Townie #17

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Thomasville’s Only

Issue No.

OCT 3 - 16

When you first have the pleasure of meeting Randy Watts, you’ll immediately pick up on the qualities that make him the perfect person to lead Brookwood School.

Randy is also an avid Thomasville CrossFit gym member, Paleo dieter (and cookbook author!), former longtime saxophone player and Led Zeppelin fan. On Saturday nights you can find him over at Glen Arven, and if you ever can’t find him, check Kevin’s before putting out an APB. Randy, his wife Nadia, and sons Sam (10) and Ben (7) relocated to Thomasville over the summer from Bradenton, Fla., where Randy served as Dean of Students and Upper School Director at St. Stephens Episcopal School. We sat down with the Wattses to see how this little town of ours is treating them, and how they’re adjusting to their big move.

What were the things that struck you about Thomasville when you interviewing for the Headmaster position? Randy: We fell for Thomasville pretty quickly after our arrival. We were taken with the small town sophisticated charm. I remember during the interview that people kept asking if we could live in a small town and I kept thinking, this is great! Honestly (and not pandering to the audience), publications like the Townie and Thom were indicators that this town had a lot to offer.

How have your initial perceptions of the town evolved since then? Nadia: Funny how things that were so new only several months ago now seem the norm.

Take the décor at Kevin’s, for instance. Who wouldn’t want to buy their haute couture surrounded by shotguns and taxidermy? I feel a gravitational pull to the boots.

They’re stunning.

Randy: Our perceptions have not changed, but only deepened. We try to explain Thomasville to people and it is hard to encapsulate a foodie town, internationally known for wild quail, home to some of the coolest dogs

that I have ever met, with a Fortune 500 company and, I must say, a world-class independent school. When Nadia and I walked out of the FLAUNT opening a few weeks ago, I said, “Now when you try to explain Thomasville to people, how to you explain that?!” FLAUNT is one of many examples of how unique this place truly is.

Any practices here that you’re warming up to, that maybe you previously thought you never would— hunting, for instance? Randy: When I came town, I wanted to prepare myself for hunting season, so I started taking shooting lessons with Gerald Bloodswooth; it had been years since I had fired a shotgun. I shot skeet at Quail Point last weekend and am now hooked. I am looking forward to my first quail hunt.

Nadia: I’m getting used to having a gun in the house!

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you since you moved to the ‘Ville? Randy: I asked a Brookwood parent if I could borrow a shotgun and he offered to deliver it to me at Back to School night at Brookwood that evening.

Nadia: Less funny than unforgettable: In our first few weeks here this summer, we accepted an invitation to eat dinner at the Mayor’s house. The boys fell right into place, swimming with the other kids and playing ball out front. By 9 p.m., Ben, our 7-year-old, had discovered the great magnolia out front. He entered the dining room to ask me permission to climb it. I said no, that he needed supervision. Fifteen minutes later, he made a beeline to Mayor Max Beverly to ask him directly whether he could climb the tree. Again, he was denied. Fifteen minutes after that, the kid made his first visit to the Thomasville ER. Ben was fine, but that magnolia will never be the same. (Sorry, Max and Charnie!)

The crisp air descending upon us says that autumn has arrived. That means it’s time for the Deep South Fair.

You can find the fun at the Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds from Tuesday, October 7th to Saturday, October 11th.

cakes. There will be tons of vendors on hand to make sure you have a great time. Armbands are available each day for unlimited fun. Children five and under are free and kids twelve and under are free on Saturday until 6:00p.

Since 1958, the Deep South Fair has been making its way to Thomasville. The five-day event features entertainment for the whole family at an affordable price.

The fair promotes the deep-rooted agricultural history in our area by hosting exhibits and livestock competitions.

Kids can get involved by participating in the live petting zoo and by walking through the animal exhibits. This is a fun opportunity for them to learn about our local farmlands.

If you’re interested in local arts and crafts, the “Home Crafts Show” awaits you. These exhibits feature everything from baked goods to home crafts and flowers.

If you need something a little tougher, the Demolition Derby should do the trick. You have two opportunities to catch the collisions on October 7th and October 9th.

So, grab the kids and welcome in the fall season with beautiful weather, fun attractions and plenty of good eats.

The Deep South Fair is a great way to get started. For more information, please visit www.deepsouthfairgrounds. com.

- Chaise B.

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OCT 3 - 16

Whispers.

CHUMS

Psst… Coming soon...a giveaway for tickets to

Marty Lutes Most people around here know Marty from his days at the Y. Walk into Allgood Screen Printing and Embroidery Monday through Friday, between 8a and 5p, and Marty Lutes will greet you with a smile and treat you like an old friend. Among the chattering of the embroidery machine and Gram Parsons blaring from the nether regions of the silk screening area, Marty and Phil always want to catch up for a few before returning to the tasks of burning screens, pushing ink, and conquering the hordes of daily clients.

Tell us about your family. Wife Charity, two daughters; Anne Martin (4th Grade) and Leila (1st Grade). Two dogs, Doc (English Setter) and Jessie (Boston Bull Terrier)- Oh, and a fish. No idea what the fish's name is, It changes frequently!

the Bunhead Barre Hop. Keep your peepers on our social media outlets!

Pebble Hill will be hosting an Old-Fashioned Fall Picnic on November 2nd... the scoop to come...

Favorite place to visit? Nashville, Tennessee.

What is your townie routine? Well, right now I do a lot of 4th grade homework every night. Sleep, rise, work…repeat.

Shhh...our November 7th issue is going to have a special theme...you're going to love it!

Who is your favorite hero? Lee Robinson, United Stated Army.

He’s my superhero!

Where is your favorite fishing hole? Wherever you take me.

How often can you be found at Sweetgrass Dairy? Not as often as most of my friends.

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

Favorite saying? I feel like I ask my girls, “Have you brushed your teeth yet?” about a hundred times every morning.

Facebook...

- Clay B.

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Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Shop is on the move. The move is precisely 100 steps from one location to the other, just down Broad Street, and is slated to happen October 3rd. Owners Jeremy and Jessica Little made the difficult but thoughtful decision to permanently close Blue Coop restaurant and move the Cheese Shop into the space at 123 South Broad Street.

“Honestly, it’s bittersweet,” said Jessica.“ I am sad to say that the closing of Blue Coop is permanent and not temporary, but am excited to see the opportunities for the growing Cheese Shop.”

