Townie 2014 #13

Fine Furnishings for Kitchen & Bath

Fine Furnishings for Kitchen & Bath

222 Fletcher Street • Thomasville, Georgia 229.226.1540

222 Fletcher Street • Thomasville, Georgia 229.226.1540

www.waterlilyshowroom.com

FREE

www.waterlilyshowroom.com

Thomasville’s Only

Issue No.

AUGUST 1-14

13

Attend the Fourth Annual Dîner à lá Troupe If spending an elegant evening at a historic plantation sounds too good to be true, you’re mistaken. This year, the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe will allow you to do just that with their fourth annual Dîner à lá Troupe. The fundraising event, set for September 13th at Chinquapin Plantation, is the perfect way to welcome in the autumn season.

Tucked away in the hardwoods just four miles from downtown, Chinquapin Plantation is a sight to see. The house boasts nearly 18,000 square feet of beauty and southern opulence. It’s origins date back to 1910 when John F. Archbold, heir to Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company, came to Thomasville to escape the harsh winters and bustle of New York City. He found that his new home along the Ochlocknee River paired with the charm of South Georgia afforded the perfect retreat.

Archbold proved to be a prominent citizen, donating his efforts to construct the John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital as a gift to the city that showed him immense hospitality.

The Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe would like to extend the same southern hospitality to you during this unforgettable evening. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the event will feature an exceptional cocktail buffet and dinner auction. Guests will then be entertained with a special performance by the Troupe at 6:30. As if this wasn’t exciting enough, one dinner will be auctioned off to ten lucky individuals to enjoy a five-course dinner with wine pairings in the luxurious plantation dining room. Talk about one incredible gift!

The Troupe, however, gives an even greater gift to our youth. The nonprofit, youth performing arts training

Troupe President Gina Wise looks forward to the event and the financial help it will bring to the organization.

“What makes Troupe unique,” she says, “is that it isn’t reserved for kids with perfect-pitch singing voices or for gifted young actors or gifted ballerinas—although we have a number of those among our student members. Rather, Troupe is an inclusive group that welcomes participants of all skill and experience levels. Its student performers come from all area schools – public, private and even the homeschooled community –Troupe members over the years have come from five or six counties.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to support the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe. This organization has been a creative staple in our town for over four decades and hopes to continue its efforts with the help of its neighbors like you. Fundraisers like this allow you to experience a unique event while benefiting over 100 middle and high school students who call the Troupe home.

Best of Show in the Youth Mural Art Competition will receive $1,000 with artists being featured in Thom magazine; Second runner-up will receive $500.

All teams are comprised of members of Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Young Artist Collective, and are as follows, by school:

Brookwood: Catherine Fennel, Maggie Deaver and Melanie Quinton; Prep Academy: Asia Gurulé, Erica LeSuer and Raven Haywood; Scholar's Academy: Walker Harris, Ezra Yant, and Annalee Jackson; Thomas County Central: Emily Corbitt, Sophie Anderson and Lyndsae Madden; and from Thomasville High: Krystian Frazier, Anne Marie Dixon and Aviana Samuel.

The Townie wishes all artists and teams best of luck as they endeavor to transform downtown and vie for unbelievable prizes!

- Jennifer W.

F r e e

THE THE

Get COME Real! Poetry and Prose TOGETHER! LETTERPRESS INTENSIVE Summer Camp Beatles Summer Camp • June 16-20

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 Theatre, Visual Arts with visual artand andInventive fashion to June • Building 209 poets and21-22 playwrights in specialty MORE classes in MORE disciplines create a colorful celebration. workshops covering acting, 209 W. Remington Ave. offered than ever before! writing, and creative collaboration.

JOIN USINFORMATION FOR MORE REGISTER FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.thomasvillearts.org www.thomasvillearts.org www.thomasvillearts.org

When you paint, do you have a default or a favorite color? I do not have a default, however, I love red. It’s usually the project, such as with commission based work, that will dictate what color to use.

How do you determine which medium, like acrylic, to use: by subject, mood, texture? It’s not so much subject or mood, but what I have available.

Recently, I enjoyed working with acrylic, but, it was given to me. So, I had the opportunity to use it.

What does Sarah Gelaber Lowe do for relaxation and enjoyment in the Ville? Mostly it’s projects, projects, projects, but family time with my kids is best times at the pool or seeing a show at TOSAC’s storefront theater downtown on Broad.

For FLAUNT you have a public art project requiring bicycles and bike parts. How many do you need? On my own, I have currently received about 12 bicycles, but we need around 40!!

- Benjamin G.

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Coretta

Psst…a Great Gatsby themed Casino Night + Scholarship Fundraiser is coming soon from Thomas University, contact Melinda Friddell at 227-6903 for sponsorship opportunities....

Psst... Blue Coop is closed (!). Only for a revamping.

Look here soon for an intimate FLAUNT muralist portrait... Making a fifteen-foot piece of art ain't easy.

A local book fairy has been dropping new books into the 'ville's little free libraries all summer. We love you, book fairy!

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

First Fridays in the 'Ville are Back!

Thomasville Main Street is pleased to announce the return of First Fridays to the downtown area! These events will kick off August 1st with a ‘Back to School Bash’ featuring performances from both Thomas County Central and Thomasville High School bands along with the Thomasville University Dance Team.

Root 3:16 will close out the night with a fantastic concert from our very own local artists.

The festivities will take place in the 200 block of North Broad Street by the historic Thomasville County Courthouse and First Baptist Church. Band boosters from both high schools will be on site selling bottled water and canned drinks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. The party is free of charge and open to everyone. Grab your kids and enjoy a night of fun before school starts back.

Here’s the lineup of great performances: Thomas County Central High School Band: 5:30 p.m.

– 6:15 p.m.

t h a n k s

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Thomasville High School Band: 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Thomas University Dance Team: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Root 3:16: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

First Friday gives you the opportunity to explore the downtown area’s shopping and dining venues in a lively community setting. After stopping in a few boutiques and grabbing a bite to eat, it allows you to support local musicians during the block party.

