Townie 2014 #11

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Thomasville’s Only

Issue No.

JUNE 20-JULY 17

Local Cookbook Featured in Southern Living The Thomasville Garden Club’s cookbook, Fun, Food & Flowers, was recently featured in the June edition of Southern Living magazine in celebration of the club’s 100th Anniversary. When I called Garden Club member Julia Singletary to find out more, she was hopeful that ”folks around here are able to get a copy before the second run is all gone.” Their popular cookbook offers an equal opportunity for those of us who are only in it for the pictures as those who are capable of following its directions.

FFF is full of gardens, recipes and images surrounding the lifestyle of our community. The book features recipes from members and local restaurants, as well as pictures of Thomasville’s fabulous local gardens captioned with tips

Jerry Henderson says that he and his wife initially helped found Miss Kitty because of their concern about the number of cats being euthanized. It all started as a group of people that met once a month at St. Thomas Episcopal to discuss what they were able to do about the problem.

Miss Kitty was incorporated as an official 501(c)(3) cat rescue in 2009. It is a not-for-profit, volunteer-operated, no-kill / no-cage kitten and cat rescue.

The spay and neuter clinic will be in a separate building behind Miss Kitty; it will take 75 days to get the building completed, and should open as soon as September. They will be able to spay and neuter dogs and cats by utilizing a full-time vet and two vet techs. The full-time veterinarian will also be the medical director of Miss Kitty. Cats can be spayed or neutered at the Spay and Neuter Clinic for $60, and dogs under 35 pounds can spayed or neutered for $60-$90. The clinic will accept all dogs and cats for spay and neuter surgeries by appointment only, but feral cats will receive surgery expeditiously.

The primary service area is within a 75-mile radius of Thomasville. In those counties that make up that distance, there are over 800,000 people.

on gardening and floral design from the club’s members.

As I read and discussed the book with local members, I discovered the club’s commitment to sharing their passion for the outdoors with those in need of more than a recipe.

They produce up to 25 flower arrangements each week for local hospice patients.

There’s a lot of depth in Fun, Food & Flowers, which can be purchased for $24.95 (plus shipping and tax) via the Kevin’s Catalog (1-888-671-6048) or downtown from Kevin’s, The Gift Shop, or the Thomasville Visitor’s Center. Proceeds support the projects of the Thomasville Garden Club.

- Chris J.

Florida P.A.W.S. of Jennings, Florida, who have agreed to send former clients to the Spay and Neuter Clinic in Thomasville. They will also help Miss Kitty do the setup and marketing of the clinic.

In America, four million animals are euthanized each year. Approximately 70% of animals that enter a shelter are put down. A male cat can sire 2,500 kittens, and a female cat can have three litters every year. A female cat that hasn’t been spayed and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats. About 5,000 animals are put down locally each year.

“I think it’s interesting,” says Hendeson, “that Miss Kitty was the first no kill/no cage, all volunteer cat sanctuary in all of Georgia. By offering these services, we will prevent around 50,000 unwanted animals from being born.”

“We believe in it,” he continued. “We were 100% volunteer for five years and up until this January, no one was a paid worker. We did it all with donations.”

Miss Kitty has raised over $207,000—most of it locally.

Miss Kitty and the clinic are both located at the sanctuary’s campus at 475 Covington Avenue. If you would like to help Miss Kitty with their cause, you can send taxdeductible donations to Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary, Inc, P.O. Box 22, Thomasville, Georgia. You may also visit their Facebook page or website for more information. *Special thanks to Jerry Henderson for the statistics - Denise P.

Miss Kitty has taken over services provided by North

CENTER

JUNE 20-JULY 17

If you’ve been to the Sweet Grass Dairy Wine and Cheese Shop any time since 2012, you have probably seen General Manager Morgan Murphy’s smiling face. He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2011 with a degree in Hospitality Management.

What is your favorite thing about working for SGD? SGD is becoming a household name? Wherever I go, I feel that people can make a connection to me through the company whether it is with vendors or if I travel somewhere out of town like to Serenbe.

What is the best thing about working downtown?

I like dealing with the community and making everyone happy. Every day is different. People in Thomasville are open-minded and willing to experience different things.

What is your favorite cheese and beer at the shop?

My favorite cheese is Asher Blue. I’m an IPA drinker so my favorite beer would have to be Bell’s Two Hearted Ale. If you’re not working, what are you doing?

Widespread Panic is my favorite band, so I’m probably at a concert or music festival. I’ve been to about 20 music festivals!

- Denise P.

Thomasville Entertainment Foundation has announced its 2014-2015 concert season lineup…

TOSAC is organizing volunteer committees for its upcoming season of productions…get involved at www.tosac.com/contact…

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

The Fourth of July is a great day simply because most people forget their personal politics and just enjoy being Americans. Homemade ice cream is also a plus.- Ashley E.

One year, in what was to become a tradition, one of my friends illicitly gained access to the roof of his three-flat, and invited us up for a barbecue. As the sun sank and the roof tar cooled, we migrated up. The breeze was gentle and the cocktails cool. We had a virtually unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline and an overview of the entire neighborhood. Music from a thousand sources mixed with the cicada drone...Hip-Hop from car stereos, Salsa from an apartment, Mariachi from an open air restaurant, Classic Rock from a nearby bar. All this wonderful sound fused to form an underlying dialog of sonic color, punctuated by the staccato bursts of fireworks. - Frank C.

One year we went to Fernandina Beach for the fourth. At the high school football field, there was a huge American Flag display made out of red, white and blue fireworks. It was really beautiful.

- Allen L.

The Fourth of July is a day when Americans celebrate not only their independence, but where that independence can take them. I’m reminded of a favorite quote by Leonardo da Vinci: “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” - Aaron R.

