Townie #13, 2016

www.tcfederal.com

Working in your best interest.

Lori Rawlings Loan Officer

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Issue No.

AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

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Our expertise is in your best interest.

Nat Higdon Business Lending

Right now, you are most likely longing for the cooler days of autumn. Along with those lower temperatures, you can also expect all of the fun fall happenings.

One particular fall event that Working Townies can look forward to is the Thomas County Historical in Dinner. your Society’s {TCHS} 14th Annual Fall

under a tent. The event will last from 6-9p. At the conclusion of the event, guests can make a determination of what caused the Piney Woods Hotel fire.

This year has brought about some changes for the TCHS. We said goodbye to longtime director Ann Harrison after 23 years of dedication to TCHS, and we said hello to new executive director Anne McCudden. McCudden has big shoes to fill, but she has a lot of plans in the works for TCHS.

community with such a high level of involvement,” she said. “The goal is to actively engage the community with content that is fit for repeat visitors,” she continued.

McCudden also wants to add some additional robust programming www.tcfederal.com to TCHS’s repertoire. “Thomasville has such a supportive

She said they plan to add some after-hours activities utilizing the historical grounds and functional bowling alley. “We don’t want to become complacent. We want people to consider us a place to go,” said McCudden.

Namely, she plans to bring the Annual Fall Dinner back to the museum grounds at 725 N. Dawson Street. In previous years, the dinner was held at off-site locations. The museum grounds will Another event on the horizon for October is the Tales from the provide a vibrant background for the theme of this year’s dinner, Lapham Patterson House which will include some after-hours Poe Our expertise inPiney Woods Hotel. This the anniversary of the burning ofisthe readings from Marty Willett who will be dressed up as Charles moment in Thomasville’s has always been cloaked in an air your best history interest.

Lapham. There will be tours and readings—some of which will be of mystery. Guests of the annual dinner will be able to interact with appropriate for children and others for adult audiences. The event www.tcfederal.com actors in several character vignettes on the museum grounds to will span three days—October 28, 29 and 31. determine how the fire happened and if there was any foul play.

For additional information about Thomas County Historical The 150 guests can enjoy the dinner, a cocktail hour and Society or either of the mentioned events, visit presentations at TCHS’s largest annual fundraiser. Dinner, catered thomascountyhistory.org or call 229-226-7664.

by JB Crumbs, will be enjoyed outdoors on the museum grounds — Denise P.

Working in your best interest.

www.tcfederal.com Get the kids into Art in the Afternoon Now Schools are back in session and that means Art in the Afternoon classes are too! If your child is interested in visual art, drama, dance and music, Thomasville Center for the Arts has exceptional classes available for all levels and ages! Act fast and take advantage of early bird registration for visual art and drama classes now through August 14!

This year, Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Artist-in-Residence program is taking over youth visual art classes. From painting and drawing to 3D art, students will focus on masters like Picasso and Warhol while exploring several basic concepts of visual art.

Inventive art students, ages 8-12, will create three dimensional art using different forms of media. Visual art classes are also offered for students ages 5-12. These students will learn to express themselves through two dimensional art as they work their way through the techniques of portraiture.

New to TCA’s resident partner program, Tallahassee’s Southern Shakespeare Company will be Shakin’ it Up! on TCA’s stage!

Actors and actresses of all ages will gain self-confidence and enhance their acting skills with posture, voice and stage presence training.

During the Fall semester, each group will study scenes from Romeo and Juliet, leading to a holiday performance of this timeless Shakespeare classic. In the Spring, students will prepare for a

performance of As You Like It during the Southern Shakespeare Festival at Cascades Park.

If your little one is interested in dance, South Georgia Ballet Conservatory offers a joyful experience and professional instruction for dancers at every level. From ballet, pointe, variation and partnering to jazz, tap, contemporary and creative movement there is something available for every dancer ages 2-18.

TCA resident partner, Versa Musica offers private musical instruction in piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and voice with an exceptionally trained staff of instructors. Instruction is available for any age and every level.

Interested in a class but need transportation to Thomasville Center for the Arts after school? Thomasville City and Thomas County Schools will bus your child to TCA…head to thomasvillearts.org to learn more about bus transportation!

With such elevated instruction it is sure to be a fun, hands on and engaging year at TCA’s Art in the Afternoon! Spots are going fast – head to thomasvillearts.org to sign up and take advantage of the early bird discount for visual art and drama classes now through August 14!