Each month, there will be a different music concert for you to attend with family and friends. The bands and locations will rotate between blocks each month.

Stay tuned for more information for the coming First Friday events. You can contact Thomasville Main Street by calling 229-227-7020 or emailing visit@thomasville. org. You can also follow Downtown Thomasville on Facebook for updates.

by Pearl Cleage

August 30th

Thomasville Center for the Arts 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm

- Chaise B.

t h e s e :

A Song for

One Day Only

CENTER

You’ve come from Tallahassee. How are you adapting so far? I have grown fond of Thomasville, its heritage and the close family feel. Still working on making new connections.

- Chaise B.

+

Whispers.

Sarah Gelaber Lowe

Tickets for the event are $100 per person and can be reserved by mailing a check payable to Thomasville Music & Drama Troupe, Inc., attention to Sugar Blount, 223 Myrtle Drive, Thomasville, GA 31792. For more information, contact Sugar at (229) 403-7770.

This Year's FLAUNT Offers BIG Opportunity for Youth Artists Unlike any FLAUNT event before, this year’s will feature the youth talent of five Thomasville-area schools.

All previous FLAUNT art competition entrants and winners have been adult artists, but this year, three-artist teams from five schools will be contending for the same cash prizes and awards as their adult counterparts.

AUGUST 1-14

CHUMS

organization has been a tradition in South Georgia since the early 1970s. They cultivate a passion for the arts by providing their young members with the skills and knowledge needed to excel both on and off stage.

The talented staff encourages the enhancement of each member’s gifts along with life skills that they can carry with them long after they are done with their lessons on stage, music, and theater.

FREE

Thomasville’s Only

The Plaza

$15 in Advance • $20 at the Door asongforcoretta.brownpapertickets.com TICKETS 1-800-838-3006 Tickets also available at the Bookshelf for info (404) 285-8367 www.vahidmanagementandproduction.com

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

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Is Your Smile Ready for Life’s Special Occasions?

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

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AUGUST 1-14

TCS, Where One Module Means Much More

Downtown's Got Everything You Need for Back to School 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 Wade Chapman Benjamin Gardner Christopher Jones Natalie Kirbo Jennifer Westfield Contributing Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner David Longstreet Copy Editor Abrie Soileau Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves

Georgia Press Association

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.

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight

When I was in my formative years, the only redeeming part of going back to school was going back to school shopping. I used to look forward to it every year. I still love buying office supplies because it gives me the same rush as going through and picking out a Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper or new backpack.

Here’s a list of downtown stores and their back-to-school wares: The Bookshelf • Herschel bags (up to $100)—these bags are sturdy, colorful and functional and come in a variety of styles •

Sunny Life totes ($40)—they are sturdy canvas bags with cute and colorful trim

• ORE Good Lunch bags ($16)—these keep food hot or cold and are made of washable cotton •

Colored pencils ($5)—there are 36 pencils in a tiny, adorable cup

• Moleskin planners ($14.95-$19.95)—there are a couple of different varieties and sizes available Firefly •

Assorted erasers ($3)—there are a few different styles and designs.

• Stackable crayon pen ($4-5)—each tiny section of the large pen is a different color, so you can carry around multiple colors without a bulky pack •

Bendable pencils ($2.50)—you can bend them and even tie them in a knot

• Mousepad notepad ($20)—there are different designs available and are great for when you’re working at the computer and want to jot down notes Kevin’s •

Crabberrie totes ($39)—super cute dog designs and colors in sturdy canvas

• Ame & Lulu totes ($89.95)—there were different sizes and styles available including a super cute navy and yellow print Earthlover • Assorted fair trade book bags and totes (up to $60)—most of these bags are colorful and come in a variety of sizes Relish & Dash • Patagonia backpacks (up to $100)—I doubt that you would have to ever replace this backpack even if you dropped it off a cliff • Keen messenger bags ($120)—these are made from upcycled post-consumer bags and are made in the U.S.A. • Lunch skins ($8-$10)—if your child takes his or her lunch to school every day, you can do the environment a favor and use these cute reusable lunch bags Shapes and More •

Teacher supplies—it’s back to school for them too, right?

• Melissa and Doug crayons/colored pencils ($3.99-$9.99)—these are triangular so they are easy to grip for small hands and they don’t roll off the desk •

Wipe off crayons ($3.29)—these would be great for younger kids

•

Quick Study Guides ($2.95-$5.95)—in a variety of subjects and grade levels

•

Smarty Pants Brain Building cards ($12.99)—educational cards in sets of 120

The Townie Store •

Pencil cases ($15.50)—hand screen printed and absolutely stunning

•

Townie totes ($7-14)—the larger bag is great for lugging around books

Loli’s • Personalized clipboard ($25)—you can get your initials or name monogrammed on the back •

N. Gil lunch bags ($18.95)—you can get these monogrammed too

A parent can be vexed when his or her youngster is not getting sufficient playing time on the field during games or athletic events. Typically, most parents go right to the coach with their opinions and complaints, but not so in this example. Here the coach, also a teacher, directs the put-out parent to a varsity player, one who starts on the high school team: the student “mentor” in charge of their child.

By mentoring younger kids in the particulars of playing his/her position on the team, the high school student learns not just the game and its coaching principles, but the politics of dealing with parents, and maybe, something useful about parenting too. On another day, he or she will provide service as a reading buddy, upper grades being encouraged to give service to the lower grades, and the younger children, who look up to these teens with respect, even awe, and enjoy interacting with them tremendously.

You see, Ed Sloan, Headmaster of Thomasville Christian School (TCS) has witnessed, firsthand during his career at various educational institutions, these very examples of an ethos-become-reality, but not from public education, rather from the Christian, private school sector. Sloan’s current assignment, Thomasville Christian School (educating grades K – 8), is one of the longest-running Christian schools in town, ten years and counting.

