2015 Covey Film Fest by The Townie

benefitting the Thomasville Community Resource Center Welcome to the 3rd Annual Covey Film Festival! 113 E. Jackson St

Downtown Thomasville LUNCH

TUES- SAT

11 am - 2 pm BRUNCH

SATURDAY

9 am - 1 pm DINNER

The Covey Film Festival’s mission is to promote independent films and filmmakers to the Red Hills Region of Southwest Georgia and North Florida. We screen films that relate to Nature, Community & Caring – all representative of the great conservation efforts of the region. This marks our third year and we are excited to see the growth in interest and participation. So, what exactly does the Covey Film Festival have to do with the Thomasville Community Resource Center? Founded in 1998, Thomasville Community Resource Center’s mission was to address the disparity of health-related preventive services, educational enrichment opportunities, and economic challenges that faced the underserved populations in the community. TCRC continues to support and enhance the educational, spiritual, and physical well-being of all people of Thomas County and the surrounding area through educational, health, and family supportive services. We fulfill our mission through afterschool and summer programs, our Parent Child Home program, and teen outreach services. Money raised from the Covey Film Festival ensures that we can continue our work. I moved to Thomasville in 2006 with my family and we love it here. I am passionate about early childhood education. Investing in early childhood education is a cost effective strategy for promoting economic growth. Our economic future depends on providing the tools for upward mobility and building a highly educated, skilled workforce. Investing in the developmental growth of young children is critical. The Covey Film Festival is a vehicle for economic and community development for the region and it brings the world to our students.

THUR S - SAT

I am amazed and proud of our students’ skills and intelligence. We are also blessed to have generous commitments from our families, multiple foundations, donors, and community partners. I want to be sure resources are available for children to learn and grow. Resources from the Covey Film Festival have contributed to the following projects:

HAPPY HOUR

• • •

5:30 pm - close

THUR S - SAT 5:30 - 7 pm

RING @

The purchase of 10 new Chromebooks for our Computer Lab Experiential field trips at reduced cost to our parents Increased enrollment capacity

We are delighted that the Covey Film Festival is seen as a means of entertainment and education for our whole community, as well as a viable partnership that showcases our great city. We appreciate your participation and trust that you will enjoy this year’s scheduled community events in our beautiful city. Let the Covey Film Festival begin! Lisa Billups, Executive Director

229 226

9944

501 Varnedoe Street Thomasville, GA 31792 Phone (229) 226-5846

www.tcrconline.org

published by

www.yourtownie.com editor in chief - jennifer westfield creative director - katie reeves of ktcreative

TROOP 491, MUDDY LIONS

12 SECRETS OF THE LONGLEAF PINE

VIRUNGA Thomas University Flowers Auditorium 7 PM

Thomas University Flowers Auditorium 7 PM

HISTORY OF FILM

LITTLE AFRICA All Saints Episcopal Church 7 PM

Brookwood School 6 PM

IDA

Thomas Co. Museum of History 10 AM

WHO OWNS WATER?

Downtown Panel Discussion Trinity Church • 12 PM

THE GOOD LIE Tall Timbers Research Station 6:30 PM Movie 7:30 PM Q&A/Panel Discussion

Thomas University 6:30 PM Reception 7 PM Movie

DROP BOX

Public Library 1 PM

WOLFPACK

THE WOUND & THE GIFT

Thomas University Flowers Auditorium 7 PM

Thomas University 6:30 PM Reception 7 PM Movie & Discussion

16 ULEE’S GOLD Thomas University 6:30 PM Reception 7 PM Movie & Discussion

17 SATURDAY NIGHT SHORTS Thomas University 6:30 PM Reception 7 PM Movie

6:30 PM

THE RETRIEVAL Thomas University Flowers Auditorium 7 PM

Fall 2015 has arrived! Visit a store near you or shop online with FREE SHIPPING

Is Your Smile Ready for Life’s Special Occasions?

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

The story of Tristan, a boy coping with life in the inner-city projects. His mother enrolls him in Boy Scouting in an effort to keep him off the streets. But when Tristan witnesses a homicide, a local thug demands his silence. Now he must learn, with the help of his new friends, that doing the right thing isn’t always easy. Will he follow the code of the streets or the code of the Boy Scouts?

