Townie #22

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Nat Higdon Vice President Commerical Lending

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DEC 4 - JAN 15

Christmas

Issue No.

22

“Our wedding venue was a success and we wanted to expand our business. Our son Max majored in plant pathology at UGA, and he worked with a grape specialist there. That’s when Max suggested a vineyard for the plantation. We wanted the charm of a vineyard, the beauty of a bride and the friendliness of our staff,” says DeMott.

Ritchie DeMott describes himself as an “accidental wine maker,” as the original intent for the vineyard was to plan the grapes for the attractiveness of the venue. Gin Creek features muscadine grapes, American hybrids, and French-American hybrids.

You may recognize the new Gin Creek facade as the former location of Sweet Grass Dairy’s Cheese Shop, but the inside has been completely transformed. In addition to having a large centralized bar, they also have a menu serving up staples such as Brunswick stew and chicken salad.

Ritchie says that they hope to use the space for events or to utilize their full-scale Gin Creek catering company to cater a meal. “We want to do something special to get people to come back here,” he says.

Gin Creek also features Georgia Grown products— products which are made exclusively in Georgia. “We really want to taut ourselves as a Georgia Grown store,” Ritchie says.

It goes without saying that they have a full range of wines, 13 in total as well as peach and blueberry wine slushies.

“There’s a reason we call it the most dangerous drink on Broad Street,” says Ritchie.

Customers can pay $7 to sample seven different wines starting with dry white wines, moving to sweet white wines, then sweet red and last to the dry red. Please look forward to my full wine-tasting write up next edition.

Gin Creek, as with other wineries throughout Georgia, is allowed five tasting rooms across the state, and Ritchie says he couldn’t imagine a better first location than Thomasville due to its tourism and diversity.

For more information on Gin Creek, contact the DeMotts at (229) 236-WINO or visit them at 106 North Broad Street. Gin Creek is closed on Sunday and Monday, but is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11-7 and Friday and Saturday from 11-9.

Rachelle Hester

I was handed a menu when I sat down at one of the new high-top tables the other evening and noticed a page full of Asian inspired items: sushi rolls, Japanese dumplings, miso soup and several salads. The dumplings stirred my belly and I ordered glass of Pinot Grigio to go along with them.

Asian style food isn't all that's on the food menu now. Bacchus offers bruschetta, fresh house-made hummus, brie en crute, three types of fondue and a charcuterie board with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruit, nuts, and bread.

Lighter fare includes a caesar salad with grilled chicken, and for your sweet tooth there are desserts including chocolate fondue, New York style cheesecake, and apple crisp with ice cream and caramel. Desserts can be enjoyed with locally

Tell us about your family. I grew up in the country with my parents and younger brother. I have been married to my love, Donnie, for almost 18 years. We have 2 biological children: Tyler is 16 and Jadyn is 11. Tyler is a sophomore and plays football, basketball and baseball. Jadyn is a 5th grader and loves gymnastics. But we have another son on the way who loves soccer!

So... what were you doing in the Ukraine last week? We traveled to Ukraine because we are in the process of adopting our 3rd child, Denis, who currently lives in an orphanage there. He is 15 and has been in this orphanage since he was 6 or 7. We met Denis a couple of years ago when another family in our church hosted him. This past Christmas we hosted him and knew that he was supposed to be a part of our family forever. We started the adoption process last January.

What will you be doing for the holidays? We are going to be spending time with family and friends, celebrating Jesus’ birthday and eating lots of good food! We gather together and sing Christmas carols and we always have a birthday cake for Jesus! The funny thing is at our family gatherings the dessert table usually has more on it than any other table.

The wine and beer lists have been refined and include ten beer drafts. Matt said one of the suggestions he’d received the most was to add liquor. Soon, the bar will have full service.

They will continue to have music on Friday nights, and are now open at 3:30p Tuesday through Saturday. Jennifer says that folks who previously had to drive to Tallahassee to get their sushi fix can now stay local, relax and bring the kids if a sitter isn’t available.

In the end, my tab wasn’t outrageous: two glasses of wine and two orders of pot stickers including tip was under $30.

The atmosphere was relaxing and the wait staff was efficient, accommodating and cheerful. I ran into many friends from town, but felt as though I was in a classy establishment south of the line or in the Atlanta area. I noticed a lack of the laptop computers and personal devices that always seem to overpopulate and distract from actual conversation.

It seemed as though people were actually being entertained by the atmosphere and one another. It was a great little escape from busy day-to-day life.

- Clay B.

F r e e

Whet Your Palette

CENTER Abstract Painting with

SUNDAY

LUNCH!

11:00 to 2:00

Stores are still open late and Santa Claus is still in town...check the hours inside...

Do you know someone who is a Townie to the core and would make a great Chum? Send nominations our way!

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

- Clay B.

Moving Pictures: A Tribute to Ed Kelly

roasted and brewed coffee from Grassroots.

THE

OPEN

for after the New Year!

- Denise P.

+

Gourmet Pizza Delicious Salads Wonderful Calzones

Psst...we've got some new writing talent on deck

How long have you lived in the 'Ville? I grew up in Whigham and went to high school in Cairo, so I have always lived close to the T-ville. My parents worked here as I grew up. After I graduated high school I started working in Thomasville, decided to move here, and have been here ever since.

What's New at Bacchus When Matt Delarber noticed that patrons were staying at Bacchus longer when they were able to order pizza from a neighboring restaurant - so they could continue watching the big screens on the patio while drinking and hanging out with friends - he saw opportunity. He and his wife Jennifer hired a chef, added a kitchen next to the bar, moved the noisy AC units to the roof and added more tables and seating out back. The new amped-up atmosphere is still classy and relaxed, plus smoke-free inside.

FREE

Whispers.

CHUMS

Max provides the technical support, and Ritchie and Doug make the wine. They hired a wine consultant to research wine creation and 2013 was the first full scale vintage.

“We looked at Thomasville and thought it would be the perfect place to bring the flavor of country elegance with a plantation style,” he says.