One day this summer, house moving trucks rumbled up Glenwood Avenue, somehow squeezing their way around the tall pines on the grounds of Christ Community Presbyterian Church, where the TCS campus is located, depositing the enormous sectionals of a new, four-classroom facility—The 3,500 square foot, behemoth module now being merged into one building. The TCS middle school will expand. Some 30 of the 70 total students they have budgeted for this 2014-15 school year.

As a “discipleship” school, where at least one parent or guardian must be a Christian, TCS accepts that such a prerequisite confession of faith may mean slower growth, but perhaps, it also helps account for the school’s longevity.

The mission at TCS is to partner with Christian parents to inspire in their children a Christian worldview while nurturing academic and character development.

According to Headmaster Sloan, the whole individual benefits from a Christ centered approach. In addition to the rigors of traditional academic studies, at TCS there is co-curricular education as well in art, music, and sports.

Why does at least one Christian parent need to have a viable testimony of faith?

Because at Thomasville Christian, Headmaster Sloan and the Board work together to ensure that the mission statement meshes with reality, as Sloan says, “We seek to partner with parents to instill the same Christ-centered values that are being communicated in the home and in the church.”

Accreditation is the next step for TCS, and success in this endeavor is expected in this academic school year through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), which is the largest accrediting body for Christian schools in the world.

While accreditation certainly seems logical on its face, many administrators in faith-based education do not deem accreditation necessary; Sloan considers it instrumental to TCS future. The 2011 nationwide, Cardus Education Survey of outcomes for students, the largest such study of religious school education ever undertaken, found that student development goals and achievement successes are demonstrably and remarkably higher in Christian schools with accreditation than for students in non-accredited facilities (Cardus Report – Executive Summary).

As Principal Sloan says, “[Module classrooms and facilities expansion are important, but] accreditation is the single most powerful and productive improvement we can make.” Thus, one more enormous sectional arrives for TCS this year; national accreditation comes next. As growth curves go—slow and steady will do fine—in fact the very diligent pace and patient progress being implemented here at TCS is a testament to the temperance, moderation, and character of its Biblical Exemplar, whose cross Christians seek to carry every day, and whose life they themselves would demonstrate through their living examples.

Headmaster Sloan, for his part, need only look back to those mentorship memories from his own experiences in Christian education to find the creative outlets aplenty by which older TCS students can mentor and serve the younger disciples just next door.

- Denise P.

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- Benjamin G.

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AUGUST 1-14

Covey Film Fest is 'a Comin'

Road Trip The Lodge at Little Saint Simons Island

Little Saint Simons is 10,000 acres of barrier island nestled in a kidney shape around the northern tip of Saint Simons Island on the Atlantic coast of Georgia. It is a place that if you have the good fortune to visit, you won’t ever forget.

At the start of your stay, you’re picked up by boat at Hampton River Marina, and ten minutes later, greeted dockside by a Lodge staffer who gives you a short history of the island and welcomes you into the main lodge while your bags are being taken to your room. If you don’t already know, this is where you’re told, with some reasonable restrictions of course, that you are free to do anything you want, whenever you want, and if there isn’t access to something you want, they’ll get it for you. The island is yours.

Accommodations on the lodge compound are on the creek-side. The view from the River Lodge is particularly breathtaking: oaks dripping moss as golden sun soaks through your curtains and cloaks your eyes as you rock back and forth on a four-seater porch swing.

At maximum capacity the compound accommodates 32 people, with whom you have to share seven miles of beach, half a dozen skiffs, rows of beach cruisers, miles upon miles of trails, and a group of serious naturalists who will do everything from tell you what kind of a flower you’re looking at, to teach you how to fly fish.

Meals are served three times a day, family style, or you can ask the kitchen staff to prepare them to be taken back to your room. The River Lodge, one of several structures where you can stay, including in the Main Lodge, is equipped with panoramic windows, modern lodgings and comfortable bedding—including the porch swing, which you could easily sleep on to enjoy the clean night air and sound of the wind and water.

If you’re planning to take the two-mile bike ride from the compound to the Atlantic around lunchtime, the kitchen staff will pack you an insulated lunch—giant sandwich, snacks and all the accouterments that you can put in your bicycle basket and carry to the beach, where there is a hut with everything waiting: umbrellas, beach chairs, toys for children, sunscreen, water and bug spray.

The Lodge has been named #1 Resort in the Mainland US by Conde Nast Traveler, but it prides itself on being an eco-resort. Although desired for its cedars by the Eagle Pencil Company, in the early 20th century, when it was found that the cedars were too knotted, the Eagle Company’s Philip Berolzheimer purchased the island as a private retreat and vowed above all to preserve its natural beauty.

There are anywhere from 400-500 deer on LSSI, hundreds of bird species, snakes, alligators and many plants species that are labeled on the island’s many trails. The great thing is that if you happen to be fascinated with any of those creatures, there is more than one person on hand to show you what’s there, including the island’s certified organic garden.

LSSI is certainly an excellent place to relax, but the fun is in hopping on one of the bikes with a packed picnic lunch and cruising the two miles out to the beach. Since there is hardly a soul to be seen should you choose to do this, you might feel like the king and queen of the universe, tearing down the flat island paths through breathtaking scenery.

By bicycle is of course not the only way out to the Atlantic—the staff has plenty of trucks and carts to give you a lift. When you get out to the beach, you’ve got so much of it that every person could spread out and hardly be seen by anyone else. The shelling is incredible, as is the surf fishing. You needn’t bring a pole, either. Anything you need to participate in the sporting life on the island is provided—even a fishing license, should you lack it.

Visit www.littlestsimonsisland.com now for a great end-of-summer promotion, and to book accommodations.

-Jennifer W.

Many of the films during Covey Film Fest will be shown in after-school programs throughout Thomasville, including for over 350 at-risk youth in our city. The Fest is partnering with Downtown Thomasville to host an open air movie showing on October 31st, which will be a family-friendly event right on the bricks.

For the adults, the Fest kicks off on October 19th with a showing of I Am, by filmmaker Tom Shadyac. Shadyac, the producer behind Hollywood hits such as “Ace Ventura,” “Liar Liar,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Bruce Almighty,” created a non-fiction film that poses two questions: what’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better?