The plan for the move is to take the best parts of the Cheese Shop and Blue Coop and combine them into one delicious entity with an even more dynamic atmosphere that does not abandon the comfort of the Cheese Shop. The expansion of the menu will evolve over time but immediate advantages for customers will be an approachable full bar, more taps for beer, additional seating, cool A/C and significantly improved restrooms.

Things that customers formerly were able to get at the Cheese Shop will also be at the new space such as retail cheese, gifts and a variety of hand-selected

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accompaniments. In other words, your Cheese Shop is just moving 100 steps away but now it will have two bathrooms.

“We are able to take what is already GREAT about the Cheese Shop and then capitalize on the opportunities that the Blue Coop space can provide. It is a win/win for everyone,” said Jeremy.

The success of Sweet Grass Dairy has relied on the strong support of the Thomasville community. Sweet Grass Dairy wants to extend their gratitude and thanks to the resilient customers who have supported them throughout this process.

The staff will be the strength behind the smooth transition. “I love our rock star staff, they are great ambassadors for Sweet Grass Dairy, I feel fortunate to have them on our team,” Jessica said.

For more information on the move and to stay upto-date with SGD happenings, please visit www. sweetgrassdairy.com or the Sweet Grass Dairy Facebook page.

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A lil' Moo-ve for Sweet Grass

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The Deep South Fair is Coming

After they’ve got a little learning in, guests can enjoy the midway. This includes all the amusement you would expect from a traditional fair. You can spend your night riding exciting rides and eating one too many funnel

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Thomasville’s Only

A BIG Thomasville Welcome to the Wattses!

Exhibition Opening Night featuring Liz Barber Leventhal & Mary Sumners October 17 • 6:00 pm Grassroots Coffee

2014

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The Plaza

$10 Jewelry Special 106 West Jackson Street Downtown Thomasville #mimisthelook

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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

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OCT 3 - 16

Thomasville Beer Club: Good for Your Health Our Staff Publisher Thomasville Townie, LLC Editor in Chief Jennifer Westfield Social Media Denise Purvis Administration Sarah Esra Columnists J. David Bray, Jr. Sarah Esra Matt Hagel Denise Purvis Kelly Samek Contributing Writers Chaise Bishop Clay Byars Wade Chapman Benjamin Gardner Natalie Kirbo Nancy McCollum Jennifer Westfield Contributing Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner David Longstreet Copy Editor Abrie Soileau Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves

Supposedly, Thomas Jefferson once said, “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.” Now, I can neither confirm nor deny that TJ actually said that, but maybe (if he actually did say that) he has a point.

Thomasville Beer Club gets it.

The first Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00p, a group of locals gather at Liam’s to enjoy delicious beers, cheeses and good company. Rhonda Foster, co-owner of Liam’s, encourages any locals who enjoy a good brew to come join the crowd which varies each month from 6-30 people. “It’s casual, fun and informative. We love beer and love getting together,” Foster said.

The Thomasville Beer Club is planned and put on each month by Foster and Victoria Herold from Liam’s with help from Don Brunh, home brewer. The Club lays out their selections for the year and chooses a specific style to explore each month. Foster said that generally they try to sample the lighter beers in warmer months and heavier beers in cooler months. For October, she said the Club will be tasting pumpkin ales.

Foster said that they want each of the meetings to be fun and educational. For each style of beer that they sample, they try to discover various flavor nuances. She encourages home brewers to bring their beers in for the Club members to sample and provide feedback.

“We love finding new and different beers to sample each month,” said Foster. She said that often means that they try to locate beers that cannot be purchased in our area or that are hard to find to sample each month.

For a $5 donation, anyone can join the Club. There is no commitment to come to each meeting, so if you particularly enjoy one style of beer, you could come to just that meeting. It is possible that you might enjoy yourself so much, you'd like to come to all the meetings. One bottle is served in tasting portions to members. They taste, rate and discuss each beer after the tasting.

Foster encourages everyone to RSVP beforehand so that they have enough beer for everyone. You can RSVP either at the Liam’s or the Thomasville Beer Club’s Facebook page.

For more information about the Thomasville Beer Club, visit the Liam’s or Thomasville Beer Club’s Facebook pages. They post the monthly meeting event ahead of time, so please RSVP if you plan on attending.

- Denise P.

Quoted in the ‘Ville Flaunt Murals, Thoughts and Reflections: I love the murals! Especially with just a burst of color! I love how the artists decided to use the color in different ways, some traditionally where you would expect the color (like the red roses) and some more abstractly, like the green Oreos! — Jana M. The Flaunt murals exceeded my every expectation--in terms of both execution and historical appropriateness. These 32 murals really tell a story….I hope that no one misses the opportunity to walk and read about each and every one. This public art piece has affected so many people. It is wonderful to watch. — Darlene B. Flaunt murals: really cool! Lots of great artists in our area. Talent! — Marty L. I really enjoy seeing out-of-towners looking at the murals then touching them. They seemed so amazed. — Sarah M. - Clay B.

Lives Without Limits: Helping Folks Re-Learn What they Love For most of us, waking up on Sunday mornings to go turkey hunting is something we’ve been doing our whole lives. Fishing is our favorite pasttime, and we have no trouble spending the weekend at the camp for a little deer hunting. These luxuries come to us at no cost and are something that we all take for granted.

Imagine if you were faced with a serious injury or found yourself with a physical or mental disability. These hobbies would unfortunately seem impossible. You would have to relearn how to enjoy these activities and it would be a frustrating and scary road. This is the reality that many people in our community face.

A story that hits close to home is that of Nick Brinson. In 2011, while receiving a precautionary CT scan after falling while skateboarding, 13-year-old Nick was diagnosed with brain cancer. The news and proceeding surgeries led Nick and his family down a challenging road and he was left paralyzed. Nick has made amazing progress and has shown an immense amount of strength, hope and courage through this difficult time.

Before all of this, Nick was your typical boy. He loved the outdoors, hanging out with friends and just being a kid. In the blink of an eye, that was all taken away from him. Now, the outdoors and hobbies we enjoy pose difficulties for Nick and others who suffer from physical and mental impairments.

Lives Without Limits, a non-profit organization here in Thomasville, has made it their mission to break down the boundaries that hold people back from experiencing the outdoors and taking part in their favorite leisure activities. LWL is dedicated to harvesting the courage and spirit found in those like Nick and helping them get back to what they love. The organization promotes outdoor-related opportunities, education, confidence, self-esteem and independence. They also cultivate relationships between disabled and non-disabled members in the community.

