Happy Engagement
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Lauren + Brock!
Kirsten + Dustin!
JAN 17 - FEB 7 VOLUME 3
JAN 17 - FEB 7 VOLUME 3
Thomasville’s Only
Issue No.
Scoop: Chop House on the Bricks Matt and Kimberly Hagel had been longing to venture out on their own in the restaurant business, but their hometown of Tallahassee was a bustling place with dozens of unique restaurants already. The growing area where they wanted to set up shop just wasn’t getting to completion fast enough to suit them. Then, inspiration struck - why not Thomasville?
As they looked into venues, the perfect location was available. They felt it was the right time and the right place to start a restaurant into which they could pour their passion. “You just know,” said Matt, of finding the spot in downtown Thomasville and making the decision to go into business for themselves. Matt is a classically trained chef from the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale and most recently worked at the fantastic Cypress restaurant in Tallahassee. When it came to deciding what type of food they would serve in their restaurant, the foods he enjoyed working with the most, steaks, just seemed a natural choice. Also, they kept in mind the number of eateries open for lunch in the downtown area; they wanted to offer something a little different and decided for dinner only. And so, Chophouse on the Bricks was born. The Hagels prepared their space as quickly as possible, so they could be open in time for Victorian Christmas while still ensuring the interior had the ambiance they were striving for. “We wanted it to feel
comfortable, like you are guests in our home,” said Matt. The couple plans on making the Chophouse an ever-evolving establishment. They hope to add to the interior and keep the menu always new and exciting. Live music will be offered on various occasions, such as a violinist for Valentine’s Day. The Hagels also plan on specialty menus this summer, such as beer and wine pairings, and holiday menus. The Chophouse prides itself on being a farm to table restaurant and getting as much local, organic product as possible. Matt shops with nearby producers such as Sweet Grass Dairy, KBH Farms and Blackberry Patch. In working with fresh ingredients, Matt is also able to accommodate food allergies and other dietary concerns - something that makes this gluten-free girl very happy. So, in a town the size of Thomasville, were the Hagels concerned about competition from the other farm to table restaurants? Not at all. Kimberly said, “It isn’t a competition, it’s more of a community for fine dining. When
Liam’s or Blue Coop is packed, they will suggest customers come see us, and we do the same when we are packed.” They feel that farm to table isn’t a competitive trend among restaurants, but instead a movement that unites them all. They also view their menu as being different enough to set them apart rather than being just another upscale eatery. So far, the Townie has yet to hear a negative comment about Chophouse on the Bricks and word of mouth has people flocking to the latest downtown addition, and already establishing regulars. The Hagels are enjoying seeing the familiar faces of returning guests and are pleased with how welcoming Thomasville has been to them. If you haven’t stopped in, you’ve been missing out. Look over their menu on their website at http://www.chophouseonthebricks. com, then go visit Kimberly, who is front of the house manager, and allow her and Matt to make you feel like a welcome guest in their home. Is anyone else really craving a steak now? - Rebekah G.
Sturdy Brothers Spencer Young, co-owner of Grassroots Coffee, has something new roasting, and it’s not coffee beans!
Spencer explains the process of developing one of their products: “We start with a high quality duck canvas, using designs that we created, then we cut and sew the canvas. We then wax the canvas with a local Thomasville beeswax blend. After the tote bag or apron is waxed, we attach hand-dyed
leather straps.” Sturdy Brothers will be launching their Kickstarter soon with the goal of raising $3,500 for purchasing tools and materials for their new project. They have chosen Kickstarter as their initial source of funding, and for good reason. Since 2009, over 5.5 million people have pledged nearly $1 billion dollars in over 54,000 projects. By making a contribution to the Sturdy Brothers Kickstarter, you will be rewarded with handmade goods. After they have reached their goal in funding, they plan on launching a web store. A great way to support local, American-made products, is to keep tabs on their Facebook page {facebook.com/ sturdybrothers} and make your donation to get them started! - Jon T.
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F r e e
Disc Golf Gets Facelift
Whispers.
Local volunteers have finished renovating the 18 hole Frisbee Golf Course in MacIntyre Park with new numbered steel sign posts in the shape of The Big Oak. The Frisbee Golf Course used to be a popular social meeting place especially for local youth groups, and boys and men who love the sport.
Rick’s Oyster Bar {on Jackson near Pinetree} is set to open in February...
After falling into disrepair, local volunteers cut and painted The Big Oak numbered signs, cleaned up the area and installed 18 new posts. Frisbee Golf is similar to golf, with each hole having a par of 3. Daniel Fortner, one of the volunteers, said he spent many hours playing Frisbee golf with his youth group and wanted to make sure the course would be around for awhile, so everyone could enjoy it.
