Townie 2014 #14

FREE

Thomasville’s Only

Issue No.

AUGUST 15-28

14

Fuzzy Goat Casts on Jackson Street By late August, Thomasville will have its very own yarn shop. Cadence Kidwell, owner of Fuzzy Goat, has been making things “as long as [she] can remember.” When asked why she was inspired to open a yarn store, Kidwell replied, “I love planning knitting projects: pairing the perfect pattern with a pleasing yarn or vice versa. And showing someone the fun of making something satisfying out of string. A yarn store was a great opportunity to do both all the time.”

Kidwell said that when she was first married and living in Quitman, a woman in Valdosta taught her to knit, and she has been knitting off and on ever since. “I’ve always found it a great way to relieve stress through graduate school and boredom through hours of kids events,” she said.

She described The Fuzzy Goat as “a rustic and whimsical shop that assists our customers in finding delightful projects to knit by hand.” She indicated that the shop will have “all the things knitters and crocheters will need, and then expand into items for weavers and spinners.

Yarn, notions, needles and hooks, books and patterns.”

The store will have clearly marked signs for eco friendly, animal free, machine washable, Southern and made in the USA yarns.

“We find the balance between letting the yarns speak for themselves and the right moment to help you turn an idea into a project ready to cast on. You can get started right away by using our iPad to search for patterns compatible to your yarn choice,” she said. She also added that they are also there to help you with those decisions.

AUGUST 15-28

Whispers.

CHUMS

classes to teach new techniques to those who are already experienced in the knitting, crocheting, and weaving world.

They’ll also offer classes for beginners.

Kidwell has handpicked her vendors, and after asking which ones were her favorites, she indicated the following three: (1) R. Riveter's exquisite and functional bags from in Dahlonega, Georgia. R. Riveter entirely exists to provide flexible income to military spouses, (2) Julie Guyot’s unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary styled yarn bowls from her studio at Thomasville Center for the Arts’ Studio 209, and (3) The Copper Corgi Fiber Studio’s hand painted and hand dyed yarns and fiber made in Savannah, Georgia.

Kidwell has attributed the design of the store and logo to some of Thomasville’s creative folks. “I can describe the great things Jackie Ellis and Better Builders of Thomasville did to make it such a unique place—we reclaimed the skylight, transom windows and a brick wall, put the old tin from the roof on a wall, and used the old pine shelving to panel another wall. Haile McCollum guided us by designing a memorable logo and color palette,” she said.

So why Fuzzy Goat? “Goats are fun and are up to no good, that’s what we’ll be doing at Fuzzy Goat,” said Kidwell.

If you want to get your cast on, head down to 223 West Jackson Street. The hours will be 10:30a-5:30p on Wednesday and Friday, 10:30a-8p. on Tuesday and Thursday and closed on Sunday and Monday. Kidwell has indicated that the store may be open later on some Fridays and that they may open on Sunday after FSU football games. For more information and updates, visit Fuzzy Goat’s Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/ FuzzyGoatYarns), or the website at www.fuzzygoatyarns. com.

FREE

Thomasville’s Only

Emily Unglaub Emily went to Brookwood School and is currently studying early childhood education at Valdosta State University. Originally from Atlanta, Emily moved to Thomasville in 2009 and has been working downtown since then— first at Mode and now with Mimi’s.

What do you like best about Thomasville in the summer? Working downtown. I love meeting new people who pass through Thomasville on vacation. I love to hear their stories and find out where they are from.

What is your favorite item in the store right now? That's a hard one! Out of all the clothes, my favorite would have to be this little white dress with a zipper all the way up the front and black leather trim around the sleeves. It's so fun to wear to work, and I get so many compliments on it!

Who is your fashion icon? Why? Lauren Conrad.

I feel like if I met her we would be great friends.

Name three things you can't live without. My family, my Bible, and chocolate chip cookies!

Psst…The Paxton House is under contract…

TU is hosting Thomasville's hottest chili contest during homecoming this year.

Oppenheim Signature Smiles’ Thomasville Wonderful Woman has been chosen…Congratulations Gwen Cooper-Williams!

Word on the street is that Sturdy Brothers are keeping a location downtown...

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

- Denise P.

Farm to Table

Never fear you non-knitters! Fuzzy Goat will have things for you, as well, including bags and goat soaps. Kidwell said that they will even have a place for the non-knitters to rest while their knitting friends peruse the store.

If being in the shop inspires you, then you may want to pick up the craft as the store is not limited to experienced knitters, crocheters, and weavers, but they will offer

Dinner on the Bricks: Your Table Awaits

- Denise P.

Farm to Table smokey sausage with fresh figs & chÈvre

South of Macon, one of the great end-of-summer delights is plucking & eating a lusciously sweet, ripe fig from the garden. I have memories of barefoot hot summer days, drinking water from the garden hose, and eating fresh sun-warmed figs until my siblings and I were ready to pop!

Decades later, I still love fresh figs, especially paired with salty porks and cheeses. Lately, I have fallen in love with Stripling’s Smoked Links, which have a depth to them that provides a layer of flavor to any recipe. This recipe works as well on the grill as it does in the skillet; so send the kids out to gather fresh figs & celebrate the end of Summer!

1/4 cup sliced fresh mint leaves (optional) Bring grill or skillet to a medium-high heat. Brush sausages, figs, and onions with dressing; cook sausages about 15 minutes, onions about 10 minutes, and figs 5-7minutes.

Toss greens with remaining dressing; mound on plates.

Slice sausages. Top greens with sausages, cheese, figs, and mint.

Balsamic-Cane Syrup Dressing 5Tbsp balsamic vin 2Tbsp cane syrup

4 fresh Stripling's Smoked Links

1Tbsp Dijon mustard

4 1/2-inch-thick Vidalia Onion slices

6Tbsp vegetable oil

10Tbsp Balsamic-Cane Syrup dressing (Recipe below)

Whisk together until emulsified.

12 cups mixed greens

-Phillip Viohl is the owner of The Square Restaurant in Downtown Moultrie

3/4 cup soft fresh goat cheese

More info about Stripling's Sausages can be found at www.striplings.com

6 fresh figs, halved

+

F r e e

t o

r e a d ,

Coretta

It’s been a long time since Thomasville has allowed open imbibing of adult beverages in the historic “Bottom” on Jackson Street between Madison and Stevens—in fact, as far as I know it has never happened before. But it will on the evening of Saturday, September 6th at the Vashti Center for Children and Family’s Inaugural “Dinner on the Bricks” Fundraising Event as a part of FLAUNT’s September-long “Pop-It-Up” installation and festival along the Jackson Street corridor. The beverage approved for the evening by the City will be wine, and you must purchase your wine from Bacchus Wine Bar (229-672-0099). There will be no BYO. Yes, yes we know Savannah allows open consumption easily and often during their public soirees. Thomasville is not Savannah.

hence the unique exception(s) they’ve been granted for their public event. Their work for children and families is remarkable. Their commitment laudable. Their excellence at successful intervention first rate.

