Townie Issue #21, 2015

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Issue No.

December 4 - 17

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21

December 4 - 17

29th Victorian Christmas: Fun, Frolic And Easy Way-Finding Think you might want some funnel cake or some chestnuts roasting on an open fire at Victorian Christmas this year?

You’re in luck. All will be provided and the Thomasville Visitor’s Center will make sure you can find them. Look for the new vendor signs that will point you in the right direction.

F A fire show by Jimmy Cunningham. He twirls it and eats it.

“Information booths in the middle of the intersection at Jackson and Broad will have maps available as well as a map posted on the booth,” says Thomasville events manager Sarah Turner. “There will be a lot to see and do this year.”

F Public knitting with Cadence Kidwell of the Fuzzy Goat.

Pull up a sofa and a needle and join in!

Indeed. Here’s just a few of the highlights: F Take a ride on the rocking horse which is 24 feet long and 15 feet high. A basket seat keeps you comfy. The ride is free. {Dec. 12} F Live ice sculpting. Get your picture taken with the finished product. There will be a new sculpture each night.

F A new stage featuring different local school choirs and the Capital Chordsmen F A community sing-along outside the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium

F Demonstration stations featuring History Channel’s Forged in Fire blacksmith Trenton Tye; candle maker Dorcus Miller and candy maker with Wes Raley

F And, of course, Santa Claus on Remington Ave. near Jimmy’s Sew and Vac. Santa will have helpers on site to help entertain children and adults waiting in line. {Dec. 12} Visitors who want to truly get into the spirit of the Victorian era can rent costumes from the Visitor’s Center costume closet December 1-3 between 10 am and 4:30 pm.

IF YOU PLAN TO GO TO VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS

F High school bands and other ensembles on the courthouse lawn

WHEN: Dec. 10 and 11 from 6 to 9p; Dec. 12 from 10a to 4p

F Plein air artists painting what they see at the moment it is happening. Get to know the local artist while he or she works.

WHERE: Broad Street to Smith Avenue

F A live nativity F A $5 carriage ride that will take you by The Big Oak. Boarding is at Jefferson and Broad.

F Food from local restaurants {dine in or from their booth outside}

TROUPE: ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW

Visit http://www.thomasvillega.com for each night’s schedule of events. Call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-2287977 for more information.

- June D.

F The fire department chili cookout {Dec. 12}

Get your T-ville Holiday gifts!

For your dude, dad, or bro:

F Literally everything at Firefly. This is just speaking from my own experience of walking into Firefly and wanting everything. Some standouts for me:

F Mason Shaker Carry-On Cocktail Kit from Onward Reserve-$24 each. Want a cocktail at 30,000 feet? You’re in luck then with these sets which include a Gin & Tonic and Old Fashioned.

Thomasville cutting board-$42

State necklaces-$22-26. I didn’t spy a Georgia necklace in the case, but that doesn’t mean they won’t restock. I did see Florida and Alabama.

Feather ornament $9. It’s glass and has a floating feather inside.

Literally everything in there. Seriously.

F Laura Zindel Deer from Kevin’s-$42 F Good Work{s} bracelets from Ally B-$29. Leather bands and metal quotes.

One of my favorite things to do for Christmas is to get give gifts. Half of the fun for me is deciding what I think each person will like, and then anticipate their reaction. If it’s anything other than glee, I feel like a failure. No pressure.

I tooled around Downtown Thomasville and got some gift suggestions to make it easier for all of you ‘Villians.

F Yeti Colster from Kevin’s-$29.99. Stolen online from Dick’s Sporting Goods while trying to look for an apt description of this product: “The Rambler™ Colster™ combines the features of a koozie and a coaster into one. Constructed with stainless steel and double-wall vacuum insulation, your beverage stays ice cold. The Colster™ fits a 12 oz. can or bottle and stays locked in with the ThermLock™ Gasket.”

F Civil War Pen from Meet the Merchant-$55. There are actually several handmade pens of varying prices available, but this one was particularly cool as it was made with Civil War shell casings.

For the hostess with the mostest: F Paper Placemats from Firefly-$28. There are 30 tear-off paper placemats with adorable evergreen trees or winter owl background.