Lucy + Leo’s is out, Marie’s Kakes is in... at The Bookshelf...fresh bread, sugar cookies, cake pops...mmm... Bird Dog Bottle Company is now open...near Mom + Dad’s...big craft beer selection! Psst...got a whisper? send it to yourtownie@ gmail.com...orFacebook us...
For those of you with a competitive streak, those looking for a new sport, and those crazy about the game of golf, come out to MacIntyre Park and try this addictive game of Frisbee Golf.
Mimi’s Expansion + Spring Line You may have noticed the 50% off sale that has been going on storewide at Mimi’s for the past couple of weeks. If you’re wondering why, then wonder no more. They are clearing out some space for their new spring line of accessories, jewelry, purses and clothing! Clothing? At Mimi’s? Yes, you read that right. I spoke with Emma from Mimi’s, and she explained that they will be expanding the existing store to carry a whole new clothing line - with a launch party to kick it off.
Emma stated that they will have the storefront windows papered for the week and a half before the release party with a large vinyl sign which will explain what is going on at the store. “We are hoping to create a big buzz,” Emma said. The release party will be on Tuesday, February 11 at 5:30 PM, with cupcakes, wine and other treats for customers. There are several perks of being at the release party other than being able to get a peek at the new line of clothes first…they have percentages off and are having a $200 gift card raffle!
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Another bonus for going to the party is that you can sign up for Mimi’s new M Society and get a $10 credit towards a Mimi’s purchase. The M Society will allow customers to shop directly from Instagram and Facebook. Mimi’s is one of few boutiques that offer this feature. If you see a photo of a piece of clothing or accessories that you like, you can simply click and order directly from Instagram or Facebook.
Evan and Jill, owners of Mimi’s, have picked out the fabric and materials and had them all uniquely created for Caroline Hill which will supply directly to Mimi’s. According to Emma, Mimi’s decided to carry clothes because Evan said that her first love was clothing, and they want to keep things fresh and updated at the store.
Make sure you follow Mimi’s on Instagram {mimisthelook} to stay updated on the changes and the M Society! - Denise P.
Soon Mimi’s will be home to a fresh, fun and fashionable clothing line that you have not seen at other boutiques in our area. The new store will be much larger, but will have a similar aesthetic, with three added fitting rooms. The clothing line will have blouses, dresses and shorts, and possibly other items. Clothes from the Caroline Hill clothing line will cost no more than $60. The new clothing line will be fun and fashionable. Since the clothing will be released during the spring, it will be colorful and comfortable. Evan and Jill choose clothing that accentuates the jewelry, so customers will no longer have to venture outside of the store to buy clothing to match their jewelry and accessory purchases. Emma stated that she spied a lot of pretty blouses with interesting cuts and cute maxi dresses!
t h a n k s
t o
t h e s e : Just steps from Downtown, with homes from $100,000. Townies Welcome.
2018 E. Pinetree Blvd. Thomasville, Georgia 229-228-6702 Mon-Fri 10am-7pm l Sat 10am-7pm l Sun 1pm-5pm
www.AshleyFurnitureHomeStore.com
Grassroot’s Spencer Young is starting another local business...details below...
Don’t worry, though. The introduction of the clothing line is not going to limit the already existing amount of sparkly accessories that are in-store. If you are already familiar with Mimi’s, then you will recall the curtain that separated the store space. The curtain is moving farther back, and there will be a lot more store space as of February.
Got a tip for the Townie? Shoot us an email: yourtownie@gmail.com
Brothers Spencer and Ben Young are the men behind Sturdy Brothers, and they have a desire to make quality waxed canvas products. Ben, who works at Jubala Coffee in Wake Forest, NC, had the same desire as Spencer - to own an apron that looks great and keeps them clean. From there they experimented with waxed canvas and a sewing machine, and the first Sturdy Brothers apron was born. They plan on providing waxed canvas aprons {full and half sizes}, tote bags, tool rolls, key ring snaps and they are working on a few other items.
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JAN 17 - FEB 7
The Good Times Roll at HOTC’s Mardi Party
Table for Nine Living large in the Ville
People say that everything changes when you have children. No one warned me that that concept applied to my understanding of the laws of physics.
Our Staff Editor + Publisher Bunny Byrne Columnists Lauren Basford J. David Bray, Jr. Denise Purvis J.K. Slaughter Abrie Soileau Jennifer Westfield Contributing Writers J. L. Cox III Laura Floyd Rebekah Giambroni Denise Purvis Jon Towns Jennifer Westfield Alex Walter Comic Artist Laura Floyd Distribution Jon Towns Blogging Bunny Byrne Website Maintenance Jon Towns Copy Editor Abrie Soileau
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 yourtownie@gmail.com. Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight
THE CENTER Experience Art in a New Way!
Antonio Guerrero
Meet on January 23rd for a painting experience at Studio 209. This event begins with a meet and greet at 5:30 pm and rolls into a one-of-a-kind painting class from 6:30-8:30, led by Antonio.
