of their mouths.

They took Maddox to get tested before his third birthday, first locally, with audiologist Jenny Carroll, and then to Shands. He began speech therapy at age twoand-a-half and got fitted for his first hearing aids shortly thereafter. Melanie recalls in those early days insurance wouldn’t cover his hearing aids. She was shocked to learn that hearing was considered a “luxury,” not a necessity.

Melanie will never forget when he was 3 years old and he had just gotten his hearing aids, Maddox said, “Mama, I can hear the rain” (which he pronounced “wayne”).

The hearing aids, which as a young child Maddox called his “happy ears,” would wear out over time and need to be replaced. Preston remembers a time when they were saving up for his next pair and he was without a working set. He asked his dad, “Where are my happy ears?” It would make him frustrated to not have them and it would alter his personality. As soon as he got a new pair his dad said it was an immediate attitude

change.

His parents agree that even before they found out that he was hearing impaired, he was a selfmotivated child. When he figured out he could climb out of the crib, he did it over and over again until he mastered that, then he moved on to the next thing. He approaches everything in his life with that same determination.

Maddox said, “When I was about 6 or 7 I started really loving baseball. What’s so unique about it is you can fail 7 out of 10 times and still be a Hall of Famer.”

“I think Maddox naturally took to baseball because it’s a sport where you can communicate without words," Preston added. "The nonverbal cues and hand signals between pitcher, catcher, coach and runners, is almost a morse code.”

“There are not a lot of players out there with a disability," Maddox said. "I have to work harder. I have a disadvantage. They have an advantage.”

Preston remembers when Valwood coach Robert Shipman had Maddox play up as an eighthgrader last year. It was rough. “Shippy has always believed in Maddox, ever since he met him," Preston said. “But even we had our doubts about him playing against seniors when he was an eighthgrader. His first four games he really struggled. That was a first for Maddox. Coach Shipman called me and I was dang near about to cry, I was so upset. But he told me to just trust the process. He said Maddox is going to be fine, just cheer him up, love on him. He’ll be a great ball player one day. After that Maddox turned a corner, learned a lot, and had a solid season. Coach Shipman has never given up on Maddox, so much credit goes to him.”

“Whenever I’ve had hardships, bad games, I remember that God

ABOVE: “I’ve coached Maddox since he was 4 years old and I’ve always taught him to be tough, no excuses, because this goes beyond baseball.” ~ Preston Coile

LEFT: Maddox’s first set of hearing aids, what he called his “happy ears.”

BELOW: Maddox’s motto is inscribed on the end of his bat.

has a plan,” Maddox said. “I have faith in him for all my success. The message is that hearing loss doesn’t stop me from being a top performer. It’s important to always see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

His dad added, “Maddox always focuses on what’s next, not the past. On one recent night he had three hits, the most hits on the team. I want to enjoy his success, talk about it. He just wants to know where we’re going to eat. For him, it’s not about what you did, it’s what you’re about to do.”

“The way I see it,” Maddox said, “If you strike out, you can focus on that or about the pitches he has and how to execute your next at bat. That same thing translates to life. Failure and mistakes are something you can learn from and build off of.”

“I’ve coached Maddox since he was 4 years old and I’ve always taught him to be tough, no excuses, because this goes beyond baseball. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. Life is tough enough out there and nobody cares, so no excuses. I’d get it tattooed if I did that sort of thing,” said Preston.

Maddox maintains a 4.0, he sits in the front of all his classes and he cites biology and Ms. Ward as his favorite subject and teacher. He is a protective older brother to his two younger sisters and a nonstop baseball player. If he’s not playing, he’s training and if he’s not training, he’s practicing. In the summers he plays travel ball with Florida Burn out of St. Simons. His next goal is to play college ball. “I want to play as long as I can at the highest level.” | VM

WHENEVER I’ve had HARDSHIPS, bad games, I remember THAT GOD HAS A PLAN, I have FAITH IN HIM for a MY SUCCESS."

ABOVE: Nicknamed “Mad Dog” by his teammates, Maddox is Valwood’s leado hitter.

RIGHT: Preston, Maddox, Mary Mac, Isabella & Melanie Coile

Shining STARS

HONORING THE STAR STUDENTS FROM FOUR VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOLS

Compiled by John Riddle / Photography by Wes Sewell Photography

To obtain the 2023 STAR student nomination, graduating seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent (GPA) of students of their class. Students choose a STAR teacher to share in the recognition.

Reagan Lawson

GEORGIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Parents: Brad & Patience Lawson

STAR Teacher: Terry Carter

Future Plans: “I plan to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and major in mechanical engineering. Afterwards, I plan to make a career in the Army as an officer.”

“I am thankful to be honored with this distinguished award. None of what I have accomplished would have been possible without the support of wonderful teachers, coaches, and my family.”

Clark Rodgers

LOWNDES HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: James & Jacqueline Rodgers

STAR Teacher: Becky Martin

Future Plans: “After graduation, I hope to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and earn a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance to eventually land a job at an asset management firm.”

