Thomasville Townie Issue #3

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Issue No.

FEB 20 - MARCH 5

Meet the Antiques Show's International Talent Tom Scheerer, best known for his award winning, no nonsense decorating, is on every “Best of ” list in the design trade.

Explaining his process, Tom says he lets the space and client pave the way. “I like to use experience rather than trying to ‘get a look’ because then a room looks natural.” He laughs. “I have been called the undecorator.”

Don’t think undecorated isn’t beautiful. Sheerer creates rooms that flow, it’s been said, “like a Bahamian breeze, serene and crisp like nature,” while working to stay modern and incorporating the old and new. “I use antiques as punctuation points,” he says. “I think too much of anything devalues a piece.”

You’ll never see Sheerer displaying furniture from only one period. His signature piece is the Bentwood chair, a preference dating back to his childhood. “Bentwood chairs are not modern,” he says, “but mid 1800’s.” He loves their curly lines, saying, “give me a circle anytime!” He'll shares his book, No Nonsense Decorating, Saturday at 10a.

Joining Tom, on Saturday at 2p, is well-known decorative arts curator Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, who brings to life the incredible world of Louis Comfort Tiffany, best known for his lamps. Alice loves Tiffany’s story. “He was full of endless

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FEB 20 - MARCH 5

Whispers.

CHUMS

The Thomasville Antiques Show brings the best of the best in art and design to Thomasville. Special guests, Interior Designer Tom Scheerer and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen, the Anthony W. and Lulu C. Wang Curator of the American Decorative Arts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, join us at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 28th.

exploration in life and work, and an indefatigable man,” she says. “He tried every art form. He was a perfectionist, loved nature in art and was an avant-garde revolutionary. He left an extraordinary legacy.”

Alice plans to share the many layers and unknown facts about Tiffany on Saturday afternoon. One true fact is that Tiffany paid his employees well; another: most were women, which was unusual for the time.

When asked about her favorite piece, Alice demures like a mother being asked to choose a favorite child. She finally smiles and describes a hair ornament that holds a special place in her heart. “It’s a mini work in sculpture,” she says, "with two dragonflies on two dandelions puffs from 1904.”

Alice joined the Met on a fellowship after Winterthur graduate school and never left. “Working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an unbelievable treat,” she says. “When I walk into or leave the building, I walk down the halls and pinch myself.”

Tickets for both guest speaker events are available at www. thomasvilleantiquesshow.com or by calling 229-225-9354.

- Didi H.

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Thomasville’s Only

Psst… Parents of rising 8th through 12th

Sherrie Callaway

Sherrie is a graduate of Central High and FSU and has taught at Brookwood School for 35 years. I have yet to meet a Brookwood alum who doesn't immediately inquire about Mrs. Callaway and convey the impact she has had on the lives of her many, many students. Sherrie and her husband Tom raised sons T.J., whose Onward Reserve brand is becoming a southern household name, and Pace, who works for the Florida Department of Environmental Management.

Tell us more about your boys. T.J. is 30 and Pace is 28.

Both graduated from Brookwood, in ‘03 and ‘05. Pace is our athlete; he lettered in four sports during his Junior and Senior years. T.J. majored in finance and decided he didn’t want to be at a desk all day; he and several friends built a flash-sale site that eventually led to what’s now Onward Reserve. We’ve also enjoyed raising lab puppies and have Hershey, our chocolate lab, who is nine years old.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching? I love downtown Thomasville. I love to shop. Years ago I told Diane Parker that when I grew up I wanted to work on Broad Street. I’m going to hold her to it one day. I enjoy riding on a quail hunt with some dear friends—I don’t shoot.

What are the more important things you did or taught your boys as they were growing up? I always told them that if you start something, you finish it. Whether you like it or not, you finish it to the end. Tom and I always supported them in what they wanted to do and we got involved in it also. Music and Drama Troupe did so much for both boys and Fred Allen did so much for T.J. Pace was in tenth grade when he realized you didn’t have to be in Troupe—he thought it was like going to school. I just loved raising my children in Thomasville. I’m so proud of both of them and their accomplishments.

- Jennifer W.

graders... We're pitching a week-long intensive where your kiddos can produce a full-blown issue of Broad Street's favorite broadsheet in June... Townie Summer Camp, anyone?

As of right now, everything at Relish is 50% off and from what we hear, the pickings are still pretty solid...

Look up TCA's Kickstarter campaign for Studio 209 resident artists... Because: Arts.