—Callie S.

JJ G r e y & Mofr o a r e b a c k!

JJ Grey & Mofro are coming back to Thomasville on Sunday, November 13 as a part of the 21st year of Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival!

We just announced today and tickets go on sale this Friday, August 5th, at 9a. Last year the concert sold out in about a week so we are looking forward to another fantastic concert at Pebble Hill Plantation. Parker Millsap will be the opening act.

Tallahassee and Thomasville vendors at the Red Hills Market, which will also be open during the concert.

It's a day and night that showcases many elements of South Georgia and North Florida's cultural heritage. Afternoon in the Field & Concert is presented by Thomas County Federal. All proceeds benefit Thomasville Center for the Arts.

—Callie S.

The concert will cap off a family-friendly day on Pebble Hill, Afternoon in the Field. Wildlife shows and exhibitions will sprawl across the grounds and there will be delicious food to try from

FREE

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Save the Date: For a Mystery at the Museum best interest.

Our expertise is in your best interest.

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AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

Three Events Launch One Book into the Ville The Thomas County Public Library and it community partners’ One Book celebration kicks off this year’s community reading of Janisse Ray's Ecolog y of a Cracker Childhood with three launch events!

Each event is an opportunity to have fun and to raise money for One Book programs that help get books into classrooms and to bring literary programs to Thomas County.

“These events build community energy and excitement about the One Book project this year,” says Annie Jones, owner and managing partner of The Bookshelf and a member of the One Book Thomas County planning committee. “The overall goal is to promote literacy. The money raised [through the launch events] also helps bring New York Times bestselling authors to Thomasville. The launch events are for everyone and touch on some aspect of Janisse’s book.

She loves the Red Hills region and she loves the coast.”

Working in your best interest.

Lori Rawlings Loan Officer

CHUMS Janelle Wehner CHUMS

Janelle Wehner is one half of Dreaming Cow Yogurt, a business she started with her husband Kyle within their first year of marriage. She is originally from New Zealand and frequently makes the long (loooong) journey back with two toddlers. If she isn’t a strong woman, I don’t know who is.

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Dreaming Cow Yogurt is the first yogurt I ever enjoyed. Describe it. It is a grass fed, cream top yogurt with minimum process. No stabilizers. Not many additives. Very clean label.

What do you miss most about New Zealand?

The culture is very different with how they interact with each other. I miss that.

Working

Biggest surprise about living in the South?

Coming to a culture and not expecting peoplein to your be so kind and friendly. I thought it would be harder adjust. bestto interest.

It was easy to adjust. That was the strangest thing.

What are your tips for traveling with kids?

Know where you are going, make a plan, stay at a nice place and always find activities your kids will enjoy.

You’ve made the trip by yourself a few times.

What are your tips for flying with kids? Bring a tablet with movies and have books to read. Sit in seats with extra legroom so they can walk around.

The launch events offer something for everyone.

If you plan to go:

Our expertise is in

What: One Cork: A Night of Wine and Cheese, a celebration of the coast featuring wine from Farmer’s Daughter Vineyards.

When: Thursday, August 11 from 5p to 7p

How long have you and Kyle been married? 7 your best interest. years. Might be 8? {much laughter} Describe a perfect date night. Go to Sweet Grass Dairy. Cheese curds and wine. Can’t fail.

What's your favorite family tradition?

Fridays. We go every time.

Who: Melissa Ferrell, Emily Raffield and Natalie Kirbo discuss their book, Old Saints of Florida

Where: The Bookshelf. No cover charge

First

Why is living downtown the best? There are so many things to do and a lot of culture. You don’t usually expect to find that in small towns. There are so many interesting shops and restaurants and we always Working run into people we know.

in your — best Emily M. interest.

Fee: None What: One Paddle: Ochlocknee River kayak/canoe trip

When: Sunday, August 14 from 1p to 5p

Whispers

Who: Ochlocknee River Water Trail

Fee: $25 per person, plus the cost to rent a canoe or kayak.

Everyone will meet in one place and caravan to the drop site in Cairo.

What:

Stay tuned for another Covey special edition with a special Q + A with Jane Fonda...

One Night Low Country Boil

When: Thursday, August 25 from 5p to 8p Where: Pebble Hill Plantation

Fee: $40 per person People can RSVP to these events online through the One Book website: www.onebookthomascounty.org/tickets/

Psst... want to write for us? E-mail a short purpose statement and a writing sample or link to your work to yourtownie@gmail.com...