TROOP 491, THE ADVENTURES OF THE MUDDY LIONS

This movie’s powerful story contains messages that resonate with today’s youth. Perfect for middle schoolers and teenagers, this is a beautifully filmed movie told in a way that allows parents and young adults to understand the struggle in making the right decisions.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

LITTLE AFRICA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

A panel discussion will be held following the film.

This movie has important, yet complex, social themes. In addition, the film contains language and violence that would not be appropriate for younger viewers. While we recommend the film for students in grades six and above, parental discretion is advised.

Award winning short produced by FSU film student Curtis Adair, Jr. as his Master’s thesis. The short addresses the issue of racial identity.

Location: Brookwood School 301 Cardinal Ridge Road • Thomasville, Georgia Time: 4 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass. Students Free.

Event Details: Father Paul Hancock will offer a discussion with the audience after the film to discuss the contrasting meanings of racial and religious identities.

This Polish film won many international awards. It addresses the theme of religious identity through the experience of a young Catholic novitiate who, before taking her vows, is instructed by her mother superior to visit a distant aunt. During the visit Anna learns that her family were not Catholic but Jewish and killed during the Holocaust. She then struggles with her religious and cultural identities.

IDA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

Location: All Saints Episcopal Church 443 S. Hansell Street • Thomasville, Georgia Time: 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

WOLFPACK

This documentary looks at the work of Pastor Lee Jong-rak and his heroic efforts to embrace and protect his community’s most vulnerable children. By installing a drop box outside his home, Pastor Lee provides a safe haven to babies who would otherwise be abandoned on the streets to die. It’s a heart-wrenching exploration of the physical and emotional toll associated with providing refuge to save those deemed unwanted by society. But it’s also a story of hope. And a celebration of the reality that every human life is sacred, has a purpose, and is worthy of love.

DROP BOX SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Sponsored by Open Door Adoption Agency

Location: Thomas County Public Library 201 N. Madison Street • Thomasville, Georgia Time: 1 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

call today to tour! 301 Cardinal Ridge Road, Thomasville, Georgia Phone 229.226.8070 | www.brookwoodschool.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 Winner of this year’s Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize, this film is a documentary of the unusual upbringing of a group of brothers in New York City. One of the film’s co-producers, Louise Ingalls Sturges, is the niece of Thomasville’s Kathy Vignos. Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia Time: 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

Mom & Dads

“Una Cena Senza Vino, ‘E Come Una Giornata Senza Sole” “A dinner without wine is like a day without sunshine” 1800 Smith Avenue • Thomasville, GA

The Wound and the Gift explores the major transformation in our relationship with animals through the Rescue Movement. All over the world, people are saving the lives of animals that were bred for profit, abused, or sold on the black market. Millions of us are adopting dogs and cats from shelters, rather than buying pets from breeders and pet stores. Some people devote their lives to providing sanctuaries for rescued wild animals. By caring for wounded animals in need, we are learning just how much animals give back to those who care for them.

THE WOUND & THE GIFT

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

The narrative spine of the film is an ancient fable about a wounded crane, saved by peasants, who attempts to express her gratitude with a gift. Scenes from the folktale will weave together stunning footage of rescued animals and their sanctuaries. As the fable and the film unfold, we cannot help but wonder, who is saving whom? Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road • Thomasville, Georgia Time: 6:30 PM Reception with Carol Jones of Miss Kitty’s Feline Sanctuary; 7 PM Movie & Discussion with Carol Jones Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. Without Pass, movie only, $10 at door. $20 for Movie & Reception without Pass, advance pay only.