Got a Whisper? Tell the Townie at editor@ yourtownie.com...or zip us a message on

You Can Tour Your Own Way ron beal's journey to touring with the biggest musical acts in the biz

Ron Beal and I were acolytes at St. Thomas Episcopal Church here in town, growing up together in the late eighties. It had been a long time since I’d spoken to him. Ron’s not the type of guy who flaunts his talent, but I knew he’d done sound and lighting for some pretty big acts. Little did I know we were talking multiple tours with Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews Band, Reba McIntyre, John Mayer, Brooks & Dunn and more.

What is your current job title? The title varies but usually "Lighting Crew Chief." I’m considered freelance and get hired for a particular tour or show.

How often do you travel for work? I travel for about 200 days a year. I have worked in every state except Hawaii, as well as in about forty countries. We usually fly to the first show, and back and forth to and from home; once a tour starts, travel is often all by tour bus while in the US or Europe.

Who has been your favorite artist to work for? Sheryl Crow. She is an incredibly friendly, down to earth person. She went out of her way to learn all of her crew’s names, and to say “hi.” She would often thank us personally, and even went bowling with the crew.

What started this? In my mid-teens I got an electric musical keyboard for Christmas. I never really played the piano well, however this particular keyboard had a sequencer that allowed me to play parts and put them all together for a complete playback. The keyboard had hundreds of different sounds, and large pads to play drums on. I could record a piano part, a drum part, and a guitar part separately, then play them all back as one composition that hooked me. Gradually I acquired an assortment of electronic music and sound equipment.

I also participated in the speech and debate program, which exposed me to lots of theater.

One year Thomas County Central High's Choir Theater class put on a production of Annie Get Your Gun. I performed in it, ran light and sound cues in between acts and triggered sound effects from a foot pedal hidden in the set while I was on stage.

Between scenes I ran from backstage to the control booth in the audience to set the next lighting scene and change settings on the sound mixer.

What was your early career like? Throughout college I worked both lights and sound at Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro’s performing arts theater.

I also worked for a local lighting company and at the local performing arts center as a stagehand. The lighting company began putting me on small shows, and as I gained experience they assigned me to larger shows, which eventually lead to tours. I have been touring ever since.

What are some highlights of your career? One of my favorite tours was with Neil Diamond in 1998-2000. We had nice hotels, lots of extra other perks and benefits that we don't often get.

Yoga and Holistic Wellness Now at Cobalt 211 Earlier this month Lotus Yoga and Holistic Wellness opened its studio doors downtown. The owner, Lindsey Pyle, is a Thomasville native, experienced Yogini, and a YMCA yoga instructor. She has designed Lotus to offer a growing range of health and wellness options.

You may now attend any number of weekly classes in either Hatha Yoga or an Iyengar/Ashtanga Yoga blend, take a private lesson, or schedule a class with a small group of your friends. There is even a weekly class offered for young kids (ages 3-5), which has been a huge hit in my house. Nutrition counseling as well as life coaching consultations are available upon request. Lindsey has also teamed up with Krystal Gainous (formerly of Metta Day Spa) to offer massage and reflexology services.

Lindsey has been a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance since completing her training in 2010, is a certified holistic healthcare practitioner and has specialty training in yoga for kids. She is passionate about yoga and healthy living and I am very excited for her vision to expand Lotus. I can’t give away much, but keep your eyes on this new business for some exciting and unique offerings in the coming year.

Lotus Yoga is located in the back of Cobalt at 211 West Jackson Street. Adult classes max out at 9 and kids’ classes max out at 10, so pre-register to guarantee your spot. Register at www.LotusYogaandHolisticWellness.com or call Lindsey at 229-421-9583 to schedule private lessons or nutrition consultations. For massages and reflexology appointments contact Krystal at 229-672-0435.

Taylor Swift giving the crew some of her home-baked cookies.

- Emily M.

Doing a show in a 2000-year-old coliseum in Verona Italy.

When I was on tour with Mary Chapin Carpenter, we went to a festival in Gstaad, Switzerland, a small beautiful town in the Alps. When we arrived they were having an "American Country and Western" festival, in addition all of the town’s police dressed up as Texas Rangers. It was a bit odd having German-speaking Texas Rangers.

Were you involved in A/V in high school? Once I got into high school, I became the go-to guy for running the school’s sound system for assemblies, plays, musicals and show choir.

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FEB 20 - MARCH 5

Wolf Creek in Bloom

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes - No, Really!

Our Staff Publisher Thomasville Townie, LLC Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield

Millions of Dimpled Trout Lilies are beginning to bloom at the Wolf Creek Trout Lily preserve in Grady County. After reading more about it on their website, I felt inspired to take the short drive. The beauty was well worth the trip.

