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Thomasville's Only Issue No.
December 2-13 VOLUME 5
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Britney Glass Loan Officer
For Her Bamboo Pajamas - Flourish $30-$50
Everyone on my list this year is getting a Yeti Rambler from Kevin’s. They are the perfect size for your warm beverages this winter. I ordered vinyl stickers to personalize them from a local Etsy shop.
Heartbeat copper colored necklace - Signature Clothing Lounge $44
The Tooth Mouse, book - Firefly $16.99
Purdue Pom Pom Rabbit Scarf - Kevin's $424
-Richard C.
Hairbows - Mary Madison $3-$9.50
Stone Jewelry - Firefly, prices vary
Retro On-the-go Game Pads (MASH, Pick 9, Connect 5, Out and About Bingo) - Tallokas $8
Birdies Bird Chalet, birdseed house for wild birds - Tallokas $45
Vice President, Commercial Lending
Number Sparkler - Bookshelf $5
For Him
Brackish Feather Bow Tie - Kevin’s $119
Host and Hostess Gifts Lemon/Peppermint/Key Lime Snaps, Flathaus shortbread cookies - Quirky Perks $7.50
Beretta Silver Pigeon over and under shotgun, comes in all four gauges - Kevin's $1999+
Cheese Markers - Firefly $22
Knife and Tool Sharpener - Kevin's $79
Troublemaker, white wine - Farmer’s Daughter $18
Beard oil {pipe tobacco scented} by The Mail Room Barber Co - Sturdy Brothers $19.80
Corkcicle canteen, 25 hrs cold, 12 hrs hot - Relish 29.99
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The shortbread cookies at Quirky Perks are something to write home about. I’m a big fan of the lemon ones in particular. If you really love your host or hostess and they love chilled wine, get them a Corkcicle canteen from Relish.
The must have for the man of your affection is the Beretta Silver Pigeon. If you can’t spring for one of those, he would be absolutely thrilled to have a Knife and Tool Sharpener.
Gift Cards, Top 5 (for when it’s too hard to choose) Jonah’s | Flourish | Sweet Grass | Firefly | Kevin’s
For Anyone you Love Fox bookends - Kevin’s $119 Yeti Rambler, lowball - Kevin’s 24.99 Yeti Colster, for cans - Kevin’s 29.95 Yeti Straw Lids - Kevin’s 9.99 Metal Card Case (protects against identity theft) by Stewart/Stand - Tallokas $46 Firewood Carry - Sturdy Brothers $100
“If I never had to work again, I’d spend my time helping others, spoiling my grandchildren and traveling.”
-Nancy T. “I would spend my time witnessing to others about the goodness of Jesus Christ while traveling around the world and spending quality time with family.”
- Tricia J. “To be honest, I’ve always wanted to travel the world.”
- Victoria J. “I'd wake up every day, make breakfast and coffee, go to yoga, then volunteer at the humane society, go home and shower and bake and take all my friends baked goods.”
Wine Stompers - Farmer's Daughter $4
Classic Pomade by The Mail Room Barber Co - Sturdy Brothers $19
Beard Oil by O’Douds - Sturdy Brothers $16.80
-Ashley B.
Big Shot glass bottle opener and corkscrew - Kevin’s $11
Handmade tobacco pipe in leather drawstring bag by Mandypipe Freehand - Sturdy Brothers $185-$245
Mustache Wax by O’Douds - Sturdy Brothers $13.20
“I would travel around the world, do some sightseeing and donate to various organizations.”
Doodle Box (12 colored pencils, pencil sharpener, ruler, and wooden case) - Smith Collective $10 Make sure to check out the children’s section at Firefly for one of a kind and handcrafted childrens treasures that ignite the imagination. There is something for every budget. Among my favorites are the little mice in the matchbox houses with the assorted accessories and play furniture and the Hazel Village plush animals. I have indulged my children in both.
www.tcfederal.com Monsoon scented candle - Firefly $32
-Kimberly A.
“Travel and make art.”
Cowboy boots - Mary Madison 49.99
Best Bitches, broken heart best friend necklace pair - Smith Collective $56
If you are looking for something anyone would love, go pick up a pair of the bamboo pajamas from Flourish. They are so soft and comfortable, perfect for getting a good night rest. They are the must haveNatthis Higdon holiday season.