2015 Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature Winner of 23 International Film Awards

VIRUNGA SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

“In the forested depths of eastern Congo lies Virunga National Park, one of the most bio-diverse places in the world and home to the last of the mountain gorillas. In this wild, but enchanted environment, a small and embattled team of park rangers – including an ex-child soldier turned ranger, a carer of orphan gorillas and a Belgian conservationist – protect this UNESCO world heritage site from armed militia, poachers and the dark forces struggling to control Congo’s rich natural resources. When the newly formed M23 rebel group declares war in May 2012, a new conflict threatens the lives and stability of everyone and everything they’ve worked so hard to protect.” (C) Official Site Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia Time: 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

Fine Oriental Rugs

HISTORY OF THE FILM INDUSTRY IN THOMASVILLE, GA

Downtown 102 W. Jackson St. Thomasville, GA

Margie Compton, Film Archivist at the University of Georgia Libraries’ Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection, will be screening unique films preserved by the archives. Three early 28mm home movies from the Pebble Hill Plantation Film Collection will be shown depicting Broadway star Annie Russell relaxing with the Ireland family at Pebble Hill and at her home in Maine, circa 1917. Miss Russell is almost unknown today, but in her heyday, she was an extremely popular actress. Then, from the 1950’s, a selection of short films and a television program made by Florida’s famous sportsman, Dave Newell, will be shown. Newell was the longtime editor of Field & Stream, a staunch promoter of land, waterways and fauna conservation, and was a friend of Elizabeth Ireland Poe. Ms. Compton will present information about her research into these films and how UGA is preserving Georgia’s visual heritage. Location: Thomas County Museum of History 725 N. Dawson Street Thomasville, Georgia Time: 10 AM Admission: Free with Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door.

Hours

Cajun Eats with a Southern Attitude!

Or by Appointment

420-1 W Jackson Street Thomasville, GA 31792 (229) 236-6006

Tues - Sat 10:30 - 5:00

Restaurant | Catering | Event Center

Jacob Atem is widely known as one of the Lost Boys of Sudan – some 30,000 orphans between the ages of 5 and 15 who fled the second Sudanese Civil War in the 1990s. The boys traveled thousands of miles by foot to seek refuge in camps across Africa; many died along the way of starvation, disease, and animal attack. Like 3,800 others, Atem was taken in at the age of 15 by an American foster family. Today, many of these Lost Boys still live across the United States, contributing of their own talents in their new hometowns. Atem is now president of the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization, which he cofounded in 2008 to foster the improvement of health care and education in the Southern Sudan. He is also working on his Ph.D. in Health Services at University of Florida in Gainesville. He and his wife, Linda, have one son. Airing this October at Covey is The Good Lie, starring Reese Witherspoon. The film is based on the stories of four Lost Boys who, like Atem, found new families and lives in the United States. Atem himself is scheduled to speak to a group of children at the Thomasville Community Resource Center about his experiences. Thomasville Townie: We’re excited to watch The Good Lie at the Covey Film Festival this October. Would you tell us a little about your own story and how it plays into the film?

Jacob Atem: Our Lost boy story is very ubiquitous. Everywhere, everybody knows us. [But] the term “Lost Boys” is used loosely. You’ve watched the movie called Peter Pan? That’s how we got the name. It’s because most of us were young – between the ages of five and fifteen. We were taking care of ourselves. I can see the point [of the media’s name for us], but there’s a difference between real and fictional issues.

her, “There’s a better Lost Boy next to you in Florida.” I [joked with] Didi that I was a little suspicious – maybe Thomasville is so close to FSU that they don’t want a [University of Florida] Gator to be there.

We started out with roughly 27,000 to 30,000. But by the time we reached Ethiopia and came here, [our number was] cut in half to approximately 12,000. Then it was cut again. There are approximately 3,889 Lost Boys and Girls that came to America, and they live across many, many states. We came here, became educated, and are giving back to society.

JA: I want to come to a level where I can honestly relate to them and say that yes, it’s not easy … but in spite of your difficulties, you can become the next doctor, the next engineer, the next nurse.

TT: What was your reaction when you first saw The Good Lie? JA: I was really impressed. It really did [show] life on this end, particularly the hardship that I was going through. When I came, I barely spoke English. My mother was Caucasian. We had so many differences. You can just picture how difficult it was. What is incredible in the Lost Boys’ story is their resilience. We came to Ethiopia, and we adapted. We came to America, and we adapted. We had no option but to learn. We became a part of the society. I think [the filmmakers] did a good job. [The movie] did capture the story of the Lost Boys that was almost forgotten 10 years ago. TT: How did Thomasville find you? JA: It’s a small world. [Covey co-founder] Didi Hoffman wanted a Lost Boy to come and contacted my cousin in Chicago. He told

TT: You will be speaking with young children at the Thomasville Community Resource Center while you are here. What is your message for them?