F r e e

t o

r e a d ,

t h a n k s

t o

t h e s e :

WE’RE MORE THAN A GYM WE’RE A CAUSE www.ymca-thomasville.org

www.thomasvillearts.org www.thomasvillearts.org

SGD’s still got seats for its Make Your Own Tomme class, June 28-29… cheesmaking and winetasting, oh yeah…

What do you love about the Fourth of July?

Beatles Summer Camp • June 16-20

JOIN USINFORMATION FOR MORE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Psst… This year’s Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival dates are out: Novemeber 21 – 23…

Quoted in the ‘Ville

Give. Join. Volunteer. And So Much More.

possibilities JulyExplore 21 - 25the • 9AM - 2PMof • pressure Ages 8-15 Song, dance, and poetry fuse printing on the Vandercook letterpress.

Explore the words of timeless with visual art and fashion to June • Building 209 poets and21-22 playwrights in specialty create celebration. workshops covering acting, 209aW.colorful Remington Ave. writing, and creative collaboration.

Whispers.

Morgan Murphy

Get COME Real! Poetry and Prose TOGETHER!

LETTERPRESS INTENSIVE Summer Camp

FREE

- David L.

+ THE

11 CHUMS

Miss Kitty Set To Prevent 50,000 Unwanted Animals a Year Thomasville will soon be home to the largest spay and neuter clinic south of Metro Atlanta. Miss Kitty Feline Sanctuary is opening a 1,067 square foot stand-alone South Georgia Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic that will perform nearly 7,000 spaying and neutering surgeries in the first year. This will prevent the births of 50,000 unwanted dogs and cats.

Thomasville’s Only

THOMASVILLE YMCA

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4th OF JULY, TOWNIES!

The Plaza

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Steaks, Seafood & Southern Cuisine 217 South Broad St., Thomasville (229) 226-5153

WWW.THOMASVILLEPLAZA.COM

(229) 226-1631 · www.SignatureSmiles.com

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JUNE 20-JULY 17

Townies Hit the Road for GPA Awards Banquet {and Awards!} Our Staff Publisher Thomasville Townie, LLC Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield Social Media Betsy Jones Administration Sarah Esra Columnists J. David Bray, Jr. Clay Byars Sarah Esra Matt Hagel David Longstreet Denise Purvis Kelly Samek J.K. Slaughter Abrie Soileau Contributing Writers Chaise Bishop J. L. Cox III Benjamin Gardner Christopher Jones Natalie Kirbo Jennifer Westfield Comics Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner David Longstreet

When I found out that I had won 3rd place in the Humorous Column category of our newspaper’s division, I was ecstatic. It’s not often in my adult life that I win anything.

Jennifer Westfield, our editor, and I decided that we would make the journey together to the Georgia Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest in Jekyll. Little did I realize that Westfield would just be making her own journey back from Ireland a few days before.

I am not sure what dysentery she acquired on her journey back from the Emerald Isle, but I was not confident that she would make our trip at all. I have never been to Ireland, but I have seen the movie Leprechaun 2. It’s likely that she got some terrible spell put on her when a leprechaun laid eyes on her and decided that he needed to take her for his bride.

Just look up for the plot for Leprechaun 2, and I will spare you the details. Somehow she pulled through to make the journey, Gatorade in hand.

Since she was barely hanging on to life at this point, I offered to drive. In light of things, it was probably a bad suggestion. First of all, I have terrible ADD, so I get pretty distracted.

Secondly, no one has ever described me as a great driver, and Westfield is a Nervous Nelly in the car. I did not notice her white-knuckling too much, so I will take that as a testament that everyone else is mistaken about my driving skills. Lastly, I had no idea where I was going, but thanks to technology, I mostly found the way.

Things were going pretty well for most of the drive until I missed our exit in Jekyll and almost rammed us into a concrete embankment. No big deal, right? Then I got highly agitated when the toll stop was backed up and moving at a snail’s pace. I thought my forehead vein might actually pop out, but the final straw was that I could not figure out how to get to Jekyll Island Inn and Club. There are a lot of arrows and weird signs, plus I am certain that my Adderall was wearing off at that point.

Luckily for us, Mike the Golf Cart driver carted us back to our room. I made sure all my jewelry matched this go around, and Westfield shed her denim over shirt. By the time we made it back, there were only a few minutes of cocktail hour. We managed to slug down our wine and scramble to the table where we were joined by other contest entrants.

I did not realize how many entrants there were for this contest. Believe me when I tell you there were a ton. We heard every winner from every division, had dinner and drank a little more wine.

Copy Editor Abrie Soileau Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves

We met other newspaper people, got our photo taken, and mingled. We ended up closing down the hotel bar with the other Georgia Press Association members and decided that our night cap would be overpriced snacks from the hotel’s minibar. I chose Pringles, and the lady chose some Cracker Jacks.

Award Winning

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

The three friends who opened Cahoots have something in store for you, ‘Villians— another store in Boston! Mary Rech, Katherine Millings and Sally Goucher originally opened Cahoots because they enjoyed making handmade items and wanted to offer locally made wares for sale in Thomasville. They talked for a long time about how much fun it would be to open a store, and they made it a reality. Now they are opening a second location.

“We went over to Boston to shop at The Mailman's Daughter and Betty (Hoskins) told us about a small shop that was for rent. We looked at it and knew it would be perfect for Cahoots,” says Goucher.

The Boston location will be larger than the one in Thomasville, and will allow them to offer a wider variety of items, all made by Mary, Katherine, and Sally. They will still carry soaps, lotions, jewelry and scarves, along with vintage selections of handbags, custom embroidery, painted furniture, homemade jellies, dog soap and homemade organic dog bones.

“We are hoping that opening a second store will give us much more exposure in a different direction,” says Goucher.

Never fear, dear ‘Villians, because the Thomasville location will remain open just the same. Now you will have more options for grabbing sponge soaps and hand knitted scarves, Cahoots’ best sellers.

In addition to selling their locally made products, Cahoots will also offer beginning beading classes, and be providing bridal parties with a place to make their own wedding jewelry.