Here is the advance question – If you were a table at “Dinner on the Bricks” what table theme would you be?

(Townie Hint: splurging is advised.) Possible themes to consider, maybe: French Abominations: the Eiffel Tower in King Kong’s Grasp or Snakes on the Seine: Anaconda Style, truly the mind does boggles with motifs.

The Vashti Center is worthy of our community support,

The Vashti Center for Children and Families, Thomasville, Ga. needs and accepts your public support. For Event information, details, caterers, and updates go to Vashti’s website: www.vashti.org.

t h a n k s

t o

Tables for “Dinner on the Bricks” are on sale now and will be available through September 2nd. (Townie Insider Note: mind your step at the curbs along Jackson as some places are taller than you might expect.) Further details expected this week on the Vashti Center’s website, such as caterer options, the Jackson Street closing time, logistics of tables’ set up, event parking, port-a-potty locations, all that fun stuff. And, kidding aside, it is going to be fun. Sincerely, we hope you will come.

t h e s e :

Anevening evening with with aaPOP An POPofof art, music, food & performance art, music, food & performance SEPT 5 • 6-8 PM • 217/219 WEST JACKSON

FOR MORE INFO

www.thomasvillearts.org

One Day Only

A Song for

OPENING NIGHT NIGHT PARTY OPENING PARTY

by Pearl Cleage

August 30th

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

- Benjamin G.

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

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

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

WWW.THOMASVILLEPLAZA.COM

Is Your Smile Ready for Life’s Special Occasions?

Thomas E. Oppenheim DMD • AFAACD 229-226-1631

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

Page No.

2 FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM

AUGUST 15-28

Smiles All Around: Meet Thomasville's Wonderful Woman

In the Garden Today I went outside to water a demanding plant, one living in a big pot beside our porch. To avoid toppling off the breezeway with my heavy jug of water, I turned a rocking chair around, facing outward, and sat down. After delivering what may be a too-late drink of H2O to our once glamorous big-leafed fatsia, I sat back to relax for a minute.

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 Denise Purvis Kelly Samek J.K. Slaughter Abrie Soileau Phillip Viohl Contributing Writers Chaise Bishop Wade Chapman Benjamin Gardner Christopher Jones Natalie Kirbo Nancy McCollum Jennifer Westfield Contributing Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner David Longstreet

A really cool breeze was blowing, and it didn't take me long to note that our weatherman Mike McCall's prediction was exactly right. The Horrid Humidity was all but gone, and it was an absolutely glorious day to be outside. (I hope that all of you who could got out of the house. Low humidity days are rare gifts, truly few and far between.)

Oppenheim Signature Smiles has found a Thomasville Wonderful Woman, Gwen Cooper-Williams. If you ask anyone who knows Cooper-Williams, you will find out that she is indeed deserving of the title.

All the time I had been delivering water to a needy plant, the hummingbird feeder hanging overhead was also busy delivering H2O--a different, sugared-up water. My presence just below it was apparently no threat at all. There seemed to be a lot of buzz, a steady stream of hummers trying to drink.

Cooper-Williams received many nominations for this prize. She has been employed by the District Attorney’s office as a Victim’s Advocate since 2006. In that role for the last eight years, she has gone the extra mile. “We try to help out anyone that needs it,” she said. “Imagine going through something traumatic. We try to do all that we can for them.” Sometimes going that extra mile means making sure they have clothes for court, but other times it just means being there for them when they need support.

Interestingly, I soon had a visitor. A female hummer drifted down to hover so close to my arm and then my face that I could feel her fanning me with those fast moving wings. So close and calm, she generated a steady breeze. She flew up, near the feeder, and then came down again, even closer, fanning me more than before. She was clearly on a mission to get my attention.

This time my eyes followed her up and watched as she hovered near, but not on, the feeder. Was there an intruder on her favorite dinner spot? Aha. I noticed something sticking out. I stared at the protrusion and realized it was a head! The brilliant green head of a chameleon. I now understood what Ms. Hummingbird was asking for. She needed a little help with lizard removal!

Isn't this amazing?

Now I bet I know what you are thinking. Why didn't the hummingbird use that needle nose of hers on the chameleon? One poke and the lizard would retreat in a panic. But think about their sizes. Though very different in shape, the creatures were about the same size. If you or I encountered a lizard our size (5-6 feet long!), and It was arranged between us and our dinner table, we too would be looking for help.

Everything is relative.

So, using a cane, I reached up and nudged the little green guy, hoping he would hop on the cane for a safe ride down. But, no, he clamored up the feeder, up the wire, all motivated by the cane. There, in a fit of panic, the chameIeon LAUNCHED--and careened about 15 feet out and down into the flower bed. He landed well hidden and probably not even stunned by his dramatic descent!

It is obvious from talking with Cooper-Williams that she truly cares about her fitness students, and that she is proud of them for taking the next steps to better themselves. “I know how hard it is to put yourself first sometimes. I am so proud of these women. It truly blesses me,” Cooper-Williams said of her students. Through her status as a Zumba fitness instructor, she has participated in over 30 fundraisers for various causes, and she has put on five by herself.

“Winning this prize has been a blessing to me. I have been holding back my smile for so long. In Zumba you have to exude a happy feeling which is hard for you when you’re self-conscious about your teeth. This is a blessing waiting for me, and I can’t wait to show off my new smile.”

However, this is the second instance of a hummingbird showing me its ability to communicate with humans. This second event thoroughly convinces me of their very real ability, instead of it being my imagination turning their actions into language.

The grand prize was receiving an Oppenheim Signature Smile which includes Cooper-Williams getting her smile redone and her dental needs taken care of.

Blush Salon and Spa will be providing hair style, manicure and pedicure services for the night of the big reveal celebration. New Genesis Center will be providing Cooper-Williams with a wellness consultation and program, and a few other local vendors have donated additional gifts and services.

If you are interested, I will write about the first event. Next spring, when our peripatetic friends zoom into town from a warm winter abroad, it would be a good time to talk again about the amazing skills of hummingbirds.

- Nancy M.

Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves

Kelly Oppenheim said, “[Cooper-Williams] has a heart of gold and is deserving of this and so much more. What an amazing lady! The entire process was such an eye-opener for us...to learn about people in our community who give so unselfishly everyday without a thought or any expectation of recognition was incredible. For us, our goal was to be able to honor just one of these willing servants by giving them a beautiful smile that would match the inner beauty that they show so many every day.”