This film will be shown at All Saints Episcopal Church, followed by conversation led by The Rev. Paul Hancock about the issues presented by the film.

A few exciting global films are welcome additions to the Fest this year. Out of Belize, there will be showings of Kids Meet Sharks and Saving Paradise. Garbage Dreamers is a film from India about children whose sole job is to scavenge from garbage heaps in hopes of finding anything that might be recycled. It’s an inspiring tale about the creativity and resourcefulness required for their survival, along with an important message about the amount of waste we humans produce and the creative ways we might go about recycling that waste.

In addition to showing films, Covey Film Fest also has an impressive lineup up speakers planned: Roland LegiardiLaura is a filmmaker and poet. His documentary Azul, a study of Nicaragua's people and history through their

And if you just can’t get enough, there’s also going to be a Covey Film Fest Gala at Ted Turner’s Avalon Plantation on October 23rd, where you’ll be able to mix and mingle with some of the Honorary Host Committee Members, discuss films, conservation, and more. The Honorary Host Committee includes Jay Scully (Hollywood acting coach), Greg Anderson (director), Megan Ferguson (actress), Tim Green (choreographer and filmmaker), Roland LegiardiLaura (NYC poet and filmmaker), Todd Thompson (screenwriter), Andrew Mondshein (director), Mary Williams (author), Frank Hall Green (director), and Jane Fonda (actress and philanthropist).

Not all the honorary hosts will be able to attend the Film Fest events, but all of them are helping put this two-week long Festival together and many of them will be in the ‘Ville conducting workshops and other special events.

It’s an extra-ordinary treat for many of these films to be shown in South Georgia, and there are lots of opportunities to grab a seat. Head over to www.coveyfilmfest.com to keep up with the schedule as films are added or purchasing tickets.

-Natalie K.

Trill in the Ville Trill - Urban; Meaning Truly + Real

There is probably some kind of special term for me out there. You’ve heard of the phrase, “Crazy Cat Lady?”

Oh, well I am her, but I am also crazy dog lover, crazy bird lover, crazy bunny lover… The list could go on and on. I do draw the line at reptiles and insects, but I even like rodents. Right now I have four pets, but if I had more means and other humans at my house, I would probably have an animal sanctuary.

My Facebook likes include every dachshund rescue in a 500 mile radius, local Humane Societies, zoos, pet finders, other animal rescues, zoos and pet stores. I realize that I am insane. Since I know that I can’t take in any more pets because four pets to one person is already bordering on a little coo-coo, I look for a place for these animals in other people’s homes.

As I scroll through my Facebook feed every day, I see these sad lost or homeless pets, and my heart breaks. You would think that the solution would be for me to stop looking, but no. I recently successfully paired my friend Lindsey with a Chinese Crested that I saw on the Second Chance Animal Rescue page. Well, not so much as “pair” as much as implore that she go to look at the puppies in person in hopes she would fall in love with one. Luckily, she did. I’ve always wanted a Chinese Crested, so really it’s a win-win situation for me. As puppies, they look like big, wrinkly hairless cats. (Think Mr. Bigglesworth from Austin Powers.) I went to visit him yesterday, and he’s every bit of awesome that I hoped he would be.

Dachshunds are really my weakness though, and that’s how I ended up with the love of my life, Nora. I wandered into the pet store when I still lived in Albany and saw her.

I know, I know. I should have gotten a rescue dachshund or different dog from one of the many shelters that I troll daily, but I didn’t intend on getting a dog when I got her.

I called the place where the pet store got her, and they assured me that it wasn’t a puppy mill.

Poetry: Benjamin Gardner Artwork : Sarah Lowe

poetry, won nine international film awards and three ACE nominations; Mary Williams, the adopted daughter of Jane Fonda, author of the book, “The Lost Daughter,” Mary has hiked the Appalachian Trail, worked as a Park Ranger in Alaska, and is a hunting and fishing enthusiast, thanks to Ted Turner’s influence. Jay Scully, who is known for his work on American Reunion, Running Scared and Wild Hogs, will also be hosting some acting workshops during the month.

I saw her in the little tiny glass box and knew I wanted to get her out of there. Specifically, I knew that this was MY dog. I fretted about it for about three hours and went back and got her. It may have been the best decision in the world because Nora is the most beautiful and sweet dachshund you will ever meet. Sometimes she is a little

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dumb, but of course, she always has good intentions.

Nora lives with her two orange sister cats, Amasha and Persi, and creepy Yorkie brother, Rigby, that I got when I was sad and lonely in law school. I got Amasha back in 2001 with her being the oldest of the herd. I felt like Amasha needed a companion, so I got Persi back in 2008. Persi is a stone-cold psychopath, but I love her.

I got Persi from the local Humane Society, and they told me she was temperamental. Initially they wanted to adopt her out with her brother, but they realized that she was hard to deal with. They told me that if she liked me, I could take her on her own. They assured me her brother had a much better temperament and would have no trouble finding a home. Persi really took to me, so they sent us on our way. To this day, I am really the only person she likes more than five minutes at the time. She won’t even look at anyone else. Right now she is lying beside my computer glaring at me. It must be love.

All four of them follow me around the house all the time.

At all points of the day, you will see four little creatures trailing behind me. Right now, I am in my office with a cat on my lap, cat on the desk, and two dogs at my feet.

It’s hard to feel sad or lonely when you have these guys around. They probably do more for me than I do for them which is why I like animals so much.

I am 100 times more likely to “ohhh and ahhh” over a dog I meet on the street than a baby, which probably means that I am really crazy. I go to people’s houses and play with their pets like they are my own. Jennifer, my editor, can attest to that. I went to her house one day to wait for her and had a photo shoot with Kittles (her cat). Kittles is awesome which is why Jennifer is probably going to try to put a picture of him with this column instead of the photo I am sending her of Nora. Don’t even try it, Jennifer!

