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Issue No.
Q + A with Grassroots Coffee
8
FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE
Whispers.
CHUMS KAREN MAXWELL
A few years ago… It was break time from theatre practice and this Townie was seeking a warm, soothing beverage. Grassroots was practically next door, and I decided to give them a try. The beverage was outstanding, and the remarkable service has retained me as a regular customer ever since! I’ve had the pleasure of meeting one of the owners, Spencer Young, who I believe has really pumped up Downtown Thomasville in many ways. His passion for coffee began at Starbucks some 9 years ago in Tifton, Georgia. He eventually transferred to a Starbucks in Milledgeville while attending Georgia College & State University. During this period he met his wife, Megan Young {nee Ford}, in freshman Biology. He turned to her in class and asked her for a piece of paper… and something to write with. “I guess I was a little unprepared for class that day,” he says. When asked what brought Grassroots Coffee to Thomasville: “Thomasville is a beautiful and unique historic town. And my wife grew up in Thomasville. And this is where our partner/ investor, Ed Millere lives - so it was a natural fit.” His best advise for budding entrepreneurs?
“… if you think you don’t have the means to create your dream job, you’re wrong.” I asked what his favorite coffee might be and he told me about something they sold for a short time called Sundried Ethiopia Sidamo. Imagine farm picked cherries drying on concrete slabs, coffee beans soaking in the fermented cherry juice awesomeness; all of this produces a distinct flavor. They’re hoping to carry something similar again. In house, they sell a variety of flavors, such as their House Blend (morning coffee), their Grassroots Blend (medium/dark chocolate coffee), and their Costa Rica.
A Traveling Toast to the Townies of Thomasville
Join us at the Plaza Lounge—now smoke-free!
Thursday, May 9th at 6PM
Paradise is Closer Than You Think Pickers Paradise Park is right down the road in Ochlocknee - maybe you’ve heard of it? It all started when Max Tillman was in the Army, traveling the world and making new friends, and playing music every chance he got. Fast forward to 2002, and Max has four children who all play bluegrass. The official start to the Pickers Paradise was in 2002, and everyone who knew the Tillmans was invited to come pick, or just come enjoy. The event has grown since and now has a stage, covered seating area and 125 RV hookups. PPP hosts 3-day festivals in May and October; this year’s dates are May 9-11. It’s just a few miles north of Thomasville, and you’ll have your choice of prime listening spots, right up front, or down by the lake. There will also be BBQ and other eats, games of horseshoes and jam sessions. Feel free to bring your instrument! Pickers Paradise Park is located at 2217 Maddox Rd., Ochlocknee. www.pickersparadisepark.com
Pilates+Yoga @ Metta Everyone needs a little peace of mind in this busy world. That is one reason why Metta Day Spa is now offering Yoga and Pilates classes. The classes are open to men and women of all ages and skill levels from beginners to seasoned pros. Owner Gina Curry states that she started Metta out of a desire to offer healing, therapeutic, and nurturing services to all. Yoga and Pilates will help calm your mind and nervous system while helping the body to build strength and flexibility. Essentially, these exercises help you retrain your body to move more efficiently. Both practices are also less stressful on the body than other forms of exercise. Metta currently has four well qualified instructors who are passionate about helping others to achieve wellness through these practices. And we can report that you’ll get a Feel-It-Tomorrow kind of workout!
Music + Drama Troupe Spring Show May 10 + 11
At present, the classes are offered Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday morning at 5:30 a.m.; and Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 5:30 p.m. In mid-May, Metta plans to add a 10:30 a.m. class and possibly a Friday evening class to the lineup. There are several price options for the classes including a student rate and the first class is free of charge. For more information visit www.mettadayspa.com. -- Rebekah G.
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F r e e
Three Downtown businesses are for sale… Ever heard of Pickers Paradise Music Festival? See below for the scoop... A previous restaurant owner is thinking about getting back in the game… Marietta’s Red Hare brewing will be at SGD for First Friday, with a one-of-a-kind cask...
t o
r e a d ,
www.AshleyFurnitureHomeStore.com
After hours, what are your favorite haunts? Any place Downtown with outdoor seating. Love al fresco. When your nest is empty {soon!} what do you plan to do more of ? Good question. Resume volunteering for a couple of non-profits; get a puppy; something new! When you’re not on the Bricks, where are you? In my yard. Love to piddle and put my hands in the dirt.