Keep cool, Townies!

Tickets are also available at the Thomas County Public Library and at The Bookshelf.

— June D.

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Our Clients Are Our Friends Calling all kiddos!

Early Bird Discount Now - August 14th!

Phone 229-226-3911 www.keysouth.com

FOR MORE INFO

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to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com

113 E. Jackson St

LUNCH

Downtown Thomasville

TUES- SAT

11 am - 2 pm

BRUNCH

SATURDAY

9 am - 1 pm

DINNER

HAPPY HOUR

5:30 pm - close

5:30 - 7 pm

THUR S - SAT

THUR S - SAT

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Issue No.

AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

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Pokemon GO in the Ville: Little Monsters Invade Quiet South Georgia Town

Our Staff Publisher +

Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield

Social Media Dara Barwick Denise Purvis

The stylish house

I get it. Parents, youth leaders and employers generally don’t like digital distractions that prevent focusing on the moment.

Remarkably enough, the Pokemon GO app is connecting individuals, groups and geeks, removing them from behind desks kiosks and other hiding places to socialize, exercise and get creative about how they catch Pokemon.

Last week when I was on vacation I noticed just about anyone with a digital smart device was swiping up to catch the little monsters then groups of people walking together playing and talking about the game. Pretty much all the shops close to the university in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, had signs that offered something for walking in and playing the game.

Over the past several months, I have been fully engrossed in a wonderful project for one of my favorite clients, friends and former neighbors in Durham, North Carolina.

Working for a technology integrator, I am surrounded by digital junkies ranging from the twitch generation all the way to late boomers and so far six out of the twenty have admitted to playing Pokemon GO on a regular basis, myself included. However everyone in the office talks about the craze.

Since the game was released in July retailers have become savvy, luring players into storefronts and business by offering prizes, discounts or other incentives for finding eggs, hatching eggs, special Pokemon or highest number of XP {experience points} to shoppers and patrons.

I like working in small Southern burgs. The people are terrific and there is always a ‘Grannies Spoon’ or ‘meat and three and tea’ place to indulge in a home cooked meal.

Nathan, the resident guru said he found a forum of people who wouldn't regularly exercise, but because of the game walk miles daily, collecting tiny monsters, meeting with other gamers and participating in gym battles.

In the 'Ville, The Great eBike Pokemon Chase is being hosted by Joyride Bicycles on August 5 for people who want to compete in 4 categories. Registration begins at 5:30p on Friday and competition is between 6p and 8p.

There has been a bit of socializing, I’m happy to say. It is always fun to be the guest star in any show. Particularly when it is a good show.

Julie Anna said, "When I was at lunch the other day a server saw me and some of the other guys playing and asked what level we were. I thought that was funny, that it's that widely known and gets people to talk to complete strangers.”

Bike rental is $12 dollars an hour and kids between the ages of 13 and 17 must have a consent form signed by a parent. The object of the event is to get people of all ages involved and play together, says Jennifer Marcum, owner of Joyride. Social media has actually become social again.

Columnists

J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Chef Matt Hagel Denise Purvis Kelly Samek

— Clay B.

This particular enterprise is in Oxford, about forty minutes north of town.

It hasn’t been all work, though. I was a one-time Durham resident and still have many close friends in the Triangle.

I was at a cocktail party recently for the opening of a friend’s gallery. She introduced me around and the question, which I loathe, “so…what do you do”? {thousand-yard stare, bored expression, eyes darting about} gets asked. {I am a veteran of cocktail parties up and down the east coast. I consider this question to be bad form. The correct phraseology is, “Tell me how you spend your time,” or “What are your current interests?” But, I digress.} When I reply I am a project manager and amateur interior designer, without fail, the next comment is, “you should see my house. I have a {alert eyes, over-exaggerated house and pipe dream} project you would be interested in.”

Contributing Writers

Insert dramatic yet suppressed sigh here. Everyone assumes their project is a gift from God to you and is the moment you have been waiting for throughout your career.

Clay Byars June Dollar Catharine Fennell Benjamin Gardner William Hamil Annie Jones Emily McKenna Denise Purvis Callie Sewell Jennifer Westfield

Sadly, most of these ideas are silly DIY ventures purloined from Pinterest or HGTV. Not real design projects or home improvements at all. Then, when the potential client {random stranger, possibly drunk} discovers a consultation fee is involved, the glazed, fixed expression returns and the backtracking begins. “It’s probably too small for you…” Yes, most likely. And, no, I won’t give you step by step details on how to do your project on the back of a beverage napkin.