F Gift Certificate for Ally B., Mode, or Mimi’s. When in doubt, go the gift certificate route. Most women, including myself, enjoy getting clothes as gifts, but sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint a person’s style. Since the inventory is constantly changing at our local boutiques, get your gal a gift certificate and let her pick out her own ensemble.

F Cat Studio State towels from Relish-$20. These are colorful, and Relish has {almost} every state available.

Plus, if you go out of state and forget to bring a gift back, you can grab one of these.

F r e e

TRADITION. KNOWLEDGE. VISION.

TRADITION. KNOWLEDGE. VISION.

CHUBB

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Don’t miss our weekly specials!

The Plaza

REALTY

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CONTINUED ON p2

www.mimisthelook.com

Steaks, Seafood & Southern Cuisine

Assisting Real Estate Buyers and Sellers In Thomasville For Over 30 Years.

chubbrealty.com

F Harry Truman’s Shave Cream Set from Onward Reserve-$20. Bye-bye, No-Shave November. Hello, Christmas Photo Op December.

F Snow Drop soap {$8}, hand cream {$10}, and candle {$25}

by The Soap and Paper Factory at The Bookshelf. I was particularly fond of the Frosted Pine. Heavenly!

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229.226.7916

106 West Jackson Street Downtown Thomasville #mimisthelook

The 110-member group will close the show, as is its tradition, with “Silent Night” sung in German and with the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s oratorio, Messiah.

Tickets for the show are on sale at the Thomasville Cultural Arts Center on Board Street. Reserved seats are $20.

General admission tickets are $15. This show typically sells out so get your tickets now! For more information, call Ali Thomas at 229-977-2008 or visit http://www. thomasvillemusicanddramatroupe.com/ - June D.

CHUMS

For your lady, mom, sister, or a gal-pal:

Quote Necklaces by Chocolate and Steel-$42-65.

These necklaces feature quotes from Jim Henson to Hillary Clinton. They’re super dainty and adorable.

The Troupe, now in its 43rd season, will feature ensemble numbers which members have put together independently of the directors allowing students to showcase their creativity.

“In addition to popular holiday medleys, the Troupe will perform other traditional Latin, Greek, English and American carols as well as the Russian ‘Minka’ featuring male dancers.” Hughes says. Some of the songs include dance staged by Troupe choreographer Dana Willis and group choreographer Esmond Pickett.

CHUMS

Christmas 2015 Shopping Gift Guide

The Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe will present its “Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe Christmas Show” on Dec. 8 at 8 p at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium.

“It is definitely considered a holiday show because Christmas is a religious festival that occurs during the ‘end of year’ festivities, which includes secular celebrations as well as the feast of Hanukkah.” says director Raymond Hughes.

217 South Broad St., Thomasville (229) 226-5153

WWW.THOMASVILLEPLAZA.COM

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Mark and Kelly Ridolfi For the past 8 months Mark and Kelly Ridolfi, owners of Homme sub-urban Haberdashery, have brought an urban flare to our downtown landscape. This couple loves what Thomasville is and understands what the men need.

What is something you want everyone to know about your store? That we have a lot of styles carried by larger department stores and boutiques. Our main focus is bringing additional options to town. So many stores cater to certain looks, but there has never really been a store quite like ours here before and we hope that even more diversity continues to find its way to Thomasville.

Mark, you’re a Tville native. What did you do while you were away? Photography and behind the scenes video for a lot of music videos.

What is the biggest change you have seen in Thomasville? The education system has really grown and improved since I was younger. It’s always good when kids have access to literally everything they can possibly utilize to enhance learning. Also things like the skate park, and the planned amphitheater. Just growth in general.

What would you two recommend as the perfect Tville date night? Our perfect date night would start midday, just to get things leveled out, with a leisurely picnic at Pebble Hill Plantation on the hill by the lake and a good walk around the grounds, especially in the springtime. There are really too many great restaurants in Thomasville to recommend one, but I will say always pick a local restaurant.

There are some awesome places that call Thomasville home.

What Tville traditions does your family look forward to most? We like parades, so Christmas and the Rose Show are at the top of that list.

- Emily M.

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December 4 - 17

Holiday Gift Guide, From p1

Southern Treats:

F Twisted Wares tea towels from Relish-$14. These are great for a hilarious hostess who loves a somewhat sassy gift. They have a ton of selections, and bonus, they’re only $14.