Oppenheim Signature Smiles accepted nominations from the public over a twomonth period before narrowing it down to a selection of 10 candidates. Those 10 nominations were then presented to Dr. Oppenheim's team and a vote was taken.

The nominee was entered by a friend, family member, co-worker, pastor, teacher, or coach in a letter. The letter addressed their involvement and contribution to the community and how they make a difference through volunteering or other methods of giving back as well as the nominee's perceived need for dental treatment.

Georgia Press Association

The requirements for nominees were that they must be a female living in Thomasville/Thomas County who contributed unselfishly to the community and refused to allow her circumstances to define her. Oppenheim stated that although the nominations were only extended to Thomasville/Thomas County residents this year, they hope to extend it next near to include other surrounding areas.

Comix by Laura Floyd

Award Winning

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight

She said that she started Zumba simply as a student. When the need presented itself for another instructor at her former gym, she got licensed. Then, the gym did away with group fitness classes, and she contacted a local church where she continued the classes on her own. After the class outgrew St. Luke’s, Dance Diva Fitness Studio was born in March of 2013.

Obviously, Ms. Hummer was watching all this. (Notice that I have now given her a calling name and proper form of address, after learning how clever and ingenious she is...) She had now determined that "the coast was clear" and immediately flew over to the feeder. She parked on her fine feeder full of fresh nectar, and drank her fill. I sat there a little longer, probably shaking my head, almost in disbelief.

Copy Editor Abrie Soileau

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.

Although Cooper-Williams has been a valued asset to the District Attorney’s office, she has also branched out her selflessness in other ways. Although she is a mother to three children and grandmother to two grandchildren, she still somehow carves out the time to run her Zumba dance studio, Dance Diva Fitness Studio. This is a venture that Cooper-Williams entered into not to make money, but as an outlet for herself and other deserving Thomasville women.

“We felt we were testing the waters and finding our way so to speak. We are planning to make this an annual event and plan to extend the area next year,” he said.

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

- Denise P.

Page No.

3

FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

AUGUST 15-28

In just two weeks, one of the most exhilarating days of the year will take place in the south. Fans have been counting down the days until College Football kicks off for nearly eight months. After what seemed like a lifetime, the offseason will finally end on August 31st with a showdown that carries a lot of weight in the hearts of Georgia Bulldog fans. UGA will open its season in Sanford Stadium in a match against Clemson that is projected to be one of the most watched rematches of the year. The Dawgs are anticipating a great year chocked full of new coaches and players and will debut Hutson Mason, their new quarterback who is following in the footsteps of the beloved Aaron Murray.

Home to all of this excitement is one of the most interesting and entertaining places to visit in Georgia, especially during football season. In the coming months, many will make the trip to this North Georgia college town to experience game day at UGA. If you find yourself in route to a Saturday in the South, here are some stops you have to make in Athens.

First stop, Mama’s Boy. Consistently ranked one of the best restaurants in Athens, this stand out breakfast joint provides its guests with food so good you just might forget about football for a moment.

Showcased last year on ESPN, Mama’s Boy features fried chicken biscuits, breakfast tacos, fried green tomatoes, and hot chocolate to die for. If you like sweets, they’ve got you covered with their ‘chocolate cake for breakfast’ dish. They open at 7 a.m., giving you plenty of time to beat the crowd.

Up next are the sights and sounds of campus.

You could spend the entire day exploring this historical university. Established in 1801, the old southern charm is shown through the landscape and architecture around campus. While making your way through town and campus towards the stadium, make sure you count how many painted bulldog statutes you can find. They stand guard over the town and there are over 30 in all!

The closer you get to Sanford Stadium, the more fun there is to see. Take a look through the bookstore and get yourself a brand new UGA shirt for the occasion. When you’re all decked out in red and black, head over to Herty Field to see where is all started. The Dawgs played here in 1892 in the first college football game in the state of Georgia. Once you’ve taken in the football history for a moment, take a short walk to the Chapel Bell. Ringing this bell began when fans would use it to signal a bulldog victory after the game. It stands today as one of their oldest football traditions.

This 150-year old black cast-iron arch has seen UGA’s history, students, players, and fans pass before it. It’s three pillars stand for wisdom, justice and moderation. Legend has it, that you cannot walk through the arch until you have graduated from the university. Notice the worn steps to either side of this historic landmark. Take a moment to get your picture taken with this iconic symbol before you decide if you will walk through it or not!

The real excitement, however, takes place about two hours before kickoff. Make your way down to the stadium and watch as the buses bring the Dawgs down Lumpkin Street. There, the players, coaches, cheerleaders, and Redcoats walk through the sea of fans into the stadium. This up close encounter will stand out as a fond memory for Georgia fans.

Next, enjoy the game! If you don’t already know it, you will quickly adopt the routine for a Bulldog kickoff. Let’s just say “Sick ‘Em” will be stuck in your head for weeks after. This is the only place where barking for four quarters makes you a hero. Take a moment to observe the intense spirit that engulfs the hearts of all those who stand proud in Sanford Stadium. Make sure you get a good look at Uga in his doghouse over the big screen.

After you witness a Georgia victory, head over to the Clayton Street area to celebrate the win with thousands of fellow bulldogs. Spend the evening bar hopping to places like Bourbon Street, Highwire Lounge, Trappeze Pub, and Double Barrel. If you are looking to celebrate in style, try out the Porterhouse Grill, Five & Ten or The National for an upscale dining experience. While you’re out walking around, make sure to snag a shot of the famous Georgia Theater while it’s lit up at night. Athens brings a blend of college town bars, an eclectic music and art scene, and intriguing food options to its nightlife.

Before heading home on Sunday, make sure to stop

by Jittery Joe’s, an Athens original, on the way out of town. Their coffee is amazing and you will be greeted by cheery baristas ready to make the start of your day a pleasant one.

No matter how you spend game day in Athens, rest assured it will be an unforgettable experience. Take part in as many bulldog traditions as you can. Stop at tailgates and make new friends. Try new food. Yell as loud as you can through the game. Learn about Athens history. But, most importantly, experience the emotion of those that make up Dawg Nation.

To the true fans and the city of Athens, its not just football. It’s a way of life.

- Chaise B.

Almost as recognizable as Uga himself is the arch.

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

sponsored by CFS Wealth Management

athens, georgia university of georgia

Chamber Chatter

New Chamber Members

Road Trip

DeHaven Enterprise Kimberly and Dustin DeHaven 229-672-0196 or 229-200-3792 dehavenenterprise@gmail.com

DeHaven Enterprises consists of independent agents Kimberly and Dustin DeHaven. They offer Life and Health Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Plans, Cancer Plans, Long-Term Care Insurance and more. They are licensed in Georgia and all the surrounding states. For more information on DeHaven Enterprises or to receive a quote, contact them at 229-672-0196 or 229-200-3792. You may also visit their office located at 229 E Jefferson St., Suite C.