Through donations and volunteer work, LWL has been able to provide hunting and fishing trips to disabled individuals, build access ramps, assist with supplies, provide resources for handicap transportation, and assist with family support.

So now you may be thinking “How can I get involved?” On Friday, October 17th, Lives Without Limits invites you to their 4th Annual Action and Banquet to raise funds and awareness for their amazing cause. The event will be held at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds in Thomasville and will begin at 6:00p. Guests will enjoy a fabulous meal while getting to meet many of the individuals who have benefited from LWL services. They will also get to take part in games, raffles and a silent auction.

Last year, the event helped raise money to fund things such as a turkey hunt and fishing trip for local individuals with disabilities, assistance with medical expenses, and the building of wheelchair ramps. Nick got to experience the love from LWL firsthand with several turkey and deer hunts, as well as a fishing trip.

If you are like my family and I, growing up in a place so beautiful affords us an incredible opportunity to experience the outdoors and take part in recreational activities. We couldn’t imagine if that was taken away from us or a loved one. If this is an issue that is close to your heart, don’t miss this opportunity to help out. Tickets are on sale now for LWL’s upcoming event and can be purchased on their website at www.liveswithoutlimitsga.org or by calling them at 229-236-5965. If you would like to volunteer, please visit their website to learn more about the organization and what you can do to help. Together, we can ‘take aim’ against our limits.

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

- Chaise B.

Go Pink!

Go Vogue!

Archbold Foundation's Fashion Show

On Friday, October 3rd at 6:30p, 42 models of a diversity that will delight you will traipse the runway stage of the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center (919 S. Broad Street) in the Archbold Foundation’s 3rd Annual fashion show, “A Pink Affair for Cancer Survivors.”

Cancer is but one of the foes many of us will battle during this life, but physically, it is arguably the most demanding and pernicious.

So much so, that survivorship can sometimes be celebrated as the courage to endure even in the face of attrition. As to breast cancer itself, it will develop in twelve-and-a-half percent of women.

Proceeds from this event will enable women who cannot otherwise afford the costs associated with today’s high-tech mammograms to get them. We’re beyond remarkable here. Forty years ago, when my Mom was diagnosed, and she opted for a lumpectomy, rather than the preferred (in that day) mastectomy, and the mammogram she underwent was a low tech, high pain affair. Much better now, are not only the physical procedure and its accuracy, but efficacy for the patient as well. We should celebrate progress against the

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nemesis of the disease, even as we laud survivors, but most urgently we must unite and revitalize those hurting right now as they brave their way through.

And, of course, we will eat. Multiple caterers are combining efforts.

Many hors d’oeuvres to be had by all will be on hand—post show.

The $25 admission fee pays for your admission and the fare. You are encouraged to attend, precisely because it is ours to encourage each other. And, this support from the business community extends to corporate sponsorship of the event itself, as well as to our local clothing retailers. The models will be sporting offerings from Belk, Mode, Hicks, Al Dixon, Earthlover, Steinmart, Brook & Nicole, Dash, Kevin’s, Ally B, At Home, and Unique Boutique. This 3rd Annual “Pink Affair” event has been growing every year. And, if you can, pink cocktail attire is encouraged. How cool is that?

Come, be among winners.: visit www.archbold.org/apinkaffair, or call the Archbold Foundation at 229-228-2924. Tickets remain available.

- Benjamin G.

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OCT 3 - 16

Beauty Broad

Confessions of a Flats Fishing Addict

home remedies for self-care

Lotions and potions! What are the best products for our bodies? What is safe? What really works?

have fun whether the fish cooperate or not

Ask any nine-year-old freckle-faced young lady: the goal when fishing the flats is not to catch fish, but to have fun.

Recently, I took my little fishing buddy Mary C. to the St. Theresa area.

She and her cousins had a great time on the water, but not because of fishing. By far, getting pulled behind the boat on the Airhead tube was the highlight, and seeing the Dads riding the tubes helped (the Dads feeling their ages the next morning was a given but worth it, to experience the kids’ perspectives).

Fishing on Dog Island Reef wasn’t successful, so I sure am glad we had the tube.

I’m amazed how Mary C. can make the most of a day on the water. Whether on the Wakulla River with the colorful fourth of July crowd, or wading the flats in front of Summer Camp, she is always just as glad to be there.

Taking in the sights of the ocean and wildlife in and of themselves is a treat for her—a pretty good lesson for us grown-ups, right?

Okay, enough warm and fuzzy. We were on the Gulf: time to catch a fish....

Sunday morning brought a beautiful sunrise and calm water. Calm enough that we began to wade the area with the stingrays and small sharks easily seen through the clear water. Amazingly, with the number of stingrays

always out there, I have never seen anyone stung by one of them.

Without a bite for about over an hour, the tide began to slowly elevate the surface inches higher above the sandbar we were on. By this time, Mary C. was as interested in a dead horseshoe crab as she was in fishing!

We had reverted to the old favorite: New Penny gulp shrimp under a popping cork. The cork finally went under and Mary C. began to reel. Without the customary surface head shaking of a trout, I knew she was in for a different, fighting type of fish!

Due to the small sharks in the area (and my past personal close call with a distressed fish pursued by a small Jaws) I had Mary C. walk backwards towards more shallow depths. She reeled with all 70 pounds of strength as her first small redfish tugged back! The redfish finally saw his adversary and had one last run before eventually shaking the hook out at her feet in the ankle-deep depths we had retreated to.

Her fight with the fish was all she’d anticipated but she was little disappointed that it got off before she could catch a photo op!

My advice when taking a kid fishing is to remember to have fun, whether the fish cooperates or not!

- Wade C.

Trill in the Ville keep calm and stop saying 'keep calm and...'

I must seem like the biggest curmudgeon in the entire town. I feel like once a month I just air all of my grievances to all of Thomasville. Well, folks, this month is no exception. I’ve been thinking about all of the annoying phrases that have stuck and just won’t go away.

Keep Calm and ________. Originally the saying was on a motivational poster used by the British government to boost morale in preparation for WWII. It never really made its big appearance until 2000 when some of the 1939 copies of the posters surfaced. (Thanks for the history lesson, Wikipedia.) I wish they would have stayed far, deep down in some hole where they were never found because people have really latched onto it, and they just won’t let go.