Red high heels are not just for women anymore. The Treehouse Advocacy Center is sponsoring its annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes on March 28 where men march a mile in red high heels to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence. The men, usually law enforcement and Archbold staff members, raise money for the TCAC through sponsorships they get for the walk.

“During the bloom, tens of millions of the small trout lilies blanket the forest floor over about 10 acres, turning the hillside yellow and green in the middle of Winter,” says Richard Barnes, board member. “There are also thousands of Spotted Trillium and other rare spring ephemeral wildflowers like Twayblade Orchid and Crane Fly Orchid. It is truly a wonder of nature.”

The Walk will begin at 10:30a at Southwest Georgia Technical College, but check-in for other races begins at 7:00a. There will also be a Red Shoe Run 5K for adults and teens and a 1-Mile Fun Run with a monitored course for children 12 and under.

Volunteers have marked the various species of trees, flowers and plants making them easy to identify. The upper trail is marked by twigs—a compliment of its surroundings and seamless view of beauty.

The entry fee for the Red Shoe Run is $20 prior to March 13th. Late entries will be an extra $5. The entry fee for the 1-Mile Fun Run is $10. Participants who sign up prior to March 13 will receive a t-shirt.

Administration Sarah Esra

1-Mile Fun Run - Check-in at 8:00a - Race Starts at 9:00a

Sunny afternoons are the best time to see the lilies. They open with the sunshine and close after dusk, however, the trails are worth a visit even on a cloudy day.

Volunteers will be at the preserve to aid visitors with a guided tour. Tour times, photos and additional information can be found on the preserve's website at www. wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.com and on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ wolfcreektroutlilypreserve.

Columnists J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Nancy McCollum Denise Purvis Kelly Samek Annie Jones

Men's Walk - Check-in at 9:30a - Walk Begins at 10:30a

- Amanda S.

The Treehouse serves victims of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault by providing forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, victim advocacy, service referrals, expert testimony, and training for community members as well as professionals. The Treehouse offers these services at no cost to victims or their families. All proceeds from these events help The Treehouse continue to provide services free of charge.

Social Media Denise Purvis

Contributing Writers Clay Byars Wade Chapman Benjamin Gardner Didi Hoffman Natalie Kirbo Emily McKenna Denise Purvis Amanda Smith Jennifer Westfield Contributing Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves Georgia Press Association

The Thomasville Townie publishes the first and third Friday of every month. To advertise, suggest article ideas or contact staff members, please email editor@yourtownie.com.

5K - Check-in at 7:00a - Race Starts at 8:00a

For more information, please visit The Treehouse Children’s Advocacy Center’s Facebook page or email Jackla Lawson, at jackla.treehouse@gmail.com.

- Denise P.

I don’t really use them, but they are fun to read to see weather predictions, most of the time on target.– Chris Q. Having spent 8 years in the Mississippi Delta I know that many of the farmers in my church and in that community constantly referenced that source. – Joe E.

I still use almanacs occasionally. I like to touch books and am still drawn to them.

–Nancy T. I've never used the Almanac. – Carol E.

Six years ago Bhavesh and Arpita Patel brought their family from the City of Anand in the Gujarat Province of India and bought the Subway franchise inside of the Walmart here in town. As Hindus, they are vegetarians (yes, there’s a veggie sub on the menu).

Bhavesh’s father has a tobacco business back in the Gujarat region, supplying cigar manufacturers who produce “beedi” (wider than a cigarillo but less hefty than a stogie).

Theirs would be either the merchant or the farmer caste, but Bhavesh surprises me by revealing the caste system is becoming a bygone way to his generation.

Perhaps, it should not be surprising because this iteration of the Patel family holds America to be ‘home.’ Yet, Bhavesh seems himself resigned, even fairly sanguine about a tradition millennia-old, perhaps passing away in but a few generations. On his office doorsill there is a placard postcard, picturing the Mahatma and quoted wisdom. It is not prominent, but just a foot or so above the doorknob; stop and read it sometime while you are visiting. Gandhi’s non-violence theme is gratefully welcomed in this nation, grown inured that strife must be a partnering thread to both immigration and integration.

I ask Bhavesh if the stylized dramatics of Bollywood musicals will ever catch on here.

He smiles now, and his face is particularly delightful when he does, “You would need two intermissions.” It seems that Bollywood productions are 2½ to 3 hour long affairs.

Eek, goes my western attention span. It is January 20th as we speak, Republican Day. That’s when India’s constitution came into force. Old pride coexists with new American identity, and it does so easily. Their two children attend local schools and are doing well. In fact, the entire translocation of a family, and its assimilation into this culture seems apt. May we embrace them, as they have embraced us.