Each of us has a story. Each of these children has a testimony that is similar to mine. Let’s share our testimony and [our views of] that testimony to have a better understanding of life. To be able to fellowship and have dinner and share in each other’s stories – We need dialogue to encourage one another. TT: How do you feel about Thomasville’s own film festival? JA: I’m really excited. I’ve been telling my friends that I like small cities. I like the great cause that we’re doing for the children at risk. For the community to have found this movie that is international, it made my day. That tells us that even a small city like Thomasville is not only connected within the United States of America, [but] it is [also] connected internationally. Today’s age is the day of learning. It’s a very diverse society, but we don’t even know our neighbors. This is a credit to Thomasville, because they are [thinking] globally. By showing this movie, by relating to the children, by inviting me, it’s inviting the whole world. We need to be in this together. - Nadia Watts

THE GOOD LIE

SHORT FILMS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 They were known simply as “The Lost Boys.” Orphaned by the brutal Civil war in Sudan that began in 1983, these young victims traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot in search of safety. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3,600 lost boys and girls to America. Mamere and Theo are sons of the Chief in their village in Southern Sudan. When an attack by the Northern militia destroys their home and kills their parents, eldest son Theo is forced to assume the role of Chief and lead a group of young survivors, including his sister Abital, away from harm. But the hostile, treacherous terrain has other dangers in store for them. As the tattered group makes the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah, who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become essential to their survival. Thirteen years later, the now young adults are given the opportunity to leave the camp and resettle in America. Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Reece Witherspoon), an employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them jobs—no easy task, when things like straws, light switches, and telephones are brand new to them. Together, against the backdrop of their shared losses, the Lost Boys and these unlikely strangers find humor in the clash of cultures, heartbreak, as well as hope in the challenges of life in America. Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia Time: 6:30 PM Reception with Mr. Jacob Atem 7 PM Movie Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. Without pass, Movie only $10 at door. $20 for Movie & Reception without Pass. Advance Pay Only.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 Enjoy an evening of short films selected especially for the Covey Film Festival to represent our theme: Nature, Community & Caring. Many of these wonderful shorts are award winners. Running time approximately 90 minutes. SNEAK PREVIEW! The short film Amerigo will be shown tonight for the first time. The Covey Film Festival is honored to screen this wonderful film first! Todd Thompson (writer, director, and producer) will be in attendance to speak about filmmaking. Paper Project Part filmmaking magic, part art therapy catharsis and part “just do it” attitude. A New York documentary, a couple of unique art therapy practitioners, a group of enthusiastic FSU film school students, and a troop of hesitant collegiate veterans unite oneweekend for an innovative experience with remarkable results. Executive Producer: Paul Cohen Written & Directed by: Brittany Huckabee Produced with The Florida State UniversityCollege of Motion Picture Arts Thank you to the students of FSU College of Motion Picture Arts and Covey Adviser Paul Cohen for this special lineup of films. Join us for a reception for Paul and Todd Thompson prior to the screening. We will also view the winning student short film documentaries for the Covey Film Festival competition with cash prizes going to the winning High School and College entries.Thank you to Alexander & Vann LLP for sponsoring this student competition. Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia Time: Reception 6:30 PM • Movie 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. Without pass, Movie only $10 at door. $20 for Movie & Reception without Pass. Advance pay only. Tickets available online.

Join us for an autograph session with actor Nico Evers-Swindell, a very busy working actor on the rise! He played Prince William in William & Kate, Prince Kenneth in Grimm and along with other exciting past and upcoming roles, plays the handsome fireman in the long-running Alka Seltzer ad. $5 for autograph and picture, all proceeds benefit the TCRC. Saturday, October 17 • Grassroots Coffee • 2 PM

Written and Directed by Victor Nunez, Tallahassee native and FSU professor at the College of Motion Picture Arts, Ulee’s Gold is the story of a reclusive beekeeper who slowly pulls his dysfunctional family back together, but not without having to fight his son’s previous dastardly cohorts. Peter Fonda won the Golden Globe for best actor and was nominated for an Academy Award. Ulee’s Gold was filmed in the Tallahassee area.