F Capri Blue Volcano candle from Relish-$24.95-31.99.

This is such a great scented candle for anyone. If you don’t love the Volcano scent then you’re insane, and we can’t be friends.

Our Staff Publisher + Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield Social Media Dara Barwick Denise Purvis

F Agate coasters from Firefly-$12.50 each. There are several colors to choose from, so you could mix and match for your eclectic hostess.

For kiddos: F Book-a-Month Club. Priced from $15 for children {and from $25 for adults} in hardback or paperback. The Bookshelf staff will select each book based on the information you provide: your reader’s interests and hobbies; their favorite books, writers, genres; etc.

F Colored pencils from Firefly-$11. They look like wood!

They’re thicker and probably easier for kiddos to grip. Plus like everything else at Firefly, they’re adorable.

F Felt animal ornaments from Firefly-$14.95. These are a cute kid-friendly addition to any adult Christmas tree.

Columnists J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Denise Purvis Kelly Samek

F Water bird whistle from The Bookshelf-$3. For years now, these have been great and noisy sellers for kids. Get one for your niece or nephew. For $3 you can get them a whole boat load to annoy mom and dad.

Contributing Writers Clay Byars June Dollar Benjamin Gardner William Hamil Didi Hoffman Annie Jones Natalie Kirbo Emily McKenna Denise Purvis Jennifer Westfield

F When you’re super stumped and don’t know what to get: F Coffee Club at Grassroots-from $85. Available in three or six-month subscriptions in 2 or 3 pound bags. If you want to start smaller, you could always get them a single bag of Christmas Blend or a cute mug.

Downtown Dollars. Available in denominations of $10.

‘Villans can use these bucks at over 75 downtown locations.

For the full list, please visit www.downtownthomasville.com.

Gift Certificate to Sweet Grass Dairy or Liam’s. For real, treat yo’self or someone else.

Contributing Artists Clay Byars William Hamil

- Denise P.

A History

Tracing its roots back to the mid-1930s, W. G. Hamil, LLC is a fourth-generation business that has thrived since my greatgrandfather, J. W. Renfroe, started Renfroe Pecan Company in Troy, Alabama. J. W. was a family man who enjoyed fishing, training Tennessee Walking Horses, and even won the amateur division of the walking horse Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

After investing his time and energy into his business, Renfroe Pecan became a success while buying and selling millions of pounds of pecans a year. In 1974, J. W. passed away, and my great uncle Jake Renfroe Jr. moved the business to its current location in Pensacola, Florida. My father, Greg Hamil, joined the family business in 1980 and established an office in Thomasville, buying pecans in the fall and winter and shipping watermelons during the spring and summer.

Many summers of melons and winters of pecans passed until 2007, when my Dad decided to buy the Thomasville location from Renfroe Pecan Co. and start W. G. Hamil, LLC. The business has thrived since, including my brother and I joining the company and my Mom opening the “Southern Treats” gift shop, all while continuing to put J. W.’s principles of honesty and integrity into practice. Today, we ship nearly

When Bob Balfour retired from Balfour Lumber, Balfour Pulpwood and Balfour Land companies 18 years ago, he knew he would need something to occupy his mind. He had been running two to three businesses for most of his adult life and was an avid sportsman.

“And I knew if I didn’t do something, I’d be gone,” Balfour said. So he tried art. He enrolled in a still-life drawing class.

But after one {very small, out-of-scale} still-life, he packed it up.

Despite 15 years of intermittent chemotherapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, and later a life-threatening Lymphoma, Balfour has written eight books. The final book, which released on December 2nd, gives readers a personal look at his life and his faith. In The Jesus I Know, Balfour constructs first-person accounts of 12 Biblical characters and their

Layout Clay Byars Distribution

Whenever a person sees something labeled “W. G. Hamil” or “Southern Treats,” they shouldn’t think of one person {well I guess it could be my dad or I} but instead they should think of every employee: whether it is the smiling lady picking samples who gives me a daily lesson in Spanish or the man driving a forklift that greets me with “Hey William” when I walk in from school. While W. G. Hamil may be a fourthgeneration family business, it is truly a family between all of the employees and our loyal growers and customers.

- William H.

Balfour Publishes Latest Book

And then he tried writing.