Run For The Roses Whether it’s Derby or Rose Show - everything’s a little pink this time of year. The Wiregrass Gallery, an artist cooperative, interprets this theme in their new exhibit, starting First Friday, May 3, 2013 from 5-8PM. Drop by for refreshments and enjoy the paintings, jewelry, folk furniture, fractals, pottery, scarves, stained glass, weavings and watercolors. Artists include artists Kay Cromartie, Bob Dixon, Heather Gideon, Brian Haythorn, Marty Haythorn, Rebecca Hendrix, Walter Hobbs, Susi Martin, Wyatt Nocera and Judy Schlidt. Wiregrass Gallery is on the Bricks at 120 N. Broad Street.
Introducing An Old Friend Thomasville has played host to an amazing array of world-renowned performers this year, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Branford Marsalis, pianist Olga Kern and that retro swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. But how well do you know the organization that’s responsible for bringing them here? Thomasville Entertainment Foundation runs on volunteer power and the generous support of local citizens and businesses. At 75 it’s one of the oldest and most prestigious non-profit concert presenters in the country. Founder Emily Searcy and friends had a dual purpose in mind: to enrich the community and to educate the young people of South Georgia. TEF hosts six performances each season: three classical and three variety performances. Symphony concerts, chamber music, opera, jazz, dance and theatre have all been presented under the TEF banner. The list of famous names to grace our local stages is impressive: Yo Yo Ma, Van Cliburn, Kathleen Battle, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Yehudi Menuhin, Chris Brubeck, Linda Eder, Hilary Hahn and Marvin Hamlisch, and many more. Groups such as the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Tokyo String Quartet and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center played here, too.
t h a n k s
t o
t h e s e :
Chubb Associates, Ltd. 2018 East Pinetree Blvd. Thomasville, Georgia 229-228-6702
How many DT stores have you been involved with and which ones? Owned J. T. Streets and Joolz. Working at Loli’s Invitations now. MainStreet and Sharlene Celaya made me a Townie for life.
Favorite bike accessory? Have “basket” will travel!
new larger location!
It’s National Sleep Week! If you need more sleep, or better sleep, we can help. We can even provide you with a detailed sleep study, done at home, in your very own snuggly bed.
Call Rick at Archbold HomeCare 228-5886 or Kim at the Archbold Sleep Disorder Center at 228-2729 and tell them…“I gotta get some sleep!”
I got a sneak peek at the Ville’s new magazine… Impressed!
Grassroots Coffee is a loving family. Megan helps with accounting, booking art events, and many other things. “All of the number stuff that I am horrible at,” says Spencer. The baristas are full of personality, and they make any typical work day entertaining and full of laughter! Every family has friends, and that would be the customers who meet up at Grassroots to mingle, listen to new music and ... continued on page 2
Townie TOAST
Catch some Zzzz’s
Ki-ki is one of my dearest friends, and always up for some pedals and Palmers...
Choose a Realtor, Get a Team
SINCE 1981 304 Gordon Avenue
www.chubbrealty.com
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com.
But TEF isn’t only about entertainment. It also nurtures young talent with music scholarships and travel grants—29 since 1950! Thomasville’s own Raymond Hughes, an early recipient, said his scholarship to Brevard Music Center in North Carolina introduced him to artists who left an indelible mark on his career. Raymond spent 17 years as chorus master for the Met in New York and with opera companies around the world. We’re happy to have him back in town directing Troupe! TEF’s 76th season will be announced soon. Check out their website at www.TEFconcerts.com or their Facebook page for details about the new season. - Joan S.
Issue No.
May 3 - May 16
8
FIND US ONLINE AT THOMASVILLETOWNIE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THOMASVILLE.TOWNIE
MacAttack is Back!
Road Trip
Dance Card.
Disc Golf Tournament Pro Sanctioned
Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Carrabelle
May 3
There may be nothing so fine in the summer as deciding after work on a Friday to pack up and head to the coast. This year forgo the crowds and longer drives of the usual spots and venture to The Forgotten Coast, which offers some of the best dining, fishing and hunting, and some of the most pristine beaches in Florida.