Southern Grace 423 N. Green St • Boston, GA 31626 Debbie Parrish • 229-377-0194 southerngraceevents@outlook.com Farmer’s Home Furniture 2010 E. Pinetree Blvd • Thomasville, GA 31792 229-228-4405 • Chrisn1303@aol.com The Bookshelf 126 S. Broad St • Thomasville, GA 31792 229-228-7767 • annie@bookshelfthomasville.com

The Blue Coop Scoop As you ‘Villians may have noticed, Blue Coop is temporarily closed. Never fear, they are preparing to open this fall. According to Jessica Little, Sweet Grass Dairy co-owner, “We're so engaged with such a booming cheese industry, we're taking time to refocus our energy on our growth as a business while utilizing the slow end of the summer to reconcept the restaurant to better serve our patrons and community this fall.”

Although they do not have a firm reopening date, Jessica said that they want to make sure to have all of the details worked out fully before reopening the restaurant. She said the time frame could be as soon as four weeks from now or as far as three months from now, and that they would be closed as long as it takes for them to rewrite a vision that is both within their ability, and one that the community will support.

Jessica said that she and Jeremy were not happy with the Blue Coop experience that they were giving their guests.

“There were parts of Blue Coop that were very successful and others that were not. We have so much going on right now that we both felt like it was important to completely stop and refocus our efforts,” said Jessica.

As far as Blue Coop goes when it reopens, it will be the next evolution. As with any evolution, things will be different. “It would be wrong for me to say that Jeremy and I are not disappointed in having to reconcept the

restaurant, but we also feel like we let our community down by not being able to consistently deliver the Sweet Grass Dairy experience within Blue Coop. Jeremy and I are both still very passionate about great food and we are very excited about the opportunity to try the next evolution of the restaurant,” said Jessica.

Jessica said that now the priority for Sweet Grass Dairy is addressing the needs of the other businesses. “We need to ensure the cheese plant has the necessary systems and procedures in place for us to take production to the next level. We have a long way to go before we break ground on our new production faculty, but the benefits of this extra effort will be very rewarding. It is an exciting time for the culture of Sweet Grass Dairy,” she said.

Many locals are lamenting the closure of the bar and its incendiary cocktails. “The beautiful thing about Thomasville is that everyone truly wants us to succeed.

We have been encouraged not only by individuals in our town but also by the other restaurant owners. We truly live in a unique community,” she said.

For more information about Sweet Grass Dairy, please visit sweetgrassdairy.com. For up to the minute details on Sweet Grass happenings, please visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sweetgrassdairy).

- Denise P.

One Muralist's Tale, Part One I love the smell of paint, not like in a nefarious under the bridge, dark alley huffing from a bag way, but like imagine your happy place kind of way: floating down a river on a hot day with friends, a group of happy people, or in the middle of a North Georgia forest with a gently running stream with the cool misty air from the green canopy above, seeing an old college friend for the first time again in fifteen years and embracing, neither of you wanting to let go. Painting for me is my happy place. Including the feel of the paint when it gets on my hands and under my fingernails, the odor and aroma, the sweat, the variety of colorful pigments, the isolation, and the way the brushes feel in my hand… It’s always very comforting.

Scheduling, planning, guidelines, DEADLINES, concepts, construction, transferring, sweating, anxiety, lack of sleep, insomnia, working, climbing, admiring, listening, researching all these elements are part of my latest creation, a twelve by fifteen foot mural for the FLAUNT 2014: Pop it Up! adult mural competition.

Beginning on a Saturday morning in mid July, I ripped pine boards to create a frame for the large hunk of canvas. Stretching the fabric on a frame and rolling on two gallons of contractor grey primer took an entire day. The next couple of days involved finding the right location in a friend’s warehouse to hang my canvas so that I could maneuver a twelve foot scaffold around it to paint it. Then on day three I was finally able to project the concept image onto the canvas and transfer it withSharpies.

I teach in Tallahassee five days a week and freelance, plus do graphics and photography, so completing this project for me is a bit of a challenge; the time frame to complete this project is just a few days over a month.

Regardless, I love to paint and I love my community, so this mural isn’t about the time I don't have to complete it but the love of creating and sharing.

Day after day I have been spending roughly two and a half hours, eight on Saturdays and Sundays, in a hot warehouse on Stevens Street painting in black, grey and white, creating, sweating, listening to music, running away

to my happy place, isolating myself, enjoying my time in front of the canvas, creating. I have also been posting pictures, taking images of the progress. In the age of in-your-face, everything all the time information, I try to capture and share my process and progress. I enjoy watching a street being paved or a building being renovated or demolished—they are processes which illustrate a transformation. It’s all about the journey. For me images not only catalogue a journey but they can tell what writing simply can’t. They transform an individual into a moment. Painting and drawing for me is the same, transforming me into a moment, learning and growing.

In September most of you will see what I have been working on for the past month or so along with a group of other artists’ creations. I can imagine that their journeys have been similar, possibly involving isolating themselves from friends, family, losing sleep, sweating profusely in the July heat, and steadily working for the grand reveal.

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

- Clay B.

Page No.

4 FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM

AUGUST 15-28

Meet Dawn Muller

The Stylish House it's all in the details

There is a saying, I am probably misquoting, that “it’s all in the details.” I think this is particularly true when accessorizing or staging a home. Accessories, or ornaments as my Grandmother used to call them, are the smaller pieces of home furnishings, such as mirrors, lamps or throw pillows which add to the overall livable atmosphere of a space. Without some type of ornamentation, a home can seem barren and void of personality. Too many can cause a space to feel cluttered. In accessorizing a home, be sure that the ornaments are attractive and personal and give to the overall harmony of the space.

Mirrors can be fun and will make a smaller room appear larger. Hanging a tasteful mirror above a mantle, over a dining room sideboard or an entry hall console will provide the best reflection and function for the room and its inhabitants. Avoid using more than one mirror in a room.

As Rhett Butler would say, “there were more mirrors in the room than that of Miss Watling’s establishment.” I think we all know what he meant.

When illuminated, a lamp becomes a primary feature in any space. Not only does it give illumination to a dark corner or reading area, it can also set a mood. Good lamps should be attractive and have the proper watt bulbs installed. I only wish the 60 watt pink incandescents were still available. I swear, they take off five years. Extreme contrasts in area lighting are not pleasant. Very bright areas adjacent to dim areas are confusing to the eye. Consistency, thou art

a jewel.