Advertising Design Katie Reeves

100 container loads of pecans to China every year {which Michael mostly oversees} while still supplying some of the largest domestic pecan shellers with millions of pounds of quality pecans. My Mom’s “Southern Treats” gift shop sells everything from traditional pecan pies to gourmet cheese crackers, all while I run {our newly redesigned} website, servers {you mean the ag business has computers?}, inventory and try to be the sane mind amongst all the chaos. I can truly say that W. G. Hamil is a family business; from our daily debates over what to get for lunch to our discussions over what color the background of our website should be.

encounters with Jesus. From Pontius Pilate to The Samaritan Woman, these historical fiction accounts give readers a more intimate sense of the life and times of Jesus Christ.

“I wrote this book because I want other people to know the Jesus I know,” Balfour said. “I’ve invented early lives of the characters and brought them to meet Jesus.”

But, as his Dedication makes clear, this book wasn’t written without help: “I dedicate this book to my dear wife, Virginia.

With my failing eyesight, I never would have been able to finish editing the manuscript without her constant help and hard work.”

Balfour’s books can be purchased after December 2nd at The Bookshelf, Rayann’ s Christian Bookstore, and Kevin’s in downtown Thomasville, or on amazon.com. Balfour will be signing books at The Bookshelf on Saturday, December 12.

A Holiday Run for a Cause

Clay Byars

Georgia Press Association

The 5th Annual Red Nose Run will be held Saturday, December 12 at Thomas University at 1501 Millpond Road.

The Red Nose Run, which is put on by Junior Service League {JSL} and underwritten by Thomasville National Bank, expects around 200-250 runners for this year’s event.

For the first time ever, JSL decided to add the one-mile Family Fun Run to further JSL’s mission to benefit the children of Thomas County. “Originally the Red Nose Run wasn’t as focused on the children. By adding the Fun Run, we felt that we could give back to the kids even more,” said Tory Schofill, JSL President.

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.

Another way that JSL has decided to make the Red Nose Run even more kid-centered is to have free kid’s activities after the event. Little ‘Villians can expect bounce houses from Jumping Joes. YMCA will be there as well with cotton candy and popcorn. Face painting will be another fun option for kids.

Printed by the Bainbridge Post- Searchlight

partnered with South Georgia Spine and Joint to give massages to runners, and Live Young Studio will be on-site selling fitness attire.

As always, runners are encouraged to wear their fun attire.

Participants in the 5K and Fun Run are encouraged to wear their antlers, jingle bells, and tutus. There will even be an award given for best costume in addition to the best overall and age division female and male winners. The award ceremony will be held at the completion of the Fun Run. The start/finish line will be at the Millpond Road entrance with a staggered start. The 5K will begin at 8:00a, and the and the Fun Run will begin at 9:00a. Anyone interested in participating in the race may do so by registering online or in person on race day. To register online, please visit www. runningintheusa.com. For more information, please contact Tory Schofill at 954-829-9167 or jslthomasville@yahoo.com.

- Denise P.

Parents don’t have to feel left out either. JSL has also Photography by Clay Byars

Stand OU T from the Crowd!

branding / logo design / graphic design photography / video

Clay Byars

designer - creator - owner byarsclay@gmail.com 229 977-4615 tri-bstudio.com

We Care in so Many Ways

Fine Oriental Rugs Downtown, 102 W. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA

graphic design • marketing consulting branding & identity • promotional products event planning

Phone 229.403.1741 • ktcreative@me.com • www.ktcreative.net

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December 4 - 17

Makers Market to Benefit Scholars On December 12 Scholars Academy’s Design Thinking class is bringing you one of Thomasville’s most exciting events in an effort to raise money to send them to multiple Odyssey of the Mind {OM} competitions. The Design Thinking class, taught by Katie Chastain, will send eight teams of 7 students to the regional competition – the most of any school in Georgia. Four to six of those teams will go on to state competition and around 3 will go on to Worlds.

At the Market you can expect to see one thing and that is support for these cool kids by many of Thomasville’s established makers. That support will take shape in three ways.

First, there will be a Maker Market where you can buy goods from local makers including the Design Thinking students.