Forgo the clubs + tees for frisbees... and a good cause. HOTC will award cash and prizes! MacAttack III is a disc golf tournament that will be raising funds to benefit Hands on Thomas County community service programs. They have held 5 tournaments in the past, but this is the first tournament to be sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association (pdga.com). Register now for the event on Saturday, May 18th, by visiting www.DiscGolfUnited.com. Disc golf is similar to regular golf, but you use frisbees instead of clubs and a ball. An excerpt from pdga.com: “A golf disc is thrown from a tee area to a target which is the ‘hole’. The hole can be one of a number of disc golf targets; the most common is called a Pole Hole® an elevated metal basket. As a player progresses down the fairway, he or she must make each consecutive shot from the spot where the previous throw has landed. The trees, shrubs, and terrain changes located in and around the fairways provide challenging obstacles for the golfer. Finally, the “putt” lands in the basket and the hole is completed. Disc golf shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf, whether it’s sinking a long
putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway. There are a few differences, though. Disc golf rarely requires a greens fee, you probably won’t need to rent a cart, and you never get stuck with a bad “tee time.” It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless of economic status.” Hands on Thomas County is a non-profit organization that connects individuals, students, families, organizations and businesses as volunteers to non-profit agencies, needs and service opportunities in the community. HOTC will also be collecting new or gently used discs for youth programs to get them involved in this sport. Registered participants will receive lunch and a players pack. {There is a fee to register.} Cash and prizes will be awarded to those who place - everyone is welcome! If you don’t play, come watch or volunteer to help at the event. For more information, Hands on Thomas County may be reached at 229-226-5200. - Jon
Carrabelle lies on the eastern end of The Forgotten Coast and is less than two hours from Thomasville. Stay in town at The Old Carrabelle Hotel B & B (they’re currently running a special), or at The Moorings of Carrabelle which lies right on the river and offers spectacular views of sunrise over the marina, plus free boat slips with rooms. Shop for locally made art and jewelry at Shop by the Sea, lunch with the locals at The Fisherman’s Wife, or dine right on the river at Fathom’s Steam Room, where on Sundays you can get a dozen raw Apalachicola oysters for four bucks. Five minutes further down Highway 98 lies Carrabelle Beach, where there are no hotels— don’t fret, that’s the best part! There are a slew of Gulf front rental houses of all sizes (search and book on www.homeaway.com), where you can step from your porch and into sand like confectioner’s sugar that runs for miles with no high rise condominiums blocking your view. Get up early to watch a Gulf of Mexico sunrise from Carrabelle Beach, and you’ll swear you’ve never seen one so beautiful—then head over to 2 Al’s for breakfast and order one of their exploded biscuits. Spend the rest of the day in a lounge chair, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, bring a kayak, and take it across the sound to Dog Island. —Jennifer W.
Pride and Prejudice $4 for adults and $2 for children 7 PM, Center for the Arts *Townie Attending*
Steel Magnolias May 3, 8 PM; May 4, 2 PM + 8 PM May 5, 2 PM $10 Students, $12 Adults. Visit www.tosac.com
May 3 First Friday! 5-9 PM, Downtown Thomasville
May 4
Kentucky Derby Party Derby-Dinner-Drinks-Dancing $75 pp, sponsorships available Thomasville Landmarks
May 7 Thomasville Beer Club @ Liam’s $5 donation, 229-226-9944
May 7
Dance Lessons 7 - 8 PM, Country Western + Line Dancing 8 - 9 PM, Salsa + Cha Cha $10, Delarber Downtown
May 7 + 21
Charles Martin. YES, LADIES! The rumors are TRUE! The Bookshelf and Gallery is
May 17th
6:30-8:00 pm
pleased to welcome back nationally best-selling author Charles Martin! Join us for “An Evening with Charles Martin” on Friday, May 17th, from 6:30-8:00pm upstairs in the Gallery. Tickets are available online (www.bookshelfandgallery. com) or by calling the store (229-228-7767). $30/includes book and ticket; $15/ticket only; light refreshments will be served. Martin’s new novel, “Unwritten,” promises to excite fans both new and returning. Come hear the reading and get your book signed—only at The Bookshelf!
New Menu at Liam’s You know I love to Lunch at Liam’s, and Mr. Townie hosts Thomasville Beer Club there, too. But last week I booked a table for dinner. No special occasion, just a nice dinner with the hubbs. Plus, I wanted to check out the new dinner menu! It was a gorgeous day and just as nice an evening. We dressed a little nice and hopped on our bikes for a leisurely roll Downtown. The air almost had a chill and we decided to savor it, because you and I both know it won’t last long. We started with their newest menu addition, the Bone Marrow and Escargot. We’ve had marrow a few times previously, and we much prefer the canoe-cut, as Liam’s serves it. The bone is sliced longways, and it’s much easier to scoop out the savory center. It was accompanied by buttered toast points and if you’ve never tried marrow, I encourage you to clear your mind, close your eyes, and go for it. It has a flavor reminiscent of beef broth, but much richer. The escargot were wonderful, not skimpy in size, and not one bit rubbery. Owner Rhonda F. told us these escargot are fed on basil, imparting a slightly sweet flavor. If you’ve never tried escargot… my marrow advice ap-
plies! I am not exactly food adventurous, more like food curious. And, I’m a recovering vegetarian {15 years meat-free!}. Sometimes I’ll ask Mr. Townie to try something first, and wait for his approval. When we were in France a few years ago, we decided to eat something we’d never had at each meal - from escargot to pig’s feet. We ended up liking nearly all of it! All I’m saying is, you just never know. For entrees we had the pork belly with farro and mushrooms {me} and the halibut with fresh spring peas and spaetzle {Mr.}. The pork was tender and had a wonderful flavor. I’d never had farro before, and it has a slightly earthy flavor that I didn’t prefer. The mushrooms were lovely. We always switch plates partway through - do you do that? A fellow at a neighboring table asked how we know when it’s time to switch. There’s not a set time, but Mr. eats much faster than I, so I’d better keep watch! His halibut was flaky and slightly buttery and oh-so-good. The fresh peas are kept a bit raw intentionally - Chef Scott says he wants you to taste the
fresh spring flavor of them. Their crispness was a good counterpoint to the fish. Mr. enjoyed a craft beer, of course, while I had water. I did end the meal with a glass of tawny port - if you’re too full for dessert, but want something sweet, give it a try. Other new menu items include lobster, a study of cured hams with orange marmalade and homemade biscuits, pickled beet salad, and a crispy leg of duck with mapled root veggies and goat cheese. Liam’s also has an excellent cocktail menu and stocks hard to find liquors and craft beers. Cheers!