“I was shocked but excited to hear the news of being selected as STAR student. People told me I did good, but I had no idea how good. I am very proud of myself!”

Pearce Andrew Persaud VALWOOD SCHOOL

Parents: Dr. Terry & Shelly Persaud

STAR Teacher: Joy Owens

Future Plans: “After graduation, I plan to attend Valdosta State University to study biology, then attend medical school.”

“I am honored to be named the 2023 STAR Student at Valwood. I am grateful for all of my teachers, coaches, family members, and friends who have challenged me to do my very best.”

Skylar Partin

VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Tammy Siler

STAR Teacher: Jeremy Paradice

Future Plans: “I plan to attend the University of Tennessee to continue my education.”

“I am very honored and humbled to receive the STAR Student Award from Valdosta High School alongside my two fellow classmates in which we have earned the opportunity to represent our accolades, endeavors, and our teachers that have given so much to help us become who we are today.”

Riley Diaz

VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Cisco & Laura Diaz

STAR Teacher: Joy Roberts

Future Plans: “I plan to attend a college and major in Biology/Pre-Med concentration in order to fulfill my passion in the medical field or in a helping profession. The last two years of my life have been a challenge for me medically. These struggles have piqued my interest in the medical field and helping professions.”

“Being selected as one of Valdosta High School's Star Students has been an honor. I am proud to stand with my other two classmates to represent not only our hard work as students but also spotlight our high school and the teachers who have helped to mold and shape us throughout our high school years.”

Valdosta High School has three students who tied for the STAR Student Recognition

Dhruv Thanki

VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL

Parents: Paresh Thanki & Gyanasudha Balki

STAR Teacher: Sarah Broome

Future Plans: “I plan to attend Georgia Tech to pursue a career in medicine.”

"I feel honored being a STAR Student because it has shown me the value of hard work and has given me the confidence to apply myself to the best of my ability in whatever I do."

Hall

Fran Johnson & Blake Webb

Emily Singletary & Scott Todd

Gracie Hall & Daniel Warren

Candace Williams & David Posas

Allison Hutchins & Jordan Bacon

Katie Beth Carter & Hunter Hall

Hannah Gunter & Hunter Hancock

Alexa Murtha & Tyler Smith

Allie Smotherman & Zack Richards

Missy McKay & Dawson Patterson

Hannah Gandy & Shaw Wactor

June 17, 2023

June 17, 2023

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September 30, 2023

SweetSixteen

THE 2023 SWEET SIXTEEN DANCE

The Sweet Sixteen Hostesses held their annual dance on January 7, 2023, at the Valdosta Country Club. The VCC Ballroom was decorated with the theme “Pretty in Pink,” which included all shades of pink roses, pink balloons, pink tea lights, pink tulle, and pink confetti. The table centerpieces included vases filled with pink rose hand bouquets, which each hostess carried into the ballroom when they were escorted by their fathers. The focal point of the VCC lobby was a pink and gold balloon arch where the hostesses could stop to take pictures with their family and friends. Following a sweet dinner with their fathers, each girl was escorted into the ballroom, where they danced the night away with their friends! This event began over three decades ago for young women who attend Valdosta High School, Lowndes High School, and Valwood School. The dance is held to celebrate these girls on the milestone of their sixteenth birthday.

Story by ALLISON CRENSHAW / Photography by LAUREN BARRINGER

The Sweet Sixteen hostesses for 2023 were Sarah Grace Baltrus, Sara Beth Barham, Layne Barringer, Addison Bass, Ann Harrell Blevins, Stella Blevins, Kinslee Bolton, Shelby Boutwell, Ava Bowen, Kamry Boyd, Ashley Brock, Julia Broome, Suzanna Broome, Bradley Carter, Brooke Chandler, Vivian Cochran, Dakota Colvin, Jane Cooper, Colbie Crenshaw, Ellie Dent, Jayden DiTomasso, Kendall Drumheller, Lane Ethridge, Hailey Futch, Riley Futch, Lauren Gee, Claire Glen, Loughren Haden, Riley Hall, Jaelyn Hanna, Caroline Hatton, Catherine Hatton, Caroline Hobby, Haley Hood, Emma Riley Hornbuckle, Murphy Johnson, Gaby Kerrigan, Kayla Lee, Sarah Grace Maine, Maggie Matheny, Kylei McFarland, London McMillan, Samantha McQuitty, Chandler Monetti, Christabel Ofori, Presleigh Orrell, Kadie Raabe, Haley Ratli , Sarah Riveria, Claire Rothenho er, Gracie Smith, Breniyah Sutton, Haidi Vu, Hannah Ward, Jordyn Williams, and Addison Winningham.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF VALDOSTA’S 16th Annual LEAD EVENT

Honoring Jesus Carreon, Herb Bennett and Alberto Castellanos as O cers of the Year

The 16th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner (LEAD) was held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 to honor law enforcement officers Georgia State Patrol Trooper First Class Jesus Carreon, Lowndes County Sheriff's Office Liutentant Herb Bennett, and Valdosta Police Department Officer Alberto Castellanos. The event was held at the Rainwater Conference Center.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Rotary Law Enforcement Fund, which provides financial assistance to officers and their families during natural disasters, medical emergencies, and other urgent needs. The LEAD committee consists of Rotarians Claire Lee, Wes Sewell, Thressea Boyd and chairman Bubba Highsmith.