An almanac is just a low-tech form of the Internet. Primitive but effective. - Richard A. I purchased them a few times since I retired 10 years ago (just curious to see why my grandmother consulted them). I found the recipes interesting and the weather predictions pretty accurate. – Rosa L. Patrons do request to see the World Almanac, and we always keep a current copy.

– Kathryn S. For theatrical endeavors, the only instance that comes to mind is in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, when the mechanicals check to see if the full moon will shine on the night of their play, and it doth. – Lisa M. Since I don't plant a garden anymore, I no longer use the Farmer's Almanac. Emily S. Such a tool as the almanac will always be a staple in the classical way of getting information; but alas, I feel that the internet has replaced its usefulness in the heart of writers. – James C. When I began to write fiction, I relied on information in almanacs, but I do not even have an almanac in my library now. – June B. My 94-year old Grandmother lives by the Almanac at our farm. I turned her on to the Old Farmer's Almanac on-line and she orders her seeds from there too! Cindy M. Almanac...whats that? I believe that's what my son would say. Once upon a time I used to read the almanac for finding out about facts, but now with the internet, it only collects dust. - Sarah L. I only refer to one named after me... Poor Richard's Almanac. – Rich C. 'Do people use almanacs?' I don't know. Let me Google it. – Joy S.

- Benjamin G.

Cinderella, a TOSAC production, opens tonight at Thomasville Center for the Arts' 600 East Washington Street location.

For Reservations call 229-226-0863 or logon to www.tosac.com. Showtimes include: Friday, February 20th and 27th at 8p Saturday, February 21st and 28th at 8p Sunday, February 22nd and March 1st at 2p Catch this beloved classic before it's too late!

Do we use almanacs anymore? I used to years ago, but with so much information available now, I no longer consult them. How about you? – Benjamin G.

With the copious amounts of information available on the internet, an almanac is unnecessary today. –Marlane T.

Livin' the Vedas Local

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight

Quoted in the ‘Ville

Onward, T.J. Callaway!

One of Thomasville's favorite sons has been honored yet again for his entrepreneurial go-gettum. Frankly, we can't wait to see what T.J. Callaway does next. At the age of thirty, T.J. has opened five Onward Reserve storefronts, his fifth on Broad Street, as it happens.

Onward Reserve was the offshoot of a collaborative flash-sale site that T.J. co-founded because he preferred not to be held down to a desk. The former finance major and Atlanta resident's company was

recognized as the second fastest growing business owned or operated by a University of Georgia graduate during the 2015 Bulldog 100 Celebration on February 7th in Atlanta.

The Bulldog 100, a program coordinated by the UGA Alumni Association, recognizes the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA graduates.

More than 450 nominations were received for the 2015 Bulldog 100. We're so proud of you, T.J.!

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FEB 20 - MARCH 5

In the Garden

The Stylish House wallpaper is back!

I was having a gin and tonic, tossing about various and sundry topics to discuss this month, and found the answer in a recent conversation I had with a potential client.

Said client has an under stair half bath and a mid-size kitchen in desperate need of an update. Preferably with new wall color, suggests said client. The problem?

EVERY ROOM in the house is already a different color with no rhyme or reason throughout. Can we please not add more colors and unify this in some way, I’m thinking? I suggested wallpaper and you would have thought I stabbed her in the face.

“NEVER! My mother had wallpaper everywhere in the 80’s and I hate floral patterns.”

After my hearing returned, I explained to her how current wall coverings have come a long way, baby.

In a nutshell, wallpaper is back.

The reason wallpaper works so well in a bathroom or kitchen is simple. The rooms are smaller and typically have multiple cabinets and openings. Thus, little true wall space. Many times a room could be papered for the same cost as a new paint color. It is also changeable.

If it becomes boring in a few years; change it or paint over it. Done. Paper is cyclical. I remember the 80’s and it WAS paper everywhere. With borders. Unattractive ones.

While I believe floral paper, like floral chintz, does have its place, current paper offers many fantastic choices.

curing the winter doldrums

Expensive English hand blocked or off the shelf economy, the choices are endless.

Currently, I am looking at an anaglypta paper for the dining room of said client. We are going to use this as a base for a marvelous faux finish over the paper.

It is a mock Tudor with exposed beams and a large stone fireplace and oak floors. This embossed paper, once painted, will add another great texture to the room without the ‘Granny wallpaper’ feel.

For the kitchen, we are going with a simple, almost mattress ticking stripe. There is so little real wall space, it does not cross the eyes. For the powder room, we are using a fun burlap with an amber shellac overcoat to give it an aged feel and protect it from both water and lousy aim.