The Lapham-Patterson House 1PM-4PM 10AM-4PM 2PM-5PM
$5 adults, $1 children. Cash or checks only! Please call 229-226-7664 for groups of 20 or more. 626 North Dawson Street, Thomasville
Summer intensive program June 14-16
Relish the cool mornings! Dash in for new kicks!
What could you do with
Printmaking with Cynthia Lollis, former instructor at Penland School of Crafts Digital photography with Village Voice contributor Sandra Phipps Creative writing with Catherine Ramsdell from the Books staff at popmatters.com
303 W. Hansell St., Thomasville
Limited to 30 participants, call us now! 229.226.0588 ext 106.
A COnfident Smile? (229) 227 -1447
Come see us on Broad Street! www.aconfidentsmile.com
Cont’d from Front
Fun + no pressure! 30 minute group clinic, 9 holes of golf + cart fee, sleeve of golf balls, refreshments $20, Country Oaks, www.countryoaksgolfcourse.org
enjoy a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Don’t forget about their newest barista, who is now 9 months old: Ford Spencer Young.
Illustration Friday
One fabulous thing to know about Grassroots is that their coffee is available in a variety of locations. You can have your fix when dining at Liam’s. Or if you are shopping for groceries at Publix, make a quick stop at Sweet Basil’s where it is available by the pound. It’s also available in Tallahassee by the pound at New Leaf Market, Earthfare and Tomato Land. Tupelo’s in Monticello and Bayleaf Market in Crawfordville have it, too! Grassroots would like to say thanks for all the support they have received from Thomasville. Says Spencer, “Being a staple in someone’s daily routine is a unique experience. You have the ability to change their day by being a place to see old friends, hear a new song you are playing, or just by making them a perfect cup of coffee. Our customers keep us going, and we think we keep them going. It’s a win, win!” Their new location will be open sometime in July, featuring a new lunch menu {including hot sandwiches!}. --Jon
Thomasville Where the girls are pretty, the tea is sweet, and even the fellas know how to dress.
Guided Tours
Fridays: Saturdays: Sundays:
SCAD Atlanta
RELISH + DASH
Grassroots
Ladies Golf Clinic
May 10
Free, BYO supplies 5:30-7:30 PM, Grassroots
May 10 + 11 Music + Drama Troupe Spring Show $20 Reserved/$15 Gen. Ad. Balcony/$10 Student Balcony 8 PM, www.thomasvillemusicanddramatroupe.com
May 11
TOSAC Open Mic Nite 7-10 PM, www.TOSAC.com
May 11
Pavo Peacock Festival 2061 W. McDonald St., Pavo, GA 9 AM - 3 PM, 229-735-2111
May 11
Advanced Art PWAF artist Vicki Ferguson Graphite and colored pencil, three hour class. $50, 9 AM - 12 PM, TCA
May 12
Mother’s Day Nature Walk $4 Friends, $8 nonmembers, children half-price 2 - 4 PM, Birdsong Nature Center
May 12
Sundays at Four Concert
Downtown.
Music for Mother’s Day Free, donations accepted. Trinity Anglican
This is your “official” reminder... ...to head Downtown and pick up something Mom will love for Mother’s Day! Our merchants have hand-picked great gifts that will make Mom feel special. Drop on by and they will help you pick something Mom will like, even if she’s hard to buy for! Word on the Bricks is that there is even a pop up flower shop Downtown. Don’t forget that special Grad, too! With graduation coming up, stop Downtown where you can find the best Graduation gifts - for high school or college graduations.
www.thomasvillearts.org
to advertise, contact yourtownie@gmail.com.
Mother’s Day is May 12th!