SECRETS OF THE LONGLEAF PINE

ULEE’S GOLD

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

WORLD PREMIERE! See Rhett Turner’s beautiful documentary here first! Covey Film Festival is honored to premiere the documentary Secrets of the Longleaf Pine. The Longleaf Pine forest is a subtle and rarefied landscape that takes time to reveal its raw beauty and unravel its layered mysteries. This production was filmed for more than a year throughout the southeast to showcase the four seasons of the forest. It is a beautiful tribute to the lands surrounding Thomasville, Georgia, lands that used to be found from from Texas to Virginia. The conservation of the Longleaf Pine is one of the great efforts in conservation which makes this area is so unique.

Victor Nunez, a founding member of The Sundance Film Festival will host a discussion and Q and A following the movie.

DOWNTOWN THOMASVILLE PANEL DISCUSSION What does the Covey Film Festival mean to Thomasville? Join community leaders, industry professionals, actors, and more to find out how the film industry is already active in Thomasville and how Covey sparks greater interest, from New York to LA, in our special town. Lunch will be provided! Please call 229-227-7020 for a reservation.

Director and Producer Rhett Turner founded Red Sky Productions in 1999 after spending a decade at Turner Broadcasting, including three years in CNN’s Tokyo bureau and on trips to Baghdad during the First Gulf War. Rhett has produced many award winning documentaries and industrial films, including the EMMY award winning program Chattahoochee: From Water War to Water Vision for Georgia Public Broadcasting. With a focus on natural history and humanitarian aid efforts, Rhett has filmed around the world from Antarctica to Zanzibar for groups like CARE, The Carter Center, PBS Nature, and the International Crane Foundation. Don’t miss this special screening with a discussion and Q&A following the film with Rhett Turner, producer. Private reception on the Greenwood Plantation Campus sponsored by Jon Kohler & Associates. Tour of Big Woods courtesy of Mrs. Paddy Wade.

Location: Trinity Anglican Church, 325 W Jackson St, Thomasville, GA Time: Noon The Retrieval follows Will, a fatherless 13 year-old boy, who survives by working with a white bounty hunter gang who sends him to earn the trust of runaway slaves and wanted freedmen in order to lure them back to the South. On a dangerous mission into the free North to find Nate, a fugitive freedman, things go wrong, and Will and Nate find themselves alone and on the run.

THE RETRIEVAL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road Thomasville, Georgia Time: 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

As the bond between them unexpectedly grows, Will becomes consumed by conflicting emotions as he faces a gut-wrenching final decision: to betray the father figure he’s finally found, or risk being killed by his gang. Thrilling, but grounded in historical research, The Retrieval serves as an insight into the little-told story of the grey area between slavery and emancipation, and the horrific moral dilemma that comes with being forced to betray your fellow man. Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road • Thomasville, Georgia Time: 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

THE PLAZA RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR

Happy Hour Daily 4 -7 pm Georgia’s Oldest Restaurant

Location: Thomas University • Flowers Auditorium 1501 Millpond Road • Thomasville, Georgia Time: Reception 6:30 PM • Movie 7 PM Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. Without pass, Movie only $10 at door. $20 for Movie & Reception without Pass. Advance Pay Only.

graphic design • marketing consulting branding & identity • promotional products now offering event planning

Phone 229.403.1741 • ktcreative@me.com • www.ktcreative.net

Grow your business by winning true. blue customers. Contact me now to schedule your free initial consultation. dara@darabarwick.com phone 229.225.7138

General, Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry 303 W. Hansell Street Thomasville, Georgia 229-227-1447

www.aconfidentsmile.com

WHO OWNS WATER?