Cahoots does not have an exact opening date for the Boston location at 106 Main Street, but be on the lookout for one! Visit Cahoots’ current location at 115 North Broad Street in Thomasville, their Facebook page, or call 229-421-9018 for more information regarding their upcoming opening date.

Neither of us brought our programs on the trip, and we could not remember what time the banquet started. We got in a cool 30 minutes before everything began, so we rushed through getting ready. We made it to the building where the banquet was being held and realized that there was only a cash bar and everyone else was dressed to the nines. We decided that we would go back and snag some cash and spruce up a little more.

Bunny graciously had previously entered me into the Best Humorous Column portion of the contest, so we snagged that award while we were there. The Townie also won first place for last year’s Due South Special Edition. I got really stoked when I saw the fancy shiny plaque that they gave the first place winners but got a little disappointed when I realized that 3rd place only got a certificate. That is surely to drive me to get 1st place next year. Watch out, Joe Parham!

Georgia Press Association

Cahoots Opening in Boston

The next morning we got up and grabbed some breakfast and hit the road back to Tallahassee. All in all, it was a good trip. We won two awards and bonded about digestive issues and other unfortunate events. I somehow even managed to get her back in one piece--flesh colored knuckles and all.

[*Editor’s note: Many thanks to Denise for driving, and telling me the most hilarious stories for three and a half solid hours on the drive, and to columnist Sarah Esra for kindly checking in on the three mornings prior, to see if I was still alive.]

- Denise P.

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight Left: Denise P. and Jennifer W. at the Georgia Press Association Awards Banquet.

- Denise P.

Beauty Broad DON'T FORGET TO BRUSH...YOUR SKIN!

We cleanse, scrub and moisturize our face, but what about the rest of us? Your skin is your largest organ and deserves attention too! There is something you can quickly add to your morning routine that can give your body numerous benefits.

Have you heard of dry brushing?

What it is and where to get it: The name says it all! Dry brushing is a method of physical exfoliation using a brush that is designed to remove dead skin cells from your body. Basically you are "brushing" your skin when it's dry. You can purchase a dry brush for under $10 at your local drug store. It may also be referred to as a body brush. Look for one with natural, firm bristles and a long handle, if possible.

How to do it: Dry brushing in the morning right before you shower is the perfect time.

You'll want to use firm but not harsh pressure with long, sweeping strokes (avoid scrubbing or a back and forth motion). Begin with your feet (you can even start at the very bottom with your soles!) Make sure all movements are toward your heart. Now from the feet, up the leg pay special attention to the back of the thigh. Don't forget your booty! Use upward strokes there too, moving up to your lower back. Now work from your arms towards your chest. Swoop down your neck and up your stomach. If your brush has a long handle that can reach behind you then continue to your back.

If not, just brush what you can reach. This should take around 5 minutes.

Benefits: Dry brushing provides benefits both internally and externally. Let me count the ways!

1) Detoxifies: Your lymphatic system is designed to help your body release toxins.

Dry brushing stimulates this system and acts as a natural and effective detoxification aid.

2) Increases Circulation: You will feel energized, as it stimulates your nerve endings and wakes your cells up by increasing circulation.

3) Softens: It removes dead skin cells for a natural exfoliation revealing soft, healthy and smooth skin.

4) Backside Bonus: I saved the best for last! This process stimulates collagen production and is one of the best remedies for reducing the appearance of cellulite!

Follow up: Always moisturize the skin after. Something emollient with shea butter or even coconut oil works beautifully as a natural moisturizer.

Happy brushing everyone! Your body will thank you!

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

- Sarah E.

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JUNE 20-JULY 17

Table for Nine the camping trip, part ii

We spent a day in the nearby village, amid revitalized Victorian shops and restaurants. We also visited several sophisticated museums, centers of learning and culture where a certain decorum is expected. I choose to expose my children to these environments in order to broaden their minds and train them in proper manners. We teach them the important mores of society, such as not humming the theme of The Godfather upon entering a building, not picking flowers off of graves, and not singing about Soviet communism in the middle of Wal-Mart.

We had a picnic in the park afterwards. I called the children to the table, and they dropped from the tree above me like acorns in the fall. They had been putting ants into tree sap. “Look, mom! Fossils!”

As I handed out the plates, Bird-Child yelled, “Let’s eat like puffins!” and face-planted into her food. On a side note, we are now actively studying the eating behaviors of civilized hominids.

Hiking after lunch is great for digestion. A slathering of sunscreen, a dab of bug spray behind the ears, and we’re ready for wilderness fun. A child can generally hike half his age in miles without training. My children are in good condition, so I usually approve anything under three miles. Brissy Ridge seemed perfect: 2.4 miles, shared with mountain bikes for half and hikers alone for the remainder. It stretched invitingly before us: a well-laid trail, freshly washed by a passing rain storm and lit by golden sunbeams.

We beheld spectacular vistas and took pictures of the kids sitting on unusual trees. The trail led downhill. The kids were delighted! How easy it was! I wasn’t convinced. In the back of my mind, I remembered that old adage of loop hiking, ‘What goes down, must go up.’

We reached Savannah and ate a picnic in the shade of moss-draped oak trees. The children danced to the strains of a street musician and chased obese squirrels to distraction. We walked through the city squares, admiring the statues of great men and craning our necks at church spires.

We went along the riverfront and passed a candy shop that was giving out free samples. The man used tongs to carefully distribute small pieces of peanut brittle. He offered me one. The children went forward holding their hands out to receive the precious offering, except HungryChild who went mouth first. We shuttled her away as the candy man wiped off his tongs.

We couldn’t pass up a boat ride across the river, so we piled aboard the Mary Musgrove. The Captain let the children climb onto the bridge. The engine was a John Deere. “Nothing swims like a deer,” he said.

Back on solid ground, we hopped aboard the bus.

“Look at the Mansardic roof line!” I directed, never one to waste an educational moment. “See the Gothic arch?”