DEC 4 - JAN 15

Edition

Gin Creek Comes to Downtown Thomasville Ritchie DeMott, his brother Doug, son Max, and sister Rhonda DeMott-Sauls have brought their Gin Creek Winery to downtown Thomasville. The original Gin Creek Winery and Plantation is eight miles west of Moultrie. The DeMotts originally started their wedding business in 1998, but planted the vineyard in March of 2009. Once the grapes developed, the wine was born.

www.tcfederal.com

INTRO TO Denise Boineau

CALLIGRAPHY with Anne Elser Studio 209 209 JanuaryStudio 15,INTRO 6:30-8:30 TO pm

December 6-7, 10am-3pm

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I first met Ed Kelly in the fall of 2007, a few months after moving to Thomasville to begin my job as curator of the Thomas County Historical Society. He was standing in the parking lot of the Museum, chatting with a friend he brought by to show off a little bit of Thomas County’s history. I introduced myself, and we soon found common ground discussing the universal language of football. To my shock – and I’m not sure shock is a strong enough word here – this old Southern fella was able to chat Rutgers football, my graduate school alma mater, as if he were a Scarlet Knight himself. Here was a sharp, curious, colorful person, the type I soon learned Thomasville produced at an astoundingly regular basis.

My personal meetings with Ed over the years were limited. I’m not sure he always remembered my name, but he always remembered my face. The way I really came to know Ed Kelly was not through social interactions, however. I came to know him first through his editorial writings in the Times-Enterprise, and later through the massive trove of photographs we call the “Ed Kelly Collection.” It is comprised of more than 300,000 unique negative frames, many shot by Ed himself, but also many shot by the photographers he hired. Because

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Ed’s personal and professional life were so intertwined, there is a small corner of the collection – maybe around five-hundred images – that feel like an intimate peek into the life of someone I met only a handful of times.

Lee Edward Kelly, Jr. was born in 1925, the second of four children to Minnie Kelly and Lee Kelly, Sr. He graduated Emory University in 1950, and after a short stint working for the Atlanta Constitution, he returned to Thomasville to join the family business, the TimesEnterprise. In 1964, he married Pat Parker, and shortly after their two children Susan and Kel were born. He was a city commissioner. He won tons of press awards.

After his father’s death, he ran the newspaper, along with his brothers Jack and Daniel Lamar, much better known as Danimar. He sold the newspaper in 1982 and enjoyed a very active retirement. Those are all things you can learn reading his obituary. Here’s what I have learned reading his newspaper and curating his photography collection: • He really cared about Thomasville. During the period of his father’s, and later his stewardship, the Times-Enterprise was an active and partisan advocate for

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DEC 4 - JAN 15

Ed Kelly

(continued from page 1)

sanitation, infrastructure, and educational improvements. New sewer systems, new schools, paved roads, and other improvements all took place in no small part because of his advocacy for those things. The photographic and editorial record he left stands as a testament to his role in making Thomasville a better place to live.

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 Denise Purvis Kelly Samek Contributing Writers Chaise Bishop Clay Byars Wade Chapman Benjamin Gardner Natalie Kirbo Jennifer Westfield Contributing Artists Laura Floyd Benjamin Gardner David Longstreet Graphic Design + Website Maintenance Katie Reeves

Georgia Press Association

Award Winning

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

• Ed Kelly wanted Thomasville to be at peace with itself during some very turbulent times. He wrote a mournful, conciliatory editorial following the assassination of Martin Luther King. He made the brave decision to hire an African-American reporter, Frank Dean Martin III, as possibly the first black man writing for a white-owned newspaper in the Deep South. Frank had worked for the Times-Enterprise while a student at Douglass High School, gathering scores from football games at DHS and delivering them to Sports Reporter Bill Baab, but this was different. Yes, Frank was assigned to cover the black community and black schools in the still-segregated school system of the late 1960s. But Ed recognized Frank’s talent, and soon he was covering “white” events, and even writing editorials on occasion. Thomas County has been left an amazingly detailed photographic record of the African-American community and neighborhoods because of this decision. How he came to decide this is interesting, too – he and Frank were at Archbold’s maternity ward at the same time, staring through the same glass looking at their respective newborns, and by both Ed and Frank’s account, he had an epiphany of their universal, shared humanity. That Ed asked Frank to deliver his eulogy is a statement of the impact that moment had on his life.

• Before his marriage to Pat in 1964, he was a ladies man. As the founder of the Miss Thomasville/Rose Queen Pageant, Ed was the escort of Miss Americas who came to the parade, including 1955 Miss America Lee Merriweather. He’d have someone else snap pictures of him and his dates. Or he’d just snap a shot of his date…or some packs of negatives have labels like “Ed’s Beach Beauties.”

• He was adventurous and enjoyed traveling. Included in the collection is a vacation he took to Canada in 1959 with what appears to be a random cast of characters, and then took a massive road trip with the entire family in 1960. They travelled the east coast up to New York, with Ed taking pictures all the way along.

• Ed loved Pat, Susan, and Kel. This probably goes without saying, but it is extremely evident not just in the number of photos he took, but in the authenticity of his adoration in the few photos of himself that he allowed to be taken. Some of them are so personal I almost feel strange having them in the Historical Society’s collections, but they are so real. I hope his family and his spirit don’t mind me sharing them.

When Ed sold the Times-Enterprise to Thomason, Inc. in 1982, one of the first things the new owners did was toss all the negatives and printed photographs they found into the dumpster. By chance, Ed saw this one day when he stopped by to see how the new owners were doing. He collected each and every image and put it in to storage.

Twenty-seven years later, he donated them to the Historical Society. I’ve scanned nearly 40,000 of the negatives so far, learning about Thomasville and Ed Kelly along the way. I happened to bump into him at the post office on Broad Street back in 2012… and yeah, we chatted football for a couple minutes, but he also let me know how many people had been thanking him for saving the negatives, and that they regularly looked at the pictures on the Historical Society’s Facebook page. He told me he didn’t really do “the Facebook,” but asked me to keep on posting them. I assured him it was the least I could do.