So, I guess what I am saying here, is that labeling me as a crazy cat woman is probably unfair. Just call me Crazy Animal Lady. I am afraid that I am going to be one of those elderly people with 87 animals in my house that is accused of animal hoarding one day. Just keep a look out on the local news. You might just see me on there in 40 years.

- Denise P.

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AUGUST 1-14

Hit the Back to School Blitz for Everything on Your List

The Beauty of Fall

Embracing the new season with the freshness of the things you love, will ensure a wonderful and beautiful transition for you and those around you!

- Sarah E.

Fit as a Fiddle

Much of the time, this means sacrificing some of the things I love. Like ice cream, another glass of wine, late nights hanging out with friends, sleeping in and getting take-out. If I gave in at any moment, most people would understand. Two jobs, stress, fatigue, lack of time – they are all great excuses, but they will never give me what I want. With that said, it is important to have balance. For all of the hard work I put in, there should be some reward,

Change of clothing including underwear in a large Ziplock bag with your child’s name on it

Notebook paper

XXL Ziplock Bag to store nap time bedding

Pencil cap erasers

Small pillow for nap time

Crayons

Small blanket or towel for nap time One box of Kleenex One box of baby wipes Trike (bike) helmet 1 package white t-shirts

something that helps me keep my sanity and reminds me of what I'm working toward. Maybe it's watching a local softball game with friends, some new workout gear from Dash, or a Rolfing session with Pam Beverly at Metta Day Spa. These things allow me to still have fun and enjoy life without taking two steps back.

This method can apply to your fitness goals whether it's weight loss, body building, sports, general health or simply a toned physique. Making a sincere commitment to your goal is the toughest part and remembering how bad you want to achieve that victory is the most important thing.

Your actions have to convey that every day and any time you're faced with temptation that leads you away from that goal. As my coach says, “if you can't live without a 6-pack of beer, you can't live with 6-pack abs.” And he's right. When I think about what my health is worth, 4:45 AM doesn't seem THAT early. I'm not saying that you have to wake up with me, your schedule is your own; but if your fitness is your priority, you will stop making excuses and start making changes.

- Abrie S.

Pencils

Colored pencils Three ring binder Dividers for three ring binders Copy paper Tissue Hand sanitizer Disinfectant wipes

Kindergarten also requires a rest mat with pillow case to cover the mat

Highlighters Pencil sharpener Dry erase markers

Zippered pencil bag Baby or Clorox wipes

Notebook paper

Box of Kleenex

Pencils

Pack of washable markers Large bottle of hand sanitizer Large bottle of pump soap Full charge of clothes labeled w/ name and placed in a gallon Ziploc bag w/ child’s name on the outside (pants, shirt, underwear, socks) 2 towels labeled with name for rest time Regular sized book bag

Colored pencils Composition books Three ring binders Folders Pens Highlighters Dividers for three ring binders Box of tissues A bottle of hand sanitizer Pencil sharpener Sanitizing wipes

Standard size backpack (no wheels or mini-bags]

**Some classes also may require earphones, flash drives and dictionaries. Each teacher has specifics for what pens colors, notebook or binder sizes and quantities.

Towel (small for Pre-K, large for kindergarten) Pencil bag (bank style sturdy bag)

3 ring binders (approximately 5)

Clorox wipes Roll of paper towels Box of tissues Complete change of clothes in zip-lock bag labeled with child’s name Quart and gallon sized Zip-lock bags Flushable wipes

Dividers (set for each binder) Notebook paper Jump drive Pens Pencils Black and White Composition Book Assignment notebook, planner or agenda

Hand sanitizer and/or antibacterial soap Nap time mat and earphones for kindergarteners Composition books Pencils Binder Tissues Pencil bag Hand sanitizer Ziploc bags Disinfectant Wipes May need crayons, colored pencils, scissors or glue sticks depending on grade/class

Binder Notebook paper Pens Pencils Composition book Highlighters Index Cards Colored Pencils Markers Flash drive Basic supplies

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Book bag without wheels Pencils Kleenex Lysol or Clorox Wipes Hand Sanitizer Ziploc Bags

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pathways

Over my last three years of CrossFit training, along with wanting to be my healthiest self, I have gradually acquired a more competitive nature. I don't want to be an average athlete, I want to be an exceptional athlete. I don't want to be in mediocre health, I want my health to be perfect.

In order to be fit as a fiddle, I have to make sacrifices. I have to wake up at 4:45 am, prepare my meals ahead of time, spend time stretching, train hard, and make sure I sleep and eat enough to fuel my body.

Book bag without wheels

Ziploc bags

pre-k/kindergarten

“How bad do you want it?” I ask myself at 4:45 AM on Monday morning. This question looms over me every morning when the alarm sounds. I want it more than sleep, but sometimes it's hard to remember that when you're trying to hit snooze.

Book bag – Rolling book bags are not allowed on buses

Nap time mat for kindergarteners

a sincere commitment

- Denise P.

thomas county middle school**

10. Vow to move your body consistently. Nothing will make your skin glow and give your confidence a boost like body movement. Yoga, Pilates or Barre classes at Live Young Studio will lengthen your muscles and increase flexibility. Also check out Thomasville Crossfit to get in the best shape of your life. These are my favorites!

Many teachers have individual supply requests for students, but a general supply wish list has been complied below for each of the schools. Please note that your child’s teacher may require additional or optional items from those listed below.

scholar's academy

9. Commit to a few minutes of quiet time every day with meditation or journaling. Doing this first thing in the morning or the last minutes of your night will bring a sense of calm and clarity. Take a deep breath and let it go!

free basic school supplies, free health screenings and valuable information. The school supplies that will be provided are pens, pencils, erasers, folders and paper.

thomas co. central high school thomasville high school

8. My purse often feels like an abyss filled with old receipts, notes scribbled on scratch paper, gum wrappers, and melted lipsticks. You carry this bundle around all the time so make the effort to detox your bag.

other grades

3. Update your nail polish. Transition from the brighter summer colors to a classic deep red or even a warm earth tone pewter or bronze. Give yourself an at home pedicure

7. Your hair may be feeling a little dry and frizzed after trips to the pool this summer. Schedule an appointment for a trim and deep conditioning treatment for healthy, shiny hair.