Friendly-Child didn’t notice my efforts. She was busy showing off her Vulcan salute skills to the lady sharing her seat.

A gentleman commented on how well-behaved the children were. He didn’t know they were too tired to act up, nor did he realize that as soon as the van doors were closed one would yell, “You purple-nosed bologna head!”

Up it went.

By the time the city knew what hit it, we had packed up and driven south to a secluded beach strewn with driftwood.

The salty wind blew, and the water was a bit murky, but that didn’t deter a few brave swimmers. Crafty-Child built a kite, and the children took turns making it do loop-deloops.

Tired-Child clambered onto my back. “Mush.”

The day drew to a close, as did our vacation.

I tipped him off. “Nice try, kid.”

Mr. Helpful began gathering up the kiddos. “Put on your flip-flops.”

The easy trail turned into steps, as the rise was too steep without them. We were soon forced to use our hands in order to retain our footing. When we emerged panting and gasping at the trailhead, feeling the sweetness of victory, I scrambled for the park brochure.

Brissy Ridge. 2.4 miles. Difficulty 9/10.

Ah, yes. Difficulty scale.

Having gotten our fill of all things nature, we traveled to Savannah, Georgia, to show the kids some real history.

On the way, we drove through dead town after dead town, each with its own motley collection of decrepit buildings and shuttered businesses. These vast graveyards of small enterprise were occasionally broken by a sparkly, new box store, large enough to require its own zip code and offering vampiric effects on the community for only ninety-nine cents.

One area was hopping, though. Yoda had not foreseen the Watermelon Festival. We managed to skirt one town’s parade only to realize it was a county-wide affair, and the next town was also having a parade. We turned around, detoured, and backtracked. We drove over the railroad tracks and met a line of cars blocked in the opposite lane by yellow traffic tape. We, too, were blocked by the same piece of tape. With no police officers in sight, we sat staring at the other drivers staring at us. I’m certain a similar concept led to the fall of the Shang Dynasty.

Mr. Rebel had had enough. “How much authority can a piece of plastic contain?”

He cut the tape and freed the cars. There was much rejoicing.

Own a Piece of Thomasville’s Famed Resort Era History In 1886 Harper’s magazine described Thomasville as one of the most fashionable places to visit in the world, as the southernmost stop on the railroad and a flourishing resort destination. Tourists quickly became enamored with the area’s temperate climes, pine scented air, and abundant quail population. The construction of luxury hotels brought an unprecedented influx of northern visitors, who arrived and later built grand winter cottages.

Constructed in 1884, the Paxton House was one of Thomasville’s early winter residences during the area’s famed Hotel Era, featuring Victorian styling, complete with turret, ornate gingerbread millwork and sweeping verandas. It is one of the area’s finest examples of this Victorian architecture and originally served as the winter home to Colonel J.W. Paxton.

Today, operating as the area’s premier Bed & Breakfast, the property recreates the gracious hospitality that helped to establish Thomasville as a top destination. It is located on two oversized lots in the heart of the Tockwotten Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features of this AAA 4-Diamond rated property include 12 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, fireplaces with original mantles, custom millwork, a carriage house, pool house, and guest cottage. Now available for sale, an opportunity exists for someone to continue the stewardship of this treasured Thomasville landmark, while benefitting from the established client base of this successful area business.

For more information, contact Ben W. McCollum or visit www.wrightbroker.com for additional information, or for a virtual tour.

“I need my Marco Polo shoes,” History-Child insisted, pulling out her velcro tennis shoes and scowling at his lack of respect for her street cred.

“Why do you call them your Marco Polo shoes?”

“They’re from China, and Marco Polo journeyed to China.”

As we packed up to leave, clouds moved in, and the wind increased. I explained to the children that it would be very dark and very late by the time we got home.

Party-Child flopped onto the seat with her pillow. “You mean it’ll be just like a lock-in, but without the fun?”

Ben W. McCollum

mccollum@wrightbroker.com cell 229-221-9585 office 229-226-2564 fax 800-428-0435

get your summer gear at the townie store!

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107 n. broad street • downtown thomasville

I nodded, and she buckled up her teddy bear for safety.

As we drove home toward the sunset and the rain, we saw a rainbow travel from one side of the landscape to the other.

Quiet-Child snuggled up to me and nestled his head on my arm. “Do rainbows taste like hugs?”

I listened to the steady breathing of my other worn-out and sleeping children. I thought over the work, sweat, and money my husband and I have extended to care for them all.

I looked down at his clear, blue eyes. “Yes, rainbows taste like hugs.”

- Joy S. Poetry: Benjamin Gardner Photo Credit : David Longstreet

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JUNE 20-JULY 17

The Stylish House

Trill in the Ville

the ABC's of interior decoration

Trill - Urban; Meaning Truly + Real

I'm not sure if I should freely admit this or not, but snakes are my biggest fear. I hate to put it out for publication because you just never know when Fear Factor is going to make its big comeback. Before you know it, I'll be on NBC with my head submerged in a tank of the legless monsters, and Joe Rogan will be making comments about how they will probably strangle me to death. Thanks for nothing, Joe. Also, I worry that my admission may be construed as some cry for a herpetology intervention. No, I don't want to see your pet python, and I certainly don't want to touch it (No, really. I don't like most reptiles. Get that thing out of my face). I used to have friends in college that dated guys with pet snakes, and I could barely go over to their apartments because I was afraid one would stow away in my bag, and I would wreck on the drive home while trying to jump out the window. Plus, inevitably someone would try to convince me that snakes aren't all bad by forcing me to hold one. Nope, not a fan.

I've lived here in the 'Ville for one whole year now, and up until the last three months, I had only ever seen one snake around. Actually, I only saw the tail of it hanging out of the tree, and for that reason, I had trouble leaving the confines of my house for several hours. Note: Aforementioned tree is nowhere near the front door.