Part of their curriculum this year is to take a concept and develop it all the way to market. Those products will be available for purchase. Other local makers selling their goods include Sturdy Brothers, Everfan, Lindsey Pyle’s Organic Bath Salts, Jennifer Ward’s painted metal signs, students and partners of You’re Maker.

Second, you can be a maker! There are four interactive booths to choose from. You’re Maker will be there offering a jewelry making activity. You can design your very own superhero mask with Everfan! Build the world you love with K’nex. Design a beautiful wreath with Sharon Cernogorsky.

There is something for everyone.

Third, you can buy products from local makers of edible goods. Sweet Grass Dairy, Grassroots, Dreaming Cow Yogurt, Orchard Pond Organics, Hopkins Farm, and Johnston’s Sausages products will all be available for purchase. Parents of students will provide baked goods and hot chocolate and cider and Beckham Boys BBQ will provide lunch.

These kids are our future. Look around downtown and see how many young entrepreneurs there are now. Many of them are from Thomasville. When I see these young students learning how to look at the market and develop a product that satisfies a need I can’t help but be excited for the future of our local economy.

When I spoke with Katie about the Design Thinking class she said one of the most valuable lessons students learn is “to fail, try again, and reiterate the solution”. I can’t even begin to imagine how much more efficient my transition to adulthood would have been if I had learned early to turn failure into a positive experience rather than an obstacle.

This is your opportunity to support Thomasville in a very cool way. Invest in the future and support the present at Studio 209 {209 West Remington Ave} on December 12 from 10a-1p.

Farm to Table Holiday Oyster Stuffing The holiday season is upon us and one of my favorite memories is my mother's oyster stuffing. She would make it for thanksgiving and Christmas every year. I’ve had so many people who usually don’t like oysters love this stuffing. It's great for leftovers too. Happy holidays!

Each month, I do my best to offer hints and suggestions on style, decorating, household hacks, etc. I do my best to add humor, wit and sarcasm to make it fun. This month I would like to vent a little regarding Christmas and the holidays in general.

Okay. Why do so many Americans feel the burning need to begin the ‘countdown to Christmas’ the day after Halloween?

@ Southern Oyster Stuffing @ 1/2 cup cornbread crumbs

Really?

@ 1/2 cup bread crumbs @ 1/2 onion dice, 1 green pepper dice, 1 celery stem dice, sauté and cool. @ 2 cups ground sausage cooked @ 1 cup oysters diced @ 1/2 cup pecans chopped Mix together, add chopped sage, salt and pepper, and chicken stock to make moist, put in sprayed baking pan, 350 for 30-40 minutes.

- Emily M.

The stylish house

- Chef Matt Hagel is co-owner of Chop House on the Bricks

I swear to you. I was in a nouveau riche neighborhood for a consultation directly after Halloween and I witnessed three, count ‘em, three, yards with full on lights, decorations and even a rooftop Santa. I am not kidding. I went to my future brotherin-law’s for a quick drink the following day and there was a tree up. Decorated to the max, presents spilling out in a vulgar stream beneath it. Yes, it was real. Can you say fire hazard?

I simply don’t do television. What thinking adult can understand it or deal with the stupidity of 99% of the content, the nausea connected with the evening news or the decibel level of the commercials? However, my better half is an avid watcher. We all have our guilty pleasures. So being the nice guy I claim to be, I watched some live television the other night.

MYYYYYY EYESSSS!!!!!!!

There were Christmas specials, Christmas commercials, Black Friday warnings {by the way, I saw a facebook article declaring the title to be racist in content. Insert dramatic eye roll here} and dire predictions about the ‘Holiday Economy’.

Excuse me?

My question is, why? Why do we as a culture feel the need to stretch Christmas out for eight weeks? In my day, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, our tree went up the week before Christmas and was down and the day after. We children received one large present, numerous smaller gifts and school clothes. I saw a customer’s ‘holiday décor’, {her words NOT mine} and the spread for her offspring in the ‘present/wrapping room’, {again her words} and felt my insides churn and my eyes and head begin to ache. Nothing succeeds like excess in this country. Her children are three, five and eleven.

Okay, rant over.

Let’s celebrate one holiday at a time, shall we? I suggest starting with a seasonal, Fall/Autumn base after Halloween.

Warm colors and tasteful naturals. Then slowly build on it for the Thanksgiving holiday. Add some gourds or bowls of lemons and limes to surface areas for an attractive look.