Make an appointment, random dude.

But, one has to take each approach seriously because, as they say in Savannah, “You never know.”

Contributing Artists Clay Byars William Hamil Jennifer Westfield

Which leads me to the point. What’s my point, you ask? My point, you see, is a question. How do you know the correct time to involve a project manager or designer in your activity?

When an architect has been chosen for an addition or remodel? When the general contractor has left the building?

Or, is it simply when you want a fresh look for your home and are unsure where to begin?

Advertising Design Katie Reeves

Layout

Photography by Clay Byars

Clay Byars

Distribution

There is a different answer to each question. It depends on the project and scope.

In our next issue we will go over the appropriate time to contact a PM or ID as well as guidelines on the best strategy for utilizing their contribution to your endeavor.

Trent Tucker

Until then, try to stay cool in these dog days but always stay stylish.

Summer Quote

Georgia Press Association

“I began my summer by picking up an award for the Townie on Jekyll and will end it with a trip to Highlands for my birthday.” ­— John David Bray, Jr. is a Project Manager/Designer at Landford Thompson Interiors.

He sees clients in Thomasville by appointment. www.landfordthompsoninteriors.com

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.

Photography by Clay Byars

Printed by the Bainbridge Post-Searchlight

When it comes to your business or event, the right creative choices can help you stand out from the crowd. Be brave.

Where Living is Easy

branding / logo design / graphic design photography / video

Clay Byars

designer - creator - owner

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

to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com

byarsclay@gmail.com 229 977-4615 tri-bstudio.com

Issue No.

13

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Beauty Broad

Summer Lemonade for Glowing Skin and Sustained Energy This is the simplest recipe but a detox powerhouse for your skin.

1/2 Lemon squeezed: Loaded with Vitamin C and enzymes, lemons are a superfood that cleanse the body inside and out.

They are known to support the liver which is the main organ that detoxifies the body. If we want glowing skin, we want the liver doing its job.

2-3 TB Aloe Vera juice: Aloe is incredibly nourishing to your digestive system, an immunity booster, and internal cleanser. I love Lily of the Desert that contains the “inner fillet” {you can pick this up at Publix in the juice aisle}. I promise it’s not thick and jellylike! It does have a slightly bitter taste, but it cuts the acidity of the lemon, which I like.

Stevia: 3-5 drops for sweetness.

Mint Leaves: You can add any herb you like to your lemonade, but mint is so refreshing {basil is another good option}. Mint is considered a cooling herb because it causes a slight drop in your body temperature. I like to add 3-4 leaves in my jug. At the end I usually eat them!

— Sarah Esra is the Townie’s resident goddess

AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

Experiences from a European Vacation Life in the Southeast can seem like a world in itself when traveling from state-to-state: we live within an hour of the Gulf of Mexico, five hours from Rome {Georgia}, seven hours from Florence {Alabama}, and nine hours from Paris {Tennessee}. While my Jason Aldean song references may get old, reaching outside of our pine-filled bubble and exploring the world is truly a life-changing experience.

We do live in a world in which you cannot be oblivious to your surroundings so please, keep track of your wallet and don't do anything foolish. That being said, the idea is to explore cultures, reflect on history, and experience this great world. To truly see what adventures a country holds, it is imperative that you see it on foot; comfortable shoes are a must for 30,000 steps a day. Although often frowned upon in American culture, walking allows you to see so many details and interact with the culture in ways you never dreamt of. Since you are no longer in America the goal is to not portray yourself as an American tourist and instead stop at a local café to enjoy the local cuisine and have a carafe of tap water {bottled still water is crazy expensive, while tap is free} or a drink to relax during the day.

Guided tours are great, but when you get a little off track it really helps to know Google Maps has your back in the same ways it does here. Nothing is worse than being lost in a foreign country

with signs in a different language, but it never hurts to ask because friendly foreigners are often fluent in English.

Also, don't get too caught up in the moment where you forget to snap plenty of photos because there are countless friends and family members who are desperate to see ten-thousand angles of your selfie with the Eiffel Tower. Okay, maybe that's a little overboard, but it is important to remember to see Europe with your own eyes and not simply those belonging to a plastic "machine," as my grandmother put it.