- Ephraim Rotter, Curator of Collections, Thomas County Historical Society

Catch St. Nick Before the Big Day You’d better not shout. You’d better hurry up. Come, make your wish, and get your free picture taken with Santa Claus at the Thomas County Public Library at 201 North Madison Street tomorrow, Friday, December 19th between 10a and 12:05p. Call Amanda Redker @ (229)225-5252, email amanda@tcpls.org, or visit the library’s website www.tcpls.org for more information!

You can also catch St. Nick on December 20 from 11a - 2p on the steps of the Thomasville Genealogical History and Fine Arts Library located at 135 North Broad Street. The Thomas County Federal sponsored event is free to the public.

Note: If it is raining outdoors, you will be able to find Santa inside Shapes and More located at 112 North Broad Street. Visit www.thomasvillega.com for more information.

Brother Dean Cooper: Salute to an Unsung Hero A job is a job, a commitment is a commitment, and both are important, yet a calling is what in the end becomes one’s primary life and duty. Brother Dean Cooper at the Rescue Mission Ministry, of which the Soup Kitchen is an integral part, is living out such a calling. Years ago he forsook personal gain in this life to become Sister Erlene Douglas’s right hand in serving the needy, underprivileged, mentally challenged, and homeless. The Rescue Mission Ministry runs the Soup Kitchen, but is also a nondenominational church, a group home, and a Christian School.

So many are fruit-judgers, but Brother Cooper is a tireless fruit producer. His humility goes before him. Grace and mercy follow. You will not likely know of him, or rather of all that he does unless you watch and listen closely. Sister Douglas is the titular head, but she cannot do and oversee everything. There is too much. Cooper is task oriented, a doer. He has fixed things: cars, vans, devices, and appliances when they break (and they do break). He has run the logistics in the soup kitchen, hands-on, day to day to day. Sister Douglas makes the rules in the group home, but Cooper has kept the guys in line as their male presence and role-model.

The Soup Kitchen is moving now from Cherokee Street to its new location on Madison near its intersection with Clay across from the Salvation Army. It will not be reopening for a couple weeks, but Brother Dean Cooper will be there in spirit as long as there is a Soup Kitchen, and in body for as long as he is given grant, dedicating, cooperating, serving, sacrificing, and obeying. S-A-L-U-T-E. - Benjamin G.

Quoted in the ‘Ville Christmas is a magical and transformative time of the year. It can be reckless and stressful, yet reflective and peaceful. What is your wish this Yuletide Season? – Clay B.

“...to be reflective and bask in the peace that comes with the season.” - Ann M.

“For me this is a time of year to reconnect with people you care about and to share blessings with those less fortunate.” - Carina B.

“Happiness, health, and all the items on my Christmas list.” - Shae T.

"PEACE. The Angel said to the shepherds... 'Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, good will toward man;' that had nothing to do with war or peace between one another... rather that a Savior was born and all glory is for God in Heaven... and on earth, PEACE to those who will believe in Him." - Jim S.

“I’m wishing for peace across our nation and for favorable conditions for a smooth final approach.” - Sharon P.

“I'm just hoping to get my Christmas tree up!” - Cindy I. And what are your New Year’s Day traditions? – Denise P.

"Watching football depending on who is playing." - Patti D.

"Putting away my Christmas tree." - Lisa S.

"I’ve abandoned tradition and do my own thing." - Jenny S.

"Eat greens, black-eyed peas, and white rice every year—maybe we should do something different this year." - Brandy G.

Printed by the Bainbridge Post Searchlight "I always make resolutions that I don’t keep." - Tracy L.

"Mom makes creole blacked eyed peas and turnip greens." - Ivey F.

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to all our Townies! We wish you the merriest of holidays and the happiest of wishes for the New Year! xoxox, Jennifer W., Chaise B., Denise P., Davey B., Katie R., David L., Sarah E., Joy S., Benjamin G., Clay B., Kelly S., Nancy M., Wade C., Natalie K., and Laura F.

reflections & resolutions from your townie staff I do not remember my specific 2014 resolutions, however I do believe in making resolutions. So much in fact that I tend to make them more than once a year. More like weekly...sometimes daily. So in the spirit of celebrating 2015 here are my goals for the year ahead...one day at a time!

Clean out my closet. Be ruthless! Only keep things that I aboslutely love.

Read more books. 2014 was my year for blogs and newspapers.

Laugh more! Ha! Be present. Whether it be making breakfast or talking with my daughter, I want to give my full attention to each moment.

sarah e.

Compete in my first Crossfit competition...currently I am too scared.

This year has given me so many things to be thankful for: becoming Editor in Chief of this paper; a new job at Brookwood and all of the people who welcomed me there; interviewing James Prosek, Elva Rubio and Ryan Zimmerman for THOM; interviewing Lark Mason; my friendships with Claydoh, Denise and Sarah; accepting awards at the Georgia Press Association conference and meeting Mesha; photographing Hananel when Trey popped the question; reading Snicket with Sofia; floating down the Salmon; driving from Dublin to Galway by way of Kilkenny; Seeing Laurie and JB in KW; Debbie Quinton’s kindness; seeing the Belenchias’ art (and Bond no. 9!) collection(s); and the continued support of those who allow me to do so many things in this town: Wade, Michele, Darlene, Randy, Kelly C., Lauren B., Stephanie, Bunny, and all of the writers and artists who make this paper.

I began writing for the Townie by answering a call for foodies; became caffeine, sugar and salt free; painted my house; started Yoga; rejoined the Thomasville Singers; learned about ramen (it’s all in the broth); discovered Indian food; ate lots of beans; quit watching hours of TV; went hog hunting with a dozen college buddies, some dogs and two K-bars; had a root canal; designed some pretty cool logos; painted a 15’ mural for FLAUNT; visited LaGrange on a whim; ate a pretty awesome chili cheese dog from Charlie Joseph’s; started my own business; fell in love with the Beatles again; fell in love with vinyl records; spent a lot of time thinking...