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 An award-winning documentary by Modoc and Fourmile Media. Filmmakers and brothers Michael and David Hanson paddle source to sea along the Chattahoochee, Flint and Apalachicola Rivers into the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a lot at stake on a few big, slow, brown rivers in the Deep South. The Apalachicola-ChattahoocheeFlint River Basin (ACF) is becoming the canary-inthe-coal-mine for a looming East Coast water crisis. The Hanson brothers grew up in Atlanta beside the Chattahoochee River. In March 2013, they returned and paddled, together and separately, the 542 miles of the basin from its source in the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Their journey and the people they meet along the way tell the story of an endangered and essential natural resource. Following the movie will be a Q&A Panel Discussion with river basin experts and recreational enthusiasts familiar with the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) river basin system and the on-going water conflict between the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Location: Tall Timbers Research Station 13093 Henry Beadel Drive Tallahassee, Florida Time: 5 PM Bird Trail Nature Walk with Jim Cox, Dir. of Stoddard Lab at Tall Timbers 6 PM Doors Open for Film 6-6:30 PM Refreshments sponsored by TTRSLC & Red Hills Small Farm Alliance 6:30 PM Film Begins 7:30 PM Q&A Panel Discussion Admission: Free with CFF Passes and Sponsors Passes. $10 at the Door without Pass.

TCRC-COVEY AMBASSADORS

COVEY FESTIVAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Scott Wilson,

Actor

Brian McGee,

Storyboard Professional,

Lisa Billups, TCRC Executive Director

Comics Developer, Artist

Sharon Maxwell-Ferguson

Bianca McConnico

Network Location Scout

Didi Hoffman

Valerie Scoon

FSU Faculty Member in

Lauren Fielding

the College of Motion

Kathy Vignos

Picture Arts and filmmaker

Terri Vismale-Morris

Paul Cohen

Director of FSU’s College

Martha Reynolds

of Motion Picture Arts

Denice Jarrett

Torchlight Program and

TCRC PARTNERS

Faculty Advisor Rob Moran

Actor

Nico Evers-Swindell

Actor

Jane Fonda

Actor

Megan Ferguson

Actor

Jay Scully

Audition and Acting

Coach in Los Angeles

Frank Hall-Green

Filmmaker

Mary Williams

Writer and Human

Rights Worker

Andrew Monshein

Producer

Todd Thompson

Producer

Greg Anderson

Director and Producer

Archbold Medical Center Hand in Hand Primary School Thomas County Head Start Hands on Thomas County United Way Babies Can’t Wait Oak Street Episcopal Mission Gatlin Creek Baptist Church Trinity Anglican Church Thomas University Southern Regional Technical College Thomas County School System Thomasville City School System Grady County School System Stork’s Nest Morehouse School of Medicine Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention

At Thomas University, It’s All About

www.mimisthelook.com

106 West Jackson Street • Downtown Thomasville apply online at admissions.thomasu.edu

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF DIRECTORSChair Dr.BOARD Sharon Maxwell-Ferguson,

Kathy Vignos,Maxwell-Ferguson, Vice-Chair Dr. Sharon Chair Tim Klocko, Treasurer Kathy Vignos, Vice-Chair Almeda Sampson, Secretary Tim Klocko, Treasurer Didi Hoffman Almeda Sampson, Secretary Rev. Jones III DidiArthur Hoffman BillRev. Settles Arthur Jones III Bill Settles

Debra Gresham Ellery DebraSedgwick Gresham Josephine Mullins Ellery Sedgwick Lisa Williams Josephine Mullins Matt Willey Lisa Williams Terri Vismale-Morris Matt Willey Jane Fonda, Emeritus Terri Vismale-Morris Jane Fonda, Emeritus

WHAT THE CHILDREN ARE SAYING... WHAT THE CHILDREN ARE SAYING... 86% 86% 93% 93% 88 My behavior 88%% My behavior

The program helps me The program complete and turnhelps in me complete and turn in my homework. my homework.

STAFF STAFF Lisa Billups, Executive Director Mereta Walker, Director of Finance and Administration Lisa Billups, Executive Director Andra Walker, Williams, Facilities and Operations Manager Mereta Director of Finance and Administration Tameka Smith, Bright from the Start Program Andra Williams, Facilities and Operations ManagerManager LaTonyaSmith, Williams, Program Manager Tameka Bright21st fromCCLC the Start Program Manager LaTonya Williams, CCLC Program Program Manager Shannon Brooks,21st Outreach Manager Shannon Brooks, Outreach Program Manager

WHAT THE PARENTS ARE SAYING... WHAT THE PARENTS ARE SAYING...