The award winners were introduced by Sergeant First Class Raul Mejia of the Georgia State Patrol, Chief Leslie Manahan of the Valdosta Police Department, and Sheriff Ashley Paulk on behalf of the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.

A new recognition was added this year to honor the late Judge Arthur "Mac" McLane. A scholarship in McLane's name was established this year and will be awarded annually to a criminal justice major at Valdosta State University. The first recipient was Cheyanne Stone from Douglas, Georgia. She is expected to graduate this year with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. | VM

Above: SFC Raul Mejia; Trooper First Class Jesus Carreon; Sheri Ashley Paulk; LEAD Committee Chair Bubba Highsmith; Lt. Herb Bennett; O cer Alberto Castellanos; Police Chief Leslie Manahan

Photography By WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

GEORGIA STATE PATROL TFC Jesus Carreon, Jr.

Trooper First Class (TFC) Jesus Carreon, Jr., graduated from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Trooper School in 2019 and was assigned to Tifton Post 13. The following year he transferred to Valdosta Post 31. He has completed a crisis intervention course and serves as a field training o cer. TFC Carreon is assigned a GSP “ghost car,” a specially designed vehicle with low-profile graphics and markings. He is a member of the GSP Honor Guard. In 2021, TFC Carreon made 38 DUI arrests. He graduated from BrooksCounty High School and served six years in the Georgia National Guard.

OFFICER Alberto Castellanos

O cer Alberto Castellanos began his career at the Valdosta Police Department (VPD) in 2019. He works in the Patrol Division, Tactical Operations Unit and is part of the recruitment team. In 2022, he wa instrumental in resolving a home invasion case that resulted in multiple arrests, confiscation of dangerous narcotics, and recovery of firearms. O cer Castellanos also worked a stolen vehicle case in which the o ender was wanted on numerous warrants and had dangerous narcotics in the vehicle. He has received multiple Favorable Contacts and Letters of Appreciation for his professionalism, dedication, excellent work ethic, and commitment to his VPD law enforcement career. O cer Castellanos was born in Bogota, Colombia, and raised in Miami, Florida. He is married to Virginia Castellanos, and they have two children, Alberto Jr. and Elena.

LIEUTENANT Herb Bennett

Lt. Herb Bennett leads the Lowndes County Sheri ’s O ce (LCSO) Canine Division. He recently coordinated the first combined Police Data Initiative and Detection National Trial for the United States Police Canine Association. The event, held in September 2022 in Lowndes County, demonstrated canine skills and training in the areas of obedience, agility, article search, suspect search, criminal apprehension and detection. The LCSO Canine Division continues to grow under Lt. Bennett’s leadership

and has become one of the top units in the Southeast region. In addition, Lt. Bennett leads the LCSO’s Tra c Division, which includes tra c control and Interstate Criminal Enforcement (ICE). This unit consists of highly trained deputies, who lead the agencies’ tra c enforcement initiatives, including DUI arrest, narcotic interdiction, and movement of assets by criminal organizations. He is married to Leanne Bennett, and they have two children, Madison and Taylor.

Georgia State Patrol

Valdosta Police Department

Lowndes County Sheriff ’s Office

IT'S ELECTRIC!

Ace Electric, Inc. recently made Engineering News-Record’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors and Top 600 Specialty Contractors lists for 2022. These elite lists consist of high-volume contractors from across the United States. ENR provides national analytics, news, and data for the construction and engineering industry, and reports to the top firms of architects and engineers regarding top contractors and construction projects in the United States and around the world.

Leadership at Ace Electric attributes this higher ranking to the hard work and continued dedication to growth by the Ace Team in every location. Rob Stalvey, President of Corporate Support, explains: “To achieve ENR’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors list is an amazing achievement. We are so proud of the entire Ace Team for embracing our growth strategy all while continuing to work safely and delivering high-quality projects to our customers and business partners.”

Ace Electric was founded in the Valdosta area in 1975. They perform electrical installations in a multitude of market segments including commercial, correctional, distribution, government, hospitality, industrial, education, manufacturing, mission critical, and maintenance. Their Georgia locations include Valdosta, Macon, Statesboro, and Atlanta. They also have locations in Jackson, Tennessee, Siler City, North Carolina, and Plain City, Ohio. | VM

ACE ELECTRIC GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AMONG THE TOP ELECTRICAL AND SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS IN THE NATION

Rob Stalvey, President of Corporate Support; Bobby Stalvey, Chairman of the Board; Tommy Stalvey, President of Operations

“TO ACHIEVE ENR’S TOP 50 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS LIST IS AN AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT.”