I have learned a lot this year since my dad died in January. Thankfully I have great friends and am settling into the community that I love and grew up in. In the process I am learning more about myself, and what I need and want for the future. In 2015 I’d like to stay focused on long term goals; complete short term goals without procrastination; continue to grow the youth ministry at St. Thomas and network with other churches; love those around me intentionally; create more paintings, photographs and prints; tell my story; practice patience; make and follow a regular exercise routine; make some deviled eggs; and take photos all the time, every day!

clay b.

One of the biggest highlights of 2014 for me was winning 3rd place in the GPA for my humor column. It was a fun trip with the editor, Jennifer Westfield, which allowed me to get to know her better and to her to becoming one of my best friends. Winning the award has driven me to be a better writer and possibly blow my competition out of the water for 2015.

jennifer w.

Highlights from Another Year in the ‘Ville: This was my first full year as owner of The Bookshelf, but it didn’t quite feel real to me until October’s One Book program. One Book gave me the opportunity to connect with a number of community members I never would have met otherwise, and it was gratifying to see our entire town pull together for the sake of a powerful story. One Book made me a part of something bigger than myself, bigger even than the store I run, and it reminded me why my husband and I moved to Thomasville in the first place: to make a difference in our neighborhood and to become members of this vibrant, diverse community.

annie b.

This past year was more about learning about my self, my own story and how self-discovery leads to understanding of how to help others grow. My random list of memories from this year follows…

denise p.

My resolution is a quote: “Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” - Buddha

fort m.

My memories of 2014 begin with the Atlanta ‘Snowpocolypse’ and end with my first holiday season with the love of my life. We had just began the current Buckhead project in January and the second week into it, here comes the snow and Artic Blast. It ended up taking me almost seven hours to go from Buckhead to Roswell. I almost ran out of gas, had to abandon the car and walked over five miles in the snow. Good times. On the heels of that, I met someone new and enjoyed an old school courtship in my middle age. Still enjoying it. I moved from the low country of Georgia back to my roots in the Georgia Piedmont. And, ended up being okay with it and welcomed back by the friends of my youth. Many challenges in my career and private life were met and overcome to both my surprise and joy. I end the year beginning Phase III of the project I initially started at the first of the year which we had allotted 6 weeks to complete. Slow and steady wins the race on a good restoration…and relationship.

New Year’s Resolution: Every January, I choose a word to meditate on for the next 12 months. In 2014, my word was “balance,” and I think I did an okay job (though juggling life and work will always be a challenge, I’d wager).

Thoughts on my 2015 word are still percolating, but I’m dreaming of ways to be a better friend and neighbor. I’m hoping for book clubs and community suppers, for snail mail and long walks, for a “present over perfect” kind of year.

davey b.

New Year’s Resolutions: Write more. Worry less. Clean out my closet and donate the rest. Spend more time with family, visit more friends. Knit a sweater before the year ends. Spend more time by fires, more time in the sun. A little less time working, a little more having fun.

Donate more time to good causes, and if there’s any time left...Be thankful for it all.

This life is the best.

I haven’t deviated from previous years’ resolutions this year. One big one that I took seriously last year was not taking any grief off of anyone. I have, for the most part, adhered to that, and I plan on taking that on through 2015.

It’s been a tumultuous year for me, and I need to stick to my guns. Watch out world, everything is coming up Denise for 2015.

My resolution and goal in 2015 is to keep the momentum going and to stay focused and positive in both my career and in my personal life. Sometimes we have to see ourselves in the eyes of another to truly see ourselves. As Dr. Freud once wrote, “love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.”

This past year was filled with so many things...here are the highlights. I still feel like pinching myself for the opportunity to work at my dream job and have such wonderful clients (especially the Townie!). My daughters turned 1, 9 and 10. I chaired the fundraising committee for my daughter's school. I worked hard and didn't sleep enough (toddlers=sleep stealers) but still had a year full of love and laughter.

natalie k.

I hate making New Year's resolutions. I feel like I can never keep them. But here are the goals I'm working towards in 2015: Being intentional about showing love to my girls and making fun memories with them. Taking time for myself (and catching up on all that missed sleep!) even if that means saying "no" to things that I really want to do. Being the best wife and friend to my husband that I can be. Cultivating great working relationships and friendships with my clients.

And remembering that as this life goes by so fast, it is so rewarding to be grateful in every moment.

katie r.

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DEC 4 - JAN 15

The Many Gifts of Local Music

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NEVER CHRISTMAS" WHILE RULED BY THE WHITE WITCH (C. S. LEWIS) THE COMMODITY FUTURES FORECAST What are the true gifts of the Christmas season? The

BY WHICH VALENTINE AND WINTHORPE first thing I think of is the music. In Thomasville we BANKRUPT have THE DUKE so many marvelous Christmas programs that it BROTHERS IN 'TRADING is impossible to name them all. Early in the season PLACES' gave us the outstanding a cappella singers DIRECTION TEF TOM HANKS TRAVELS ABOARD named'THE Cantus, performing "All is Calm: the Truce of POLAR EXPRESS' 1914." An anonymous donor paid for the tickets of IN A WELL-KNOWN 100 students, representing all of our schools, enabling CHRISTMAS SONG HE them to learn more through music and drama, about JUST WANTS A HULAa remarkable historic event of World War I. What a HOOP CHRISTMASgenerous ISLAND ISChristmas gift to our young people!

IN WHAT OCEAN ONE OF A FAMOUS No less than "Six Grand Pianos and the Mighty STAR GAZING TRIO Organ," brass and ebony and ivory gleaming across the TRIMMINGS OR TRAPPINGSlighted front of the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, prepared us for a spectacular gift of Christmas music.

HE PORTRAYED A POSTAL WORKER Thrilling in technique and effect, our "Keyboard VYING WITHChristmas" was in part expanded from an arrangement SCHWARZENEGGER written for a well-known piano quartet, and lovingly FOR A "TURBO-MAN" presented by the staff and church members. Andy DOLL IN 'JINGLE ALL THE WAY' Daughtry, Minister of Music and organist Margaret HOLIDAY STAPLE Grady deserve a special mention. All involved had 'WHITE CHRISTMAS' practiced either individually or collectively since July.