'There’s no doubt about it, that I would want to travel the world. So the first place on the top of my list would be Venice, Italy. But until then Italy. Fino ad allora.'
-Timothy D.
Red Ryder gun - Kevin’s $39.99
Adjustable Bracelets - Smith Collective $18 www.tcfederal.com
Mineral Makeup - At Home $10-$20
- Compiled by Kimberly A.
Santa Writes Back, box set - Firefly $24
Long Black Velvet Coat with fur trim - Kevin's $1,399
Bath Bombs - Flourish 4/$20
If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing?
"I would keep on doing what I currently do in my job, which is helping people with mental health and substance abuse problems. For me, helping others has never been about just getting a pay check."
For Kids
Bracelets - Signature Clothing Lounge $12-$20
Downtown Dollars are available at the Visitor’s Center. Get ‘em for the tricky gift recipient! A gift card to one of these places should satisfy anyone on your list this holiday season. Whether the person you are buying for is just that picky, loves food, needs a little encouragement, loves wine, and everything in between.
The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence - The Bookshelf $1.99
- Cherie L.
- Lauren M. “Help people.”
- Breanna R.
Join the Red Nose Run The Red Nose Run is becoming a Thomasville holiday tradition. On December 10, Townies can get their noses rosy by participating in the 5k at 8a or one-mile fun run at 9a. Participants can expect to be cheered on by Junior Service League members as they run the course at Thomas University, located at 1501 Millpond Road. Adults and kids alike can look forward to post-run activities. Finish line services will be provided by A Course/Line of Valdosta. Activities will be provided for children. There will be a men's and women's overall winner as well as a winner for the top three finishers for both men and women in each age group. Winners will be announced at the end of the fun run.
30th Annual Victorian Christmas
Course packets may be picked up from the Red Nose Run sponsor, Thomasville National Bank, located at 320 N. Broad street, from 9a-8p on December 9. Packets may also be picked up the day of the race at 7a at Thomas University. Race registration is available online at http://www. runningintheusa.com/ or may be purchased on the day of the race.
Victorian Christmas has been a Thomasville Christmas staple for going on 30 years. Each year the event attracts approximately 30,000 people to Downtown Thomasville with out-of-towners making up about half of those attendees. This year’s event takes place on December 8 + 9 from 6-9p.
For more information, please contact jslthomasville@yahoo.com or follow them on Facebook at Thomasville Junior Service League. The Junior Service League of Thomasville is an all-women nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1932 whose mission is dedicated to meeting the economic, recreational, cultural and medical needs of children in our community. All proceeds from our activities support children’s programs in Thomasville and Thomas County.
Below are some of the highlights for this year’s event. {For the full schedule of events, visit www.thomasvillega.com}: Carriage rides, live nativity presented by First Baptist Church, visits with St. Nick,
Toy Soldier, Nutcracker and Snow Queen stilt walkers, Strolling carolers dressed in fine Victorian fashion presented by First Baptist Church, marshmallow toasting and chestnut roasting by Boy Scouts, old fashioned carousel, plein air artists provided by Accidental Gallery, main stage with live entertainment, Santa's Helpers Gingerbread Man and Baker, community sing-a-longs, live musical performances on the main stage, community performances, live freeze models at The New Image, snow angels, Victorian photo booth cutouts, face painting, delicious food, and live demonstration stations. ...don't miss it!
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Quoted in the Ville The stylish house Heather Taylor Personal Banker
browse for unique items. Mimi’s always has a great sale rack. Kevin’s and Firefly are treasure houses in Downtown Thomasville, well established and fairly large. They both offer such a broad inventory for practically anyone and everyone on your list. We are fortunate enough to still have Jan’s, a locally owned Hallmark store, and it is located in the Publix shopping center. Remember: Downtown Dollars are as versatile as a gift can get.