I don’t recall it being a “thing” until late 2010 and early 2011. Now, I see it everywhere. being used for everything. Some of the worst I’ve seen to date? Keep Calm and Eat Clean—I think people that eat clean are the least likely to need to “keep calm” because I’ve rarely seen someone eating a kale smoothie hopped up.

Keep Calm and [Picture of Mustache]—what does that even mean!?!? Keep Calm and Gangnam Style—Is Gangnam even still a thing?

There are so many—most of which are inappropriate for posting in a paper.

Why have people latched onto this saying so much?

[Rhetorical pause] Has all creativity gone out the window? [Rhetorical pause] Actually, there’s no need to answer that because I already know the answer.

Winning! Why, oh, why did this ever gain popularity? I could be mistaken about the origins, but I think it was first uttered by Charlie Sheen in early 2011 in the midst of his public mental breakdown. In case you’re wondering about the source of CS’s breakdown, apparently it was from testosterone cream. There’s nothing quite like rehashing the insane ramblings of Charlie Sheen…for the NEXT THREE YEARS. Yes, folks, winning has now been around that long.

If you are fortunate enough to have escaped the company of people who use(d) this phrase, then let me enlighten you on the usage. Generally, someone will make a statement that is good news or positive, then quickly follow it up with “winning!” Example: I just saved money on my cell phone by changing carriers.

Winning!

It’s just as annoying as you could imagine. Now I hear it much less frequently, but at the height of “Winning!’s”

popularity, it was pretty common to hear it while walking down the street.

Epic Even I fell victim to using the word epic at one point. Then, I sat back and thought, “What does it mean to truly be epic? “ Let’s consult Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Epic is defined as “of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic” or “extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope.” There is nothing epic about an ice cream, killer pair of shoes or daytime television drama. All of those things are good or enjoyable but not particularly epic.

Maybe I am nitpicky, but there are few things that I put into the “epic” category. The Iliad and the Odyssey are epics. Your lunch break is not an epic nor is it epic. The universe is epic. The Pacific Ocean is epic. Your friend’s Mustang is not epic.

YOLO I saved the worst for last. You’ve probably heard YOLO (short for” you only live once”) for ages when normal people have said “Carpe Diem.” Essentially YOLO is carpe diem for a younger crowd except carpe diem isn’t half as annoying as hearing someone chirp, “YOLO!” Luckily it seems to be losing steam and evaporating. It was unfortunate that Drake even invented such an axiom in his song, “The Motto.” It’s okay, I don’t know that song either, and I only know who Drake is because pop-culture is slowly consuming my life. (Drake, for the lay person, is a rapper. Well, I guess you call him a rapper? He whines a lot.) YOLO can be used in a brush-off manner as if to say, “Whatever.” It can also be used in the way that you would think it should be used as an appreciation for one’s life and living it to the fullest. Then there’s the last and worst way, which indicates a wild or reckless disregard for anything. If you use YOLO and/or have a YOLO tattoo, you’re probably using it in the latter. I’m looking at you, Zack Efron.

What’s my point here? It just feels to me in the digital age and land of hashtags that people have forgotten their roots and quite possibly the definition of words.

I am sure that my mom was thinking the same thing when I was going around saying “the bomb” in my teen years. I’m sure her mom was thinking that when my mom was running around saying “a gas” or whatever my mom might have said. Maybe each generation thinks the same things when the next crop of catch phrases comes up, but I definitely feel that the phrase “turnt up” is worse than “get jiggy.” Well, I take that back. They’re both awful.

-Denise P.

The only way to really know is to try them out or use natural alternatives. We all have different body constitutions so what works for me may not strike your fancy. Below are my favorite natural remedies that I use to take care of myself. They are simple yet powerful.

See what resonates with you and try a few!

honey for anti-inflammatory benefits for the digestive tract and to enhance the immune system. It does have a more medicinal taste than regular honey so takes some getting used to. However, I am more intrigued with the topical benefits for skin irritation and acne. I have been pleasantly surprised with overnight skin improvement when using this as a spot treatment.

Vitamin E Oil/Jojoba Oil for moisturizing the body: I have always used body lotion after showering as part of my every day ritual to keep my skin well hydrated.

However, while I read the ingredients in the lotions, the chemicals listed made me very uncomfortable. Skin, our largest organ, is able to absorb whatever we put on it and is vulnerable to our choices. This led to my decision to experiment with different oils. I absolutely love them!

My favorites are Pure Jojoba Oil by Desert Essense and Vitamin E with Almond Oil by Jason Organics. The jojoba has little to no scent, is not greasy and absorbs perfectly into the skin. The vitamin E oil has a subtle sweet scent and is slightly heavier, but is so hydrating.

Sometimes I will indulge myself by adding a few drops to my facial moisturizer for extra nourishment at night.

My skin always looks extra dewy in the morning when I do this. Although I have oily skin, it has never caused breakouts.

Elevate Legs for energy: This is so simple but never fails to help me feel rejuvenated. Try this once a day, or at least keep this in the back of your mind when you’re very tired and your legs hurt from standing too long. Lie on the floor with your bottom to the wall and raise your legs up so you are in an L shape. Now relax. Set your timer for at least 15 minutes. When finished, you will look and feel as refreshed as if you had just taken an hour long nap. It is great for your leg and vein health too.

Coconut Oil for healthy teeth and gums: Coconut oil has surged in popularity over the last several years and with good reason. The uses and benefits are endless!

One of my favorite uses is something called oil pulling.

It helps maintain the health of your teeth and gums...and whitens teeth too! Oil pulling has been around for a long time so this is no trendy fad. Its roots are in Ayurveda, which is a 5,000 year-old system of natural healing from India. This is how it works: First thing in the morning before you eat take a spoonful of oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-20 minutes (or at least try to work up to 20 minutes when starting out). Try to push the oil through your teeth. It will change texture once it is in your mouth to a "liquidy" consistency. The oil absorbs toxins and bacteria from your mouth, so don't swallow the oil. Immediately brush your teeth after. Also, spit the oil into a cup and not down the drain, as it can cause clogs.

Add trace minerals for electrolyte balance: I started to buy most of my water with added electrolytes and then discovered a way to easily make my own and save money!