School supplies can get expensive, so the Thomas County Family Connection is sponsoring its 8th Annual “Back to School Blitz.” This year’s Blitz is August 2 at MacIntyre Park Middle School gym from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. This community-wide event offers

hand-in-hand pre-k/kindergarten

2. After cleaning out your closet, you may look at your wardrobe and think it needs a complete overhau, but sometimes just one or two additions can add a feeling of freshness. You can't go wrong with a new lightweight sweater or a crisp white button down. Take a trip downtown to one of our boutiques and see what catches your eye. I've noticed several beautiful fall dresses in the store windows.

6. Your surroundings can enhance your mood. Add an accent color to your living room with a new throw pillow or blanket.

scott elementary pre-k/kindergarten

1. Purge and reorganize your closet. This is not the time to be sentimental. Be ruthless and objective during this process. A closet bursting at the seams does not make it easier to choose your clothes on a daily basis; the less clutter, the better. Donate items that no longer fit properly, do not make you feel good or have seen better days! What remain should be clothes that fit your body well, include silhouettes that are modern and fresh and a color pallet that can be easily mixed and matched. Group these items by color or style. This is the secret of a successful closet!

5. Coffee is such a pleasure of mine. Find your favorite new mug at Grassroots and curl up with your favorite brew.

The temperatures may still be soaring, but as July draws to a close, summer break is over for students in Thomas County. Parents will be attending open houses this week, and students will be getting ready to head back to school on August 4.

harper/jerger elementary

Below is a list of my favorite fall rituals. Although simple, they are steps for beginning the process of embracing simple pleasures and taking time for you with an inspired sense of redefining, fine tuning and recreating.

4. Love to read? Download a new book or pour over the shelves at The Bookshelf until something inspires you!.

scott/ jerger/ harper

The fall has always inspired me to start fresh and shake the dust off forgotten goals: similar to a new year's resolution, but with less fanfare and a calmer energy.

or treat yourself to one at Metta Day Spa. Beautifully polished toes will make you feel good!

garrisonpilcher

August is a month of transition—crisp mornings allow us to breathe deeply and give us a sense of renewal. It nudges us to get back into a new rhythm. As the slower pace of summer is replaced with new school schedules, our brains need to be ready like sharpened No. 2 pencils.

cross creek

Beauty Broad

(paper, pencils, notebooks, etc.)

Hand sanitizer Tissues Sanitizing wipes Some teachers may request flash drives in upper level classrooms

Page No.

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AUGUST 1-14

Meet the Staffer: Sarah Esra Sarah Esra is The Townie’s beauty expert and writer of Beauty Broad which you can read this edition. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her from working with her at The Townie and the Townie store. I am happy that I can call Sarah my friend now, and she’s one of the people that I know is levelheaded and wise enough to give me decent advice.

So not only is Sarah gorgeous, she is also kind, smart, funny and knows more about skincare, health and beauty than anyone I know. Sarah is also very humble, so I knew that I was going to have to ask her about a million questions to drag information out of her.

What is your educational/job background?

My college years were spent at Valdosta State and I graduated with my Bachelors of Business Management. I also have my Esthetics License from Southwest GA Tech and am certified to teach yoga.

[Side note: You can go take yoga classes from Sarah at Live Young Studio on Monday at 5:15 P.M., and at Thomasville CrossFit on Saturday at 9:00 A.M.] What made you want to be a writer for The Townie?

I really appreciate living in Thomasville and everything it has to offer. So to be a part of something that supports it has been great! And being able to write about things I'm interested in has been a lot of fun.

How did you get an interest in beauty and skincare?

I had pretty severe acne as a teenager. Out of that experience grew a real passion for the world of esthetics, nutrition and trying to find the best combination of products/food/supplements to promote clear and healthy skin. Whenever I discover something new I always share with friends and family if I think it could be beneficial. I also love to create specialized skincare regimens for anyone who is interested. It is important to me to help others feel more comfortable in their skin. That is always my goal because I know how traumatic and frustrating skincare issues can be.

How did you get into CrossFit? There are two people I have to thank for that. First, I have to say I do not come from an athletic background. I may have run up and down a soccer field once or twice when I was little but never did my foot touch the ball. As I got older I did find yoga, especially in college, and maintained that through the years. But lifting heavy objects? Never. It just so happened that one of my

best friends and her fiancé started a CrossFit gym!

We worked together at the time so I was able to see it evolve from day one. I was so inspired and supportive of what they were doing. I even learned all about CrossFit vicariously through her but was too scared to try it. Then I met one of their members, and fell in love. Leave it to love to put a barbell over my head! I have been doing CrossFit for more than a year now, and I can honestly say it has changed my life. I didn't just see physical changes, but I have become mentally stronger and more confident in other areas. It carries over. [Side Note: She’s talking about Fit as a Fiddle writer extraordinaire, Abrie Soileau. If you’re wanting to try out CrossFit, she’s the woman to talk to.]

What other homeopathic/health things are you into?

Coconut oil is my favorite right now...I even use it in my coffee! Chia seeds are cool because they are full of omega 3's and a great detox for your organs. I eat two tablespoons everyday in almond milk. I also drink a little chlorophyll everyday and make a green drink with organic greens and coconut water. My diet is primarily Paleo, and I have never felt better.

If you want to indulge, what do you eat? I do like to indulge, but I try to go about it with awareness and make it special. If I have a glass of wine at home, I will drink it out of my favorite wine glass that was part of my grandmother's wedding china from the 40s. I usually add a square of very dark 85-90% chocolate.

It’s my favorite! It's bitter, but the richness is very satisfying.

What are five words you would use to describe yourself?

Diplomatic, supportive friend, warm, joyful, good mama Name two things off your bucket list. Why do you want to do those things? I have a dear friend who lives in Italy, and I have not been to visit yet. Also, my daughter and I fantasize a lot about going to Paris. What could be better than Parisian toys and skincare!? It may be a fantasy now, but I truly want to take her one day.