FREE December 2-13 VOLUME 5
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The gift giving season is upon us and Thomasville offers a treasury of stores. In an effort to shop and support the local community, remember these few key things. Flourish is tucked away by Lewis Jewelers and offers items that are not only unique and encouraging for the everyday person, they also specialize in having safe and nontoxic products for people going through cancer treatment and with Our expertise weakened immune systems. The Bookshelf most likely has what you need is forin theyour book lovers in your life. Quirky Perks is a great place to
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Thomasville's Only
21
The Townie’s Gift Guide
Nat Higdon Vice President, Commercial Lending
The holidays are here. Again. It seems like we just went through this a few weeks ago. Maybe it is because the Christmas decor came out after Halloween this year.
I just don’t get it but... Let’s face it. The holidays, especially Christmas, can be brutal. The hectic pace, the unrealistic expectations of friends, family and coworkers combined with the usual travel and shopping nonsense can be murder on the Christmas Spirit. Generally, I am of the bah humbug nature regarding the holidays. After doing holiday decor for favored customers and countless trees for home and work, I am typically in a less than holly jolly mindset. Particularly when the requests get earlier and earlier every year. I, no joke, had a customer phone me the first week in November wanting her house "tour-ready" complete with two trees before Thanksgiving. I scratched my head at this logic, but for the money I danced. She even wanted the Christmas candy put out. I’m not sure I would eat candy over a month old but one never knows. So, if the holidays stress you out or drive you to drink as they do me, I will pass on some little tricks I have learned to help cope.
Reply ‘maybe’ to most invitations. I have found that there is nothing worse than being forced to attend a party. Regardless of the initial enthusiasm you may have felt for it. It is also the height of rudeness to cancel at the last minute just because you are too tired, broke or drunk to attend. Most hostesses do want a firm count but would prefer a ‘maybe’ to a last-minute cancellation. I know I do.
Prioritize the twenty-three days before Christmas Eve. There are only so many things that can be packed into that three-week span of time. Yes, generally family is first and work is second. But these days, family can mean multiple sets of parents and grandparents and work families have become just as and sometimes equally as important as blood kin. Don’t be afraid to say no. Keep the excuse short and sweet. A simple “I/we have already accepted another invitation for that night. But I hope to see you soon.” generally works. The longer the excuse, the less likely it will be believed.
Monitor the intake of alcohol, treats and sleep. It is so easy to use the holidays as an excuse for imbibing in the good Scotch, having one more plate of homemade desserts or staying for "just one more hour" at a holiday party. Trust me, it’s just not worth it in the long run. Throwing caution to the wind will catch up with you and there is nothing worse than regret. Try to be restrained and hold it all in for New Year’s Eve. That gives you a full day to recover with no guilt or shame. I hope this advice helps smooth the holiday path and makes the holiday season a skosh more manageable. I wish you all the best for a stylish holiday and a productive new year!
— John David Bray, Jr. is a Project Manager/Designer at Landford Thompson Interiors. He sees clients in Thomasville by appointment. www.landfordthompsoninteriors.com
Whispers Psst... one more issue left in 2016... can you believe it? ...get ready to meet the staff.
- Denise P.
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December 2-13 VOLUME 5
December 2-13 VOLUME 5
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Issue No.
21
It’s a Wonderful Life at TOSAC “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Zuzu Bailey’s child-like reminder that there is hope in the world.