CROONER CONTRACTThen, we were invited to listen twice, either Sunday or Monday. It was a sacrificial gift of their time, talent, DETAIL,DETAIL,DETAIL THAT TRAPS TIMpreparation- for us. and ALLEN, AS SCOTT CALVIN, INTO Speaking of sounds, within days the bricks of Broad BECOMING Street SANTA reverberated with the activities of Victorian CHRISTMAS GIFT Christmas INSTRUCTIONS: KEEP and its many programs of music. Every block THEM OUT OF THEfeatured either school groups singing, the dance SUNLIGHT, companies DON'T GIVE performing, or a church bell choir ringing THEM WATER, out.AND The "Victorian" events clearly impressed WCTV NEVER FEED THEM night news anchor, James Buechele who narrated all AFTER MIDNIGHT the TV camera's footage of Victorian Christmas in an KING BALTHAZAR'S GIFT

artful iambic pentameter to the multitudes watching the 11 P.M. news.

Then there are the Thomasville Singers, led by our native son and internationally recognized director, Raymond Hughes, who presented "A Little Christmas Music." This gift was composed by another fine musician and conductor who lived here, the late Paul Lillestrand. Afterwards, Raymond rushed out to rehearse with the Music and Drama Troupe, our teenagers who put on a Christmas show every year.

My four out-of-town friends came out agog over the fine presentation by Troupe’s 7th-12th graders: their solo and ensemble pieces, secular carols, spirituals, popular favorites, dance, piano, reading, and sacred music. Raymond and his associates had trained the singers and dancers carefully in each expression of Christmas joy, and in the end, the many talents of Troupe brought the audience to our feet as they inspired us with the difficult and glorious "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah.

Outside, my friends murmured "So professional," "Just the right length," "When is their next show?" and "How do we get our tickets?" Thank you, Troupe, and parents, and Fred...and Raymond! One of my adult children, a Troupe alum, says, "You always leave with the Christmas Spirit."

If I get to write in this space next Christmas, I hope to talk about all my other favorites of the season. I love the lights, the Nativity scenes, inside and outside decorations- even fruitcake! (good fruitcake, that is...)

- Nancy M.

your one stop for for local holiday gift items including one of Oprah’s Favorite Things...

Answers on our website @ www.YourTownie.com

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EBENEEZER'S WONDERFUL LIFE) 35 22 WHAT PURITANS credited to Clement Clarke Christmas USUROUS, MONEYSHAPE OF"A THE LAMP IN Story" FORBADE THE SINGING Moore LENDING, CHAINOF AT CHRISTMAS 'A CHRISTMAS STORY' 6 How many geese a laying DRAGGING HOW MANY GEESE A 24 WHAT SANTA CHECKS PREDECESSOR IN 'A TWICE LAYING12 Montgomery-Ward Department CHRISTMAS CAROL' MARY GAVE BIRTH TO MONTGOMERY-WARD Store created which26reindeer ONE ON CHRISTMAS DEPATMENT STORE 36 TANNENBAUM 13 The first state to recognize AND 8-YEAR OLD CREATED WHICH 37 NON-STIRRING holiday NATALIE CRITTER IN THE POEM ACTRESS REINDEERChristmas as an official 1 Christmas Eve weather "A VISIT FROM SAINT WOOD EXPERIENCED THE FIRST STATE TO 14 What is customarily given NICHOLAS," ONE ON THRITYRECOGNIZE phenomenon that madeCREDITED under the mistletoe FOURTH STREET TO CLEMENT CLARKE CHRISTMAS AS AN Rudolph's nose so valuable MOORE OFFICIAL HOLIDAY 27 HE WAS LEFT 'HOME 15 Big "Elf" with an even 2 Surname in "National Lampoon's ALONE' AT CHRISTMAS WHAT IS CUSTOMARILY bigger heart GIVEN UNDER THE DOWN 29 THE COLOR OF Christmas Vacation" 16 What Frosty's nose is CHRISTMAS IN AN ELVIS MISTLETOE 5 Country 1that passed "The Holy CHRISTMAS EVE HOLIDAY BIG 'ELF' AN EVEN 20 WITH Physical activity for Brenda LeeCLASSIC WEATHER BIGGER HEART 32 MEAN AND GREEN WAS Days and Fasting Act" requiring ".... Around Tree.."

PHENOMENON THAT THIS HE WHO STOLE WHAT FROSTY'S NOSEthe Christmas

DOWN

22 What Puritans forbade the singing of at Christmas 24 What Santa checks twice 26 Mary gave birth to one on Christmas and 8-year old actress Natalie Wood experienced one on 34th Street 27 The color of Christmas in an Elvis holiday classic 32 Mean and green was he who stole Christmas 34 Director Tim Burton gave us and entertaining one before Christmas 35 Ebeneezer's usurous, moneylending, chain-dragging predecessor in "A Christmas Carol"

that citizens attend church on Christmas Day 7 Traditional Christmas sauce made from "marsh-whorts" 8 The reindeer not amor 9 He is in Christmas 10 Christmas villain in the first "Die Hard" movie 11 Where was it "Always winter, but never Christmas" while ruled by the White Witch (C.S. Lewis) 17 The commodity futures forecast by which Valentine and Winthorpe bankrupt the Duke brothers in "Trading Places" 18 Direction Tom Hanks travels aboard "The Polar Express"

MADE RUDOLPH'S

SO VALUABLE 19NOSE In a well-known Christmas 2 SURNAME IN NATIONAL song he just wants a hula-hoop LAMPOON'S 21'CHRISTMAS Christmas island is in what VACATION' THAT 5 COUNTRY ocean PASSED "THE HOLY 23DAYS OneAND of a FASTING famous star gazing trio REQUIRING THAT 25ACT" Trimmings or trappings CITIZENS ATTEND 28 He portrayed a postal worker CHURCH ON vying with DAY Schwarzenegger for CHRISTMAS 7 TRADITIONAL a "Turbo-Man" doll in "Jingle CHRISTMAS SAUCE all the Way""MARSHMADE FROM 30WHORTS" Holiday staple "White Christmas" 8 THE REINDEER NOT crooner AMOR Contract detail, detail, detail IS IN CHRISTMAS 931HE VILLAIN IN as Scott 10 CHRISTMAS that traps Tim Allen, THE FIRST 'DIE HARD' Calvin, into becoming Santa MOVIE WASgift IT instructions: Keep 1132WHERE Christmas "ALWAYS WINTER, BUT them out of sunlight, don't give them water, and never feed them after midnight 33 King Balthazar's gift

Blackberry Patch Syrups 107 north broad st downtown thomasville 229.236.9826

In The Garden old-fashioned cedar

Where would our Christmas celebration be without that product of the outdoors, the Christmas Tree?