His technique will challenge all artists to use pure expression to create. Bring your friends, your favorite beverage and prepare for a memorable night!
Newton insisted that an object at rest will remain at rest. I disagree. An object at rest will be whined at, poked, and generally aggravated. Should that not be effective in moving the object at rest, the said object will be decorated, generally with hair clips or finger paint. Gravity is no longer a constant either. My daughter never fell out of her bed until we put her in the top bunk. Now she falls out at least once a week. At first I was confused, but then it hit me. Gravity is stronger at the top of a bunk bed. The disparity between bunk bed gravity and regular gravity creates a vortex that sucks the child to the floor. This force is higher at night, peaking at 3am or whenever a parental unit has fallen thoroughly asleep. A bunk bed isn’t the only place where alterations in the gravitational field can be observed. If someone opens a package of food, bodies are attracted from all over the house. Smaller bodies are generally more subject to the force than larger bodies, though it peaks at the teen years. It’s not the sound of the package that draws the bodies because they can be out of earshot— in another room, asleep, or otherwise occupied—yet still appear immediately upon package opening. Therefore, it can only be concluded that the package itself, particularly if made of cellophane, has a very strong gravitational force that is activated upon opening. Physicists have discovered that a large amount of mass is apparently missing from the universe. They use the term ‘dark matter’ to describe this concept. I laugh. There is no dark matter. All the missing matter is under my couch or in the basement, probably collected by some child or other and promptly forgotten. They say dark matter peaks every March. Of course it does. That’s right before spring cleaning.
some other form or change its location, considerable energy is released, generally taking the form of sound as the original collector claims that the prized matter is the ‘best [dark matter] ever’ and that it is ‘his favorite [dark matter] in the universe’. If the matter survives such a transition, it is again forgotten until the next build-up of dark matter in March of the following year.
On January 25, at 7:00 PM, Hands On Thomas County’s New Orleans-style festivities begin at Uno Hill Barn at Pebble Hill with Cajun-inspired cuisine, traditional Pimm’s Cups, live music by The Blues Factor Band, a Goof Booth and door prizes for Best Mask and Most Creative Krewe. {A krewe is a group of party-goers that dresses with a theme.} You’ll also have the opportunity to bid on items such as a beach house getaway, 4 FSU tickets with parking pass, 2 roundtrip airline tickets or a package including: a 1-year family membership to the Thomasville YMCA, a Y gift bag and $100 DASH dollars to get you working out in style. All proceeds benefit Hands on Thomas County’s volunteer and community service programs, which in turn benefit everyone in our area.
Now wormholes are a different story. I can vouch for their existence. There is an unknowable force that operates in tandem with the wormhole to suck the shoes from the feet of humans who enter a dwelling. Activated and possibly powered by this force, the wormhole forms once the shoes have been removed. Wormholes are very fragile and disintegrate after one shoe has entered.
Tickets are $60 per person and sponsorships start at just $250 for 2 people. This year’s menu is full of Big Easy favorites - gumbo shooters, crawfish tartlets, bourbon pork loin, beignets, and king {cup}cakes. Tickets include wine and beer…and the evening’s signature drink, the Pimm’s Cup.
When it’s time to leave the dwelling, the remaining shoe can easily be located; however, the first shoe cannot be found until it leaves the wormhole. Adults usually pass this time by moving things around and lifting couch cushions; children prefer to lie on the floor, staring at the ceiling or picking at a snagged thread. When the end of the wormhole appears, the shoe is found. This is a beneficial process for the shoe. Passage within the wormhole is instantaneous; therefore, the shoe itself has been preserved from the aging process. I anticipate wormholes being marketed in women’s magazines and sold on the Home Shopping Network for two low, low payments of $19.95. Children turn our lives upside down, altering the very fabric of our universe. If you want proof, just hand your child some yarn and scissors, and string theory will take on new meaning in your world. - J.K. Slaughter http://homeschoolconnections.blogspot. com
Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. When this ‘dark matter’ is discovered and an attempt is made to convert it to
“Mardi Gras will be extra special this year because it’s not only our annual fundraiser,” says HOTC Mardi Gras Co-Chair Charlotte Hodges, “but a chance to celebrate 10 years of bringing together the actual ‘hands’ of Thomas County; toasting every individual who has lent their time and support to this community since HOTC began.” Bring a Krewe! A Mardi Gras Krewe is often themed and always in costume, simple to elaborate. Examples: The J. Crew Krewe, The Sugar Daddy Krewe, The Zapp’s Chips Krewe. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, so get your krewe and start brainstorming! Now in its 10th year of service to the community, Hands On Thomas County is a non-profit which promotes volunteerism and connects individuals, businesses and groups to non-profit organizations, needs and service opportunities in our community to improve the quality of life for everyone in Thomas County. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 226-5200 or email info@handsonthomascounty.org, or visit www.HandsOnThomasCounty.org. - Jon T.