Our Staff Publisher +
Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield
Social Media Dara Barwick Denise Purvis
Columnists
J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Denise Purvis Kelly Samek
Contributing Writers Kimberly Duncan Alderman Clay Byars June Dollar Benjamin Gardner William Hamil Annie Jones Cherie Lee Denise Purvis Jennifer Westfield
Advertising Design Katie Reeves
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Ah, Zuzu and her petals. Those petals were George Bailey’s touchstone in the middle of his existential crisis. It is hard to imagine going through the holiday season without the residents of Bedford Falls. Thomasville On Stage and Company will bring the Baileys, Mr. Potter and Clarence Oddbody, AS2 to the stage for a visit this season when TOSAC’s presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Those who are unfamiliar with live radio shows, which experienced their heyday in the 1940s, will want to see this show. {Visit episodes of The Shadow or Intergalactic Nemesis on Youtube.} The live radio play, back in the day, was a dramatized, purely acoustic show performed in a radio studio. The radio play depended on dialogue, music (usually live piano) and sounds effects {foley artists} to help the listener imagine the characters and the story. These plays relied on a well-performed show, often front of a live studio audience. {Complete with applause signs and live commercials.} But movies fans, fear not. The Chicago Sun-Times in 2011 said Joe Landry’s play, “The show is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption.” "We're very excited to put on a live radio show for the first time at TOSAC,” Jana Mohr, the show’s stage director. “I believe this is a great show for our intimate theater. We are also happy to have a full length performance during the holiday season and hope that this becomes a Christmas tradition." The show is a bit of a play within the play. Cast members play fictional television and film personalities of 1946 who play the familiar characters of Bedford Falls. Each radio personality/cast member voices multiple roles, which is part of the entertainment for the live audience of WBFR Radio. Audience members are introduced to the radio personalities {as are their backstories} at the top of the “show.” The cast and crew include Heather Benton, Lucas Dykes, Grady Enlow, Angela Jones, Willie Roberts, Jaciana Russell, Rob Shimer and Emmy Tancsics. Victorian Christmas visitors can get a taste of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on Dec. 8 & 9 at TOSAC. There will be three short 15-minute presentations each night at 6:45p, 7:30p and 8:30p on the TOSAC stage. The previews are free. IF YOU PLAN TO GO When: Performances are Dec. 10, 16, and 17 at 8p Matinee performances are Dec. 11 and 18 at 2 p Where: Thomasville on Stage and Company, 117 Broad Street What:
Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults. To purchase tickets, online go to www.tosac.com or call 229-226-0863.
- June D.
Clay Byars
Distribution Trent Tucker
Georgia Press Association
Inhale, Exhale, Repeat: Yoga Comes to Metta There is a good reason why yoga has stood the test of time. Yoga is a total mind-body experience that builds strength and improves, posture, flexibility and balance for all physical levels and body types.
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.
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Thomasville’s Metta Day Spa will offer classes starting December 1. Classes are free for the month of December as a sort of Christmas gift from Metta. “I love yoga,” says Metta Day Spa owner, Gina Curry. “One of the things I'm passionate about is offering yoga to everyone because my mind is much clearer; my body feels stronger and more flexible. I feel I'm ready for anything that comes my way!” “I want people to feel welcome and comfortable. Yoga truly is for everyone, not just the ‘super bendy’ people. Yoga builds both flexibility and strength no matter what your current situation,” Curry says. Starting in December, Metta will have the following yoga schedule:
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All Month Christmas in Lights Drive-Thru Display 6-9p, free. The dazzling display of sparkling trees, trumpeting angels, jumping deer, and the Nativity has become a holiday tradition for many. First opened in 1995, the lighting display was inspired by the late W. H. Flowers, Jr., the company’s longtime chairman and chief executive officer, who had a special fondness for Christmas. Christmas in Lights runs through Saturday, December 31. The entrance is through the main gates on U.S. Hwy. 19 South. Visitors are asked to turn off their headlights, observe the 5 mph speed limit when driving through the display, and remain in their cars for safety.
December 3 Sing for Joy—A Community Sacred Music Christmas Concert Brookwood School's Hines-Watt Hall 301 Cardinal Ridge Rd., 4p An amazing array of uniquely gifted vocalists, instrumentalists, ensembles, poets and more. This event is open to the public. For more information, contact Healthy Lifestyle Choices Global Institute at 229-224-6126.
December 8-9 Victorian Christmas Downtown Thomasville 6-9p Historic Downtown Thomasville, an award winning “Great American Main Street City,” invites you to come and make a memory with us this Christmas season! Take an unforgettable journey back in time to 1890’s when life was simple and true Christmas spirit reigned. Enjoy horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, holiday shopping, live music and entertainment, delectable food and holiday delicacies, and of course, St. Nicholas! Victorian Christmas is held on Thursday and Friday evening from 6p to 9p. Both evenings feature the same great events! www.thomasvillega.com.
December 8 Daughters of the American Revolution Annual Christmas Tea 331 & 406 Remington Ave. 3-6p, $15pp For the first time ever, TWO beautiful historic homes built in the mid-1800s, recently renovated and decorated for Christmas on Remington Avenue, are available to tour: Michele & Bill Arwood, recently given a Landmarks Award – 331 Remington Ave. Barbara & Rick Piper – 406 Remington Ave. There will be wine, cheese, snacks, sweets and tea/punch available.