Just fill up a bottle of water in the morning and add minerals. This alkalinizes the water and is pH-balancing, which helps the digestive system—which for most of us is overly acidic. We should be able to get many of these minerals from the food that we eat but because much of our soil has been depleted, so is our food. Our body responds to this depletion in a number of ways such as muscle cramps and fatigue. I can definitely tell a difference in my energy levels since adding them to my diet. It does change the taste of the water slightly, but you get used to it quickly. My favorite mineral product is ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops.

Local Organic Honey for seasonal allergies: Have you heard that local honey helps allergies? Well I tried it!

This past season was such a rough allergy season. I have been using a teaspoon in my coffee every morning for about a year and have had no allergy flare-ups, while many people around me were sneezing with sniffles.

Now, there isn’t any solid research that I could find to back this up…but, my own ‘body lab’ gives this tip a big nod!

Manuka Honey for blemish spot treatment: I am still experimenting with this honey that comes from New Zealand, but think it's worth some attention. Honey has antibacterial properties, but not all honey is the same.

The antibacterial component in manuka is much more concentrated than other honey. Look for an Active factor of at least 10+. You can consume manuka like regular

Epsom Salt for relaxation: This is one of my favorite remedies for muscle soreness and to encourage overall relaxation. Epsom is not actually "salt" but a mineral compound made up of magnesium and sulfate, which is easily absorbed through the skin. So taking a bath with a cup of these salts allows you to fully experience the benefits, which include soothing muscle tension and easing stress.

Spiced Coffee: I wish I could tell you that I only drink green tea in the morning with not a thought of craving something more, but I can't! I love coffee in the morning and have decided to embrace it fully. Coming up with yummy additions to my cup just makes my coffee ritual more fun. There is a place in my heart for black coffee, but I have discovered a few "extras" that have added purpose to my morning brew. After I fill my favorite mug (and yes I do have one!), I add a tsp of local honey, a tsp of coconut oil, and a splash of unsweetened almond milk. I also like to experiment with spices depending on the season. Now that we have had a few cool mornings, I have started to crave a sprinkle of cardamom in my coffee. And here's the cool fact about this spice. If you are sensitive to coffee, cardamom will help to balance the jittery effects of the caffeine as well as the acidity because it is a natural alkaline! Also try with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for fall!

- Sarah E.

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Economic Development Tool: The Trail as a Journey It is currently called the “Community Landmarks Multi-Use Trail,” a functional name useful here, but fortunately, not likely a name destined to survive the completion of Thomasville’s ambitious project to connect all the city’s recreational parks. Streets and roads are the nervous system, or maybe, the ligaments of a city by which it flexes economic muscle. Think of the parks within Thomasville as nodes and the connective tissues of the Multi-use Trail as a lymphatic system, necessary to maintain the City’s internal health. As this paper has recently explored, the new Victoria Park neighborhood will be accessible by five-to-ten minute bike/walk to the downtown commercial hub. Other, more established, neighborhoods will benefit too.

“Paradise Park is a hidden gem,” Brian Herrmann, Planner II, muses over a map, when we meet in the Planning and Zoning Office, “just imagine what this trail will do in these neighborhoods.” Briefing me on the trail as well, Thomasville’s Assistant City Engineer, Wayne Newsome, contributes his voice of experience from bigger cities: “For its size Thomasville is quite a dynamic community.” Barbara Curry, Development Project Coordinator advises, “We have been very progressive in many of our initiatives throughout the City. This is just a part of an overall, bigger picture.” In total the Multi-Use Trail is a fourteen-mile long circuit.

It will impact the whole city.

Herrmann, Newsome, and Curry express these various elements of city planning, development, and engineering much as scientists, yet not at all with detachment.

They like what is evolving and coming to life from the teamwork, the collaborative blood, sweat, and tears they can see moving from theory to practice. The trail route has been altered several times as new information has been incorporated. The good news is that theirs are plastic minds able to flex as data change. The trail, however, will be laid in concrete, except for a wooden bridge spanning the intersection of two creeks along the railroad tracks behind the Flowers bakery. And, even more than economic development opportunity taking shape, the Multi-use trail is an example in real time of a portion of our SPLOSH tax dollars at work in not just one, but across multiple communities, i.e. bang for the bucks. The acronym is Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax. The targeted beneficiaries of the public improvements are walkers, bikers, hikers, joggers, and people with physical impairments too.

Here is a real world example. Regularly, there is a man with a power wheelchair who risks himself braving

the wattses, cont.

Have any T-ville food or other items become can’t-live-withouts? Nadia: Sweet Grass Dairy’s Taste of Thomasville sampler and filet mignon at Chop House on the Bricks. For Sam, Sweet Grass Dairy’s Lil' Moo and Moonspin’s loaded bread sticks; for Ben, Sweet Grass Dairy’s local honey on baguette, and pasta at Paulie’s Brick Oven Pizza.

What surprises you the most about Thomasville?

Randy: Thomasville has the only downtown that I have ever seen where the store that sells lattes seems more out of place than the store that sells shotguns.

Tell us about your boys, and some of the things they’ve gotten into since the move. What are your hopes for them? Nadia: Sam is our thinker.

He’s always solving puzzles, crunching numbers, and strategizing his next move. His current puzzle?

The game of football. He’s been hard at work on the playground with his new friends, figuring out the who, what, and how of the game. We love that he’s felt so connected, so quickly. That’s Thomasville. Ben, who is just as smart, is our mover and shaker. He connects with the world through all his senses: savoring foods, climbing up doorways to touch the ceiling, and hugging the life out of us. He just taught me how to play chess.

He wants to be the first American Ninja Warrior. We think he’ll do just that.

Nadia, you’re a journalist… So, hey… there’s this small-circulation print paper out of downtown

Meet the Staffer: Annie Jones

Smith Avenue. Many of you will have seen him, just as I have. By virtue of the Multi-Use Trail he will have the opportunity to become significantly less exposed to and endangered by tight confines directly alongside, or at worst exposed to the margins of fast-moving traffic or muddled congestion. Having myself been in a power wheelchair for twelve years during the times when the Americans with Disabilities Act was not yet universally embraced by this country, I possess sensitivities on this topic. Everyone at the meeting assured me the MultiUse Trail will be ADA compliant, and not confined to those with disability; universally, safety is a paramount concern.