What is your biggest pet peeve? I don't like passive aggressive behavior.

What is your favorite movie? Chocolat of course!

-Denise P.

Come Have "Dinner on the Bricks" and Renovate Positive Outcomes Have you ever dined with friends in a watermelon patch?

Or, wondered what would happen if you spilt tea on Superman’s cape? Maybe scooped fruit salad from a castle moat? Or debated whether Waldo was hiding beneath your place setting or under that bowl of mashed potatoes just out of arms reach down the table?

At the Vashti Center’s Inaugural, “Dinner on the Bricks,” celebration downtown during FLAUNT on September 6th from 7:30—10:30 p.m. you, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and associates can all gather (on Jackson Street between Madison and Stevens) to make such things, and much more, happen while breaking bread together at a “pop-up” dinner party, because at this event, it is you who gets to design your own table decor: arrangements, settings, and menu too. The only limit is whatever theme you and your guests can conjure.

Initial local sponsorship for this gala fest include from our business community, Big Oak Advisors and Wellington Shields. And, capacity is limited to one hundred fifty tables.

Each table will include eight (8) chairs and a white linen table cloth. From there your imagination has the free reign.

Similar events, Atlanta to Fort Walton Beach, have produced motifs ranging from “Jaws” to “I Love Lucy” to Star Wars.”

A blue-ribbon panel of celebrity judges will be on hand to present various awards for the most creative and adventurous of presentations. There will be a ballot on each table for the “People’s Choice” award as well. And, costumes are encouraged! Also at the ready will be a roster of caterers available to prepare your group’s repast to specifications.

Tables, catering preorder forms, and information packages can be obtained through Vashti’s website www.vashti.org).

The goal, besides a ton-o-fun-filled dining, is to raise funds for renovation of the Recreation Building at the Vashti Center. At the Rec building the Vashti kids not only have group recreation, but family visits, time with mentors, group therapy, Bible studies, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and special events. Infrastructure is foundational to any group facility. Founded in 1903, my visit to campus showed me facilities that have been well maintained, yet no one and nothing structural over one hundred years old is without the need of upkeep and repair. For the children, Vashti has the additional challenge of needing to remain fresh.

Mentor and Event Committee member Matt Delarber says, “This rec room will be a place for our kids to escape the cottage setting where they spend much of their time. I look forward to seeing this building vibrant and full of energy with kids just being kids.”

Consider, that from a child who has been inured to hostility and raised on rebuke to expect, as we do, socially acceptable behavior does not reasonably scan, for graciousness will be alien and not his or her given default, generosity a quantum’s leap, not even in the child’s calculus, simple kindness unnatural, and faith just another sucker’s pawn. Thus, arises the noble cause that Vashti meets head-on: to reinvigorate a social spirit in the broken child and to rehabilitate the young mind while it is yet still forming.

Venerable experience at this mission work has inculcated in Vashti’s toolbox methodologies of intervening upon family dysfunction that yield positive cultural results, and convey in such a way as to foster within young hearts at risk a willingness to listen, hear, and accept new messages.

Given enough time, and if the environment surrounding a child’s life becomes interactively secure and consistently positive, just what the Vashti Center provides, then, within each child become victim mankind’s innate resiliency has its opportunity, and remarkably, confidence will reemerge, as if indomitable, and that once problematic juvenile will again chance to risk trusting adults.

The whole integral family unit, once entirely dysfunctional, can now begin to learn by the example of mentorship and staff interaction that, for instance, the kids need not fear the backhand every time they err, nor any of them need retaliate, eye for eye, at every slight and/or disappointment in life. This environment, this revitalization, this very milieu of recovery and future mission success, available through the Vashti Center, is what’s really being benefitted.

There is nothing akin to saving a life or being part of a rescue. Avail yourselves of this affirmation, for to restore a child is to renovate the infrastructures of hope and future.

Come out and enjoy Dinner on the Bricks.

- Benjamin G.

Quoted in the ‘Ville What is your favorite summer read?

For me, one summer’s inspiration stands out, THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. This book was profound, comical, exotic, inspiring, and dazzlingly well-written. - Benjamin G. SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY by Edgar Lee Masters. An old, but fascinating book. We walk with the author through a small town cemetery learning much about ourselves. - Marshall S. IN GRANDMA’S ATTIC by Arleta Richardson. I like that each chapter tells a new story about a girl and her grandmother. Abbey C. THE DEATH OF SANTINI by Pat Conroy. A startling look into the author’s lifelong quest to come to grips with his tumultuous childhood. - Susan O.

THE CHOSEN by Chaim Potok. A coming-of-age story that celebrates the courage of following ones calling and esteems the strength of friendship and significance of father-son relationships. For the continuation of the story read the sequel: The Promise. - Aaron C. This summer I am re-reading, THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE by Stephen Crane. Heroism and cowardice examined through realism and irony. An American classic. Joy S. HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOUR FOLD STATE by the Puritan, Thomas Boston. Covers 1. Man as God made him, sinless and reflecting God’s glory 2. Unredeemed man, his fallen state 3. Redeemed man, thru grace alone 4. Man glorified in heaven. Best 99 cents I’ve spent on Kindle. - Dr. Dan M.

ISLE OF THE PALMS by Dorothea Benton Frank. A light read cherishing families and friendships set in the classic Low Country.

Great for taking your mind off your miseries! - Teal M. I first read this book when I was a kid, THE NEVERENDING STORY by Michael Ende, but I still find myself coming back to it time and again. You're never too old for a coming-of-age story filled with adventure and imagination! - Monica M. WRITTEN IN MY HEART’S OWN BLOOD by Diana Gabaldon, It's supposed to be the last in her "Outlander" series, but I hope not.

That series is spellbinding! You can't put it down. - Emily S. RISK IS RIGHT by John Piper. “If our single, all embracing passion is to make much of Christ in life and death, and if the life that magnifies him most is the life of costly love, then life is a risk, and risk is right. To run from it is to waste your life!” - Mark A.