These are just a few ideas for this particular project but I feel it gives a good example of what can be done with paper.

When choosing a paper, avoid anything ‘trendy’.

Today’s terrific is tomorrow's tacky. Be sure to hire an experienced installer to order the paper for you. Don’t try to guess on the amount or the degree of difficulty.

Get an estimate first. Often the price is more a reflection on the degree of difficulty in the hang versus the price per roll. Ask up front.

five ways to feel betTer right now

Stand tall, take a deep breath, arms up overhead, come down to a forward bend, legs back for plank position, slowly come down to the floor, raise your upper body for upward dog, downward dog, forward bend, and slowly one vertebrae at a time come all the way up, arms overhead, breathe, hands to prayer.

avocado with your eggs in the morning, a TB of grass fed butter in your coffee, a handful of nuts for your snack or a healthy drizzle of olive oil on your salad greens.

Breathe. “Ancient Yoga Philosophy says that you are allotted a certain number of breaths in your life. You can lengthen or shorten your life by how you take those breaths. Short and fast breathing is the result of living a stressful, out-of-balance existence. This leads to disease and a shortened life. Long, deep breathing keeps your body and mind vibrant and healthy, and allows you to live a long, full life.” –Slim Calm Sexy Yoga by Tara Stiles Hydrate. First thing in the morning, drink a large glass of warm water with lemon. Cleansing and balancing, this is the perfect way for your body to start the day. Fill up a 1 L sized water bottle and drink throughout the day. It’s a good way to measure your water intake. Try to fill up 2 times before the day is done. Make sure to have a glass before you go to bed as well so you can stay hydrated as you sleep and wake up refreshed. Keep your muscles, organs, and cells supple and nourished with this simple step!

Eat an avocado. Do not be afraid to add good healthy fat to your diet. The right fat will feed your brain, make your skin glow, and satiate your appetite. Try half of an

- Sarah Esra is the Townie's resident goddess

There are exciting changes happening at Thomasville Center for the Arts' Studio 209.

a printmaker and poet; and Cindy Inman, Denise Boineau, Emily Arwood and Robert Copper, all painters. Their ages span from recent high school graduates to seasoned artists, coming from Valdosta, Tallahassee and Monticello.

Their Artist-inResidence program is growing, and in turn, the Center seeks to expand the accommodations for artists at the studio.

TCA offers them space to create for a year and the chance to collaborate with each other and members of the community. Residents also get a retail opportunity to feature their work at TCA’s 116 Broad Street space, contributing to a rotating “MADE IT in Thomasville” project. In turn, each artist promises to practice his or her craft and provide education to both adults and youth in the community.

Last year, TCA hosted two resident artists; this year, they've accepted seven residents practicing varying disciplines from a plethora of backgrounds and are looking forward to welcoming them to the Thomasville community.

TCA has launched a Kickstarter campaign to meet this mission and give the community an opportunity to be a part of the program and provide funding for the artists.

To get involved, check out the TCA’s Kickstarter video:

Studio 209’s expansion represents TCA’s commitment to bring growth and artistic expression to Thomasville’s burgeoning Creative Arts District.

The 2015 residents include Abby Barber, a chef and gardener; Caprice Kelly, a ceramicist; Jay Snodgrass,

One friend, Joyce Fletcher Goggins, started early on lifting people's spirits. She began on Monday morning, a dreary, rainy day five days before Valentine's. She and her mother patronize Sarah's Salon for hair care, a business serving both genders. There, Joyce set up a table decorated in pink and red and offering tempting holiday treats--a tray with slices of 14 layer chocolate cake (Yes, I counted the layers twice... unbelievable!) AND a red velvet cake, decorated with hearts and flowers.

In their air-tight containers, the goodies gave pleasure to staff and customers all week long. It was a surprise for everyone, and I guessed that it was perhaps a party for her

mother. Joyce said no, she just decided it would be a good time of year to arrange for some especially good cakes at Sarah's, where they celebrate all the holidays. She was right!

I'm not surprised that I associated Joyce's holiday table with a party for her mother. Her mother, Mrs, Jackie Fletcher, retired from Neel's, the department store that anchored downtown and was located where Trolley's is now. She was at Neel's for over thirty years and seems to know just about everybody. She would approve of a crowd enjoying her week long party!