How did you become co-owner and managing partner of The Bookshelf? I was a weekend customer at The Bookshelf in Thomasville, and when I found out they were opening a Tallahassee branch, I emailed Katie as fast as I could to tell her I'd be interested in helping her run it. Before I knew it, I had quit my corporate job as a legal writer and editor, and I was managing The Bookshelf in my hometown of Tallahassee. A year later Katie said she was thinking of selling the store in Thomasville, so we came up with a plan to keep the business up and running downtown -- that plan included me and my husband buying into the business and slowly taking it over.

For a sneak-peak by process example, visualize the right of way of Victoria Place (after crossing Gordon) where it terminates upon intersecting Broad Street. Here the thoroughfare that is Victoria Place will be narrowed, though not cut-off, to vehicular traffic, and the trail will enter into Paradise Park. There are no current plans for any grand gateway; recall that we are just up the street from the Chamber of Commerce, where the tree canopy above Broad dominates, but it is envisioned that an inviting brocade of comely flora will greet you as you transition from the trail into Paradise Park itself.

Now, say you wanted to go meet your friends and play Disc Golf with your Frisbee in McIntyre Park. By the end of 2015 you should be able to use the trail and make your way from Paradise over to Jackson Street and on to McIntyre Park without needing to use a car, i.e. more safely and less stressfully.

What about reading most interests you? I have been reading since I was a little girl, and I think what I love most is how it still has the power to take me to another place and time. Atticus Finch, the iconic hero in To Kill a Mockingbird, talks to his daughter Scout about taking the time to walk around in another person's shoes and how important that is for us to develop empathy -- books are a great way to do that.

Mayor Max Beverly put Herrmann on the spot one day, wanting to be sure the Multi-use trail will be in place to access Cherokee Lake by the end of 2015. “Yes sir,” Herrmann answered his Honor. And so, the push is on to make it so. However, there remains a hurdle crossing Smith Avenue. The current idea is to get a traffic light installed on Smith at the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office and the jail. It is for the City to work out with the State how best and when to do this. I pray that the trail will serve the City of Thomasville well, whatever its eventual path or its ultimate name, and that it will be a testament to the careful consideration and effort being focused and implemented now to interconnect and create an organic system to complement some of the very lovely and historic bones that already comprise this Thomasville’s infrastructure.

- Benjamin G,

What is your favorite thing about a good book? My favorite books tell stories I can lose myself in; I love getting lost in a good book, staying up late turning pages way past my bedtime.

Who is your favorite author? Why? Gah! "Favorite" questions are hard for me, because I really have so many authors I love and respect: Harper Lee, Flannery O'Connor, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, J. K. Rowling, Madeleine L'Engle... Those are all classic writers I enjoy. My current favorites might be Tana French, who I think could be the best mystery/suspense writer out right now, and Shauna Niequist and Anna Quindlen, both authors who write about life and faith in ways I hope to.

And I'd be remiss to not include Nora Ephron, whose writing has over and over again inspired and changed my life. When she passed away from cancer two years ago, I cried like a baby.

Other than books and reading, what are your interests? Like so many readers, I enjoy writing -- it's my favorite way to learn and to grapple with the life I'm leading. I love decorating my home, listening to podcasts, and traveling with Jordan. (Binge-watching shows on Netflix should probably make the list, too.)

Describe yourself in three words. Independent.

Optimistic. Creative.

Thomasville that loves trained journalists… (okay the jig’s up). Any advice for us? Nadia: Believe it or not, the Townie did its own part to attract us to the town when we were making our decision to move here. I remember accessing the online version just after Randy accepted the position at Brookwood last winter.

I got giddy every time the Townie FB page was updated.

The Townie does a beautiful job of capturing the warmth and the voice of the Thomasville community.

I love reading about the same cast of characters that I work and play with – the same folks who make it a point to circle around and say hello out at dinner or around town. What other small-town newspaper can make that claim to fame? Are you hiring?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? You know the invisibility cloak in Harry Potter? One of those, please.

What is the best book you've ever read? So many hard questions! I have long listed To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite book of all time, but Crossing to Safety and

The Wattses say they love their close proximity to so many fun places and have tried to take advantage of a few road trips when their schedules permit. They have also gotten to learn about the town’s rich history by visiting several plantations. Randy is delighted in the fact that no matter where you go throughout your day, chances are you’ll see someone you know.

Randy spoke of the challenges of moving and explained that you learn a lot about yourself while traveling down a path that finally leads you to where you were supposed to be all along. He expressed his deep appreciation for our town and for the leadership role he has accepted. We couldn’t be any happier that the Watts’ new home is here in Thomasville.

- Chaise B. & Jennifer W. Comix by Laura Floyd

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Gilead and Supper of the Lamb and Wise Blood and Walking on Water and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban are all so very good.

What is your favorite restaurant/meal in Thomasville? Before Jordan and I even lived in Thomasville, we would come up for date nights from Tallahassee, and without fail, we'd wind up at Moonspin, splitting a Honeymooner Pizza, plus a garden salad with their lemon dressing, which I wish I could bottle up and take with me everywhere I go.

Describe your perfect fall day. Autumn is my favorite season, and my favorite days are spent at home with the front door open and candles lit. I enjoy watching college football, so Jordan and I might watch a game or two before heading outside, maybe to the pumpkin patch in Tallahassee for an outdoor movie. (Upcoming Mule Day and funnel cakes also sound pretty perfect for fall.)

How did you become involved with The Townie?

Bunny recruited me a while back to write little ads for The Bookshelf, but the entire enterprise morphed into book reviews and write-ups, which I much prefer!

How did you land in Thomasville? The Bookshelf brought me here from my hometown of Tallahassee.

What is your favorite thing about living here? I recently read In Praise of Slowness -- a fantastic look at adopting a slower pace of life -- and it made me so grateful for Thomasville. We've lived here almost 9 months, and thus far, I love that slowed-down vibe, plus the walkability of downtown. I'm also a pretty big fan of "Cheers," and it's kind of nice that around here, everybody really does know your name!

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? My family. I grew up in a really tight-knit home, surrounded by loving, caring grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

My parents and my brother are a huge part of my life and shaped who I am today.

What does the future hold for The Bookshelf? Even if I didn't own or work at The Bookshelf, I would still think it was one of the best bookstores I'd ever visited. My goal is to maintain the store's legacy and build on the foundation Lorna and Katie set, adding my own special touches along the way. I'd love to see The Bookshelf become recognized as one of the South's premier independent bookshops, but most importantly, I want The Bookshelf to continue to be a community gathering place. I want students to stop in to study, and book clubs to host their meetings here. I want burgeoning film societies and letter writing clubs; I want friends to mingle among our shelves, and I want every person who steps in our doors to feel welcomed.