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AUGUST 1-14 VOLUME 3

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Dance Card.

August 2 Back to School Blitz MacIntyre Park Middle School Gym, 9a – 11a Free school supplies, health screenings & more Donate at Thomas County Family Connection Free and open to the public August 2 – 3 TOSAC Auditions for “Picnic” 7p Saturday, 2p Sunday 11 roles for men & women ages 15 – 60 www.tosac.com August 5 Thomasville Beer Club, 6:30p Craft beer, brewing, education and tasting Liam’s of Thomasville, 113 East Jackson Street 2OTTERS@rose.net for more info August 5 & 12 Dancing in Downtown with Michael Pozo Bacchus Downtown (next to wine bar) 7p – 8p beginners, 8p – 9p advanced $12 pp, singles and couples welcome August 30 A Song for Coretta by Pearl Cleage presented by Vahid Management & Production Thomasville Center for the Arts; 3p & 8p $15 pp in Advance, $20 pp at the Door Tickets available at the Bookshelf, by phone at 800-838-3006 or online at asongforcoretta.brownpapertickets.com

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Summer's winding down, but there's still time to fit a few good books in. Here's what was on my nightstand in June:

August 1 First Friday Back to School Bash Thomasville Main Street kicks off another Year of first Fridays, feat. talent of local high schools 200 block of North Broad Street, 5:30p – 9p Free and open to the public August 1 – 2, 8 - 9 Taste of Thomasville Food Tour 3 hour, 1.4 mile walking/tasting tour feat.

Thomasville’s culinary best, 10:30a – 1p $40 pp, advanced tickets required www.tasteofthomasvillefoodtour.com

Issue No.

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks. This was our traveling book club pick for the first part of June, and the premise immediately intrigued me. Written in the same style as Emma Donoghue's Room or What I Did by Christopher Wakling, the book is narrated by Budo, the imaginary friend of an 8-year-old autistic boy named Max. Because of Max's unique gifts, Budo has outlasted many of the other imaginary friends he knows, but he's still worried the cease of his existence is inevitable as Max grows older.

Then Budo and Max find themselves in a situation neither of them could have ever predicted, and Budo learns what being an imaginary friend really means. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend is intense, insightful, and funny; I found myself turning the pages more quickly with each chapter until I finally reached the end.

Picking Cotton by Jennifer ThompsonCannino and Ronald Cotton. Jordan bought me this book a couple of years ago after the story was featured on a Dateline episode, but somehow it kept finding its way onto the shelf instead of into my hands. That all changed with Thomas County's One Book project, now entering its second year.

The project promotes literacy by encouraging community members to all read the same book during the same period of time; last year's selection was Mitch Albom's Time Keeper, and this summer, our committee has been in the process of selecting the next book. Picking Cotton made the top of the

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list, so off the shelf it came. I am so glad.

Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept; when it came time to identify her rapist, Jennifer picked Ronald Cotton -- a young black man -- out of a lineup. After spending 11 years in prison for a crime he never committed, Cotton was exonerated by DNA evidence, and two years later, the two met face to face, beginning an improbably friendship. Together, they wrote Picking Cotton, a story of forgiveness, injustice, and grace. I can't recommend this one enough.

My Wish List by Gregoire Delacourt. When the former owner of The Bookshelf recommends a book, you read it. My Wish List landed on my nightstand after Lorna McCollum -- popular past proprietress of the 'Shelf -- lent me her copy, with the strict instruction to pass it along to someone else when I was done. The small book was an international bestseller when it was released, and with good reason. The plot immediately encourages readers to ask themselves: "If I won the lottery, would I change my life right now for the life I've always dreamed of ?" Jocelyne lives in a tiny town in France, where she's owned a fabric shop -- and been married to the same man -- for two decades. When Jocelyne suddenly and secretly wins the lottery, she can't decide whether to claim her winnings. The risk of losing it all seems to be, for Jocelyne, greater than the risk of winning it all. This is a quick read both because of the book's size and writing style; book clubs might enjoy discussing this one together.

In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore. My favorite book of the month, by far. I ordered by copy of In Praise of Slowness after seeing it referenced

Got a tip for the Townie? Shoot us an email: editor@yourtownie.com

Have you seen the brightly colored bicycles around town? This year's FLAUNT Sponsors will be sporting a yellow bicycle at their location. We can't wait to see what else the creative team at the Center for the Arts have in store for us. FLAUNT: Pop it Up! is September 5-25.

WE’RE MORE THAN A GYM WE’RE A CAUSE Give. Join. Volunteer. And So Much More.

THOMASVILLE YMCA www.ymca-thomasville.org

David Longstreet

Comix by Laura Floyd

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a couple of times in Arianna Huffington's book Thrive; the concept was appealing to me, and as much as I enjoyed Thrive, I really wanted to dig deeper into some of what Huffington had presented. This book was the perfect addendum, and, in truth, I enjoyed it even more than Thrive.

Each chapter of In Praise of Slowness offers a look into a different aspect of the slow movement; slow food, slow cities, slow medicine... yes, even slow sex. The whole book is an eye-opening discussion on our relationship with time; what we do with it and why. I underlined and dog-eared my copy to death, then read portions out loud to Jordan, then made Katie read it, too. It's well-written and wellresearched, and I guarantee you'll find something in it worth discussing with the people you love.

The Stories We Tell by Patti Callahan Henry. Southern fiction fans, here's your recommended read for the summer. The Stories We Tell isn't the perfect book, but it's breezy, ideal for sweltering nights under the glow of my front porch light. The novel dwells on Eve and Cooper Morrison, Savannah, Georgia's power couple, practically perfect in every way. Only, as we all know, nothing's ever as perfect as it seems, and their lives come to a shattering halt when a mysterious car accident brings truth about their life to light. The plot is steady and smart, the main characters intriguing, but the star of the show is really Savannah. I read this book right before my own Savannah vacation, and I loved taking those descriptions with me on my trip. You'll begin the story because of that mysterious car accident; you'll stick around for Savannah.

- Annie B. The Bookshelf