Mrs. Fletcher is a caring and pretty lady who reminds us of the not-so "olden days"--the many years when Thomasville had a genuine, family-owned department store. Neel's was a smaller version of the more famous stores in the big cities, like Rich's and Davison's in Atlanta. Mrs. Fletcher's customers counted on Neel's to provide just about everything for all of life's occasions--birthdays, graduations. elaborate weddings, and all things ceremonial. Indeed, Mrs. Fletcher had her hand in many a party.

- Nancy M.

Farm to Table

- Davey B.

Beauty Broad

Do a little bit of yoga every day. I promise I’m not asking you to find another hour in your already hectic schedule.

I’m talking 10 minutes. Connecting with your body and breathing before you begin each day will make you feel really good. Try this simple Sun Salutation in the morning. Do this 4-6 times:

Even if there is no romance involved, most of us decide to give somebody a smile on Valentine's. By focusing on someone else's pleasure, we generally feel better ourselves. A simple heart-shaped card is basic, and those fruits of the garden-flowers and chocolate--make the effort special and personal.

At the end of cocktail hour, don’t be afraid to explore wallpaper as a fun alterative to paint. There are papers out there for every stylish house and pocket book.

Silks, grass cloth, anaglypta, wide stripes, vinyl, metallic.

Become aware of your posture. This one simple shift in your body will take years and pounds off your appearance.

Instead of thinking about your shoulders shifting up or back, think about your sternum or rib cage lifting up.

This subtle lift opens up the chest, allowing your breath to flow with ease. When we round our shoulders it causes our belly to pooch out unnecessarily. Healthy posture gives us a long lean silhouette. And that’s not all! Good posture also helps to exude confidence.

It is not just gardeners who long for warmer temperatures and more comfortable days for being outside. For anyone suffering from the winter doldrums, the festivity of Valentine's Day comes just in time. Therein lies an easy cure!

choclate-covered strawberry layer cake

From December through April, ripe red Florida strawberries are in season and readily available in stores.

Combined with a rich, ganache-like chocolate frosting, this cake is reminiscent of chocolate-covered strawberries: fresh berry flavor in a decadent chocolate coating. Used in all their natural glory, the strawberries will lend the cake a light puce hue. Pink gel coloring can be added if you prefer a brighter tone.

cakes with chocolate frosting. Slice and enjoy!

Strawberry Purée

Farm to Table

Strawberry Layer Cake 3 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups Sparkman's Cream Valley butter—Lewis Produce 4 1/4 cups cake flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 eggs 1 3/4 cups milk 1 1/2 cups strawberry purée Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three eight- or nine-inch round cake pans. Place parchment paper rounds in the bottom of each pan, grease parchment, and lightly flour the pan. Place room temperature butter in a mixing bowl with the sugar and cream together for about ten minutes until sugar is fully incorporated in the butter and the mixture is light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs. Stir in milk and strawberry purée. Add dry and wet mixtures to butter mixture in batches, beginning and ending with the dry mixture, and mixing on low after each addition until just incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake is clean when removed. Run a knife along the edge of the pans and allow to cool for ten minutes. Turn cakes out onto wire racks and finish cooling. Assemble layer

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1032268278/ studio-209-where-artists-inspire-elevate-collabora The Center is running a 30-day campaign seeking $5,000. Pledges of just $15 qualify backers to receive custom thank you gifts from resident artists.

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

2 pounds fresh Florida strawberries—Lewis Produce 3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup water Juice of 1 lemon Remove the caps from washed strawberries and roughly chop. Place in a saucepan over medium-high heat with the remainder of the ingredients. With a heat resistant spoon, stir to dissolve the sugar while lightly mashing the strawberries. Allow mixture to boil for three minutes, stirring occasionally. Lower heat and continue to simmer for ten minutes. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool. Purée mixture until smooth with an immersion blender or in a food processor. The mixture can be used at this stage, but for a smoother, less seedy version, strain with a colander before using in the cake recipe. (If straining, save the solids for other uses, such as enjoying with yogurt or oatmeal, warmed and served over ice cream, or mixed into pancake batter.)

Chocolate Frosting 12 ounces dark chocolate, roughly chopped 1 pound powdered sugar 1 cup Sparkman's Cream Valley butter—Lewis Produce Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Place room temperature butter in a mixing bowl. Sift in half of the powdered sugar and cream together with the butter. Sift in the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth, adding milk by halftablespoons if some moisture is necessary. Allow melted chocolate to cool for a few minutes until lukewarm but still liquid. Add chocolate to frosting and mix until thoroughly combined.

—Kelly S.

FREE

FREE

FEB 20 - MARCH 5 VOLUME 4

FEB 20 - MARCH 5 VOLUME 4

FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM

Dance Card.