My suggestion to you, and to myself, is that as soon as winter softens, we should plant some evergreens.

Consider old-fashioned cedar (cedrus deodara), not their modern substitute, Leyland cypress. There are already plenty of them.

Also try Japanese black pine, spruce pine, various holly trees or shrubs. My favorite holly tree is American holly, occasionally seen growing wild, in the woods. Its leaves are a light, dull green--not shiny, but its berries are glossy red, and the configuration of the branches and shape of the tree conform to my opinion of how traditional holly looks. Do I sound bossy? I associate dark green, shiney leaves with the newer varieties, which are still lovely.

Don't try digging up wild things to transplant unless there is a mitigating circumstance, such as the land being cleared for development, or a patch that needs thinning. Generally, wild transplants don't do very well. Do know what you want to ask about before you go to the nursery, our best plant resource, and do listen

to advertise, contact ads@yourtownie.com.

to their advice.

For smart planting, I rely on a pretty manual, Garden Guide to the Lower South. It is available from Trustees' Garden Club, PO Box 24215, Savannah, GA 314034215 for $19.95, plus $4 postage and handling (GA residents add 6% sales tax). The new 3rd Edition is an attractive gift for yourself or a friend who wants to be successful growing plants here in Deep South Georgia.

You and I will be planting a tree for ourselves, of course, but mainly for the future. Depending on your age, you may not see the mature tree. You will have given somebody else a grand gift- a present of beauty when the tree is in its season and a gift of shade and coolness in summertime.

This present will reflect the true and generous spirit of the Christmas season. Your tree will be a majestic gift of nature that refers to the greatest gift of all, God's gift to us of Himself. His gift cannot be reciprocated.

We can only worship and be thankful.

- Nancy M.

Page No.

5

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DEC 4 - JAN 15

The Stylish House

Farm to Table

a happy and stylish holiday

bourbon pecan tart

Pecan pie is both a seasonal and a regional classic, but converting it into tart form means being able to whip up the dessert entirely from scratch in much less time.

Elevated by the kick of the bourbon, this tart is both salty and caramel-y, gooey and crunchy. Make it for Christmas Eve dinner, leave a slice out for Santa, and enjoy the leftovers for breakfast. Season’s eatings!

2 tablespoons Sparkman's Cream Valley cream or half-and-half—Lewis Produce

Farm to Table

Bourbon Pecan Tart 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup Sheffield’s roasted pecans—Sweet Grass Dairy Shop 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 3/4 by 4 1/4-inch tart pan with removable bottom (Alternatively, you can use a 9-inch round tart or springform pan). Cut six tablespoons of the butter into half-inch chunks and place in a food processor along with the flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Pulse 10-15 times until the ingredients have formed a uniform, slightly sandy mixture. Spoon into the prepared pan and press down into the bottom and about 1/4 inch up the sides to form the crust. Bake for 20 minutes while preparing the filling. Melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Stir in dark brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, and cream or half-and-half. Once sugar is dissolved, allow to simmer for a minute. Pour over crust and arrange pecans over top as desired.

(You can also chop the pecans, stir into liquid, and dump into the prepared crust if you prefer.) Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely, slice, and serve.

2 1/2 tablespoons Thirteenth Colony Southern Bourbon—Bird Dog Bottle Co.

- Kelly S.

sleep in...beauty

We take the benefits of sleep for granted. Our technology driven culture thrives on the belief that time is money. It tricks us into thinking we can keep going, keep working, and keep being more productive. But what’s the cost?

Many of us function on 5-6 hours of sleep a night and the fact is it’s just not enough. Sleep deprived does not equal best self ! Aside from our appearance (I'll get to that I promise), our sleep regulates our hormones, our appetites, heals and repairs our bodies, boosts our mood, controls our stress, blood pressure and the list goes on.

We are all familiar with puffy eyes and dark circles that come with one or two sleepless nights; But what about chronic sleep deprivation? This causes an inflammatory response in the body, which results in a dull complexion, increased sensitivity, decreased suppleness, and is terrible for acne prone skin. Sleep restores the balance in our skin. It is a crucial part for looking and feeling our best.

Now if you have a child you probably take them through a consistent bedtime routine every night. My daughter has bath time, teeth brushing, bedtime story, glass of water by the bed, and I sing her favorite song (off key but she loves it and that's all that matters). But should a bedtime routine be just for kids? No! It's actually a signal to our body that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep which benefits us all at any age.

Think of sleep as fuel for your body instead of something else you have to do. Restorative sleep is one of the key ingredients to energy, radiance and vitality inside and out.

There is pressure every season to have our homes at their best for our families’ wellbeing and the comfort of our guests during holiday entertaining. Is the house clean? Is the tree perfect, silver polished, gifts wrapped charmingly, etc.? If you are feeling overwhelmed or overcome by time constraints, try the old ‘less is more’ philosophy. Keeping these area simple and classy will give you more time to focus on what is important: our friends, family and home.

No one can be a Norman Rockwell picture 24/7.

Shopping at Christmas time is something we either enjoy or dread. Will I be able to find this season’s trendiest gift for a loved one? What do I get for that new office girl whose name I drew? Is there enough under the tree? When will I have the time to wrap the presents? Try enlisting the help of the children or have a cocktail ‘wrapping’ party. Many hands make light work (or some old adage) and it can also be passed off as a small party for payback obligations. Try giving homemade or baked items and avoid the retail rush.