& CULTURE Ar s

Story by NARCI DROSSOS / Photography By JAVON LONGIELIERE PHOTOGRAPHY

Tvis D. Sions

DEPICTING THE HUMAN FORM EXPRESSIONISTICALLY

Existentialism in modern art embraces the idea that “the object of art is not to reproduce reality, but to create a reality of the same intensity.” The emphasis on personal, subjective perspectives are aspects of Valdosta artist Travis D. Simmons’s captivating paintings of people. His pieces resonate with his own individual experience of seeing the human form.

A self-described DIY artist, he has found that an insatiable curiosity regarding approaches to painting has served him well. He notes, “Curiosity is very di cult to teach, but I have never stopped

& CULTURE Ar s

learning.” Simmons, who grew up in Pavo, Georgia, has been a Valdostan since 2002. While at Thomas County Central High School, he took art classes and was art club president. He then earned an associate’s degree in computer science.

While at Valdosta State University studying philosophy and religion, Simmons began “playing with paints” over a summer. Friends and others wanted to buy his paintings, so he took all sorts of art classes, including threedimensional, which he found fascinating. Although he appreciated learning about techniques and materials, receiving grades for his work never felt as rewarding as producing it. He continues learning on his own, studying a variety of artists. His favorites are Klee, Modigliani, Basquiat, and Rembrandt.

Discovering gesso, a plaster-like paint mixture used to coat wood panels as a primer, Simmons adds, changed the way he works. Gesso led him away from acrylic paint to his current oils, pastels, ink, and for his larger works, encaustic wax. Often his pieces are described as abstract expressionism. He painted on canvas for years, but now he mostly paints on higher bond paper on panels.

When Simmons refers to his work as “figurative,” he stresses that means the human form, observing: “I care little for the background or landscape; they are generally implied and not the focus.” Continuing, he adds, “I relate to the anxiety, absurdity, and uncertainty that all of us face at some point; but overall, I try to instill a sense of hope.”

Simmons’s audience “gets it.” In 2022, his piece “Frankenstein” won best in show at the annual “Spring Into Art” event at the Turner Center for the Arts. This piece hangs at Covington’s downtown. Simmons notes that the Cox family has always been supportive of his art and display his work in each of their restaurants. He worked at 306 North during his college days and still steps in on occasion.

Working in his art studio is a full-time endeavor now. Quitman collector Nancy McGee appreciates Simmons’s “outside the box” creativity, and in addition to owning several paintings, she also donated one to Wiregrass Technical College for permanent display. Annette Crosby, artist in residence at the Turner Center, observes that Simmons has numerous fans, and she particularly appreciates “the abstract qualities of the people he features.”

Simmons continues to focus on new ways of being creative, finding joy in the expression of feelings and thoughts. He shows his work at the Turner Center, Curate, and Sublime in Valdosta and at the Wiregrass Co-Op in downtown Thomasville. As for his future plans, he intends to branch out of the area, perhaps look into doing another show or two, and increase his social media presence. | VM

To learn more about Travis D. Simmons, visit his Facebook page @Travisd Simmons or on Instagram @travisdartist.

the anxiety, absurdity, and uncertainty that all of us face at some point; but overall, I try to instill a sense of hope.”

“I late to

& CULTURE Ar s

ski vacations, but like them, she’s an aspirational writer. She publishes in an edgy campus journal that features feminist views.

by Daisy Alpert Florin (2023) 295 pgs

Isabel Rosen is a senior at Wilder, an elite liberal arts college in New Hampshire in the late 1990s – a time when themes regarding gender and power emerge into the national conversation. Even the president is being investigated for sexual misconduct. Isabel doesn’t quite fit in with her affluent classmates who wear designer brands and take

As Isabel takes the class of a poetturned-substitute professor, she focuses more on her fiction and yearns for recognition. One critic notes that this is “a campus novel more interested in the faculty than the students,” but Florin’s rich details of setting and relationships evoke her theme that growing up isn’t easy. Sometimes the 40-something adults seem no better at managing their hopes and dreams than the 20-somethings. At its heart, it’s about finding the courage to do the right thing even when the choices seem impossible.

I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU

by Rebecca Makkai (2023) 448 pgs

Makkai’s 2018 The Great Believers was a Pulitzer and National Book Award finalist. In it she covered the AIDS epidemic, art history, and lost family. Questions is a departure, but perhaps equally ambitious in its seemingly direct premise: solving a 30-year-old campus murder. Bodie Kane, the protagonist, returns to her alma mater, an isolated, elite New Hampshire boarding school ostensibly to teach a podcasting workshop, but she really wants to revisit the death of her former roommate, Thalia Keith.

The school’s athletic trainer, Omar Evans, was convicted on evidence that seems, in hindsight, quite shoddy and convenient. This novel is about questions, as the title suggests, and there are several scenarios Bodie depicts, in layered flashbacks, to address them. There are many complications masterfully handled. NPR calls this novel “Sharp, twisty, enthralling, cerebral, surprising…” Turning these pages is the easy part.

B OOK

REVIEWS

A graduate of Dartmouth and Columbia, Florin also received a writing fellowship to Sarah Lawrence College. This is her debut novel.