February 20, 21, 27, 28 Taste of Thomasville Food Tour 3 hour, 1.4 mile walking/tasting tour feat.

Thomasville’s culinary best; 10:30a – 1p $40 pp, advanced tickets required Now offering evening tours!

Visit www.tasteofthomasvillefoodtour.com for info.

Issue No.

3

townie crossword Answers on our website @ www.YourTownie.com

67 Soybean 68 Knot

DOWN

February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 TOSAC Presents: Cinderella Thomasville Center for the Arts auditorium, 600 E. Washington St. Thomasville, GA, 31792.

8:00 pm evening performances, 2:00 pm Sunday matinees; $15 for adults, $12 for students To purchase tickets, visit www.tosac.com/season/tickets/.

February 20 Album Debut and CD Release of “Majesty” First Baptist Church, 210 North Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792; 6:30 p, doors open at 5:30 p Free event for the album debut and CD release of Majesty: A Recording of Anthems, Hymns, and Spirituals. For more information, contact ronaldspence.plmom@gmail.com.

February 21 Downtown Thomasville Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale 10 a-5p; Many of your favorite Downtown shops will bring out their best at amazing rates!

Visit www.downtownthomasville.com for a complete listing of shops and restaurants in Downtown.

Post-Camellia Exhibit Lunch Event In the Camellia Garden of the home of Jack and Barbara Carswell, 555 W. Washington St. Monticello, FL;11:30a-2 p; $12 pp; The cost of the lunch also includes tours of two gardens: The Carswell Garden and Lee Terzis Garden on Pearl Street. Proceeds benefit the Wirick Simmon House.

February 24 Self Defense Training 109 Crawford Street, Thomasville, GA 6:15 p; $20 per class or $75 for four classes Classes are for anyone who wants to build confidence in defending themselves during an unexpected attack including men, women, and children.

February 25 United States Navy Sea Chanters Chorus Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, 144 E. Jackson St. 7:30 p; Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Tickets are available at the Thomasville Visitors Center, the Thomasville Times-Enterprise building, or by calling 229-228-7977.

February 27 Knit One, Yoga Too with Sandy Mudra Fuzzy Goat Yarn, 223 West Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA; 6-8 p Dress comfortably, bring your own knitting project, and prepare to relax and be rejuvenated! For more information, contact Fuzzy Goat at heyfuzzy@ fuzzygoatyarns.com or call 229-236-4628.

FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

ACROSS 1 Sheer, triangular scarf 6 Halt 10 Matching 14 Ethan that led the Green Mountain Boys 15 Where the whale is 16 Assistant 17 Architect Frank ____ Wright 18 Coupe 19 Island 20 Poisonous snake 21 Omelette ingredient 23 Inclined 25 No cost 26 Compass point 27 Remove by surgery 30 Venting verbally 34 Egyptian capital 35 Goose feathers down under 36 Fat 38 Lopsided

39 Yang's partner 40 Multitude 42 Mold 43 Cincinnati baseball team 44 Comforts 45 Marksmen 48 Preoccupy 49 Body of water 50 Gag 51 Grassroots abbreviated 54 At Al Dixon you can get your first and your last 55 Blue colored bird 58 Threaten 59 Tub spread 61 Effigy 63 Tool 64 Coming 65 Having to do with the Navy 66 Stag

1 Syllables used in songs (2 wds) 2 Evils 3 Horse's walking sound 4 _____! (call attention) 5 Riptide 6 TOSAC word 7 So we see 8 Grain 9 Enzyme 10 Computer game 11 Thin strand 12 Lazy 13 Depend 22 "To the right!"

24 Incorporated (abbr.)

25 Ticket cost 27 College (abbr.)

28 Explanation 29 Equate 30 Nothingness 31 Has 32 Hanging knot hangman's rope 33 Offers 35 Colorer 37 Fewer 40 Charging 41 File 43 Whys 46 Chemical compound 47 Killen 48 French "yes" 50 Allotment 51 Joyous 52 Traveled by car 53 Seep 54 Pretty 55 Coffee 56 Seaweed substance 57 Scream 60 MGM's Lion 62 Staff

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.

This historical fiction novel -- a finalist for the National Book Award -- earned much-deserved praise at the end of 2014, and for the first two weeks of last month, I was completely mesmerized by Anthony Doerr's poetic, character-driven novel set in 1940s France. I couldn't put the book down, and yet each night, I made myself set it aside. This was a book I chewed instead of devoured, and I'm so glad I did. I haven't read a lot of historical fiction since high school -- it's not a genre I'm often drawn to -- but this one really captured the intensity and sadness of a time in our world's history, while also telling a beautiful, bittersweet story.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng. The publisher's description of this new novel reads a bit like a suspense-filled thriller, but instead it's a sad, thoughtprovoking look at how one mixed-race family deals with immense tragedy: the loss of their child and sibling.