TOSAC’s Raisin in the Sun Rescheduled TOSAC’s spring productions of Lorraine Hansberry’s beloved A Raisin in the Sun have been rescheduled. Shows originally scheduled for Friday through Sunday, February 7th through 9th, and February 14th through 16th will now run Friday through Sunday, February 21st through 23rd, and February 28th through March 2nd. Show times will remain the same—Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8:00PM, and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00PM. Those who have purchased tickets through the box office at the storefront theater or online may call the box office for refunds if necessary, otherwise previously purchased tickets will be honored for the same day of the week as initially issued, but two weeks later. Season ticketholders will be notified via telephone. TOSAC’s A Raisin in the Sun is the compelling story of the Younger family’s tribulations in and out of Chicago’s rough-and-tumble south side. Adapted from the novel by Lorraine Hansberry and directed by Melanie Harkness, the stage production of this enduring classic is not to be missed. For further information, tickets, or to become a TOSAC member, visit www.tosac.com, or call the box office at the historic storefront theater at (229) 226-0863. - Jennifer W.
Resolve to be More Townie Start Your Day the Townie Way - With a walk or bike to GRC. Townies are an active bunch - we love to hit the YMCA, Live Young Studio, Dash’s run events and Rose City Tri Club meetups. You’ll see runners, walkers and bikers all over, so, be mindful if you’re driving, and join us out here! And then getcher fix at our local java joint, Grassroots. Lunch Downtown - Lunching is a thing, and it’s perfectly normal to be seen on your lunch hour at one of our local
cafes. Don’t do the walk of shame to a sandwich chain! Put your dollars where your heart is and support our local restauranteurs. Besides, you’ll see other Townies you know there, and that’s part of the fun of living in the Ville. Get Involved - Hands On Thomas County can connect you with the perfect organization for your interests and the amount of time you have. From kids to kittens to preservation or equine therapy, Thomasville boasts over 200 non-profits. The best way to meet people in
Learning Thomasville history with a Wiregrass Walks Tour. Even if you’re a native, you’ll likely learn something new and I promise you won’t be bored. Taste the town and know where to send friends and
tourists after booking a Thomasville Food Tour. There’s no better way to try most of downtown’s restaurants in just a few hours. You’ll skip a favorite {Liam’s} and the new ones {Chop House + Blue Coop}, but you’ll get a great overview of what the Ville has to offer. Get some design and style cues from a guided tour of Pebble Hill Plantation. It’s a short drive but well worth it. The home is stunning, the art collection is chock full of
Sign up now at:
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Thomasville, and to be oh-so-very-Townie, is to volunteer. Party Properly - All those non-profits have annual events, and you’ll be doing yourself, and your dance card, a favor if you spring for tickets. Between the Landmarks Derby Party, TCA’s Havana Nights and Covey Film Fest, just to name a very small portion, the Ville is everything from black tie to cowboy fab - and never…not ever…dull.
Need to Build some Townie Do you need to build some Townie cred? Wondering what all the fuss is about? Start drinking the Arnold Palmer Kool-Aid and try:
in
Cred?
horses and dogs and the grounds are the perfect backdrop for a picnic and some daydreaming. You should visit the Big Oak and either have your picture made with the automatic camera {by calling 229-236-0053}, or perhaps relax at the lovely gazebo and get a sweeping view. - Bunny B.
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JAN 17 - FEB 7
Road Trip
The Stylish House Decorating for the Winter Period
Chattahoochee
If one of your New Year’s resolutions involves dedicating more time to tucking yourself into a thermal bag with nothing between you and the stars but owl calls and treescented air, the city of Chattahoochee is a great place to get to it. Sixty miles southwest of Thomasville, just under the Georgia line, the area has an astonishing number of park and natural resource offerings. The Flint River, Spring Creek and Chattahoochee River converge into Lake Seminole here. On the other side of Jim Woodruff Dam, the Apalachicola River begins. The city’s center of commerce and newly designated Florida Main Street lie atop a high bluff overlooking the river, and areas below offer every outdoor activity imaginable in settings so grossly underutilized you’re likely to have little to no company at wherever you decide to fish, camp, hunt or hike. Having a boat or bicycle will give you greater accessibility, but are by no means requisite. Chattahoochee Landing, rife with history and outdoor activities, is the site of the area’s Old Time 4th of July celebration and annual drag boat races in August, both of which draw several thousand people to the river. Just off Highway 90, the landing is also home to four prehistoric Indian mounds and the Chattahoochee Nature Trail. The second trail entrance leads to the Angus Gholson loop, and takes you through a slope forest of deciduous hardwoods where dozens of flower species bloom from February to April. Look for a handful of rare Florida Torreya trees, as well as for fringed campion, trout lily, trillium and wild orchid. The trail and all surrounding natural areas are also great for birding.