- Denise P.

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In the Garden hooray for the monster raccoon

Their easy food supply in the carport had to be moved to a really safe place. Since Paul feeds the birds, bigtime, the bags take up a lot of space and have to be kept dry and accessible. Paul may now be one of the few folks who daily rides around town, cheerfully hauling his family and friends and pets in an otherwise well kept vehicle in which large bags of bird seed sit right behind the back seat-- his scoop at the ready.

Every day he dispenses seed out of the back of his car, and so far, no wily, ring-tailed, black-eyed bandit has learned to raise the heavy back door.

Back to "Early in the summer." One Sunday morning at breakfast we looked outside at the bird area. Good Grief ! Some strangely silent crowd had enjoyed a boisterous Saturday night, feeder hopping. There was evidence everywhere that at least one rather large critter had gorged itself on the various delicacies that Paul puts out for his bird friends. It was a mess.

What made Paul saddest (Is that a word?) was the destruction of his centerpiece feeder. The man who helped us design and set up the bird area many years ago had seemed almost to make the acquisition of this particular feeder a condition of his working with us! Jody Walthall of Native Nursery had insisted we get this feeder. He said it would be the center of the birds' activity--and he was right.

It was a standing feeder, with a large tray beneath the feeding tube, manufactured by Droll Yankee. It was not particularly pretty, but I had gotten over that because the birds loved it so. Birds large and small both perched on the tube and sat on the tray to enjoy those black oil sunflower seeds, which, day in and day out, they all seem to favor.

Now it was a wreck, and the tray was gone.

When Paul went to investigate, he found the tray.

SOMETHING BIG had wrenched it off the feeding tube, torn it up, and tossed it in the tall blue salvia.

Licked it clean, I might add. Another night, when there had been some commotion outside, Paul had used a powerful flashlight to at least see the critter while it was at work on the feeders. From this past experience, Paul named our current culprit. It had to be the Monster Raccoon. He had struck again.

miss their Headquarters. Fathers' Day was coming up, and I suggested to Paul that as his present from me, we invest in another Droll Yankee.

It took a journey to find it, but we located a replacement and put it together, complete with slick new pole.

I thought Paul would hit the ground installing his new toy, but no, he put it aside, and mumbled when asked what he was waiting for. Days passed, with the old pole and the rickety feeding tube still in place, the birds hanging on as best they could. Their benevolent host was obviously studying on something.

Then one morning, apparently having given it sufficient thought, Paul pulled out the new feeder and started to move. What he had pondered so thoroughly was how close he could put the new feeder to the house and still attract the birds. He erected it less than six feet from our window and set out to attract the feathered friends.

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Early in the summer there were no kind words for the Monster Raccoon. He and his Cronies of the Night had already made at least one thieving raid on our bird feeders after they were foiled in attempting to brazenly steal birdseed stored in the carport.

He stopped putting food in the other feeders and also put something special in the new feeder, hoping to attract a greater variety of birds. If a brave birdie dared to venture into this new territory, there would be a reward! Their arrival was not instant because birds have to be innately cautious, but within several days there was a steady clientele. And the other feeders could be filled too.

For us, there is no more squinting at the pretty creatures to see them more clearly. Or lunging for the binoculars when something different arrives. Paul theorizes that the presence of a tray aids the birds who are most secure feeding on an elevated perch. Today when I looked outside after lunch, there were six birds happily feeding-- two house finches, a male and a female cardinal, a huge mourning dove, and a little bitty guy I can't name.

He was preening atop the hanging loop as if he ruled the roost.

Just inside our window, one of the chairs is occupied all day long by an oversized fluffy cat who never before had such a splendid, close-up view of her favorite things. Don't worry...she is lazy and rarely goes outside.

No bird seems the least bit intimidated by her proximity.

Nor by ours.

So, now, instead of bad-mouthing the Monster Raccoon, we are thanking him for our much improved bird-watching station. He seems to have found enough natural food out there to keep his belly full without trespassing in our bird and butterfly garden. And if he knows what's good for him, he will stay away, if you get my drift! Paul has other deterrents that are more effective than a flashlight, that is for sure...

Paul cleaned up the area and continued to fill the other feeders, but it wasn't the same. The birds seemed to

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Pound 5 Farming club (abbr.)

8 Baby's "ball" 12 Not who 13 Doings 15 Brews 16 Injured 17 One of Chaucer's pilgrims 18 Not whites 19 Look over the book, again 21 Pill 23 One shoulder resident 25 Take to court 26 Shame 29 Arbiter 31 Fancy boat 35 Negative battery terminals 37 ___ Lanka 39 German "Mrs." 40 Jibe

41 Washing off 44 Tree 45 Beer head 47 Caviar 48 BB player ___ Abdul Jabbar 50 Result 52 Ball holder 54 Chum 55 Snooze 57 Sitting room 59 Circle part 62 14 line poem 65 Artist Van ____ 66 Organized crime 68 Heroic 70 Goad 71 Sacred song 72 Do it again 73 Loch ___ monster 74 Nose 75 Ooze

1 Leather worker's tool 2 Blacken 3 Down the backstretch 6 Green gem 7 Advertisement (abbr.)

8 Type of seasoning (2 wds.)

9 Lotion ingredient 10 Strap 11 Query 13 Pull 14 Salty water masses 20 Enroll 22 Shop 24 Leaseholders 26 Faux pas 27 Merger 28 Tiny amounts 30 Day of the week (abbr.)

32 Credo 33 Pulled 34 Control target of Lyssee' leggings found At Home in Thomasville

36 Mr. 38 Pen stuff 42 Negative 43 African country 46 Snacks 49 Clientale catered to by Dash on Broad 51 Consume 53 Without difficulty 56 Magnificance 58 Soil 59 Sensitive 60 Chicken product 61 File 63 Fencing sword 64 Ocean movement 65 Bullet shooter 67 Remote 69 Lawman

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-Nancy M.

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OCT 3 - 16 VOLUME 3

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October 3 2 Steel Girls Downtown; 6:30p As seen on NBC's hit tv show "The Voice" Bring your lawn chairs. Free.