As a photographer, I know that you definitely need to talk pictures of your own, but sometimes it is important to step back from the rush of the twenty-first century and embrace the beauty of the sixteenth century in person. Experiencing the rolling hills of Bavaria, the sharp cliffs of Switzerland, the lights of Paris, and the history of London is unforgettable as long as you forget the obsessions of modern life.

Taking one step back from the infinities of your phone allows you to dive into some delicious French toast in München or remarkably refreshing water in the Swiss Alps. While South Georgia is a great place to live, there are so many things out there simply longing to be discovered . . .

— William H.

Farm to Table Watermelon Arugula Salad Summer is in full swing and as it hasn't hit the hottest peak yet. It's pretty brutal outside. All the gardens have dried up and being outside more than 20 minutes requires a fan or shade. Nothing seems more refreshing than watermelon. I've been seeing some beautiful watermelons from my farmers and at Lewis Produce. I know with my family, for example, my mom would buy 3-4 melons and we couldn't eat them all in the shelf life time-frame. A great way to utilize the remaining watermelon is in an arugula salad. The spicy arugula matches the sweet melon, and with salty bacon and tart Gorgonzola, this salad is balanced perfectly.

This recipe is for 1/2 watermelon.

F Large diced watermelon 3 handfuls arugula lettuce 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese Shaved red onion {1/4} 1/2 cup Candied or baked pecans 8oz poppy seed vinaigrette {mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 white vinegar, 1/2 canola oil, 1 tbl honey, 3 tbl poppy seeds in a bowl for 15 mins} Enjoy with a glass of Pinot Gris or Chardonnay.

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

Before They Get Famous

Photography by William Hamil

The Big Oak Brewery Boys

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and full of forward motion in Thomasville. Thomasville natives Jacob Odum and Elliot Glass are dreaming a dream. They are hoping to get in on the new trend.

Stick a cork in it, folks. Wine is done. Beer is the new wine, and Jacob and Elliot are dreaming about opening a brewery in the Creative District.

According to the ever-wise internet, beer has the same range and breadth as wine in that imbibers can taste the colors and textures.

Wine has sommeliers. Beer has cicerones. Odum and Glass are those guys and they have gotten the ball rolling to have their own brewery in Thomasville. In an homage to Georgia’s City of Roses, the duo decided to name their venture Big Oak Brewing, LLC. “We are working on getting our liquor license in place and are working on our business plan,” says Odum. “Once we’re up and running, tours of the brewery will be available and guests can sample our product at the end of the tour.”

“We think this kind of enterprise is the missing piece in downtown Thomasville. We decided we wanted to have our own business.”

Odum works in finance here in Thomasville while Glass works in child welfare in Tallahassee. “We are passionate about being part

of this community. Thomasville is a unique place and Elliot and I want to contribute and be part of making this community grow, to be a destination for people in the region.”

In keeping with the brewery tradition, the guys will offer three core brews, as well as some seasonals and one-off session beers. {For those not familiar with the beer lingo, “one-offs” are brews offered on a one-time-only basis.}

Our Beauty Broad is engaged!

Congratulations, Wesley + Sarah

Odum and Glass are impressive in their knowledge of business but for those us who know nothing about beer, these guys can, in scientific detail, tell you lagers from porters; stouts from ales; IPAs from pilsners and honey, light and lime from cream, dark and fruit.

“There is an art and craft to brewing beer,” Glass says.

Interested in tasting their product? Visit the guys at their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bigoakbrewing/ or find them on Instagram @big_oak_brewing.

Meanwhile, mark your calendar for October 22 when Big Oak Brewing will have a “Tap Takeover” at Liam’s. Grab yourself a sample.

— June D.

Get thee to this leadership summit!

The Global Leadership Summit is an event telecast LIVE in HD from Willow Creek's campus near Chicago every August to hundreds of locations in North America. You are invited to join an expected 305,000 people committed to getting better as leaders in 2016.

Photography by Clay Byars

Photography by Clay Byars

"While the focus is not entrepreneurship, I [think] this is a great example of how our community can start offering entrepreneurs opportunities to grow personally and professionally in more creative ways."

— Scott Chastain, on the Global Leadership Summit (at right) to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com

Attendees are presented with a lot of opportunities to sharpen their skills and develop the people they lead. The Summit is a proven tool that produces compelling outcomes for leaders who attend.