FAMILY DRAMAS

Narci Drossos describes herself as a compulsive reader, saved in her youth by a summer bookmobile librarian who ignored the bi-weekly limit of five books, thus allowing her, in one summer, to go from Harriet the Spy and Nancy Drew to David Copperfield and Jane Eyre. She holds three degrees from Valdosta State University and has been teaching English at Valdosta High School for over 30 years. She’s published book reviews in ELLE magazine and online on Instagram @novels_with_narci, where she’d appreciate a follow and your feedback on this VM feature using #VMbookreview.

by Ann Napolitano (2023) 400 pgs

If you loved 2020’s Dear Edward, a bestseller and soon-to-be Apple TV series, you might also love this one, which Oprah chose as her 100th book club title. The pre-publication synopsis refers to Hello Beautiful as “inspired by” Little Women’s four sisters, but this novel has its own fascinating narrative that is both universal and unique. Four Catholic sisters grow up in a working-class suburb of Chicago in the 1970s. A young man attending Northwestern enters their lives; he has grown up unloved by his parents

HELLO BEAUTIFUL

CAMPUS NOVELS

and is joyful to join their family. Not only are the sisters loved and nurtured by their parents, they lean on each other devotedly. Life brings them a few obstacles that you won’t see coming, and overcoming them isn’t easy. Amidst the chaos, it’s the quiet moments that resonate. This poignant page-turner will make you think about the healing power of love.

A graduate of New York University, Napolitano teaches writing in Brooklyn. She’s also the author of A Good Hard Look, a historical novel about Milledgeville, Georgia, writer Flannery O’Connor.

most of the book. The characters go to many of the city’s literary locations, and the reader gets to visit these vicariously. If you love the Big Apple and are curious about the lives of authors and publishers, it’s highly likely you won’t be able to put this one down.

curators’ offices tucked amidst the most famous paintings? That guards get an $80 hosiery allowance added to their checks for socks? One can easily sink into a day spent with Bringley as he arrives to work before the museum opens to visitors: “It's just me and the Rembrandts, just me and the Botticellis, just me and these vibrant phantoms I can almost believe are flesh and blood.” It’s a wonderfully titled and revelatory book.

A LIKELY STORY

by Leigh McMullan Abramson (2023) 352 pgs

Abramson has worked as an attorney and a journalist. Her debut novel tells the story of Isabelle Manning, daughter of “iconic novelist” Ward Manning. Isabelle also yearns to be a published novelist, but things are not working well for her. Her father is obsessed with his own life, and her godmother is practicing tough love. Her beloved mother, Claire, who was a perfect New York hostess as well as a devoted wife, has just died as the narrative opens. It turns out that there was more to Claire than her own family ever knew (or appreciated). Claire’s story unfolds in riveting flashbacks. In fact, there’s a story within this story, hence the title.

Although it’s certainly a family drama, there are also elements of mystery, romance, and crime – almost all of it set in New York City and adjacent Long Island. Isabelle writes at the New York Society Library, where Abramson says she wrote

ALL THE BEAUTY IN THE WORLD: THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART AND ME

by Patrick Bringley (2023) 240 pgs

Bringley attended New York University and worked as an editorial events planner at The New Yorker. Extremely close to his mathematically gifted brother who died at 26, Bringley became restless in his grief, and he longed for the solace that beautiful art brings. He found himself embarking on a career pivot many might find surprising – he left the prestigious magazine to become a museum guard. Of course, not just any museum – he went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art for ten years. It was there, wearing a navy-blue suit and walking the galleries (mostly “invisibly” – as some people never “see” the guards) that he healed, learned, grew, and appreciated.

His experience is the reader’s treat. Bringley shares so many fascinating anecdotes about his life in the museum, especially behind the scenes where visitors never see. Did you know that there were once shooting competitions in the basement where the armed guards practiced in the 1920s? And hidden

THE PEOPLE’S HOSPITAL: HOPE AND PERIL IN AMERICAN MEDICINE

by Ricardo Nuila (2023) 384 pgs

Writer and doctor Nuila takes readers to Houston, Texas, hospital Ben Taub, an innovative and publicly funded model for change. The book’s jacket acknowledges that “expensive” and “broken” are the two apt and mostly widely applied adjectives to American hospitals. Nuila asks, “In the richest country on earth, why does the high cost of health care leave millions without access to lifesaving treatments?” He believes good healthcare should not be only available to the highly insured.

Richly detailed accounts of his patients make this book highly readable: they arrived with hand-drawn maps that marked the hospital like treasure. Ben Taub is “the largest safety net hospital in one of America’s most diverse cities.” It’s a hospital for the poor, although many of them are working. Patients can look out their windows “and behold the sparkle of so many new glass buildings…named after the billionaire sheiks who sell the oil that becomes their gas.” The irony is not lost on Nuila, a more than capable writer who alludes to Chekhov as well as simplifies complex diseases and treatments.

Did you know that F. Scott Fitzgerald was not happy with the title The Great Gatsby? Even as it went to press he wanted to change it. Book titles can be intriguing – why the author chose a certain title may not be clear until the narrative is well underway or even until its end.