Since March, I've spied two small snakes in my yard, two large dead ones on the streets of the surrounding neighborhood and one that I am qualifying as extremely large hanging out across street from my house. Someone that lives near me has had two run over in his driveway in the last month. For a person with a debilitating fear of snakes I know are not poisonous, this is enough to make me agoraphobic.

I grew up in a rural area where snake spottings were a common occurrence. I did not like them then either.

There were several times I'd be housebound because I would see one lounging in the gardenias near the porch.

One time, I was sitting on a set of cinder blocks that we

had set up as temporary steps while my dad built our deck when one popped up between the blocks near my legs. I was irrationally terrified that it slithered into my pant leg and was waiting to bite me when I least expected it. So I did what any (in)sane person would do...I ripped all my clothes off and ran to the front porch naked. My mom opened the door and did not even seem that shocked (she also hates snakes). For a long time, I feared that would be my flight response when I saw one.

Luckily that was not the case today when I saw that giant beast slithering into the bushes near the creek while I was walking my dogs. I did not tear off my clothes in the middle of the street, but I did not stand there calmly either.

I snatched my dogs up and ran at my personal top speed all the way home. I have been fretting about it since so I finally just left Thomasville and headed to Tallahassee. I was so worried about it laying in wait for me when I got home from Tally that I drove through my own yard and parked at the front door. Grass and weeds be danged. When I got inside my house, I leashed my dogs and stood on the porch. I made them do their business while I tiptoed on the doorsteps with them tethered.

Listen, I understand that I am crazy, but I cannot trust something that slithers as its means of traveling. I have read three Facebook statuses this year about people finding them in their houses. YES, IN. THEIR. HOUSES. I would have to burn my house down if I saw one inside. I would forever picture it creeping up the covers as I slept.

People have recommended that I move somewhere a little less snaky, and believe me, I've considered it. I just happen to really like Thomasville, so I will deal with the slithering psychos. Oh, and the snakes. Don't call the cops if you see a naked woman violently flailing and running down the street tightly clutching two small dogs. It's just me, and no, I don't want to hold your pet snake.

-Denise P.

What is Your Dream Studio?

TCA Wants to Help You Find Out Art exhibitions are nice, and pretty, but for the most part they’re passive affairs. Thomasville Center for the Arts has something completely different at their installation downtown at 116 South Broad Street. Much more than a mere four walls—filled up and filled in—this ambiance provides access and invites community participation.

It is intended as an offering, as a process example of an environment in which to create.

Not too big, and not too busy, but not too austere either, the TCA space is successfully bright, and endearingly engaging. This “Dream Studio” is thus a metaphor of ‘what could be’ realized, a location-location-location where the public can come, interact, and partake. Most importantly, because this is not an exhibition, but rather, an installation, it is a project that invokes us to become active ourselves.

Here, the not-so-secret agenda is for us to proffer our opinion, come on everybody’s got one, to think, consider, and suggest to the TCA what courses and practical guidance the Center can offer that would help none other than—us— foster, realize, and nurture our own individualized creative environments where we might find release for the innerartist within.

The layout is simple and casual. There are distinctly themed stations and sub-genres are represented, for instance, within the broad category of printing there are bookbinding, both softback and hardback and printmaking, both silkscreen and woodcut. Then, look around the room and there are various aesthetics: photography, poetry, drawing, and painting. Painting, being the on-scene and

interactive installation station, all set-up, residing center table, arranged with alcohol pencils, brushes, dabbing water, and these tantalizing 3” swatch circles. Sit yourself down, and for a few moments, bestow upon Thomasville your own unique and anonymous masterpiece of swatchtime inspiration.

Ashley Ivey of the Center, who designed this installation for our musing pleasure (yes, that Ashley) has, at the end of each day, the joy of mounting all the assorted, thickpaper swatches—one side rough, one side smooth—onto a diverse collage that runs, as an expressive mural along the long wall of this richly visualized, storefront “Dream Studio” suggestion.

Running until July 25th come on by and walk on in, give the Thomasville Center for the Arts a piece of your mind about the curriculum they should schedule over at their warehouse space at the former Coca-Cola bottling building (209 Remington Avenue), advise them how best to invoke our participation, or at least how they might provoke your artistic palate, your taste in these times, come twice, if you like, and leave a swatch (always leave a swatch).

Whatever your “Dream Studio” may prove to become, they’d like to be a part of helping you imagine it, gather it around you, discover it fully, and use it to your satisfaction, for ultimately, that’s when we benefit too, by bearing witness to all the expressions of you.

-Benjamin G.

Gone are the days when great lines and fabulous colors were only found in the homes of the wealthy.

Contemporary homeowners and designers strive to make interiors elegant yet livable, eye catching yet comfortable—a space guests will want to linger in and friends will long to emulate. While it is always beneficial to secure the services of a good interior decorator or designer, the best interiors always reflect the individual and unique styles of those who inhabit them.

Regardless of the budget or style suggestions from a professional, be sure to make your home’s interior spaces your own. Try to give spaces a natural touch versus the look of an online DYI or magazine layout.

Above all, interior spaces should be comfortable and give a sense of serenity to all. Applying the concepts of appropriateness, basic simplicity and color, will assist in realizing this ideal.

The principle of appropriateness should always be borne in mind when furnishing interior spaces. I believe the architectural style of a house should be reflected in its interior design concept. Eighteenth century antiques do not look right in a mid century house and vice versa.

Avoid selecting unrealistic or pretentious furniture, art and hangings. Interior spaces should represent the ideals and standards of those who inhabit them as well as the architectural style of the house itself. Avoid cheap knock offs. Better to have a few good pieces than a roomful of bad to ‘fill it up’.

harmonious flow should always be a goal kept in mind. A good quality print in a tasteful frame or a simple, elegant oil painting standing alone make a better statement than walls crowded with unrelated images. A jug vase with a spray of greenery can often say more in a room than an expensive professional floral. Simple yet comfortable furniture will make a better impression than expensive yet uncomfortable pieces every time.