Lighting should be as much a part of the room as the furniture, carpets or art. No one wants to be looked at in the merciless glare of overhead lighting or a table lamp with a 100 watt bulb in it. The proper shade is also important. Shades can make or break a lamp. For instance, you can take an inexpensive ginger jar lamp and put a silk shade and base on it to give it a richer look. Shades control the distribution of the light by softening the shadows and lessening the contrasts. In my opinion, 60 watt bulbs and silk shades are the best.

Throw pillows and blankets should be both functional and attractive. A fancy smancy pillow that cannot be used is worthless. Who wants to lay their head on a pillow with beads or heavy embroidery when trying to read Town and Country or the latest Regency bodice ripper? Having a wool throw out in the middle of August is as ridiculous as having a light cotton blanket out in January. Change them both out seasonally.

A little common sense goes a long way when considering the little, special touches that accessorize a home. Always strive for individuality, functionality and a sense of personal style when accessorizing a space. The stylish house, should always have the look of pieces collected over time with meaning rather than set pieces purchased en masse.

- Davey B.

this fish-loving girl's heart.

Tucker Strickland runs Emerald Shoals Excursions out of Carrabelle. The son of a fly fishing guide, Tucker grew up on these waters. Specializing in sight casting to Tarpon and Redfish, Tucker has been helping anglers from all over the world catch the big one for seven years now. While primarily based out of Carrabelle, Tucker also follows the Redfish to Louisiana later on in the year.

Speaking of dream jobs, Tucker finally took us over to the Tarpon Flats. Not many people even know it, but there is world class Tarpon fishing just down the road from here in the Panhandle. And with a guide like Tucker, you are setting yourself up for the most exciting catchof-the-day ever.

Then Tucker's wife Lauren (of LGDunston Gyotaku Fish Prints) caught a Flounder that she thought she might demonstrate a gyotaku fish print with for us. It didn't end up working out... mainly because this Flounder looked like what my father likes to call "groceries."

Afterwards, we headed all the way around remote Dog Island to St. George Island. Here, we sight casted to some Bluefish and Redfish, which was pretty awesome.

A Bluefish doesn’t make for good groceries, but they sure are fun to catch! We caught a couple more good trout, too. Tucker and I both caught a couple really pretty Redfish here. Now that’s good groceries AND fun to catch! Not to mention beautiful. The spots on their tails are all unique, and their pale pink undertones get after

Drawn to the idea of wellness and making a long-term difference in someone’s life and health sparked Dawn’s interest in creating a place that would treat the whole person instead of viewing them as a shoulder or leg that wasn’t functioning correctly. With that notion, she and her husband moved to Thomasville, Georgia. The quaint town she had once wondered about afforded her the opportunity to make her dream a reality.

trainer in the region. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also one of the only Women’s Health Specialists in Southeast Georgia and North Florida. Topping the educational charts for her field, Dawn completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health and Sciences last May. Talk about a dedicated lady!

In the upcoming year, Dawn plans to unveil some exciting plans for Thrive. She says that being the owner allows her to learn all the different components of this rewarding business and continue working towards making the company the best it can be for its patients.

Her favorite part is the interaction that she gets to share with each person that walks through the doors of Thrive.

Outside of owning her own business, Dawn loves to read, cook, garden, and exercise. Recently, she even took up bee keeping, which has proven to be a unique and fun experience. She loves Thomasville and says the small town comes with unique elements like walking into a restaurant and seeing people you know; components that she truly enjoys after growing up in the big city of Atlanta. Thomasville serves as a rare and special place for Dawn, especially the downtown area. She also said that the virtually non-existent traffic isn’t so bad either!

Even though this incredible woman has accomplished so much already, Dawn is always planning the next chapter of her intriguing life. She hopes to one day move to a Spanish speaking country to become fluent in the language and fully immerse herself in the culture as a local, not a tourist. In the meantime though, you can find Dawn at Thrive living her beautiful dream in a town that matches that beauty perfectly. We look forward to all that she and her business will bring to Thomasville and its Townies in the years to come.

In 2011, she completed her Manual Therapy Certification making her the only MTC certified

A self-professed fisher-lady, I might not know the ins and outs of hooks, leads, spinners, and lures, but I’ve loved to fish ever since I could grunt my own worms. I started out on bream (as most Southern gals do), but these days I’m always itching to get to the coast. Luckily, a friend of mine (who conveniently is a flats fishing guide) recently invited me to hitch a ride on his boat.

Tucker first took us to catch some bait. That man throws a pretty cast net. And can drive the boat with his foot at the same time... it's truly impressive. After we caught what Tucker deemed a sufficient amount of bait fish, we switched over to what we came for: fishing. We started hooking Trout right off the bat using ten-pound spin tackle with forty-pound leaders. The rods Tucker let us use were custom-made and hand wrapped by his neighbor, with Penn reels.

As a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia, Dawn set out to put her Physical Therapy degree to use in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Dotting Dawn’s career path is a plethora of exciting clients including professional and Olympic athletes, Atlanta Falcons, members of the Atlanta Ballet, and Georgia Tech athletes. She also enjoyed international opportunities working with the Spanish basketball team and Nigerian track and field athletes. She recalls that testing the incoming NFL rookies as one of her favorite jobs.

Even though Dawn boasts an exciting professional background, she wasn’t done just yet. She had a dream to peruse.

In 2008, Dawn opened Thrive Physical Therapy and Personal Training. The company embodies all the she had been imagining over the years. It strives for its patients to walk away from the experience with new knowledge to make them feel better, live longer and well, thrive. Their services tackle everything from women’s heath issues and manual therapy to recovery and fitness training. Together, Dawn and her staff are setting the standards for high-quality physical training.

Confessions of a Flats Fishing Addict

A few weeks ago, my husband and I arrived bright and early on the most beautiful June morning. It was perfect for in-shore fishing and sight casting: the water was like glass. And if you're thinking that "Carrabelle" and "Emerald Shoals" don't quite match up, a day like this will change your mind pronto.

While riding through town one day with her husband on a visit to Thomasville, a thought crossed Dawn Muller’s mind. “How lovely it must be to live in a such a beautiful, quaint town.” Little did she know that pretty soon, the opportunity would come knocking at her door.

A fish straight out of the water is truly a thing of beauty, and something I'm grateful to say I get to see fairly often. I know Tucker and Lauren consider themselves fortunate to get to do it daily... I think they have what the rest of us landlubbers call “dream jobs?”