December 10 + 11 TOSAC presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” 117 S. Broad St. 8p on Saturday; 2p on Sunday Inspired by the classic American film, “It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Few actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects. For more info or tickets, call 229-226-0863 or visit www.tosac.com.
Red Nose Run See our story this edition!
Thomas County Historical Society: Deck the Halls See our story this edition!
December 15
Monday: 10-11a – Introduction to Flow Yoga
TCA December Whet Your Palette at 209
Thursday: 5:30 - 6:45p - All Levels Yoga Flow Saturday: 10-11 a - All Levels Yoga Flow
Classes are limited to 10 people. To sign up for classes and to read information on the classes and instructors, go to https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ home?studioid=40513
- June D.
Farm to Table
Dance Card
Studio 209, 209 W. Remington Ave. 6-9p, $25pp {includes supplies} End the year with Hillery Richards and Studio 209 at December's Whet Your Palette! Back by popular demand, the subject is feathers! Hillery will teach students watercoloring techniques helping you create the perfect painting.
Delight! Sweet Tea Caramels Many home cooks and bakers are reluctant to try their hand at candy making, which is a shame given the unique flavor combinations that can be rendered with a little time and a few key pieces of equipment. For this recipe, if you have a decently equipped kitchen you may find all you need to supplement it with is a candy thermometer, which is indispensable. Then capture some summer sunshine in these rich caramels. Pack a generous handful in a small seasonal tin or decorated jar for a sweet stocking stuffer or thoughtful hostess gift.
Sweet Tea Caramels F F F F F F F
1 3/4 cups sugar 3/4 cup very strong brewed black tea 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup cream 1 teaspoon lemon extract 8 tablespoons butter, cut into six to eight pieces
Lightly butter an 8-inch square porcelain or glass pan and then line with two pieces of parchment long enough to overhang on each side by half an inch. Set one piece of parchment length-wise and the other width-wise. Set pan aside. In a large saucepan over high heat, stir together sugar, tea, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Heat until sugar is dissolved, cover, and boil for five minutes. Uncover and continue to boil until a candy thermometer reads 230° F, then reduce to medium heat. Boil until the thermometer reads 300° F, then gently--and carefully!--swirl the pan to redistribute the hot liquid. Keep boiling until the mixture reaches 350° F. Remove from heat and gently give it another swirl. Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes, then, using a heatproof spoon, stir in the lemon extract and the cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously and release a lot of steam. Then add the butter. Return the saucepan to medium high heat and stir until the butter is melted. Allow the mixture to boil until the thermometer reads 255° F. Pour into prepared pan. Release any air bubbles by gently stirring or giving the pan a few taps. Allow the caramel to cool completely before removing from the pan. Slice as desired, wrap in wax paper, and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Kelly S.
Deck the Halls with the Historical Society December 10 is a busy day in Thomasville. In the morning Townies can get their exercise in with the Red Nose Run, then plan on visiting the Lapham-Patterson House located at 626 N. Dawson St. Thomas County Historical Society welcomes the community to come to the LPH to hear readings of the Christmas classic, “Twas the Night Before Christmas" at 5 and 6p. Townies are also invited to come and peek at their Christmas decorations. Local organizations, schools and individuals have volunteered to lend their talents and holiday cheer to decorate the first floor of the historic 1885 home. Christmas trees will be provided by TCMS FCCLA and Thomas County Resource Center. Mantels will be decorated by the John B Gordon 383 UDC and Woodleaf Senior Living. Peggy Rich will contribute a table-top winter wonderland display. The decorations will reflect the unique history, culture and natural habitat of the Red Hills region. Decorations will be in place just in time for Victorian Christmas, which happens on December 8-9, 2016. The decorations will remain on display for the duration of the holiday season. For more information, contact Thomas County Historical Society & Museum of History at 229-226-7664.
- Denise P.
When it comes to your business or event, the right creative choices can help you stand out from the crowd. Be brave.
Phone 229.403.1741 | ktcreative@me.com www.ktcreative.net
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