Author Celeste Ng will have you hooked from the first sentence, and if you're like me, you'll follow along, mesmerized by her depiction of grief and overwhelmed by its consequences.

Scary Close by Donald Miller. I’ve been a Donald Miller fan for years; I read Blue Like Jazz in college, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years gave me the push I needed to quit my corporate job and eventually own The Bookshelf. His new book, Scary Close, was released in February, and I can't recommend it enough, particularly for readers of Brene Brown's Daring Greatly. The book covers Miller's own struggles with vulnerability and insecurity; I found myself highlighting and underlining passages, reading segments aloud to Jordan. Scary Close would be a good book for spouses to read together, and it's got great discussion potential for church small, too.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. All the Bright Places was my young adult book of the month; its realistic prose is popular right now -- thank you, John Green, for saving us from the vampires -- but novelist Jennifer Niven takes things even deeper by tackling some tough issues with her new novel. All the Bright Places addresses bipolar disorder and manic depression, suicide and grief, but Niven handles the content deftly, and I never found myself bogged down by sadness.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.

While I'd recommend All the Bright Places to a primarily YA audience, Brown Girl Dreaming -- a middle reader book and National Book Award winner -- should be required reading for all of us, old and young alike. In Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson tells the story of her childhood entirely in free verse; the story is made more powerful through this unique telling, and in the book's pages, children and adults are introduced to worlds familiar and unfamiliar. Again: required reading for everyone.

See How Small by Scott Blackwood. I'm not even sure how to describe Scott Blackwood's newly released novel, set in the heart of Texas and -- like a lot of books I read this month -- in the middle of tragedy. The book is loosely based on a real, unsolved murder of three girls in Austin, Texas, but its focus is never on the crime itself. Instead, the novel covers the reactions of the girls' community and the impact of grief on a family and a town. See How Small is reminiscent of Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, but it's also entirely its own.

February 27, 28 March 1 Thomasville Antiques Show and Sale Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2057 GA Hwy 122 10a-5p; General Admission is $15pp.

The Thomasville Antiques Show is presented each year by the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation to benefit quality children's programs of Thomas County. Please visit www.thomasvilleantiquesshow. com for details.

February 28 Letter Writing Club The Bookshelf, 126 South Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792; 10a-12p; Join the Bookshelf for two hours of old-fashioned letter writing on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10:00am. Bookshelf provides stationery and stamps.

March 3 Thomasville Beer Club Liam's of Thomasville, 113 East Jackson Street, Thomasville, GA; 6:30 p; $5 pp The Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at Liam’s of Thomasville. Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThomasvilleBeerClub.

What a lovely month for getting back into my reading groove!

January was full of excellent stories and upall-night page-turning, and my reading choices covered a variety of genres. Here's what was on my nightstand in January:

MonticelloOperaHouse The Dixie Swim Club

An Opera House Stage Co. Production March 2015 Shows 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22

The Dell Suggs Band Saltwater Music

February 21, 2015 • Dinner & Show

Black Cat Bones

with Scott Campbell & The Porch Lizards February 28, 2015 Dinner & Show Doors Open 6:30 pm Call or Go Onliine for Dinner Theater Reservations 185 West Washington Street, Monticello, FL

850-997-4242

JOB POSTING

The Localist by Carrie Rollwagen. Writer and blogger Carrie Rollwagen spent a year shopping locally, but this isn't another book tracking the 365 days of her adventure; instead, it's a thoughtful, engaging look at the economics and consequences of shopping small.

Rollwagen is never preachy, but she is convicing, and her book inspired me to take a look at my own purchasing habits. Full disclosure: Rollwagen also spent three years as an independent bookstore owner, and her stories were often similar to my own, which validated some of the thoughts and struggles I have as a new entrepreneur.

The Localist will encourage you to second guess your purchases, to shop responsibly, and -- perhaps most importantly -- to engage with your community more kindly.

Entry-level, full-time Web Sales and Marketing Associate to help a small business save the world, one cape at a time. Qualified candidates will have experience with Adobe Suite and strong written communication skills.

Position will include work in all aspects of the business. Candidates who do not possess a high standard for quality work and who are not, creative, fun, compassionate, and imaginative need not apply. Find out more at everfan. com. Please send resume and references to Katie Chastain (katie@everfan. com). Applicant must be available to work in Thomasville full-time.

www.monticellooperahouse.org

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

See you in the shop, Annie