98% 98% The program helps my The program my child completehelps and turn child complete and turn in their homework. in their homework.

has improved. has improved. I like this program. I like this program.

87% 87%

My child’s Mybehavior child’s has behavior has improved. improved.

99% 99% As a parent, I am As satisfied a parent, with I am this satisfied with this program. program.

PROGRAM PROGRAMGOALS GOALSAND ANDOBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES 15%15% of of regularly participating regularly participating students with with a Body MassMass IndexIndex students a Body outside of theof“healthy” range will will outside the “healthy” range improve theirtheir BMI.BMI. improve NOTNOT METMET but progressing toward but progressing toward goal.goal. This is reflective a national This is reflective of a of national problem of childhood obesity. problem of childhood obesity.

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65% will 65% of of students students will participate in character building participate in character building activities knowledge activities that that will will increase increase knowledge ininbut teamwork, but not not limited to teamwork, sportsmanship, goal setting, setting, sportsmanship, discipline, goal social social growth, growth, communications, communications, critical thinking, thinking, social skills, critical skills, life life skills, skills, health, and violence. health, violence.

SITESFOR FORAFTER AFTERSCHOOL SCHOOL PROGRAMS PROGRAMS SITES

MET

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A A

Parent ParentChild Child Home Program Home Program

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PROGRAMS AND SERVICES B B

After After School/ School/ Summer Summer Program Program

The PCHP, an early childhood program, strives The PCHP, an early childhood program, strives to prepare children forfor academic success to prepare children academic successand and strengthen families through intensive strengthen families through intensivehome home visiting. visiting.TheThePCHP PCHPworks works with with parents parents in-home to provide early literacy in-home to provide early literacyforforchildren children ages 1 to1 3toin3 preparation forfor school. ages in preparation school.

Our program serves 75+ children ages 4-12 Our program serves 75+ children ages 4-12 during duringthe thesummer summerand and the the school school year. year. The The program includes enrichment (poetry, program includes enrichment (poetry, dance, dance, art, art, and and music), music), homework homework assistance, assistance, academic/testing support, academic/testing support,and and transportation transportation from fromschool. school.

Twice Twiceweekly, weekly,30-minute 30-minutehome homevisits visitsare are designed to to stimulate thethe parent-child designed stimulate parent-childverbal verbal interaction, interaction,reading, reading,and andeducational educationalplay play critical to early childhood brain critical to early childhood braindevelopment. development. Each week thethe trained home Each week trained homevisitors visitorsbring bringa a newnew book bookor oreducational educationaltoytoythat thatremains remains with thethe families permanently. with families permanently.Home Homevisitors visitors useuse thethe book or or toytoy to to model book modelforforparents parentsand and children childrenreading, reading,conversation, conversation,and and play play activities activitiesthat that stimulate stimulate quality quality verbal verbal interaction & age-appropriate interaction & age-appropriatedevelopmental developmental expectations. expectations.

We Weare are licensed licensed by by Bright Bright from from the the Start: Start: Georgia’s Georgia’s Department Department ofof Early Early Care Care and and Learning. Learning.

TCRC is the only licensed programininGeorgia. Georgia. TCRC is the only licensed program PCHP a nationally recognizedprogram programthat that PCHP is aisnationally recognized emphasizesbest-practices best-practices forfor preparing preparing emphasizes pre-schoolchildren childrenand andtheir theirparents parentsforfor pre-school successful entry into school as well asas successful entry into school as well teaching parentshow howbest bestto tointeract interactwith with teaching parents their young children. their young children.

The Thehours hoursofofoperation operation are are MondayMonday- Friday, Friday, 3:00 3:00PM PMtoto6:30 6:30PM. PM.Summer Summer hours hours are are 7:30 AM AMtoto5:30 5:30PM. PM.Meal/snacks Meal/snacks are are provided. provided. Some Some ofof our our students students participate participate in the Step-Up Step-UpProgram Programofofthe the South South Georgia Georgia Ballet Program Programwhere where they they are are exposed exposed to to formal ballet classes classes and and participate participate in ballet performances. performances.