Choosing a great color scheme will enhance the appropriate simplicity of any room or rooms. Always consider the wall color in relation to its surroundings.

It is a good idea to use the same treatment on walls, trim and ceilings in rooms that open into one another.

For separate rooms, different colors should work well together not fight each other and be unified by trim and ceiling color for continuity. Painting a single wall and studying the color in sunlight, lamplight and shadow is always a good idea. Our eyes see color differently in different lights. Ceilings do not always have to be stark white. Try painting the ceiling a white with 10% of the wall color mixed in. A good rule of thumb is flat for ceilings, eggshell for walls and gloss for trim.

By adhering to the guidelines of appropriateness, basic simplicity and color, you can achieve an interior design that is in keeping with the architectural style of the house and the personality of its owners. But remember, there are no rules in decorating and the only person who really has to be happy with the results is you.

A guiding principle of any interior design is basic simplicity. Striving for simplicity of line and achieving a

- Davey B.

A Program to Really Change Your Life My palate is firmly rooted in traditional southern cooking and in recent years has expanded to include international and regional flavors, as well as healthy choices. As a designer, I like to minimize compositions and as a home cook and culinary enthusiast, I have learned to do the same with my gastronomic creations.

au jus, waffles swathed in butter and sweet syrup… Instead I have substituted these things with choices like black beans, fresh raw vegetables with hummus, roasted and raw unsalted nuts, grilled asparagus, herbal teas, roasted brussel sprouts, steamed artichokes, grilled trout, smoked mullet, and meatless, chicken or turkey chili.

Almost a year ago, I sunk my teeth into a program provided

by Patrice Bullock at New Genesis Center in Thomasville, designed to reduce weight and blood pressure, improve sleep patterns—basically to create an overall healthy balance between diet, sleep and exercise. The program incorporates low glycemic dietary intake, eliminating salt, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other poor habits to achieve the programs goals.

I have gotten really involved in experimenting with and and testing traditional southern meals or reasonable substitutes, and have been sharing the ones I think are satisfying in my monthly Farm-to-Table columns. Having the knowledge that I do now about healthy food selections and lifestyle modification, I strongly believe that similar changes can help anyone.

Of course a barrel of will power, support and guidance are key to success. Needless to say this development spoiled my love affair for everything southern, fried, breaded or battered.

Please keep in mind I counsel with Patrice at New Genesis as well as participate in her user groups that share their experiences, stories and best of all, recipes. Farm-toTable is about creating a sustainable culture of growers, and consumers that understand and educate others on the benefits of sourcing locally and with clean healthy products.

I like to think of the lifestyle change as an element of the Farm-to-Table movement that focuses on sustainable energy for the body, and mental and physical well-being.

In twenty-one days I reduced my blood pressure significantly, lost twenty pounds, went from a 36 inch waist to a 34, was able to sleep an eight hour night without interruption, and think, write and speak more clearly (even though Jennifer W. would disagree about my ability to speak clearly), be more creative and productive, and handle stress more effectively.

The Transform in Twenty-One program focuses on creating balance, removing unnecessary activities, and on spiritual and mental wellness.

Changing my lifestyle was difficult. I still want cheese from the local cheesemonger and a beer or three from the same location, pizza from that place on Crawford Street (by the way they have a really good gluten-free pizza option), coffee from that place on Broad Street and a number of fried, over salted or decadently sweet treats that I know aren’t healthy choices. Truth: I feel so much better without that stuff, and now I have the time and energy to exercise, jog, bike, lift weights and do yoga four to five times a week, keep up with chores, prepare meals, date, rehearse with my band mates, work, and a number of other weekly and daily activities that seemed draining and unmanageable before.

My style of food preparation has changed to accommodate a low glycemic index. It doesn't include things like hot sweet peach cobbler, pan fried chicken, meatloaf with caramelized ketchup glaze, roast beef and potatoes, salt cured country ham, green beans seasoned with ham hocks and salt pork, bacon, corn bread, PBR, corn dogs, french fries smothered in mayo, coffee, prime rib with hunks of garlic smothered in

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You can contact Patrice or any of the staff at New Genesis Center by calling (229) 228-9050. NGC is located at 814 Gordon Ave., Thomasville, GA 31792, or visit them online at www.newgenesiscenter.com. [*Editor’s note: At our job over the last several years, Clay and I have taken down massive batches of egg salad before noon, and then destroyed Cuban sandwiches, chicken wings and sweet tea in afternoon faculty meetings. We were also blessed with the near inability to gain weight. One time Clay brought a fried chicken leg in a baggie and let it sit on his desk for two days before he finally got around to eating it… people thought there was something wrong with that.

Anyway, I’ll miss those days. I am not easily convinced of the effectiveness of anything, least of all diets, but watching Clay go through this program was pretty astonishing. He used to get mad, turn red and commence to butchering what I think was the English language. Now he really is able to communicate like I’ve never seen, and effectively makes me look like the crazy one. I’m proud of the new Clay’s attitude, lifestyle and recipes that he contributes to our Farm-to-Table columns.]

- Clay B.

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JUNE 20-JULY 17

Road Trip

Farm to Table

DESTIN, FLORIDA

The Fourth of July is a fan favorite in the south. Fireworks, patriotic parties, and perfectly grilled hamburgers can coerce just about anyone to head out for the weekend to celebrate the holiday. While the majority of us will be staying in the ‘Ville to celebrate America with a backyard BBQ blowout, why not hit the road for the occasion? Lucky for us, just three hours away are some of the most beautiful beaches around.

The Emerald Coast lends miles of white sand and blue green water, providing the perfect backdrop to a 3-day weekend. You’re sure to find fun for the whole family among the many activities that Destin, Florida has to offer. With over three million visitors a year, this destination has a plethora of accommodation options to choose from. You can find everything from family cottages to resort style hotels to fit your needs and budget.