This can also help get the creative bunny energized. The

gift itself is not as important as the meaning behind it. Sort of like an engagement ring.

Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned for managing the holiday season is time allotment. Many people have a preconceived idea of what Christmas should look like and when it doesn’t pan out the way they imagined, feelings of disappointment and shattered illusions reign.

No one can be everything to everybody and no one can live up to the unrealistic expectations the media sets for us.

Place limits on your time and do not be afraid to decline an invitation or give an unexpected gift, regardless of how much you want to attend or share a special present. Do not be afraid to simply acknowledge, to yourself or others, “I am unable to fit this in to my schedule this year.”

In short, by keeping your expectations realistic and giving good thought to time allowances for your holiday schedule, you can successfully navigate the season’s waters. Learning from my mistakes may help you to stay sane this Christmas and might even allow you to find a stray moment or two for yourself: something we could all use, particularly this time of year.

Whether it is Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings or bah Humbug, I hope your holiday season is both stylish and happy.

- Davey B.

Vashti and the Holiday Mentoring Spirit

Beauty Broad My daughter's pajamas say, "I need my beauty sleep."

Cliché? ...yes, but so true!

So many articles are written each year during the holiday season coaching us on what to do to keep ourselves stylish, happy and current. Sometimes it can be more helpful to know what NOT to do during the holidays to keep ourselves sane. This year, I am thumbing back through seasons past and attempting to learn from my mistakes; I am going to pass what I’ve learned on to you.

Tips for a productive and restful sleep: Time for Bed: Plan to fall asleep around the same time each night. This consistency is important.

Set the mood: Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary: Soft blankets, comfy pillows, calming colors. Get rid of clutter in corners. Ideally it should be single purpose space and not a shared work space.

Dim the light: Darkness is a signal to our bodies that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. If you have a computer in your room or any distracting light, cover it, at least, if you can't turn it off. A silky eye mask is also a fun but effective option.

Cool down: Your body temp begins to drop as it gets ready for sleep. Make sure your room is cool and comfortable. Also to note: a hot bath late at night may make it more difficult to fall asleep...best to have those earlier.

Yoga for sweet dreams: A simple ritual of taking 5-10 slow deep belly breaths before bed with gentle stretching is a perfect way to prepare for sleep. You can do this sitting comfortably in your bed.

Become a back sleeper: Sleeping face down in your pillow only adds a collection of fine lines and creases.

Have a cup: A glass of warm water with lemon, hot chamomile tea, or warm milk and honey will add a calming touch to your evening ritual and leave you soothed and hydrated.

Sweet dreams!

- Sarah E.

Shane Lovvorn was recovering from the flu, but became more and more enlivened as we spoke over the phone last Friday. Just talking about his mission was working good medicine within him. Pastor Shane was appointed as an extension minister by the Methodist conference, and he believes his Vashti posting will carry him happily and quite fulfillingly through the remainder of this life.

“When there is a need here at Vashti, it is exactly as if the Lord sends us what we require, and the right person just walks in the door. The mentoring program has been a huge success.” To wit, soon the kids will have a series of interesting speakers coming in 2015 courtesy of Theresa and Joe Brown on various rounding and spiritual topics.

The spirit of Christmas is giving. To mentor at Vashti is also to give. Matt and Jennie Delarber, owners and proprietors of Bacchus Wine Bar jumped in four years ago despite perhaps not having enough time, or thinking that they might miss some weeks because they realized—in advance—you will never think you have enough time and, truth be told, you may miss some weeks. But really, it’s about the Vashti children and about making their lives better. Consider the difference between making that big impression, some big gift or the steady impression of care, attention and commitment. The latter are as the mustard seed that moves mountains. A mentee shared Thanksgiving dinner at the Delarbers’—as family.

Right now, Kevin’s at 111 South Broad Street is currently accepting comforter donations for the Vashti Center.

When I spoke with Kathleen Kelly of Kevin’s, she had just accepted a Facebook friend request from one of the young adult clients recently graduated from the Vashti program, who is now living the dream. What dream?

The dream of being equipped to face life head-on and head-up, freed of the victimization of being physically, emotionally, and/or verbally abused in a broken home.

There is also the stigmatization these individuals must fight, as if somehow they are children of some lesser god, less loved, less deserving of opportunity, and perhaps doomed by negative, reflected appraisal to become another self-fulfilling philosophy of defeat and failure. No, not on Kathleen Kelly’s watch.

Many churches give of their time, faith, and efforts too.

Celebration, a nondenominational, comes to Vashti every 2nd Saturday. Volunteers often come from First Methodist and First Baptist. The boy/girl ratio at Vashti is usually around 2:1 with around 20 boys and 10 girls at any given time, ranging in ages up to 19. If you want to help with a current need, now, in this holiday season— comforters—call Vashti and get hold of the Auxiliary and/or Kathleen Kelly for more details. If you want to become a mentor, a background check must be passed, but, heed the Delarbers, do not let such things deter.

There are children waiting for you. Visit www.vashti. org or call 225-1092.

Give the Gift of Relaxation!

A Metta Day Spa Gift Certificate is the perfect gift for someone special!

Hottest Facials in Town...Organic with Results!

Free Lash & Brow Tint Or Exfoliating Lip Treatment when you schedule a Facial!

Chocolate Peppermint Mani/Pedicure for December Chocolate Peppermint Body Scrub for $25 when you schedule a 60-90 minute massage.

Spa Memberships now Available!

Perfect gift for a couple to share.

Private Party room coming in January!

Schedule your spa experience today!

MettaDaySpa.com 229-225-6792 121 N.Broad Street • Downtown Thomasville Open until 8pm on Fridays until Christmas!

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- Benjamin G.

FREE

FREE

DEC 4 - JAN 15 VOLUME 3

DEC 4 - JAN 15 VOLUME 3

FIND US ONLINE AT YOURTOWNIE.COM

Dance Card.