Insert some evergreens into the florals or on the mantle with some pinecones or other homemade items. These little touches can also be the base for a more Christmas-y look in the coming weeks, as well.

Photography by Clay Byars

Sometime less is more. It’s like the fashion tip about removing one piece of jewelry or accessory before leaving the house. Celebrate the holidays in order. Adding to a pre-existing look is less stressful and much more subtle than walking into a Christmas experience before we have finished the Halloween candy. A more understated look is going to be simpler, more elegant and make a classier statement.

Have a Thanksgiving filled with food, fun and fellowship…and style.

John David Bray, Jr. is a Project Manger/Designer at Landford Thompson Interiors.

He sees clients in Thomasville by appointment. www.landfordthompsoninteriors.com Photography by Clay Byars

Photography by Clay Byars

Photography by Clay Byars

Photography by Clay Byars

Photography by Clay Byars

to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com

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December 4 - 17 VOLUME 4

December 4 - 17 VOLUME 4

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Issue No.

21

FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE Despite the busy time of year, I managed to finish six books in November, ranging from novels to memoirs. One of my reading resolutions this year was to read more diversely, and although I think I’ve done an okay job overall, this month, I noticed – after the fact – I only had read books by female authors. I’m giving myself a pass, though, because the books ran the gamut in terms of content. They don’t quite pass my “read diversely” test, but each book certainly expanded my worldview and challenged my perceptions. And some of them were just fun, because guess what? That’s okay, too.

Dance Card Saturday, December 5

townie crossword

The Bookshelf Author Signing with Don Yaeger,

The Bookshelf, 126 S. Broad St., 2p Join The Bookshelf for an author signing with FSU Professor Don Yaeger as he signs the book that he cowrote, Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates. As an award-winning keynote speaker, business leadership coach, an eight-time New York Times Best-selling author and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has fashioned a career as one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. Throughout his writing career, Don has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller and has been invited as a guest to every major talk show – from Oprah to Nightline, from CNN to Good Morning America! For more information, contact Annie Jones at 229-228-7767.

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Christmas in Boston! Golf Cart Parade

Downtown Boston in front of the Post Office, 6:30p Show your holiday creative side at the Boston “DECKED OUT” Holiday Golf Cart Parade. First Prize is $100 for the best “dressed” golf cart. For more info or to register, call 229-224-6201.

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Sunday, December 6 Sundays at Four Concert: Thomasville Singers brought to you by Thomasville University

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Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 E. Jackson St., 4p “Sundays at Four” offers monthly concerts that feature local and regional artists performing a wide range of musical styles. $5 donation requested. Reception to follow the performance. www.thomasu.edu/actu. Contact Thomas University at 229-227-6964 for more information.

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Archbold Memorial Hospital, 915 Gordon Ave., 6p Join in on lighting of the Christmas Tree and Hanukkah Menorah. Remember your loved ones this holiday season by donating to the Archbold Foundation in their memory or honor. Holiday Music will be presented by the Brookwood Lower School Chorus. Enjoy refreshments and a visit from Santa. Benefiting Hospice of Southwest Georgia.

The Bookshelf Shelf Talk & Signing with Dick Wall

The Bookshelf, 126 S. Broad St., 6p “Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart,” is the first-person, nonfiction story about Carol Wall’s unlikely friendship with Giles Owita, a Kenyan-born landscape designer who took on the arduous task of rehabilitating Wall’s neglected yard in Roanoke, Virginia. More importantly, though, he tended to Wall’s wounded spirit. Diagnosed with cancer before she met Owita, Wall had begun to lose faith in her religion, humanity and herself. The book follows their blossoming friendship; their unusual relationship creating a bond that bridged their disparate backgrounds and taught them both about the wonderful secrets life has in store. Contact Annie Jones at 229-228-7767.

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ACROSS

1 Ewe homonym 6 Nat King Cole roasts these on an open fire 7 Ubiquitous Christmas family gathering sight 9 Child who gets left Home Alone at Christmas 11 Best kinf of will toward men 12 Clause by another spelling 15 A compass points toward where Santa comes from 19 Town in How the Grinch Stole Christmas 20 Elvis's color of Christmas "without you" 21 What cars become in Christmas parades 23 Kind of needle 24 Before Clara and Anita and Clause 25 One kind of Christmas cookie 26 One of eight (or nine) 27 Head angel in The Santa Clause

Thomasville Junior Service League Red Nose Run/ Walk and Kids Fun Run

Thomas University, 1501 Millpond Rd., 8a-12p Start/Finish Line will be at the Millpond Road entrance -Staggered Start - 5K at 8:00 a.m., Kids Fun Run at 9:00 a.m.