C C

D D

21st Century Century After After 21st School/Summer Program Program School/Summer

A 32-week after school program that is free A 32-week after school program that is free to students students who who are are enrolled enrolled inin aaschool, school, to striving to improve performance and/or living striving to improve performance and/or living in high poverty. in high poverty. The program program serves serves 250+ 250+ students students atat 9 9 The different locations in Thomas and Grady Grady different locations in Thomas and Counties. The program includes enrichment Counties. The program includes enrichment (poetry, dance, dance, art, art, and and music), music),homework homework (poetry, assistance, academic/testing academic/testing support, support, and and assistance, transportation home. transportation home. hours of ofoperation operationvary varyatateach eachsite siteand anda a The hours meal or or snack snackisisprovided. provided. meal also participate participate inin the the“back-pack” “back-pack”food food We also assistance program program which which provides provides a a assistance backpack of of food food totoeligible eligiblestudents studentsforforuse use backpack over over the the weekend weekend inin order ordertotohelp helpalleviate alleviate child child hunger. hunger.

Adolescent Adolescent HealthInitiative Initiative Health

Working in collaboration with the Working in collaboration with the Morehouse College College of of Medicine, Medicine, Morehouse Thomasville City School System, Thomasville City School System, andand thethe Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club, TCRC will deliver evidence based Club, TCRC will deliver evidence based abstinenceteen teenpregnancy pregnancyprevention prevention abstinence programs in Thomas County. programs in Thomas County. TheTCRC TCRCClinic Clinic a continuing initiative The is is a continuing initiative ResourceCenter’s Center’sCoalition Coalitionof of ofofthetheResource Promiseand andPrevention, Prevention, which supports Promise which supports collaborativeeffort effortto toprevent preventandand a acollaborative reduce substance substanceuse, use,reduce reduceteen teen reduce pregnancy, reduce STI’s, STD’s, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy, reduce STI’s, STD’s, HIV/AIDS, and at-risk at-riskbehaviors behaviorsamong amongyoung young and peopleofofthethe community. people community.

“We learn learn Math. Math. II love love coming “We coming to to TCRC.” TCRC.” -- Camron CamronBrooks, Brooks,77

“Theyhelp helpme meunderstand understand “They thingsand andteach teachme menew new things things I haven’t learned things I haven’t learned yet.” - Jaden Samuel, 10 yet.” - Jaden Samuel, 10

“The staff was wonderful “The staff was wonderful and a blessing to me and and a blessing to me and my son” - Robbie Curry my son” - Robbie Curry

benefitting the Thomasville Community Resource Center

SPONSORS WESTCHESTER MAGNOLIA, LLC

Thomasville Physical Therapy

PARTNERS

PAXTON HOUSE TALL TIMBERS RESEARCH STATION THOMAS UNIVERSITY FSU FILM SCHOOL, PAUL COHEN, COVEY ADVISOR THOMASVILLE LANDMARKS

DOWNTOWN THOMASVILLE THOMASVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISS KITTY’S FELINE SANCTUARY BIRDSONG NATURE CENTER

UNDERWRITERS Mrs. Stella Thayer Mr. Howell Ferguson Dr. Sharon Maxwell Ferguson Mr. and Mrs. Scott Rich Mr. and Mrs. Colin Phipps Kathy Vignos Ellery and Robin Sedgwick Mr. and Mrs. Rankin Smith Mr. and Mrs. C. Martin Wood, III

Mr. Daniel Morris & Mrs. Terri Vismale-Morris Diane Williams Parker Mrs. Almeda Simpson Mrs. Judy Miller Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Chapin III Mrs. Sabrina Williams Mr. and Mrs. Tim Klocko Ms. Sugar Blount Karen and Phillip Singletary

Mr. Elliot Ferguson Dr. and Mrs. Philip Watt Mrs. Megan Evers-Swindell Karen Leabo Mr. Colin Savage Mr. William Crozer Ms. Heather Savage Mr. Eliot Savage