January 19, 20, 26, 27 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

January 19-21 A Christmas Carol Thomasville Center for the Arts, 600 East Washington Street; 7:30 p Fri., 2:30 p Sat & Sun. The Red Hills Players present a re-imagining of this Christmas classic. Come discover the true meaning of Christmas. $10 students, $15 adults 226-0863

January 20 Pioneer Days Accidental Gallery, 106 North Main Street, Boston, GA 31636; 11a-3p Original artwork and unique holiday gifts.; 816-309-5131

January 20 Santa Claus Downtown Genealogical Library, 135 North Broad Street; 1p - 4p; Visit with Santa and take your own free holiday pictures. 227-7020

January 27 Letter Writing Club The Bookshelf, 126 South Broad Street; 11a-1p The Bookshelf provides stationery, pens, and stamps -- all you need to bring is your address book!

228-7767

January 31 PAWS for reading Thomas County Public Library, 201 North Madison Street; 4p; Bring your young reader to read aloud to a therapy dog to improve reading and communication skills.

Issue No.

Downtown Shops Still Open Late Open until 8p on Friday 12/19: A Different Drummer, Al Dixon Menswear, BellaMoon Boutique, The Bookshelf, Chop House on the Bricks, Earthlover, Forever Retro/Apollo Records in the USA, Fuzzy Goat, Grassroots Coffee, Hicks Clothing, Liam’s Restaurant, Meet the Merchant, Metta Day Spa, Mimi’s the Look. Mode, Moonspin Pizza, Onward Reserve, Rayann’s, Relics, SGD Cheeseshop, Smallcakes, Sturdy Brothers, Table Works Plus Open 1p until 5p on Sunday 12-21: A Different Drummer, Al Dixon Menswear, BellaMoon Boutique, The Bookshelf, Forever Retro/Apollo Records in the USA, Fuzzy Goat, Hicks Clothing, Meet the Merchant, Mimi’s the Look. Mode, Moonspin Pizza, Onward Reserve, Relics, Table Works Plus For more info, contact Laura Beggs, Main Street Coordinator @ 229-227-7020 or visit www. downtownthomasville.com.

22

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It feels almost silly to put together a compilation of my favorite books of 2014. The Internet is full of these kinds of lists already, lists created by book experts: NPR editors, the New York Times critics, library groups; my own list seems paltry in comparison.

But it would also seem silly not to make a list. (What is the saying? Something about never allowing the fear of playing to keep you from the game?) I am the proprietress of a bookstore, after all.

After much thought, then, here are my top books of 2014, in no particular order and with no specific criteria in mind, though I did keep my list to books published in 2014, and I didn’t look even look at another “best of 2014” list before making my own. (I didn’t want my tastes tainted with bias!) I’ve included my top 10 adult books and my 10 favorite children’s books of the year.

Top Ten Adult Books of 2014: • Landline by Rainbow Rowell. I love any book that paints a funny, realistic portrayal of marriage (so many books and movies choose to end there); $24.99 in hardback.

• Far Outside the Ordinary by Prissy Elrod.

Memoirs are my personal weakness, but this one made the list because it’s well-written and locally-published, plus it’s pretty on a shelf; $24.99 in hardback.

Boston, Georgia

• One More Thing by B.J. Novak. Novak is hilarious and smart; these short stories – some just a sentence or two in length – were a highlight of 2014; $24.95 in hardback.

• Delancey by Molly Wizenberg. This delightful memoir about a couple who opens up a restaurant hit so close to home this year; $25 in hardback.

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. Book clubs, if you haven’t discovered Moriarty, now’s the time; her brand of satire is one of my new favorite things; $26.95 in hardback.

a little smile, a word of cheer, a bit of love from someone near. best wishes for the coming year. these make a merry christmas! john greenleaf whittier

• The From-Aways by CJ Hauser. Another local lady makes the list; Hauser’s debut novel was the perfect smart, summertime escape; $14.99 in paperback.

• Tables in the Wilderness by Preston Yancey.

This memoir makes the list because it spoke to me where I am in my faith journey right now; it’s an interesting look at why one evangelical chose to go liturgical; $19.99 in hardback.

Comix by Laura Floyd

Woodleaf Senior Care

• The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan.

Keegan showed so much promise as a young writer; her essays would make a lovely gift for a 20-something; $23 in hardback.

• The Secret Place by Tana French. French’s mystery/suspense novels will make my top ten lists, always and forever; her latest about a girls’ boarding school didn’t disappoint; $27.95 in hardback.

• The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. This new novel by the author of The Red Tent is a beautiful blend of history and fiction; the narrator – 85-year-old Addie Baum – won my heart; $26 in hardback.

Top Ten Children’s Books of 2014: • The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern.

Eleven-year-old Maggie reminded me so much of myself that I snagged a copy for my own shelves; $16.99 in hardback.

• Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt.

This was a hit in our preschool story times, perfect for new and aspiring kindergartners; $16.99 in hardback.

• Kid Presidents by David Stabler and Doogie Horner. I sneaked behind the counter and read this one with equal parts fascination and laughter; $13.95 in hardback.

• Orange Triangle Fox by Sarah Jones. Clever board books babies and parents can enjoy are tricky to find; $7.99 in board book format.

• The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak. This one is a new children’s classic; prepare to laugh out loud right alongside your child; $17.99 in hardback.

• The Categorical Universe of Candice Phee by Barry Jonsberg. You can’t ever have too many plucky preteen narrators, as far as I’m concerned; $16.99 in hardback.

• The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan. Buy this one for the breathtaking illustrations alone (though the historical element is brilliant, too); $17.99 in hardback.

• Terrapin by Wendell Berry. Nature-loving kids and adults will love this one, and the poetry is beautiful; $25 in hardback.

• Animalium by Jenny Broom and Katie Scott.

Prepare to drool over this gorgeous – and huge! – book filled with facts about the animal kingdom; $35 in hardback.

• The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant. Biographical picture books might be my other new favorite thing of 2014, and this one’s at the top of the list; $17.50 in hardback.

And an honorable mention goes to the beautiful new Puffin classics designed by Anna Bond from Rifle Paper Company: Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, A Little Princess, and Little Women.

See you in the shop, Annie

Photo by John Eisenman Poetry: Benjamin Gardner

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