Awards: Overall male/female winners, and the top three male/ female in the following age divisions: -Fun Run - 6 & under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12; 5K -14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 5059, 60-69, 70+. -Award ceremony for 5K and Fun Run will be at the completion of the Fun Run. Group Discounts available, please contact Tory Schofill. Early Packet Pickup: Friday, Dec. 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Thomasville National Bank Financial Services. 320 North Broad Street; Thomasville, Georgia. Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. This is a rain or shine event.

28 Christmas pest?

29 We're on it: naughty or nice 32 Buddy's uniform (top) color in Elf 34 Fur that Earthe Kitt asks Santa Baby to slip under the tree 36 What some stockings were hung with 37 "Oh Come All Ye"... who?

39 One of three Christmas ghosts 40 "Down through the chimney" with what old saint 41 These be "ringling"

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Bing's Christmas dream A hairy Santa staple Tree topper Nice shape for ice cream and Christmas trees 8 Reindeer feet 10 Sports activity showcased in A Charlie Brown Christmas 13 A Chipmunk

14 Branch ender 16 They ring when it's Christmastime in the city 17 Overlooked as a Christmas movie, this film about John McClane takes place in the Nakatomi Building 18 Actor who played Valentine in a Christmas movie about Trading Places 22 How sleighs ride through the sow 25 More shapely than rain and nicer than ice 30 Bottom dwellers 31 Kind of Navidad for Jose Feliciano 33 Santa's belly shakes like a bowl full of this 35 Tiny toy maker 38 "There's No Place" like it for the holdays

Salvation Army Events

Victorian Christmas Festival,

Saturday, December 12

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Thursday and Friday, December 10-11 Downtown Thomasville, 6-9p Enjoy horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, holiday shopping, dancers, musicians, museums, food and holiday delicacies, and of course, St. Nicholas! Victorian Christmas is held on Thursday and Friday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM. Both evenings feature the same great events! For more information, the Main Street Office at 229-227-7020.

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Holiday Paint Party

Archbold Tree of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony

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Monday, December 7 Thomas Co. Library, 201 N. Madison St., 5:30-7p Love to paint? Never held a brush? Sandi Shaw with the Accidental Gallery in Boston, GA will give you step-by-step coaching so you can create holiday mini-canvas paintings that make great holiday gifts. Only $25! All supplies included.

Adults and children over twelve are welcome with an adult.

Snacks and soft drinks included. For more info or to reserve your space, call 816-309-5131. For more info or to reserve your space, call 816-309-5131.

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The Salvation Army Thomasville is very busy at this time of year trying to help our friends and neighbors who are in need. Here are some of the programs where they can use your help. Please call 229-226-3772.

Angel Tree –There are 500+ Children (Angels) this year. Almost 300 (Angels) have not been adopted Of the 200 or so adopted, only about 60 have been returned. All angels are due on Dec. 9th.

Law Enforcement Red Kettle Day – County vs. City - December 12th 10:00a – 6:00p. This competition is at the Thomasville Walmart. City will be on one door and County will be on the other door.

Honor Hutch Red Kettle Day – December 11th from 10:00a – 4:00p Locations: o

The Thomasville Chamber of Commerce at 401 S. Broad St.

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The Salvation Army Thomasville, 514 N. Madison St.

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Bob (Hutch) Hutchison State Farm Insurance Agency 2405 E. Pinetree Blvd.

In addition to the locations above, other community businesses are invited to host a location. The community will be given an opportunity to Honor Him in his support for The Salvation Army by making a donation in his name at one of the campaign sites as well as write a personal message of encouragement which will be given to him.

Bob (Hutch) Hutchison was a longtime advocate and Salvation Army Board Member. Hutch joined the board in 1992. He provided unwavering support. He stepped down last year due to his health.

to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com

Accidental Saints by Nadia Bolz-Weber. I love reading books based on customers’ recommendations, and I picked up Accidental Saints based on the review of one of our shop regulars. {Admittedly, the subtitle also caught my eye: Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People.