There is always a reason to Go Downtown in Valdosta! Unique shops, restaurants, theaters, and galleries provide an eclectic atmosphere where there is something for everyone. This dynamic city is bursting with activity from art events to bustling loft apartments.Come and see what it's all about.

MEET THE MERCHANT: TIFFANY BENTLEY

Owner of Downtown Social

Tiffany Bentley is not a stranger to owning a business. Her husband owns Bentley Heating and Air, a well-established business in Valdosta. However, this is the first time the former nurse has tried running a business on her own. From the looks of it, she certainly seems to be bowling strikes.

Downtown Social opened seven months ago in the former Birdie’s Market at 206 N. Patterson Street in Downtown Valdosta. The family entertainment center offers boutique bowling and sports suites with simulators that offer patrons golf at over 75 courses, the chance to hit a few home runs, kick some field goals, or even take out a few zombies in a game of zombie dodgeball. They also offer VR pinball games with over 1,400 games, darts, and shuffleboard.

All of that activity is sure to work up an appetite. The beauty is you don’t have to leave as Downtown Social offers a full menu and bar featuring a premium selection of bourbon, Irish whiskey, scotch, gin, and vodka. They also offer flights of premium spirits to explore the different notes and flavors.

Tiffany is passionate about offering “premium family entertainment” that fills a void in what the community was offering previously. She’s also passionate about downtown and the renewed growth over the last few years.

“We love downtown and the community of merchants that feels like family. We enjoy being a part of the growth and adding to the economic

Story by JOHN RIDDLE/ Photo by WES SEWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

growth in downtown,” Tiffany said.

The Bentleys’ dream of expanding the entertainment options for the people of Valdosta has been a passion for a long time. They did extensive research before opening Downtown Social.

“We researched for years from Atlanta to Orlando and many surrounding areas to develop our vision for Downtown Social. “We have gathered all of our best ideas under one roof to the best of our ability,” she explained.

And they’re still working on creating more and more activities and events to attract new patrons.

They have an array of fun events such as Wingo Wednesdays, Trivia Thursdays, and Brunch on weekends.

It’s Happy Hour every day from 4 – 6 pm and 50% off play on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Downtown Social offers event space for birthday parties, corporate events, holiday gatherings, and more. “We take care of the entertainment; all you have to do is get your group here,” Tiffany said.

After all of those long nights reviewing sketches and on-site visits with engineers before deciding to purchase the building which they believe has great character, it feels good to see others enjoy their dream.

“It has been very rewarding to watch everyone enjoy the vision in real life,” Tiffany said. “We are eager to continue to grow and provide premium family entertainment for all ages.” | VM

Sip & Stroll In Downtown

PERMITS PATRONS TO CARRY AN OPEN DRINK WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

Downtown Valdosta’s Entertainment District allows downtown patrons to grab a drink and walk around the entertainment district which encompasses the heart of Downtown Valdosta with boundaries from E. Valley Street to W. Hill Avenue and from Ashely to N. Toombs Streets. A strip extends up Patterson Street to the Turner Center’s Art Park and east to the new Unity Park Amphitheater. Georgia Beer Company is also included in the district.

Have a drink while you stroll through downtown shopping, relax in Bennie’s alley, or listen to a band in the Unity Amphitheater. If it’s in the required cup and you only have one cup at a time from participating businesses with an alcohol license – you’re good to stroll.

DOWNTOWN SOCIAL HOURS

Wednesday & Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm

Friday: 4 pm – 12 am

Saturday: 11 am – 12 am

Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm.

Learn more at downtownsocialvld.com

@downtownsocialvld

“WE ARE EAGER TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND PROVIDE PREMIUM FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES.”

As always, drink responsibly!

Go Downtown!

Downtown Valdosta's merchants invite you to explore the shops, restaurants, live music, and more on the first Friday of every month.

First Friday of Every Month

Downtown Valdosta

5pm - 8pm

MAKERS market

DOWNTOWN SOCIAL Boutique Bowling, Sports Suites, Shu eboard, Darts, VR Pinball + Sips and Eats!

206 N. Patterson St.

CURATE A Collective of Artists and Vintage Curators o ering Original Art, Decor, Furniture, Clothing and More.

134 N. Patterson St.

Second Saturday of Every Month

Historic Courthouse Square

Downtown Valdosta

10am - 2pm

GUD COFFEE Specialty co ee, treats, and food.

133 N. Patterson St.

FLOWER GALLERY

Beautiful floral arrangements and gift baskets.

127 N. Ashley St.

CURATE

KALEIDOSCOPE

Fine Art Portraits, Fine & Folk Art, Jewelry & Pottery, Vintage & Antiques, and Studio Art Education

122 N. Patterson St. MOCKINGBIRD

Gifts for any occasion. Home decor, bridal, and baby registry.

117 W. Central Ave.

VALDOSTA FURNITURE

VALDOSTA FURNITURE

Perfect furniture and accessories for every room.

116 W. Central Ave.

CHEZ WHAT

High end accessories and furniture. Antiques and vintage finds. Original art.