Tucker is a pro, but as long as you can fly fish, he will guide you right down to when to throw your fly and where. He can predict exactly where the fish will be, on which side of the boat, and will let you know when you've got your "shot" and where to put it. He likens Tarpon fishing to deer hunting: you wait around in a spot you know they like to come, and then you've got one shot at them. We didn't have to wait too long before Tucker got a shot, and it was quite possibly the most fun I've had while fishing and not catching a fish ever. He hooked a Tarpon on his fly in short order, and while the rest of us watched in awe, this 80-pound dinosaur jumped, rolled, and generally showed off. Even if you don't fly fish, (or even fish at all!) one trip like this makes you want to learn. The thrill in the air is palpable. Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...

We called it a (really, really great) day after the Tarpon broke the tip of Tucker's fly rod. Even so, it was a fair catch, since Tucker got the leader to the tip of his fly rod before the break. We headed in for some cocktails and a meal of freshly-caught Trout, some fresh shrimp, grits, and homegrown veggies from Lauren's garden. (She claims to be best at catching vegetables, leaving most of the fishing to Tucker.)

Want a flats fishing story of your own?

Book a trip with Tucker at Emerald Shoals Excursions: http://www.emeraldshoals.com/#!bookatrip/c19rm And tell him the Townie sent ya! ;)

- Chaise B.

At TCA: Artistic Child Becomes Free Thinking Adult During the school year there runs at the Thomasville Center for the Arts an after-school program for children ages 4 – 14, Monday through Thursday from 3:30 – 5:00 called simply, “Art in the Afternoon.”

I propose that to appreciate the arts is to delve into the mind, the heart, the moods, the strengths, the weaknesses, the depths, the shallows, if you will, the very motivators of humankind. And, to introduce the arts early to your children does not create the indolent, idolatrous daydreamer, but rather bestows discernment and provides a leg-up to future maturation and development. I can recall from my own experience, as a lover of words, it was I, who on the playground knew from already having read Huck Finn, Lord of the Flies, and other young adult literature how to perceive quickly, if not early, the politics of bullying situations, and reduce them by mere talk, in order to avoid having, myself, to scuffle with someone, or to step in as arbiter and pacify adversaries before fists began flying.

I further submit it will be these young man and women, educated in and exposure to the arts (be it writing, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or drama/theater) who will conceive the new innovations that markets watch for and await so intently, for it is more likely ideas novel and useful will arise from those

practiced at and accustomed to abstract thought and/ or alternative points of view. One thing, certainly, indicated by our changing employment sector in this country is that we are but players in a diverse world, competitors who must remain current, adaptive, and well-rounded in order to thrive, not merely subsist.

Different trades have various skills and businesses their associated principles, yet leadership is a consistent theme embraced by them all. In order to lead people one must be able to convey convincingly, i.e. persuade.

American children should learn that just being independent and right is not enough where multiple perspectives interact interdependently, not multiple truths, but cultural sensibilities that must be respected.

Thus, how you say it matters as much, if not more so sometimes, than being correct. If Malcolm Gladwell is correct that it takes 10,000 hours of practice at complex or creative tasks before we become adepts, then I encourage you—do not wait—enroll your children in arts affiliated programs like TCA’s “Art in the Afternoon” now, for tomorrow is when we all begin those journeys we never start.

For information contact Hananel Mavity 229-226-0588 or visit www.thomasvillearts.org.

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

- Natalie K.

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

at

Page No.

5

FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

AUGUST 15-28

A Reason to Be - There "A Song for Coretta" at TCA

Local Children's Book Author Kicks off Kickstarter Dona Carruth is venturing into the Kickstarter world where she hopes to get enough backers to print her children’s book about a mermaid named Mariah.

Dona answered questions about this journey and the creation of Mariah’s story. Dona hopes to have her project completed if at least $5,500 is pledged by August 25, 2014.

I saw that your inspiration came from reading to your daughter as a child, but where did the story of Mariah come from? Was it something that you made up with her or something else entirely? The story just sort of came to me. I drew the picture of her coming out of the shell, and it struck me that she looked tiny, rather than full sized like a real mermaid would be. The story grew from that concept and when I told it to my daughter she wanted more pictures. And thus it became a book.

Did you illustrate the book and write the story as well? Yes, I did all the illustrations and story. I also designed both dolls.

What made you decide to do a Kickstarter campaign? I know Kickstarter has been a successful way for many individuals to realize their dreams. I like that it offers a way for me to award my pledges with something in return for their investment.

Hopefully it will “kickstart” my book and enable me to write another!

I noticed that you have been wanting to do this for two decades. Was it just this story in particular or any children's book that you wanted to write? This story has been haunting me for a long time. I have several other books in mind but felt that I needed to finish this one and get it published before becoming too involved with any other. I have another children’s book with a pattern sketched out that is more geared towards boys and an adult knitting pattern book. There is also a fantasy book idea that I’ve been playing with for a while.

That one is more for young readers (no pictures).

Did you sew and knit with your daughter as a child? What made you decide to add the doll element? I always did crafts and sewing projects with my daughter. I did not start to knit until about 10 years ago. I now knit and spin my own yarn. I even have my own sheep for the wool! When it was time to read together my daughter always grabbed a stuffed animal or doll to hold as I read to her. Later she spent many hours reading her books to her dolls. I thought the addition of a doll would thrill the child and I also want to encourage creativity and help them learn that a homemade toy is often much better than something bought at a large chain store (you know the one I mean!)

How long is the end resulted book? The book itself is only about 30 pages. I think it’s a good length for a young child and comparable to others on the market. The patterns add a few more pages. It will be a hard cover book with a total of 40 pages.

What ages will this book be appropriate for? It is probably a book that will be attractive to girls. I started reading to my daughter when she was very young (well under a year). This book will carry a child from the start through the age where they can read to themselves. I have included words like fantastic, skimmed, academy, and unconsciously, ( and others) so I would say the book will still hold the interest of a 7-8 year old—perhaps even older. My goal is to entertain the child, yet encourage them to learn to really read and expand their vocabulary.

Dona wanted to add that the yarn was provided

by Cascade Yarns, and that she had already begun working with the printer. Once printing is given the go-ahead, Mariah’s story should be on shelves in 6-8 weeks.

For the Dona’s full Kickstarter story, to a glimpse at the book and pledge some money towards her campaign, search “Dona Carruth” on www. kickstarter.com.

- Denise P.

On stage Saturday, August 30th at 8p, for one night only at Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 East Washington Street—generations of African American womanhood, moralities, lifestyles, and realities will collide onstage. Will they be able to tolerate and communicate, will there be learning and respect, either for the legacy of the dead, or the conduct of the future?

“A Song for Coretta” by Pearl Cleage is a one-act play. It is February 7th, 2006 and our five female characters have come to Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta for the funeral of Coretta Scott King, widow of assassinated Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Many of us who were alive and of age during the Civil Rights movement look now with a jaundiced eye at the younger generation—they believe they are free, yet what is it that they do with the freedom they’ve inherited, a freedom so hard won, and for which so many sacrificed so much?