A historical point of interest, as well as the town’s largest employer, the grounds of Florida State Hospital are like a smaller town within the city. Construction on the hospital’s administration building was completed in 1839, originally serving as Army officer’s quarters during the Second Indian War, and later during the Civil War as part of Apalachicola Arsenal. The Arsenal was eventually converted into Florida’s first prison, and later its first mental institution. The institution now has over a hundred buildings, and the Arsenal’s original gunpowder magazine that was recently given a Smithsonian-quality restoration. On the east side of the hospital grounds is Cypress Cove Nature Park, with public access to kayaking through the cypress-lined banks of Mosquito Creek, a waterfall, trail and picnic area. Chattahoochee is the last stop on the North Florida Arts trail which begins in Havana, and the starting point for Apalachicola Riverkeeper’s yearly River Trek where kayakers paddle 107 miles from Chattahoochee all the way to Apalachicola Bay to raise money for river preservation. To keep abreast of events in Chattahoochee, check out Chattahoochee Main Street’s Facebook page, and for more on the historical items of note, visit www. exploresouthernhistory.com/chattahoochee. *Special thanks to our tour guide Leigh Brooks, Pam Medley and Bernie Howell of Chattahoochee Main Street, and our organizer, Apalachicola Riverkeeper Dan Tonsmeire. —Jennifer W.
Photo: Jennifer Westfield
Visible from the landing is Jim Woodruff Dam, a US Army Corps of Engineers-maintained marvel which separates Lake Seminole from the Apalachicola River. You may drive a bit up the road and park at the dam, where fishing is allowed both lake- and riverside. Lake Seminole is vast and scenic, and from the fishing platform lakeside of the dam, you can see Three Rivers
State Park on the west bank, and an east bank camping area within the Corps’ Chattahoochee Park, which also features tennis and basketball courts, a boat launch, many pavilions and the scenic Turkey Flight Overlook with spectacular views of the lake. Three Rivers State Park can be accessed through the town of Sneads, and offers primitive camping, a large bicycle trail, and cabin and canoe rentals.
Lost Art Making Comeback I’ve always been a romantic. In middle school I had most of Romeo and Juliet memorized. To me, there is nothing more romantic than a handwritten letter. The idea of waiting by the mailbox, hoping for an envelope with my name on it - that doesn’t contain a bill - is thrilling. Sadly, in today’s technologically savvy world, the romance of the handwritten letter has been lost to texting and up-to-the-minute social media updates. Thankfully, there are others who share my love of old-fashioned letter writing. Annie Jones, co-owner of The Bookshelf, is doing her part to revive a beautiful art form. As part of a New Year’s resolution to send real mail to her far away friends, Jones is initiating the Letter Writing Club. The group, which will meet once a month beginning this Tuesday, January 21st, was inspired by a group out in Colorado. A friend of Jones’ lives there and discovered a bookstore holding such a club and mentioned it to her friend, thinking it would be fun for The Bookshelf. The idea struck a chord with Jones, who had made that resolution to write more often, and who also was “waiting for a way to bring a little bit of ‘me’ into the store, and I think this is the absolutely perfect place to start.” Some may be wondering why someone who owns a bookstore would not be starting with a book club, but Jones felt that it wasn’t quite the right time for that - yet. Though an avid reader and lover of book clubs, she says they require much time and commitment, which she is more than happy to give once she and her husband have settled into their new home here in Thomasville. The letter writing club seemed a perfect alternative, since many fervent readers are also writers, and those that love the feel of a real book in hand often wax nostalgic to writing methods of days past. It seems very appropriate, in a town that values history, to hold such a group. There is a beauty to sitting down with a cup of coffee and reading about the life of a loved one written in more than 140 characters, the size of a Twitter post. The Bookshelf will be the meeting spot where men and women of any age can gather together in good company around tables and write letters or design cards while enjoying refreshments and music. Stationary, pens, pencils, stamps and even stickers will be provided, though you are welcome to bring your favorite items as well. I personally love the feel of a good fountain pen. If you want to brush up on your letter etiquette, The Bookshelf recommends a little light reading: The Art of the Handwritten Note. Jones hopes that the group is as popular as the book clubs that meet so enthusiastically each month. She has big ideas for the club down the road, such as theme nights like Valentine’s cards and perhaps even a children’s group in the Spring. Annie’s passion for all things literary is apparent in all she does at The Bookshelf and she hopes all the Townies come to the first Letter Writing Club gathering on Tuesday. Make someone’s day and write them a letter. - Rebekah G.