204 S. Ashley St.

MOCKINGBIRD

ARTISANS | FARMERS | GROWERS

Your Community. Your Health System. SGMC Shares Successes with Digital Annual Report

to Be Alive Following Advanced Heart Surgery

From a firefighter who beat the odds, to social workers who advocate tirelessly for their patients, there is magic happening every day right here in South Georgia.

These inspiring stories — and more — can be found in South Georgia Medical Center’s recently released fiscal year 2022 annual report. The report, available online, features a recap of our service line growth, employee recognitions, patient testimonials, and plans for the future.

The report focuses on SGMC’s four strategic priorities which include providing an unsurpassed patient experience and unequaled access to care and being unimpeachable in system credentials and unmatched in e ciencies.

Two major milestones were accomplished last year, including the reopening of inpatient and emergency services at the Smith Northview

Hospital and welcoming the first class of physicians to the internal medicine residency program in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine.    SGMC’s heart and vascular program continues to lead the way, launching the area’s first and only structural heart and valve center, as well as adding cardiac electrophysiology services.

Also featured in the report are important statistics relating to the health system. Most recent data shows the health system is approaching a $1 billion annual economic impact to the community, supporting nearly 10,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Another highlight for the system was earning a new quality-based accreditation from DNV. This is just one of many approaches across the health system that focus on patient safety. SGMC also partnered with Press Ganey to become a High Reliability

Organization. SGMC President and Chief Executive O cer Ronald E. Dean shared, “SGMC is focused on being the safest health system in the nation through proven best practices and participating in programs that help us identify areas where we excel, as well as areas where we can improve.”

With nearly 650,000 patient encounters across the system, the report wouldn’t be complete without stories from those who entrust SGMC with their care.

“Everyone knows that hospital facilities, technology, and programs are important, but it’s our remarkable people who make it come to life,” said Dean. “We invite community members to view the report and learn more about our dedicated team committed to providing extraordinary care to all who call on us.”

The report can be found online at sgmc.org/report.

Spotlighting Womanpower: Miracle Mackey, Oncology Nurse; Emily Brown, Trauma Program Manager; and Felicia Taylor, Experience Coordinator, pose on the cover of the FY2022 Annual Report.

Hattie Grace Willis with SGMC Cuddle Bears, an SGMC Foundation program that provides teddy bears to our pediatric patients. Learn more about the impact of Generosity That Heals in the SGMC Annual Report.

Dr. Joe Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, prays with patient Hugh “Bubba” Ivey prior to his heart surgery. Read more in Ivey Thankful

CHAMBER ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATES BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

TheValdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce marked the culmination of their 110th year at the Chamber Annual Awards, held on February 16, 2023, at the Rainwater Conference Center. The event, which was sponsored by First Commerce Credit Union, witnessed the gathering of over 460 attendees,

comprising both familiar and new faces, who came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our local business community. Thressea Boyd of THBoyd Communications, the 2023 Chair of the Board, delivered a rousing address, expressing her optimism and enthusiasm for the prospects of 2023.

The A.L. Girardin Outstanding Member Award – Amy and Stan Cox withh 306 North and Covington's – Sponsored by McLane Funeral Home – Presented by Brett McLane

Small Business of the Year – Accepted by Rob Evans with IPG, Inc.: Architects & Planners – Sponsored by First Commerce Credit Union – Presented by Steven Reynolds

Corporation of the Year – Accepted by Jeana and Clinton Beeland with CJB Industries – Sponsored by Renasant Bank – Presented by Will Kemp (not pictured) (CJB Industries was unable to attend the Chamber Awards event)

Nonprofit of the Year – Accepted by Michael Conger with Called To Care – Sponsored by CJB Industries –Presented by Randall Walton

Ambassador of the Year – Accepted by Robin Salisbury with The Langdale Place – Sponsored by Biomat USA – Presented by Deanna Smith

Young Professional of the Year – Accepted by Kara Hope Hanson with South Georgia Medical Center – Sponsored by Georgia Power – Presented by Nick Perry

Members' Choice Award – Honey Pot The Wax Spot - Accepted by Stacie Pridgen – Sponsored by Miller Hardware – Presented by Jonathan Miller

Most Valuable Employee – Accepted by Jennifer Price with the City of Hahira – Sponsored by TeamTemps – Presented by Sean Panizzi

50TH ANNUAL VALWOOD SPRING AUCTION

NIGHT AT THE YELLOWSTONE”

The Valwood Parents Association hosted the annual Valwood Spring Auction on March 10, 2023, at the Valdosta Country Club. The event o ered live music and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will benefit programs for Valwood students.