They, for their part, see the old-heads, and wonder, how it is that we are not more sympathetic to their plight, why we cannot identify with their adversity. “So, what’s the deal anymore about abstract racism of the past?“ Many will ask, “when what I need is child care, a job, and a paycheck.”

“A Song for Coretta” at Thomasville Center for the Arts, for One-Night-Only, Saturday, August 30th. For Information contact Thomas Robinson @ 404-285-8367 or email: scalesofjustice@bellsouth.net - Benjamin G

Farm to Table hummingbird cake

Hummingbird cake has become such a standard in the Southern cake pantheon that one might presume it has a long and storied history. In fact, the first printing of the recipe for hummingbird cake only dates back as far as a 1978 issue of Southern Living, although it bears considerable similarity to a confection called doctor bird cake that probably originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.

In this recipe we take the traditional hummingbird cake combination of pineapple, banana, cinnamon, and nuts, bake it in perfectly portable packaging, and top it with additional pineapple and a cream cheese frosting that’s been amped up with another dose of cinnamon. The result is as whimsical as it is delish.

comes out clean. While the cakes are baking, prepare pineapple compote and cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Remove cakes from the oven and allow to cool. Top with a spoonful of pineapple compote and level with the back of the spoon. Pipe on cinnamon cream cheese frosting so that it almost fills the remainder of the jar. Optional: garnish with a candied or spiced pecan before lidding the completed jar cake. I like to use Sheffield Spiced Pecans, which are available at the Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop.

Farm to Table

Hummingbird Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 scant teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple (in juice) 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans--Lewis Produce 2 overripe bananas, mashed

Poetry: Benjamin Gardner Artwork : Sarah Lowe

Immediately following the performance, you too, as the audience, having been invited into the church for the play, are encouraged to associate outside the church door(s) for discussion and commentary amongst yourselves. We work together. We play sports together. But, we do not worship together enough, nor do we break bread together in one another’s home, be it after church, or after work.

And, with regard to our faith, that which abides us through conflict, strife, tragedy and across boundaries such as of the generational kind, though mostly on holidays, recognize faith’s enduring and endearing value, not merely to the Civil Rights Movement, nor to Mrs. King, nor to the very different women who gather for her funeral in the drama presented—we recognize the value of our abiding faith to our very continued survival as a diverse nation that must not be undone by its differences, but be able instead to unite, most especially when called.

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir in eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until just combined. Add pineapple (with juice), pecans, and bananas and stir just enough to incorporate. Place twelve clean half-pint mason jars on a baking sheet. Using a measuring cup or ice cream scoop, measure approximately three ounces or a heaping 1/3 cup of batter into each jar. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a cake

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

Pineapple Compote 2 8-ounce cans crushed pineapple (in juice) 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch In a saucepan, combine pineapple (with juice) and brown sugar over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Stir and allow the mixture to reduce slightly. Place the cornstarch in a separate heatproof container and spoon in about three tablespoons of the hot pineapple juice. Stir to create a smooth slurry. Reduce the heat to low and stir the slurry into the pineapple mixture. Stir as the mixture thickens for about a minute or two. Pull the saucepan off the heat and allow the mixture to cool before using.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature 1 stick butter, room temperature 1 pound powdered sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla Using a hand or stand mixer, cream together cream cheese and butter. Sift in powdered sugar in two or three additions along with the cinnamon. As powdered sugar incorporates, add vanilla. Beat until smooth.

- Kelly S.

FREE

FREE

AUGUST 15-28 VOLUME 3

AUGUST 15-28 VOLUME 3

FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM

Dance Card.

August 15, 16, 22, 23 Taste of Thomasville Food Tour, 10:30p - 1:30p 3 hour, 1.4 mile walking/tasting tour feat. Thomasville’s culinary best $40 pp, advanced tickets required www.tasteofthomasvillefoodtour.com August 16 Thomasville YMCA 3rd Annual Youth Triathlon, 8a – 12p Late registration (Walk-in only August 15th), $45 Event benefitting Thomasville YMCA swim team Butler-Mason YMCA, 304 Remington Ave TOSAC Membership Dinner, 5p – 8p Open to everyone- whether you want to get involved or have been on the stage for years.

This family friendly (and fun!) organization asks that you bring a dessert to share St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 216 Remington Avenue Gatsby Casino Night, 6p Thomas University hosts this scholarship fundraising event Advance tickets: $20 by calling (229) 227-6903 Corporate sponsorships available Grady Cultural Center, 101 1st St., Cairo August 21 Film Society Meeting The Bookshelf, 7p to 10p Enjoy a screening of Cohen brothers’ film “True Grit” and a book and film discussion with Thomas University professor, Lisa Mitchell.

Free and open to the public 126 South Broad Street August 22 “Sauce Boss”, Bill Wharton Bradfordville Blues Club; 9:00 pm A one man band serving up “Americana Swamp Blues” with gumbo on the side (literally) For information or tickets call 850-906-0766.

August 25 Cheesemaking 101, 10a Introduction to Cheese Making at Sweet Grass Dairy led by owner Jeremy Little, for anyone interested in cheese and cheese making. Each guest will hand-craft their own 5-pound wheel of Thomasville Tomme, which will be shipped after a 3 month aging period 19635 US Highway 19 North

Issue No.

14

FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE

Meet the Staffer: Jennifer Westfield When/how did you develop your interest in writing?

When I was in elementary school, I was obsessed with an author's ability to create, shape and own the world through writing. The first time I encountered a book full of empty pages: book fair journal, first grade [cue evil laughter]...

How did you end up in Thomasville? One of my first friends in Tallahassee outside of FSU was Hananel Mavity, who if you don't know, is from Thomasville. She and I worked together in 2008, and she is one of the funniest, most talented people I've ever known. When you're with her, you feel like one of the many child characters in a Julie Andrews musical. I went to Quincy to see her on stage, and eventually learned that she'd gone to Brookwood. My immediate thought was, what is this mysterious school (and this town?) that shaped her?

A few years later, she was back in town full time, in a TOSAC play involving my coworker Clay Byars, who’s from Thomasville and worked with me in Tallahassee, too. Clay and I were both into photography, so he told me about the Center for the Arts' Artist Collective and introduced me to Darlene Mathis who got me involved in a project with Townie founder Bunny Byrne. I started seeing more of Hananel again, which I liked, because by then she was actually working with Darlene at the Center.