Thomasville's will be held on August 1112 from 9:30a to 6p at First Presbyterian Church. Visit fpcthomasville.com/summit for more.

AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

AUGUST 5 - AUGUST 18 VOLUME 5

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Issue No.

Dance Card

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townie crossword

August 5 First Friday Concert featuring “Zach Seabaugh” Downtown Thomasville 7:30-9:30p, free Georgia boy, Zach Seabaugh has fast become a local favorite bringing his southern charm to the ever changing world of country music. At 16, his performance on Team Blake on the hit NBC television show 'The VOICE' introduced him to millions of fans all over the world.

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This means I’ve only got four books to share with you, but never fear: Most of these titles are well worth your time.

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Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, 144 E. Jackson St. 7:30p The Farm Hands are one of the most exciting and talented bands in bluegrass music. The group features four award winning singers, musicians and songwriters, including two long time veterans of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. For more information, contact Felicia Brannen at 229-227-7020.

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sharpen their skills and develop the people they lead. The Summit is a proven tool that produces compelling outcomes for leaders who attend. fpcthomasville.com/summit Another Night of Bluegrass featuring The Farm Hands

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Add to my travels the oppressive South Georgia heat, and… well, my reading life has suffered. That, and I’ve been concentrating on my newest hobby: knitting. I took a class at Fuzzy Goat last year, and ever since, I’ve tried my hand at tackling easy knitting projects {including eight scarves already finished and in my closet, ready for gift-giving this holiday season}. I tried my most challenging project yet in July, and as a result, I spent my evenings knitting rather than reading. {Which was, for this month, an okay trade, I think.}

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One Book Thomas County: One Cork – A Night of Wine and Cheese at The Bookshelf The Bookshelf, 126 S. Broad St. 5-7p One Book Thomas County invites you to One Cork: A Night of Wine and Cheese featuring wine from Farmer’s Daughter Vineyards. Purchase your copy of this year’s One Book, Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by Janisse Ray, and enjoy mingling with fellow readers. Make plans to attend all the exciting events planned from September 15-22. For more info visit www.onebookthomascounty.org.

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TCA's August VIP Painting Class Studio 209, 209 W. Remington Ave. 10a-noon Join Artist-in-Residence Hillery Richards and learn to paint this calming floral scene with oils. Pastel colors and soft brush strokes make this a great class for all levels. This class has a limit of 12 students so it is perfect for students wanting more one on one time with Hillery. Bring your own beverage and snack for a fun, creative morning of painting lessons with friends! Class Fee: $50, materials included Limited to 12 participants.

Register online at www.thomasvillearts.org.

Second Saturday Showcase at The Wiregrass Gallery: An Artist Co-op Wiregrass Gallery, 120 N. Broad St. 11:30a-4p This month’s showcase features the paintings of Eric Sapronetti, ceramic work by Walter Hobbs and painting and jewelry by Susan Sapronetti.

Susan is a multi-talented artist with skills in photography, painting, Native American bead works and variety of other crafts. For more information, contact Lindajo Haythorn at 229-221-2100.

August 14 One Thomas County: One Paddle – A Kayak Trip Down the Ochlocknee River Thomasville, FA 1-5p One Book Thomas County invites you to One Paddle – A Kayak Trip Down the Ochlocknee River. $25 per person.

Proceeds benefit One Book programming. Make plans to attend all the exciting events planned from September 15-22. For more info visit www.onebookthomascounty.org.

August 18 Thomasville Center for the Arts' Whet Your Palette with Hillery Richards Studio 209, 209 Remington Ave. 6-8p Join Hillery Richards for August's Whet Your Palette! Paint a gorgeous impressionist-style beach painting with oils - you're sure to be dreaming of painting on the shoreline after this class! $25, includes supplies.

Register online at www.thomasvillearts.org

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Give a lift Pros Created Suggest Equivalent Vane direction Fashionable The Big Oak is wider than Niagara Falls is deep? {True or False}

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2 Also 3 Big Apple {abbr.} 4 Land mass 5 Capital of Mali 6 Boxer Muhammad 7 Sun 8 Gentle 9 Little Mermaid's love 10 Seed hole maker 11 Grown 12 Computer memory units 15 Drum 20 That woman 22 Double-reed instrument 23 Open 24 Sage 25 Bode 27 Folklore tales 30 Pop {plr.} 31 Express emotions 32 Play

Is it okay for me to say publicly how odd this summer has been? Between Haiti and trips to Atlanta and Chattanooga and Birmingham, I feel like I’ve been in and out of the shop every weekend, and during the week, I’m often buried in my office, placing reorders and going through catalogs and paying bills.