Kick off your Thursday evening by sampling some of Destin’s local dines. Begin by the bridge at McGuire’s Irish Pub. From pub fare to a serious steak menu, they’ve got it all. If you are looking for an adult beverage, try one of their in house brews. If you’re feeling really adventurous, ask the waitress to bring out a signature Irish Wake, complete with an old fashioned Mason jar. For the kids, order a round of homemade floats made from root beer brewed right inside the restaurant. You can rest assured you’ll leave McGuire’s with a satisfied appetite. When you’re finished, head home and get ready to join thousands for a day of salty air and sunshine.

Start your Friday morning bright and early to get a good spot on the beach. Build your umbrella fortress among the sea of tourists sporting their red, white and blue. Spend the day soaking up the rays and swimming in the beautiful emerald water. For lunch, check out the newly renovated landmark, The Whale’s Tail Bar & Grill.

Located right on the beach, you can relax in the shade while enjoying the view and some fried fish fingers.

When you’ve had enough of the ocean, head home to wash up and get ready for the nightlife.

Harbor Walk Village features shops, restaurants, and family activities that line the busy marina. Stop in for an early dinner at the brand new Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. With elevated patio seating, you can watch the boats come in from a day of fishing and dock right below your feet. When you’re through eating, work off dinner with a thrill by zip lining over Harbor Walk! For something a little calmer, grab a drink and meander through the boutiques until you find the perfect souvenir.

Listen for the band to start around eight o’clock. Gypsy Riot will be providing you with free tunes while you await the fireworks show. At nine, make your way down to the docks for the evening’s grand finale. Enjoy over an hour of the spectacular firework show over Destin Harbor. Lighting up both the sky and the water, the show is a unique experience. When the show is over, stop by the infamous Donut Hole, open 24 hours a day, a perfect spot for the dessert lover. Grab breakfast, donuts, cheesecake or brownies with a hot cup of joe to end an amazing day.

After sleeping in nice and late on Saturday, head over to the Destin Commons. All of your shopping needs are met at this beautiful outdoor outlet mall. There is something here for ladies, children, and men alike. There are all kinds of options for lunch as well from Johnny Rockets to Hard Rock Café. Don’t worry; there is a Starbucks to keep you going right in the middle of it all. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore the Bass Pro Shop before you leave. For dinner, make your way back to the harbor and try out AJ’s or Harbor Docks, for a taste of fresh Florida seafood, drink specials and live music. The locals will show you how it’s done!

HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Tending to my garden the other day, I realized the bounty of heirloom tomatoes my plants are providing. With the beautiful weather and more people having picnics and barbecues, a light and refreshing tomato salad sounds perfect for a first course.

‘Heirloom’ plants are defined as seeds that originated prior to 1950 or when hybridization became popular. Today the seeds are becoming more popular mainly due to the wider varieties and more intense flavors they provide. While far superior to other tomato varieties, beefsteak tomatoes or vine ripe tomatoes could also be used in place. When eating fresh tomatoes I always like to have several varieties to create different flavors. As you will find, all tomatoes have distinct flavor profiles; smaller tomatoes like cherry and teardrop tomatoes tend to pack lots of flavors; while for example the big pink heirloom variety is extremely sweet.

From Lewis to Lake Ella, tomatoes are being harvested and sold by farmers. Go to the market and have fun, pick some small, some big, some pretty, and some ugly. Tomatoes are one of the most versatile fruits available, they can be prepared in hundreds of different ways, but in this dish we will focus on the raw, delicious flavors heirloom tomatoes provide.

Pair with a Pinot Blanc or a glass of Champagne

1 large cucumber 1 lb Arugula Lettuce 1/4 cup Basil 1 cup Feta cheese Dressing2 oz Tupelo Honey 2 oz Georgia Pecan Oil 2 TBL white vinegar 2 TBL Dijon Mustard salt and pepper Slice the cucumber thin, chop the basil, cut any large tomatoes into wedges, leave any small tomatoes whole. In a large bowl mix the arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil and crumbled Feta cheese.

For the dressing- whisk all ingredients in a separate bowl.

Pour dressing over salad, toss, serve, and enjoy with your Pinot Blanc or Champagne.

Cheers.

Serves 4

- Chef Matt Hagel is co-owner of Chophouse on the Bricks

1 lb Heirloom Tomatoes

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Shoot us an email: yourtownie@gmail.com

If you aren’t worn out by Sunday, drive over to Baytowne Warf at Sandestin. There is almost always something going on there. Take a walk to the marina and marvel at all of the incredible yachts and fishing boats that call Baytowne their home. The Village offers a nature trail as well as several shops and local restaurants. If you’re too tired to take the stroll back to your car, they have a trolley bus that will take you back free of charge! Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area or relaxing on the beach. The choice is yours!

It’s safe to say that Destin is the perfect place to spend your Fourth of July weekend. There are things to do for every member of your party. Spending your holiday in paradise will be one to top for years to come. You could even start a new family tradition. Cheers to summer vacations, family and friends, and our fantastic country.

-Chaise B.

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JUNE 20-JULY 17 VOLUME 3

JUNE 20-JULY 17 VOLUME 3

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townie crossword

June 21 Another Night of Bluegrass Featuring Midnight Rain and Skip Grounds Doors open at 6:30 p, concert begins at 7p Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, 144 East Jackson Street Tickets: $10, available at Thomasville Visitors Center

52 Seed bread 53 What you buy at Hicks 57 Coupe 59 Pull 60 "bottom of the ___" 62 Mature 66 Affirm 67 Slow, shelled animal 68 Computer memory unit 69 Al Dixon ___'s Wear 70 Brownish-orange color 71 Opaque gem

June 25 D.A.R.E. Car Show & Contest, 5p Car procession begins at 4:30 p.m. at Hampton Inn Ends in front of Courthouse for public voting Free and open to the public

DOWN

June 27 Fashionably Fourth at Mimi’s, 5p – 8p Cupcakes, champagne, & red-white-blue fashion!