Darlene introduced me to every last manager at TCA and I ended up writing press for them, and then contributing to Thom magazine. Bunny and I formed a tremendous personal and professional relationship and when the time came, she made me editor of the Townie. And thanks to all of these wonderful references, my full-time job is now as Director of Communications at Brookwood-- the mysterious school (and in the town) that shaped Hananel, and I get to share both the school's and the town's stories.

How’s that for full circle?

What's the deal with Mr. Kittles? I mean, obviously I know, but maybe the whole world should know.

He's a perk-eared Scottish Fold. Depending on how they're bred, they can have very short snouts and look like little owls. People can't handle the flood of emotion they feel when they see him. I once had a friend come over, and when the cat climbed into his lap, he said he wanted to light Mr. Kittles' "flat face" on fire and use him as a battering ram. When said friend looks at him now and says, "Let's go storm the castle," I know that it really means, "Mr. Kittles, I don't know how to express affection, but I am overwhelmed by my love for you."

What is your favorite part about being editor of the Townie? Being able to give something back to Thomasville, for everything the people here have given me. Your columns are pretty hilarious too, Denise. As are your e-mails, text messages, personal communications and airplane banners you fly over the beach when I'm sitting there drinking my Bushwhackers and not texting you back fast enough. Haha. I dreamt that once.

You travel all the time! What's your favorite Florida coastal city? Why? I eat and drink all the time and I have to travel to do it. I love the hot wings at Tamara's Tapas and the oysters at Hole in the Wall in Apalachicola.

I drink the microbrews at Maguire's in Destin and the Bushwhackers at the Crab Trab on Fort Walton Beach, although the Flora-Bama in Perdido Key has the best Bushwhackers (and gulf shrimp). Blue Heaven in Key West has the lobster eggs benedict and banana bread, and Sloppy Joe's has the conch fritters. St. Pete (my hometown) has a smoked duck quesadilla at a downtown place called Cantina. When I was in college, before Cantina opened, I used to make people who visited me at FSU bring me Red Mesa (Cantina's mother restaurant) duck quesadillas.

No joke, they brought them up here in little cooler bags.

What is your claim to fame? I'm Sofia's mom.

Who is your hero? Why? I won't be offended if you don't say me. Thurgood Marshall. Long before Marshall was on the Supreme Court, before Brown v. Board, he was an NAACP attorney who risked his life crisscrossing the country to represent black defendants in the Jim Crow South. His story is incredible. When Marshall was defending the Groveland Boys, it was Florida more than any other state that was the hotbed of race-related violence. This is all highlighted in an infuriating, Pulitzer prizewinning book by Gilbert King called Devil in the Grove.

What other nerdery besides Game of Thrones are you into? I like crosswords and could give you a solid crash course in French Poststructuralism, but I really only came to appreciate Tolkien and George R. R. Martin because of Peter Jackson, and D. B. Weiss and David Benioff-- the people who made the motion pictures. Am I reading A Feast for Crows for the third time right now?

Yes. Can I dismantle an argument without using words because I got bored last year and took a non-degree seeking course in symbolic logic at Florida State? Yes. Did I get so celeb'd-out when I interviewed Lark Mason from Antiques Roadshow in March? YES. Am I a nerd? no.

Pick your poison. Tell me how you'd like it prepared.

My death row meal consists of as many Arby's beef and cheddars as I could eat before exploding.

What new and exciting things do you hope for the Townie in the coming months, years, eons? I think we have a pretty good thing going. I'd just hope to further promote people and businesses in Thomasville as the town continues to grow, and hopefully grow along with it.

What is your favorite thing about Thomasville?All of the women at the Center for the Arts, the Townie, Thom, Brookwood... The Taste of Thomasville cheeseboard at Sweet Grass Dairy. Thomasville makes me happy.

August 26 Final day of “The Lure of Florida Fishing” Exhibit of artwork and artifacts depicting the natural beauty and significant periods of Florida’s angling history.

Florida Museum of Natural History, Tallahassee Free and open to the public www.museumoffloridahistory.com

- Denise P.

Like, she thought she might be the next Maureen O'Hara.

But even my mother, the die-hard fan of the Duke, enjoyed the latest version of True Grit, written, directed, and produced by the Coen Brothers and starring the esteemed Jeff Bridges. And because this American classic actually started as novel -- as many classic American films do -- it's our pleasure to host our second Bookshelf Film Society event with True Grit.

I know what you're thinking: Annie, you run a bookstore, not a movie theater. But ever since I was a part of a film society in college, I've thought it would be kind of fun to get together with other movie lovers -- not necessarily film buffs, per say, just people who like movies -- to watch and discuss and learn. And because one of the perks of running your own business (or at least attempting to) is trying out new ideas, I figured: Why not try a film club at The Bookshelf ? Many of the movies we love were based on books or short stories or narratives, so it makes sense to bring those movies to our local bookstore. It makes even more sense when you realize the vibrant film community that exists at both Thomas University and FSU, both schools within just a few minutes of Thomasville.

That's why we'll be showing True Grit Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m. at The Bookshelf. Of course, as a book lover and staunch believer in what I've termed the "book first policy," I encourage you to read the Charles Portis book prior to our meeting (copies are on sale at your favorite local bookstore now), then come prepared to compare and contrast the film and the book on which it was based.

TU film professor Lisa Mitchell will guide our discussion after the movie. Our first film society meeting was such fun, and now, we're excited to meet again. (And maybe it's no coincidence both of our selected films have featured spunky -- dare I say gritty? -- young female protagonists.

They truly make for some of the best stories, don't you think?) The film society meets at no cost to you, though donations are appreciated. Instead, it's our goal to just gather with a group of like-minded folks to discuss the books and movies we love so much. We'll see you there! .............

Pssst... did you know The Bookshelf has a podcast?

We're really getting hi-tech over here. Visit www. bookshelfthomasville.com/podcast, or search for "From the Front Porch" on iTunes. We've got interviews with authors, book recommendations, and generally enjoyable discussions waiting to be heard.

- Annie B. The Bookshelf

looking for new customers? we’ve got townies!

And...psst...we’ve got new ad sizes and rates too!

August 27 United Way of Thomas County Kick-Off luncheon Plaza Restaurant; 11:30 am Guy McIntyre, former All-Pro NFL football player, Thomasville native, will be the guest speaker Advance tickets required, 229-228-0560.

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

My mother loves John Wayne.

We looooo ooooooooo oooooooooo ooooooooove our sponsors!

With a distribution of 2,000 issues in over fifty retail outlets and paper boxes around the ‘Ville, the Townie is a great way to reach new potential customers. Our readers love to support all things Thomasville, including your business! Call or email us today for more information.

229.236.9232 ads@yourtownie.com

What could you do with

A Confident Smile?

303 W. Hansell St., Thomasville 229-227 -1447

www.aconfidentsmile.com David Longstreet

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.