Venture Out for Fashion

October 3, 4, 10, 11 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

Venture Out to the Best Western Conference Center in Thomasville for an exclusive fall trunk show hosted

by Fashion Venture Boutique. The event will take place from 7p - 10p on October 4th. There is no cost to attend the event. Owner Carly Collins Deal described the event as a “fashion social.”

October 4 Shelf Talk The Bookshelf, 126 South Broad Street; 1- 3p Join The Bookshelf in welcoming author Olivia deBelle for a Shelf Talk & signing.

For more info call Annie 229-228-7767

Event goers can enjoy discounts, door prizes, music, wine, dessert, a fashion show that will feature Fashion Venture Boutique’s Fall Line, and the company of other local women. Fashion Venture Boutique’s Facebook page will have photos listed of the items that will be featured at the show.

Brookwood School Inaugural Warrior Run 5K Brookwood School Track; 7a registration, 8a 5K and Fun Run For more info call Kelly Campbell 229-226-8070 October 7 Thomasville Beer Club Meeting Liam's; 6:30p Come join the discussion as you sample and learn about the beer variety of the month.

An Evening with Ian 'Fella' Altman in concert.

Thomasville Center for the Arts; 600 East Washington Street; Wine & cheese at 6:30 p. Concert at 7:30 p.

Benefiting Thomasville Area Cancer Patients. $25, $10 students. Call Mindy for info 226-0588 October 7 - 11 57th Annual Deep South Fair Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2057 GA Hwy 122; 6p - 10p Tuesday - Thursday.

5:30 - 10p Friday. 3:30 - 10p Saturday.

Rides, midway games, demolition derby, cotton candy and more. Visit deepsouthfairgrounds.com for more info.

October 16 Thomasville Landmarks Annual Membership Picnic Lapham-Patterson House; 5 - 8p Awards, dinner and live music. Tickets $40.

Call 226-6016 for more info.

United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, 144 E. Jackson St.; 7:30p. A fun and energetic show for the whole family. Free. For info call 228-7977.

Deal has also recruited other online or Facebook vendors to be a part of the event to boost their sales or to help them get started. Other vendors that will attend are Heather Harpe with Rodan + Fields, Nicole Melton with Nikki's Niche, Kellie Dollar with Matilda Jane Clothing, Joey Dean with Beachbody, and Diane Moore with It Works! Global as well as Carolyn Cadenhead with Jamberry Nails.

“I am new to this area, and this is my first trunk show," says Deal. "We hope that it goes great so that we can carry it on for many years. It is a great place for ladies to get together and enjoy great company, with free drinks and desserts."

For more details, please visit the Fashion Venture Boutique Facebook page.

Save the Date October 17th, from 6 to 8p at Grassroots Coffee, members of the Artist Collective at Thomasville Center for the Arts present PURE: a gallery opening, alongside a two-man show featuring the works of Liz Barber Leventhal and Mary Sumners. Plan on stopping by!

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SAVE THE DATE for

Someone lovely -- a customer or a friend or some combination of both, I can't remember which -commented a few weeks ago about how much The Bookshelf seems to be doing lately. She talked about our bustling event calendar, our ever-present social media posts, and just an increase in store presence.

She has no idea how much her words meant to me.

When you take over a business or when you start your own, you have no idea what you are doing. It's the secret no one tells you, so allow me: You are clueless, and every day you are learning, mostly by making some series of mistakes you don't really want to make again. It's a process, entrepreneurship, and it's one I'm not sure ever ends.

And that's okay, of course. It's the job. You try things, and you see what sticks.

Here at The Bookshelf, we're trying a lot of things, and that customer, that friend? She helped me know we're doing at least a few of those things right.

I firmly believe a bookstore has the power to become a community gathering place; it's what I love the very most about The Bookshelf. I want everyone to feel comfortable inside our doors; I want our nooks to be cozy and our books to be read. I want enlightening conversations and newly-formed friendships.

Those things can only happen if our doors are open, so we're staying open until 7 on the weekends and until 8 during downtown First Fridays. We're encouraging customers to dress up as their favorite book characters for this month's First Friday (October 3), and we're hosting a Soup Night + Signing on First Friday in November.

We have other events planned from now until the end of the year, dozens of them, it seems, and the truth is, you never know how an event will go. You have no clue who will show up, who will balk at ticket prices, who will eat all of your cheese and drink one too many cups of wine. The key is to just try, then see what works.

For the past month, we've played host to a number of events: my beloved Letter Writing Club, preschool

Lauren Leigh Atkinson will wed Daniel Brock Bonner on October 4th, 2014 at Thomasville First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow at the Stables Courtyard of Pebble Hill Plantation. Lauren is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Atkinson, IV of Thomasville, Georgia, and the Groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Bonner, Jr. of Thomasville, Georgia. The Bride and Groom will honeymoon in the Dominican Republic and reside in Thomasville, Georgia.

story times and story times open to the public, two author events we've termed "Shelf Talks + Signings," a film society meeting, Reader Meet Writer, and a handful of book clubs and writing groups. This is what makes an independent, locally-owned bookshop so special, and I can't tell you how grateful I am that thus far, we've opened our doors, and you've come right on in.

We're churning out event after event, and you keep coming.

And I know what that means, because I, too, am a resident of Thomasville. And I now know that there is something happening every weekend. The invitations will not stop coming; there are football games and arts festivals and Troupe fundraisers and historical society dinners and chamber meetings, and they're what make this small town feel so big.

Those events are special and fun, and I'm thrilled you would even consider our store happenings when your calendars are already so full.

We're not stopping. This week, we kicked off One Book Thomas County with a mock trial at the Thomas County Judicial Center. We're counting on you to support One Book this year, to read Picking Cotton and to discuss it with one another. (For a full list of events, or tickets to this year's guaranteed-worthyour-time author event, stop by the 'Shelf ! Tickets to hear Picking Cotton authors Jennifer and Ronald are only $10.)

Later this month, we'll play host to a couple of events with the annual Covey Film Festival, including a book signing with Jane Fonda's daughter, author Mary Williams. In November, we've got soup night and Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival events up our sleeves.

This is a busy time of year, and we know, perhaps better than anyone, that everyone cannot come to everything. But we are so grateful for those who do come to the events we host. It's hard work to become a community gathering place, but I think we're getting there, and that's almost entirely thanks to you.

If you've ever got any questions about what's happening in the shop, visit our Facebook page, our events page on the website, or call the store. We're always happy help.

See you in the shop, Annie

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