35 Photographer of Henry Flipper whose photographs are in the Snithsonian museum?

37 Legume 38 Not {refix} 39 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries 40 Urn 41 Too 42 Tiny body part 44 Rose event 45 Gargle 47 Upper class 48 Hotel 49 Dishonor 50 Mr. Ryan 54 Black 55 56 58 61 63 64 65

Divan Mild Direction Position Auto Flightless bird Meet

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. I know Ann Patchett is much beloved in the book world; she’s not only a bestselling author, but she’s a huge champion for independent bookstores like ours. Her own shop, Parnassus in Nashville, is one of my favorite places to visit. However, I had only ever read Ann’s nonfiction; for whatever reason, I’ve never made the time to tackle Bel Canto or State of Wonder, both favorite titles of so many Bookshelf customers. So when an advanced reader copy of Patchett’s soon-to-be-published novel Commonwealth landed at our door, I immediately snagged it and started reading. Commonwealth will be, I believe, the book to read this fall. It covers a lot of territory, opening with a christening party that changes the trajectory of two different families for an entire generation. The book is well-written and nuanced, expertly developed.

Because of the family drama that ensues, it’s got similarities with The Nest and Sons and Daughters of Ease and Plenty, but somehow the writing is even better, and the result is one of my favorite books of 2016. {Commonwealth debuts on September 13, and we’re getting 10 signed copies at The Bookshelf. Let us know if you want to reserve one!} The Trespasser by Tana French. Words cannot express my disappointment at not fully loving Tana French’s new book, The Trespasser. French is my favorite suspense writer, and I have truly enjoyed every book she’s written. Unfortunately, The Trespasser — which releases on October 6 in the U.S. — fell flat for me. My lack of enthusiasm could be the book’s daunting size {464 pages felt absurdly long for a thriller}, but I think maybe I had the most trouble with French’s new narrator. Detective Antoinette Conway is loathed by her colleagues, and when a new murder case lands on her desk, it looks like an open-and-shut case, perfect for finally winning over her naysayers. Of course, the case immediately grows more complicated, but French ties it all up in an unusual and original way I really enjoyed. The whole plot just took a little too long for me, and I found myself losing interest — something I never do while reading a Tana French mystery. Try this one, but don’t let it be your first Tana French book. Start at the beginning, and see what you ultimately think of her latest.

You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein. If Commonwealth was the most wellwritten book I read in July, the award for most enjoyable goes to You’ll Grow Out of It, a collection of essays by comedy writer Jessi Klein. I read this book in less than 24 hours, and just a few hours in, I had to stop and post a review on Instagram, because I literally was laughing out loud in bed, and I needed other readers to know: Go get this book. If you’re a 20 or 30-something, and you’re a fan of Mindy Kaling or Amy Schumer or Lena Dunham, You’ll Grow Out of It is for you. I loved all but one of the essays included in the collection, and many of them had me absolutely devolving into silly laughter. Fair warning: I read bits of this one aloud to my husband, and he did not seem nearly as amused as I was, so… This recommendation is probably all about personal tastes and senses of humor. I certainly loved it, and if you come chat with me in the shop, I can help you figure out if it might be for you, too.

Swing Time by Zadie Smith. I’m still in the middle of this novel, but I thought I’d go ahead and mention it in this month’s list. I’d never read Zadie Smith before, but readers rave about her, so I figured I’d give her newest book — out in November — a try. So many of the books I began reading this month took a bit longer to read than usual; I think that’s because of page count, but I also think it’s because of content and quality. Both Commonwealth and Swing Time weren’t easy, breezy reads for me. They were complex, and therefore, they took time and effort to read. I think that’s okay, and perhaps those types of books are even better for us overall. However, I do think it’s worth a warning that these aren’t typical summer weekend reads.

Swing Time is all about race and culture and art; the novel begins with two young aspiring dancers, both biracial and living in London in the 1980s. The book follows those girls into adulthood, weaving in and out of their lives, giving us glimpses at their coming of age. The protagonist, who’s never named, often wonders how she compares to her talented friend Tracey; their relationship is at the heart of the novel, and although it’s slow going, I desperately want to know what happens next.

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

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