All red, white, or blue items 20% off 106 West Jackson Street July 4 CNS 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Downtown Thomasville, 6:30p – 10p Games, food, & music Fireworks display begins at dark!

Free & open to the public TOSAC Presents Alice in Wonderland July 11-13 and 18-20 Lewis Carroll’s fun classic adapted to the stage Friday & Saturday shows at 8p, Sunday shows at 2p 117 South Broad Street Tickets at www.tosac.com or at the door July 17 Whet Your Palette Acrylic Flowers with Cindy Inman, 6:30p – 8:30p Bring a friend and favorite beverage!

209 West Remington Avenue $25, includes all supplies

Yes, grown-ups can read young adult literature.

The online magazine Slate published an article two weeks ago entitled, “Against YA: Why Adults Should Be Embarrassed to Read Children’s Books.” The whole thing made the online literary world blow up; enraged tweets and blog post rebuttals followed – as I’m sure Slate intended – and the entire argument got lost among lengthy diatribes and snarky blog comments.

And although I think I understand the point the author was trying to make, I wasn’t a fan of the article. The author jumped to a number of unfair conclusions; mainly, this idea that if you’re an adult reading YA literature, that’s all you’re reading. I don’t think that’s true, not just for me, but for the customers I interact with every day. Yes, a lot more adults are reading young adult literature these days, perhaps for good reason – there’s plenty of YA worth reading. But generally, the same adults frequenting John Green novels are also reading memoirs and literary classics, bestselling fiction

ACROSS 1 Stolen goods 5 Notify 10 Expression of surprise 13 Matched set 14 Bog 15 Competition at the Greek games 16 American Civil Liberties Union (abbr.)

17 Lived 18 What color is the coop

on Broad 19 Heat unity 21 Directional "Friends" on Broad 23 School group 26 Parody 28 Cook with dry heat 29 Chip brand 32 Shape 34 Cleft 36 Buck

and nonfiction. YA is just another genre they happen to enjoy.

One of the online rebuttals I came across mentioned the concept of literature for young adults and literature about young adults, and I believe that’s a reasonable distinction to make.

So many books, especially the classics we read as children, cross the typical genre boundaries; Anne Shirley appeals to all ages, because L.M. Montgomery wrote about children, not necessarily for children. J.D. Salinger did the same thing with Catcher in the Rye, and Mark Twain tackled the world of children with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. And anyone who thinks the Harry Potter series is just for kids is reading them all wrong.

C. S. Lewis once said, “A children’s story which is only enjoyed by children is a bad children’s story.” I couldn’t agree more. So many of the middle reader and YA books we keep in stock possess deep themes about love and family, loss and maturity, hope and redemption. Grownups absolutely should be reading books like these; in fact, better to read those than much of the poorly written adult literature out there.

Still not sold on YA as worthy of adulthood?

Try these titles:

37 Heroism 38 Thought 42 Decorative picture printed on sticky, glossy paper for transferring to glass or wood 43 Spring 44 Badger 46 Unwearying 49 Sprinkles white stuff on 51 Drink slowly

1 Resort hotel 2 Football conference 3 Cause of sickness 4 Chow 5 Seize 6 Statute 7 Potato sprouts 8 Rolled chocolate candy brand 9 Ballet skirt 10 Glistening 11 Parts of days 12 Concerning 15 Hate 20 Thai 22 Horse's gait 23 Parent groups 24 Civil wrong 25 At sea 27 Thomasville On Stage acronym 30 Price sticker 31 What a dropped melon does 32 Evergreen tree 35 Lolita's for short?

37 Provoke

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo.

Our manager Rebekah read this book in one sitting one sleepless night, and she’s been raving about it ever since. The book won the Newbery Medal, and the writing is impeccable, full of vocabulary well-suited for adults and for children learning new words. And the themes – forgiveness and redemption – are worthy of any age.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. Konigsburg was one of my favorite authors growing up, and her books stand the test of time. Adults would enjoy this book on their own, but you know what would be especially lovely? Reading together, out loud, with your children. In fact, if there’s one reason you absolutely should be reading YA or middle reader books, let that be it: To read together with your children. This would be a fun place to start.

Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Customers, young and old, have waxed poetic about this book since its release, and it remains one of our most popular middle reader books. Ever wonder what it’s like to be the new kid in town, or curious what it’s like to be different? (Of course you have.) Wonder addresses the deep need we all have to belong, to find our place.

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38 Ailing 39 Stag 40 Soft 41 Niche 42 Partner of "Relish" Downtown 44 Cleft 45 Swimming mammal 47 Opulantly 48 Government agency 49 Beat it!

50 Active 54 Institution (abbr.)

55 One of Columbus' ships 56 Bite 58 Agrifinance Vendor on East Jackson 61 Container 63 Con 64 Estimated time of arrival 65 Delaware Answers on our website @ www.YourTownie.com

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. This book is marketed solidly as YA literature, and I understand why. But Lockhart writes beautifully, and her style is so different from most children’s and adult authors I’ve read.

We Were Liars is suspenseful and poetic, and it’s just as worthy of your beach bag as any other adult book.

Here’s the thing: Adults should be reading more than YA literature. There’s too much out there to stick to one genre. But to suggest that grown-ups should be ashamed for reading books marketed to a younger generation?

That’s silly. A well-written book is a wellwritten book, no matter what the intended audience.

Where’s Waldo?

Get ready, everyone! Our third annual Where’s Waldo search kicks off on Saturday, June 28, at the shop. Bring your kiddos for story time at 11:00, then snag a Waldo passport to start your journey around downtown Thomasville.

The adventure lasts all July long, so if you miss the launch, no worries. You can pick up your Waldo passport and start the hunt at any time!

Visit our Facebook page for all the details.

- Annie B. The Bookshelf