We have made it through another holiday season. Hopefully with our house in good order {still standing}, and with our sights set on fun and attractive accents for Winter. For me, the holidays begin with Halloween and end with Valentine’s Day. With a major holiday each month, creating a holiday mood can be difficult waters to navigate. Halloween is far from Christmas and Christmas is very far from Valentine’s Day. And I don’t mean by the calendar. The standard accepted schemes for these holidays are extremely different. Going with a seasonal rather than holiday themed base can help. It makes the transition easier, certainly, by adding to or taking from a solid seasonal base theme. But what about the time between New Years Day and Valentine’s Day? This is what I like to call the Winter period. Decorating the house for the Winter period is easy and fun and can be done on a shoestring. Once the major holiday accessories have been put safely away for another year, one really has a clean slate until Spring. After the holiday rush, we are all more than happy to tuck in for the cold weather and short days. Fewer guests and more quality time with immediate family and friends mean more personal or handmade items can be displayed without the worry of ‘fitting in’ with a certain holiday theme. Keeping things simple for Winter can be fun and and pleasing to the eye. And to your pocket book. For florals, I recommend cutting small branches with attractive leaves and spraying them white. Easy and cheap, yet simple and elegant! You could also use a different branch in its natural color or spray it a fun color for
an accent. Try to avoid store bought silks if possible… especially anything containing glitter. For tablescapes and mantle pieces try a bowl of fruit. Oranges, lemons, limes and apples add a dash of color and make a great handy snack that is easily replenished. They also make quickie drink garnishes for unexpected drop-ins. Or, try a simple local craft. Look for something that delights you and blends well with the base decor. Try showcasing the children’s art projects as well. No one can criticize those and they never go out of style. With the short days, fragrant candles add a nice touch. Use them, that is what they are there for! Besides, everyone looks good in candlelight. Avoid plastic decor and cinnamon brooms at all costs. For the front door, simply cut some pine, cedar or magnolia branches and bind them together with twine or flower wire into the shape of your choosing. Then add pinecones or fruit or cotton (or anything that grabs your fancy) to hide the binding. A simple grapevine wreath with no decoration also makes a stylish statement when you add something personal to it as well. Try sego palm fronds with a little dull gold paint brushed on or anything you find attractive or intriguing from the garden or woods. Next month we will talk about how using these simple tricks for the Winter season can make staging your Valentine’s Day accents a simple transition. For the Winter, the old saying “less is more” is so true. - Davey B. J. David Bray, Jr., is a Project Manager and Designer with Landford Thompson Interiors. Though based in Savannah, GA, Bray has current clients in town and works in Thomasville by appointment. www.landfordthompsoninteriors.com
Fit as a Fiddle As I sat down to write this column, I started to think about the person I was five years ago - resolving to lose weight and get in better shape by going to the gym five days a week and running on the treadmill. I went to the gym on January 1st while everyone else was eating cabbage and black-eyed peas. I remember sticking to it for about a month and then starting to go only three days a week, then one...then none. Epic failure. By the end of February, I was right back where I started. Bored. Frustrated. Disappointed. Drowning my sorrows in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked followed by a bowl of Special K. It’s easy for me to tell you to set some health and fitness goals and do the work to achieve them. If it were just that easy, then everyone would be in the best shape of their lives. Fit, healthy and happy. No sugarcoating it here, getting and staying fit is HARD. There is no magic pill, no special machine. What a lot of people forget {and what I didn’t know five years ago} is that you have to have fun! It’s important to find an activity that you are passionate about and let that be your driving force. For me, this was something I stumbled upon by my willingness to try new things. I had never lifted weights before - but after I started CrossFit, I realized it was something I really enjoyed doing. I love to pick up heavy things, to see the numbers go higher and higher, to feel strong. For you, this could be weightlifting - or it might be yoga, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, dancing, horseback riding, whatever. Find your sport and resolve to become better at it by consistently training for it. If you enjoy setting goals, set some small, attainable ones - and once you reach them, reward yourself by doing something healthy - like scheduling a massage at Metta Day Spa or enjoying a delicious steak dinner at Chop House on the Bricks. For those of you who already have your gym schedule dialed in, you aren’t getting off that easy. During the 1st of the year, when there’s an influx of new members in your gym, instead of being annoyed that these newbies are taking up all of the treadmills or spending too much time in the squat rack, you should identify those that may look a little lost and point them in the right direction. It’s possible that it’s their first time in the gym. Ever. They are probably intimidated...maybe even a little scared. They may not have a clue how to work the elliptical. If you see someone doing something with improper form and you think they might injure themselves, be nice and
let them know. Cut them some slack and give them some credit for putting forth the effort. Remember that the hardest part is showing up. If you want to see Thomasville become a healthier community, be a leader and extend your knowledge to someone and increase their chance of success. And don’t forget about your diet. 80% of your health is won in the kitchen. I know a lot of my Townies are Team Leaning right now and that’s awesome. Several members of my gym are challenging themselves to “No Junk January” or a 30-day Paleo Challenge. Some sort of challenge is always a great tool for motivation and accountability, but they all come to an end at some point...and generally we regain whatever weight we lost during the challenge. The true challenge is to make a permanent change and to continuously be more mindful about what we are eating for every single meal. And when we cheat, cheat small. Don’t use the “go big or go home” mentality. The extra slice of cake always makes you feel a little nauseated anyway. So, go forth, my Townies - resolve to find your sport, be nice to newbies, reward yourself and, most importantly, have fun! - Abrie S. Abrie Soileau of Thomasville CrossFit.