Perfect.} As it turns out, Nadia Bolz-Weber, a tattooed Lutheran priest, had an upbringing somewhat similar to my own: We both were raised in the church of Christ, and she’s since become a Lutheran and embraced the liturgy and prayers of a more traditional, high worship church. Accidental Saints is her new, New York Times-bestselling memoir about the people she’s met through her church in Denver. The book offered countless thoughtful insights and also somehow pricked my conscience; Nadia is witty and humble, two of my very favorite qualities, and Accidental Saints was like a conversation with an older, wiser {funnier} friend.

The Distance from Me to You by Marina Gessner. When I’m in a reading slump, I read one of two things: a YA book or a suspense novel – either way, quick books I can sink into and get a little lost. This month, I picked up The Distance from Me to You, a newly released young adult novel by Marina Gessner {the pen name of Nina de Gramont, a popular YA writer}. Like much of YA literature, The Distance from Me to You is a coming-of-age tale, this one featuring McKenna Berney, a senior in high school determined to hike the Appalachian Trail alone. Part Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, part teenage love story, The Distance from Me to You was engaging and refreshingly feminist in its leanings – less about girlmeets-boy and more girl-goes-on-adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I’m admittedly also baffled by the sexual content prevalent in books written for a teenage audience. If you’re in the shop, ask me if this one would be right for you or your teen.

The Clasp by Sloane Crosley. Longtime Townie readers might recognize Sloane Crosley’s name; I read her collection of essays, I Was Told There’d by Cake, earlier this year, and I left the book feeling a little disappointed. {High expectations and all that jazz.} Her new book, The Clasp, is her first foray into fiction, and this time? I was disappointment free. The Clasp was a delightful, fun book in line with Prep and Everybody Rise. Crosley’s three 29-year-old protagonists rang true-to-life, but the novel also took a pleasant turn toward the unusual and imaginative {there’s a bit of a treasure hunt in France that moves the plot speedily along}. I so enjoyed The Clasp and have found myself recommending it over and over again to friends and fellow readers. Pick it up over the holidays. It’s beautiful cover makes it a perfect gift, too!

Flood Girls by Richard Fifield. Flood Girls was my advance reader copy for November; I requested it from my sales rep based first on its adorable cover design, but I was hooked after spotting a reference to A League of Their Own on the back cover. The novel, scheduled to release in February, takes place in Quinn, Montana – population 956 – and their most rebellious daughter, Rachel Flood, is back in town to make amends.

Not one soul seems to be happy about Rachel’s desire for reconciliation, except Quinn’s other outcast: 11-year-old Jake, a Madonna-obsessed preteen with dreams of making it big as a fashion designer. The two make an unlikely pair, but their friendship really powers the plot, and I found myself completely wrapped up in the happenings in this small, northwestern town. I’ll be recommending this one for fans of Kitchens of the Great Midwest.

Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Sure, I picked this one up because I occasionally watch Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder – all ABC television shows Shonda Rhimes writes or produces. She’s an award-winning writer, but she’s also apparently an extremely shy introvert who avoided interviews and public outings.

Her new book chronicles the year she spent saying “yes” to the things that scared her, things like live late night interviews and university commencement speeches. She discovered friendships she needed to change and attitudes she needed to reverse. Year of Yes wasn’t groundbreaking, but Shonda’s observations were inspiring enough to provide me with plenty of ideas for 2016 resolutions and habits. I think Year of Yes would make a great graduation gift.

You Don’t Have to Like Me by Alida Nugent. What do booksellers buy? Apparently essays on feminism and faith, which is what I purchased with my book budget this month {see also: Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey}.

I didn’t agree with every essay comedian Alida Nugent puts forth in this collection, but each chapter was well written, funny, bittersweet, and thoughtful, and I always love reading books that challenge me to evaluate my own beliefs. You Don’t Have to Like Me is for fans of Roxane Gay, Not That Kind of Girl, and Lena Dunham’s brand of feminism, which means 20-something book clubs? This one might be for you.

Happy reading!

— Annie Butterworth Jones Co-Owner + Managing Partner​ ​T he Bookshelf​​