“A

John Davis, Julie Godbee, Jim Godbee, Gary Glover, Chad Gallahan

Elizabeth Vickers and Whit Vickers

Sommer York, Amanda Davis, Maggie Ferguson

Susanna & Tim Harris John & Tanya Davis

Charlie Freeman, Beau Howell

Jennifer Denham, Mary Scott Lincoln, Brooke Wetherington

Kerri Dean, Kim Bolton Lee & Justin Smothers

Charles White, Brooke White, Charlie Freeman

Bubba Highsmith, Jake Purvis, Tara Purvis

Auction Chairs – Tori Holmes, Devan Martin, Maggie Ferguson, Leigh Ann Burgess, Brooke Wetherington, Jennifer Carter, Amanda Davis

Katherine Freeman, Gary Glover, Roxy Corbett

VALDOSTA COUNTRY CLUB MOTHER’S DAY FLORAL CLASS

Valdosta Country Club hosted a Floral Arrangement Class on Sunday, May 7. Ladies spent the afternoon with their mothers and girlfriends creating beautiful floral arrangements in an elegant Vietri vase from Perfect Settings. The class was led by Floral Designer, Lynn Vallotton, who curated an assortment of colorful flowers to create a unique and delightful spring arrangement.

Lynn Vallotton, Owner; Lynn Vallotton Floral Designs

Robie Ingram, Kirby Biddle

Katie Kolisz, Gwenn Haden, Michelle Patten, Emily Copeland

Beth-Anne Thornton, Jennie Alvarez

Aprile Steel, Elizabeth Milstead, Nicole Steel, Susan Steel

Katharine Courson, Vicki Bynum, Becky Gri n

Anna Marie Allen, Mercedes Iturralde

Laura Ashlee McRae, Ashlee McRae, Holly Reid, Meredith Adams, Lynn Fletcher, Carly Thomas

Tori Holmes, Devan Martin, Brooke Moreno

SEEN

VALDOSTA COUNTRY CLUB BOURBON AND WINE TASTING

This spring, the VCC hosted a Wine and Bourbon tasting. Valdosta Country Club members sipped, sampled, and learned about spectacular wines and delicious bourbons. Their selections will be featured on the upcoming Robert’s Lounge menu. They enjoyed presentations by guest speakers, Ariel Harris and Jason Degoursey.

(back) LaLee Cregger, Cathy Hanson, Jennifer Allen (front) Debra Petermann, Tracy Cannon, Wendy Bahnsen

Wayne Edwards, Je Lovell, Rusty Brannen

Jessica Graves, Leigh Ann Hogan, Katie Kolisz, Jennie Alvarez, Kathy Dallas

Travis Pate, Todd Shiver, Brad Adams

John Lindsey, Briggs Smotherman, Dan Duggan, Daniel Gri n

Kim Bolton, Kelly Shiver, Kerri Dean

Michael Drumheller, Alex Alvarez, Cary Brown Elizabeth Colson Dubow, Mary Beth Smotherman, Leigh Anne Corbett, Lacey Duggan, Tara Purvis, Meghan Womack, Devan Boru , Casey Colson

VALDOSTA COUNTRY CLUB’S BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

The Easter Bunny hopped over to the Valdosta Country Club on Saturday, April 8. Each year the VCC hosts its annual bunny breakfast accompanied by Easter crafts and Easter egg hunt, enjoyed by kids of all ages!

Wyatt Lincoln, Catherine Alday, Ellie Cowart, Emma Kate Cowart, Vivian Alday, Avery Rountree, Lucas Lincoln

Vivian Alday, Lucas Lincoln, Catherine Alday, Wyatt Lincoln Joel & Sarah Varnedoe with Bea and Wells

Emily & Eric Tillman with Eli, Beau, Carson and Abby

Elijah & Alina Rountree with Avery and Noah

Andy & Grace Woods with Clara Kathryn

Penny Belle Kurrie and Ruth Williams

Leigh Anne & Brandon Corbett with Gri n

(Back) Carter Welch, Pierce Copeland, Ellie Jarnagin, and Rhett Welch

(Front) Ford Jarnagin, Kate Copeland, Felix Rhodes, Charlie Copeland

Valdosta Eye Center

Valdosta Furniture & Mattress

Valdosta Insurance Services

Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce

Wilson Design & Construction

Wells Fargo

Wes Sewell Photography

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adcteam.com

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IG: tinlilydesign_callieshaw turnercenter.org

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FB: Valdosta Furniture & Mattress

valdostainsurance.com

valdostachamber.org

willdesignconstruction.com

fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com

wessewellphotography.com

Photo of the butler's pantry in the Carter home by Wes Sewell Photography

This spring, an icon was given a second chance. Restored. Redeemed. Reimagined.

The McKey - Now accepting reservations. Stay Local. Stay Iconic. themckey.com

Pictured in back row: Richard S. Campbell, CIMA®, Senior Vice President/Investments; Zachary G. Hageman,CFP®, Financial Advisor; Robert H. Langdale, Associate Vice President/Investments; John A. Lastinger, AIF®, Senior Vice President/Investments; Robert A. Goddard III, AIF®, CFP®, First Vice President/Investments; John D. Williams, CFP®, Associate Vice President/Investments; and Alston A. Barr, Operations Coordinator.

Pictured in front row: Beverly A. Avera, Senior Registered Client Service Associate; Barry

Barr, Vice President/Investments, Branch Manager; and Michelle T. Taylor, Registered Client Service Associate.