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JAN 17 - FEB 7 VOLUME 3
JAN 17 - FEB 7 VOLUME 3
FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM
Dance Card. January 19
Sundays at Four Concert Series January Jazz (TCA) actu@thomasu.edu
January 20
HOTC presents Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Service Day www.handsonthomascounty.org
Dazzling Divas Prom Dress Drive
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Now through February 7th, The Prom Dress Drive is accepting donations for gently used long or short prom dresses, cocktail dresses, social dresses, bridesmaid dresses, formal shoes, formal purses, jewelry, and accessories. All dress sizes are welcome. Dresses should be less than 5 years old, in good condition, dry-cleaned, and age-appropriate. Drop off at Johnson Inssitutional Services. purses_unlockingtreasure@yahoo.com
January 30
Jon Nakamatsu in Concert TEF presents Jon Nakamatsu, Piano. Tickets $35 Adults, $15 Students. TCA, 8 PM. www.tefconcerts.com
January 31
Bargain Bazaar Preview Party
Friday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Shopping & Live/Silent Auction, Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2057 GA Hwy 122 tvillejsl@yahoo.com
February 1
Landmarks Hosts An Evening with Rene Silvin Rene Silvin, noted Palm Beach author and speaker, talks about his friendship with the Duchess of Windsor in Paris and the lives of the Duke and Duchess on the International Scene, using the book he wrote about her as a guide. Glen Arven, 6 PM. marylawrence@rose.net
February 1
The Boardwalk Studio & Gallery Grand Opening Reception The Boardwalk Studio & Gallery, 109 W. Jefferson St. Boston, GA. 6-8 PM. theboardwalkart@gmail.com
February 7, 8 & 9
Brookwood School Presents “Seussical” (229) 226-8070, kholt@brookwoodschool.org.
Issue No.
Center Warming Up for Hot Havana Nights Thomasville Center for the Arts and South Georgia Ballet have some serious community outreach in the works for this year’s spring event, Hot Havana Nights. On Friday, January 24th, staff members will transform the Center’s Main Gallery into a sizzling Little Havana for a night of music, dance, and art. The night will begin at 6:00 PM when guests will join the Center in welcoming Cuban-American artist Antonio Guerrero in the Main Gallery for an exclusive exhibition of his works. Guerrero deliberately paints only in black, white and red, and his powerful works employ minimalism, expressionism and for the artist, serve as a means to peace. Over in the Library Gallery, the Artist Collective’s “Spice” exhibit will open, with works available for purchase and commission. “Antonio Guerrero’s work is so unique, and he is driven purely by his passion to create,” says the Center for the Arts’ Adult Programs Director Darlene Mathis. “We can’t wait for Thomasville to embrace such an inspired artist and his works.” Guerrero was born in Cuba under the Castro regime, drafted into the Cuban army and sent to fight in the Ethiopian War. Guerrero fled Cuba in 1992 and has since resided in Miami Beach, FL. He is the founder of the Cuban Art project, and his works have been displayed in dozens of galleries and museums. At 7:00 PM, the auditorium doors will open for South Georgia Ballet to present a spicy Latin review, featuring choreography by Tyrone Brooks of Dance Theatre of Harlem and Jeffrey Smith of the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Live music will be directed by Thomas University’s own Karl Barton. {Tickets to the Latin Review may be purchased on the Center’s website.} After the Review, guests are invited back to the Main Gallery, where they can dance the night away with instructors Michael Pozo and Michael Gregg. This year, in addition to Friday night’s events, Antonio Guerrero will lead an artist experience like none other. On Thursday, January 23rd, Studio 209 will host Guerrero for an artist’s reception beginning at 5:30, and a two-hour painting course beginning at 6:30. Seating for this event is extremely limited, and tickets may be purchased online. “The Center for the Arts is creating an opportunity to expose an artist of Guerrero’s caliber to Thomasville’s arts scene,” says Mathis. “This one-of-a-kind painting experience will elevate the way we work, and further elevate Thomasville as a beacon for artists and creative expression.” To purchase tickets to Hot Havana Nights and the Artist Experience with Antonio Guerrero, or to become a member of the Center for the Arts, visit www.thomasvillearts.org. - Jennifer W.
February 8
Book Making Workshop with Janae Easton Janae will teach an all-day intensive Book Construction workshop where students will start off with the beginning stages of book construction, which will include four soft cover techniques. The second half of the class,w e will create a more elaborate hard cover Coptic stitched book that is ideal for a portfolio, sketchbook, or beloeved gift. Each student will come away with at least five books to adore. Tickets $50 includes supplies. 10 AM-4 PM. www.thomasvillearts.org.
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To Your Resolutions And Beyond! Every New Year begins with great intentions. - This year, the treadmill will become my bestie. - This year, our diet will consist of more than just bacon and pizza. - This year, we’ll stick to our monthly budget like white on rice. Somehow, even our best laid plans can be cold cocked by the reality of everyday life. There are kids to take care of, project deadlines to meet, and a host of important obligations. But, intentions matter. No matter what hurdles come our way, our intentions represent an attempt to fully become our best self. That pursuit alone is worth setting lofty goals every January. It also begs the question, how do you make sure you follow through? For me, three quick tips have always helped.
A new year means a fresh start, even at your favorite local bookstore. We’re proud to debut the “Sweet Shelf ” in-store this month! We are now selling local eats and treats by Marie’s Kakes alongside the books we love so much. Stop by to try her delicious, homemade sugar cookies and her beautiful French macarons. And, if sweets aren’t your thing (which would be crazy, but we don’t judge), we’re launching our first-ever Letter Writing Club on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m. We can’t wait to gather together and write some good, old-fashioned snail mail to the people we love! Stay posted on these and all our fresh starts by following us on Facebook. See you in the shop soon!
1. Be Realistic If your favorite food is French fries it’s probably not a good idea to say you’ll never touch another one again. That’s setting yourself up for certain failure. Instead, simply try to cut back. For me, that meant grabbing those strings of crispy golden potato goodness just once a week instead of three or four times. Eventually, that once a week became once a month. Baby steps are still steps in the right direction.
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The Bookshelf on Broad Street
2. Celebrate Small Victories There is nothing wrong with throwing yourself a party when you achieve a goal you’ve been striving for. In fact, plan it out. If you want to run a marathon, maybe reward yourself afterwards with a weekend trip to a spa. Or, if you were me, you’d take a month to ‘recuperate’ in Hawaii. If you’re trying to read more, set aside 30-45 minutes a night to do just that. Then cue up your favorite ‘Office’ episode on Netflix and turn your brain off for a bit. 3. Keep Track I’m a writer by trade and anyone that knows me knows that I carry an inordinate amount of legal pads, notebooks, journals and Post-it notes in my bag. I also have several stuffed in my car for spontaneous note taking. I might have a problem. But, it helps me to remember goals or to jot down a thought that I can use elsewhere. Recently, I began using one notebook to simply track what I’ve eaten and my workouts. That simple act is an eye-opening experience. You begin to see patterns and anticipate habits. “Oh, it’s Wednesday? Maybe I shouldn’t grab that pint of Cookie Dough ice cream this week. Let’s do pistachio. Or, a banana.” That’s the type of conversation I have in my head when I read through that notebook. There are myriad of ideas to make 2014 amazing. Many of them begin and end with delicious pork products. But, if you’re sincerely interested in learning how to get in gear for the New Year - there is no better way to learn a few helpful tips than to join us on Tuesday, Jan 21st, at 8 AM at Building 209 {209 W. Remington Ave.}. We’ve teamed up with the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce and the Thomasville Visitors Center to host a FREE workshop on confronting procrastination, accomplishing realistic goals and reinforcing BHAGs - Big Hairy Audacious Goals. No need to register, just come join us! - Mat W.
Save the Date Downtown.
Sidewalk Sale President’s Day Weekend Saturday, Februar y 15
‘Developing a Fundraising Plan’
A webinar with online discussion presented by Rick Munroe, Vice President for Advancement at Thomas University
1 p.m. Jan. 22, 2014 Register at sceneresources.com or by calling (229) 227-6903.
Mat is an Branding Strategist and Brand Ambassador with the Onyx Group. FALL IN LOVE…with the charm and convenience of this Landmarks awarded cottage for rent. One block off Broad, easy walk/bike to Thomas U., Archbold, Jerger, downtown. Two bedrooms, one bath, claw foot soaking tub w/ shower, wide front porch, screened porch off master, working fireplace, wood floors, spacious kitchen, washer/dryer, even a pergola for your roses. Security system/$900/month, (1)year lease. Contact: Margaret Titus 229-221-1016.
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Steaks, Seafood & Southern Cuisine
The Plaza 217 South Broad St., Thomasville (229) 226-5153
COMIX by Laura Floyd
Bookish gifts, for the well-read people in your life
HAIKU PROJECT by Benjamin Gardner + David Longstreet
www.thomasvilleplaza.com
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